Course Overview
Ruby is a scripting language devised by Yukihiro Matsumoto that runs on a variety of platforms such as Windows, Mac, Unix versions. Ruby Debugging is the process of finding problems in programming code using the tools that come with the software
About Ruby Debugging Course
Debugging Intro
Most programming languages contain bugs if it is more than a few lines long. Ruby has a built-in debugger that stops before the first line of code to be executed and seek the input of user commands. Users need to load the debug library using the command line option. Debugger pauses execution, inspecting variables at some point in time. The basic debugger has a simple IRB interface for interaction with code live.
Debugger library – provides debugging functionality to Ruby. Start with a requirement of debugging in a program.
Def say (word)
require ‘debug’
puts word
End.
Inspects both local and global variables, list local variables with +v1+, show global variables with +vg+:
Advanced functionalities are provided by Ruby debugging- switching between threads, setting breakpoints, watch expressions. Debug not available on safe mode. Removing the instance of +require ‘debug’+ before shipping code.
Var- to inspect the current scope of variable – it is possible to pass all, local, global or instance. It will return variable names and values that have been defined.
Tools for debug:
Standard Ruby distribution contains tools along with interpreter and standard libraries. It helps users debug and improve Ruby programs without much effort.
Functionalities- Navigating through code- pausing execution and inspecting
def my_method (foo)
require ‘debug’
foo = get_foo if foo.nil?
raise if foo.nil?
end
C- runs the until either exists or encounters another break point. S- steps into method definition. , r- restart program, q- quit a program.
-RubyGems: a package utility for Rub that installs Ruby software packages and keeps them up-to-date.
-Ruby Debugger– helps programmers deal with bugs, similar to gdb utility- useful to debug complex programs.
backtrace- #caller, backtrace- provides a current list of available frames and location.
Interactive Ruby- developed by Keiju Ishitsuka. It helps in entering commands at the prompt and interpreter respond as if you were executing the program. It is helpful to experiment or to explore Ruby.
Ruby Profiler- helps improve the performance of a slow program by identifying bottlenecks.
e-Ruby- embedded ruby helps embed fragments of Ruby code in other files such as HTML files- similar to ASP, JSP, and PHP. Ri- Ruby Interactive Reference- to get brief explanations of certain methods when the programmer has doubts.
Debug Tool installation:
Install command-$ gem install debugger
# if the install fails, try passing headers path
$gem install debugger– — with-ruby-include=PATH_TO_HEADERS.
gem install ruby-debug
Type rdebug myprog.RB, – it will stop executing the first line. Add- require ‘ruby-debug’, executing debugger, puts a breakpoint in programming code.
On Installation- debugger finds Ruby’s headers. Configuration- debugger loads config files as if they were actual commands. Loading config files from two locations- /.rdeburgc (/rdebug.ini for windows), $PWD/rdebugrc ($PWD/redebug.ini for windows).
Installing Debugger gem-create test file to check debugger functionality.
Syntax to launch in debug mode- b [reak] [<file|class>:] <line| method>, wat [ch] expression| off), cat [ch]- sets catchpoint to an exception, b [reak], del [ete] [n], disp [lay] expression, undisp[lay] [n], c[ont]continues execution, s[tep] [n], n[ext] [n]-executes next n lines , w[here]- shows stack frame, f[rame] for where, l[ist] shows source lines from n to m. up [n]- moves up n levels in stack frame. Up [n] moves up n levels in stack frame, down [n] moves down n levels in stack frame, fin [ish] – completes execution of current method, tr[ace] [on] off] toggles trace mode on and off, q[uit] exits debugger, v[ar] g[lobal]display global variables, everything else, h [elp], p expression (evaluates expression), th [read] resume> resumes thread n, th [read] c[ur[rent]]n>, th[read] stop> th [read] n, th [read] c[ur[rent]]. Th [read] \ [ist], m[ethod] i[instance] object –shows instance methods of class or module,v [ar] c[onst] object. Down [n]-moves down n levels in stack frame.
Commands for debugging part 1
List – the first command prints 10 lines in the current line, abbreviating list command with 1, to see a number of lines of print by default- use list size command, to see entire program in one shot- explicit starting and ending line numbers are given. Autolist- to run every time the debugger stops, use set auto list.
Step command – runs the script as one executable unit. The second command entered hitting the return key. Rdebug- recall the last command entered as a step- runs command again. Print values of variables- p. Value of tri- we see it is nil.
Pry REPL is becoming popular – serves as a debugger and interactive console. Put binding. pry command- in codebase- launches Pry session whenever a line of code is executed. Breakpoint- a place within programming code where execution will stop- multiple break-points set within code- created using binding. pry causes a terminal to stop, place you inside applications code at the exact spot your binding.pry was placed.
Using debugger in unit testing- entering a code in the middle of the program- reduces the amount of debugging needed – enhances the quality of the program. Unit test- “test/unit” – standard Ruby distribution.
Debugger.start with block , debugger .stop. –passing block to start method.- causes start () to run and yield to that block. When the block is finished stop () is run.
Debugger commands from outside of process running Ruby code.
