Cost Analysis of Debugging Systems.
Abstract
A general method is presented for performing cost analysis of interactive debugging systems. The method is based on an abstract model of program execution. This model is derived from the interpreter used in the Vienna method of semantic definition of PL/1. A brief discussion of the overall operation and significance of the Vienna interpreter is included. Four assumptions are made which allow execution times to be calculated for algorithms of the Vienna interpreter. A notion of absolute cost is developed which requires the use of these execution times for cost analysis of features of debugging systems. A set of eight interactive debugging operations is thoroughly analyzed using the method of cost analysis. Some overall conclusions are drawn about the relative costs of various types of debugging operations and some suggestions are made for minimal cost debugging system design. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0730521
Entities
People
- Bruce P. Lester
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology