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Why is it called a debugger?

One of the definitions of the word “debug” is: “to eliminate errors in or malfunctions of.'

I’ve thought about this, and realized my definition of “debug” is: “to investigate and diagnose errors in or malfunctions of.”

The elimination of errors or malfunctions is separate. I call that part “bugfixing.”

I think this because a debugger is an investigative tool and you don’t create or apply fixes with it. Yet, it’s called a debugger.

What do you think?

- Karl

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