Commands for Ruby Debugging part II:
Stack Race- wtf command- helps the programmer understand the steps leading up to where an error occurred. Inspecting Is- a command displays a list of methods of properties available in pry. Locate any method- find a method – the command to shall all files within your code base – method that matches what you are searching. Classic debugging- next, step, continue
Inspecting- methods, and properties available in pry. Changing scope with current scope current- cd command. Breakpoints- break, catch, delete- indicates go into debugger just before that line of code is run. Difference between display, inspect. To remove display- undisplay is used. When the display number is given, removes display expression. Backtraces- where to show the call stack.
Requirements of Ruby Debugging course
Learners need to have a basic computer awareness, awareness of computer programming
language, concepts, operation systems. A passion to learn Ruby debugging.
Why learn Ruby Debugging?
Programmers spend a lot of time identifying and correcting code and when it is voluminous it can slow down a program, give error messages and give undesirable results. Ruby comes with standard debugging tools. Understanding and utilizing them properly can help in the efficient execution of Ruby programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this program difficult to learn for beginners?
Those with basic computer and Ruby programming awareness can easily learn debugging with Ruby. The course content has been prepared in such a way that even beginners can grasp the concepts and write Ruby debugging commands.
- Is the course affiliated to any university or industry body?
No, this course is independently developed and delivered by EduCBA and is meant for skill enhancement. It is not affiliated to any university or industry body.
- How can I enroll in this program?
The enrolment process is done online by entering the details of the learner and verification through email and SMS. The enrolled learners are given user id and pass a word to access the content.
- What is the benefit of learning Ruby Debugging for industry and programmers?
Both industry and programmers can immensely benefit from Ruby debugging tools as it can identify errors and problems with respect to coding. It can save time, improve the efficiency of the program and save money spent to find loopholes in coded lines. Lack of debugging skill can impact the career prospects of programmers and overlook error messages.
- What are the struggles Ruby programmers have to go in the beginning stage?
According to experts, beginners are conscious of learning all syntax and also afraid of making mistakes, lack of debugging skills, limited knowledge of object orient programming and structures. They may also face a problem if they lack precision and dedication to the job.
- Are the entire command sets in Ruby Debugging covered in the course?
Yes, all the important commands, installation, and configuration are covered in the course.
- How is the content delivered, is there any printed notes?
No, this course is 100% online with lectures and high definition video, there is no requirement of printed notes or texts.
- How do I make payments for the course and what is lifetime access?
The payment options are given on the website and they can be utilised according to the learner’s convenience. The learner gets to access the content of all course for a lifetime and doesn’t end on completion of course.
- Who prepares the course content for EduCBA Courses?
All courses are prepared by experts in the chosen area and in tune with industry requirements
- Is Ruby Debugging course theoretical or practical? Should we invest in new expensive software to learn?
It is both practical and theoretical –covers all important concepts, tools and commands and helps learner execute them. It does not require expensive investments in software or hardware.
- Is there any limitation on a number of courses a learner can do?
There is no limitation on a number of courses a learner can do. Learners also have the facility to learn at their own pace and not been rushed into competing it in stipulated hours.
- What is the medium of instruction and is it difficult to understand the language and accent?
The medium of instruction is English and is comprehensible to a global audience familiar with the language irrespective of geographical location or cultural background.
Ruby Debugging Testimonials
Greg Insana:
Programmers face an uphill task finding bugs in their programming code, sometimes they have a tendency to overlook simple errors. As the program gets complex, more lines of code are there to process and debug. With Ruby there is a built- in debugging tool which helps programmers to stop execution of certain tasks on encountering errors etc. I am happy to undergo the Ruby Debugging program as it helped understand the command sets, installing tools and related topics. I recommend this course to anyone interested in Ruby Debugging as it is quite comprehensive, informative and very relevant to industry.
James Clay Fielding:
I am amazed by the informative and interesting method of teaching adopted by EduCBA. For those in industry it is not easy to go back to university or any formal learning channel to upgrade their skills. I know skill upgradation is vital for career growth. I was referred to EduCBA by a friend and I find the courses immensely beneficial. The last course I did was on Ruby Debugging- an industry relevant course both from enterprise and programmer point of view. End users of web applications and systems also benefit by popularization of Ruby program debugging as it leads to more error-free applications and coding. The success of a programming code or application depends on its error-free status, proper syntax and procedures. I am happy to recommend this course to my friends and colleagues in the industry.
Nayansee Rajeshkumar Holkar:
Teaching is not an easy job especially when it is technical. With the advancement in technology, education has now gone beyond the class room and delivered through television and internet. With increased internet access and mobile access, more people are able to undertake career enhancement skills by sitting at home or office.
EduCBA has a rich collection of useful courses for management and technology. It was with a bit of hesitation that I undertook the first course on Debugging with Ruby program. It was a pleasant experience to go through lectures and videos. Both of them were of exceptional quality, not to taxing for beginners as sections are structured in a user-friendly manner.
I am grateful to EduCBA for creating a wonderful experience of e-learning. It wouldn’t have been possible for professionals like me to go on upgrading skills throughout our career. I am extremely happy to recommend this course to my friends, colleagues, and anyone interested in Ruby programming.
The challenge of addressing the practical and theoretical part- blending them into a cohesive program that is comprehensive and user-friendly.