editcompiledebug

Editcompiledebug is a software development workflow in which a programmer iterates on a codebase by editing source files, compiling or building the program, and debugging to identify and fix issues. The cycle emphasizes rapid feedback and automatic or semi-automatic tooling to shorten the distance between making a change and observing its effects.

Typically the cycle begins with editing in an editor or integrated development environment, followed by building or compiling the project. If the build succeeds, the program is run or tested—manually, with unit tests, or via automated test suites. Debugging tools such as breakpoints, watches, and logging are used to diagnose failures, after which changes are applied and the cycle repeats.

Editcompiledebug applies to many programming languages, from compiled languages like C, C++, and Java to many modern languages that compile to bytecode or use ahead-of-time or just-in-time compilation. Interpreted languages may still involve a build step or packaging, making the loop relevant in practice even if compilation is light or implicit.

Common tooling supports the loop: integrated development environments with built-in compilers and debuggers, build systems like Make, Maven, or Gradle, and debugging tools including GDB, LLDB, or browser-based debuggers. Continuous integration systems can extend the loop by running builds and tests automatically on changes.

Advantages of the editcompiledebug workflow include fast feedback, reproducible builds, and better isolation of faults. Potential drawbacks include long compilation times, brittle dependencies, and debugging that can be time-consuming without good test coverage or proper tooling. Best practices emphasize incremental builds, automated tests, and meaningful logging.

See also: edit-run-debug loop, build automation, continuous integration, test-driven development.