Debugging


A debugger is a software tool that analyses computer code, and helps the programer to spot errors. This is typically done by tracking the variables that can change during the program's execution, and looking for unexpected values. The instructor and TAs are not debuggers -- they can help you implement a correct solution by considering the problem, but they will not help to rewrite existing code that is doing something other than what you wish it would do.

For the purposes of an introductory programming course, a good online tool for debugging is https://pythontutor.com/. More sophisticated debuggers are integrated into IDE's like Eclipse, PyCharm, IntelliJ, etc.

ChatGPT (and other generative A.I. software)


Homework copyright rules and the Student Code of Conduct forbid the use tools like ChatGPT to do your homework for you. However, such tools are excellent for debugging If used properly and fairly. If you choose to use ChatGPT as a debugging tool, be careful to respect the Student Code of Conduct. Submit your own code for analysis, not a request to generate code for you. Never turn in code that you did not write and do not understand as a solution to a homework problem, thereby claiming the solution as your own -- that is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and when detected will automatically result in a 0 for the assignment and a report to the Dean of Students. Repeat violations will result in failure of the course and possible expulsion from the university.