C code debugging: Types of bugs and 6-step debugging process

C is a versatile programming language that is foundational to many modern languages, known for its efficiency and low-level hardware access, making it ideal for system-level programming but also susceptible to complex bugs. Debugging in C involves identifying and fixing these errors, which can cause software to behave unpredictably or crash, thus affecting user experience. Common bugs include memory leaks, buffer overflows, uninitialized variables, and array out-of-bounds access, each leading to specific issues like memory wastage, security vulnerabilities, and unpredictable behavior. Basic debugging techniques include using print statements, breakpoints, and step-through debugging, while multithreaded programs require more complex strategies. The process of debugging should start with understanding the problem and performing simple checks, followed by using print statements, compiling with debugging information, and employing a C code debugger. Documentation of issues and solutions is crucial for future reference. The advent of generative AI, such as Tabnine, offers automated debugging suggestions, enhancing the development process by providing context-aware code completions and maintaining privacy, security, and compliance. Tabnine supports developers by offering a customizable AI code assistant that can be deployed in various environments, ensuring personalized and protected code generation and assistance.