Automated Debugging with Position-Based Execution Control

Title: Automated Debugging with Position-Based Execution Control

Abstract: This research proposes a new concept called "position" to automate common debugging activities in C and Java programs. The position allows debuggers to control program execution, making it easier for programmers to debug programs by hand. The research implements position in C using GCC and in Java with a bytecode transformer, demonstrating that it can be provided with an acceptable amount of overhead.

Main Research Question: How can we automate common debugging activities by introducing a new concept called "position" in program traces?

Methodology: The research introduces a timestamp, which increases each time the control point jumps backward, and inserts codes for updating the timestamp into programs. It then describes the implementation details for C and Java, including the results of overhead measurements.

Results: The research successfully implemented position in C and Java, demonstrating that it can be provided with an acceptable amount of overhead.

Implications: The position concept can significantly improve debugging efficiency by automating common debugging operations. It also has the potential to be applied to other programming languages and debugging tools.

Keywords: debug, debugger, reverse execution, Java bytecode transformation, position-based execution control

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0309031v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0309031v1