A trace table is a technique used to test algorithms in order to make sure that no logical errors occur while the

calculations A calculation is a deliberate mathematical process that transforms one or more inputs into one or more outputs or ''results''. The term is used in a variety of senses, from the very definite arithmetical calculation of using an algorithm, to t ...

are being processed. The table usually takes the form of a multi-column, multi-row table; With each column showing a

variable Variable may refer to: * Variable (computer science), a symbolic name associated with a value and whose associated value may be changed * Variable (mathematics), a symbol that represents a quantity in a mathematical expression, as used in many ...

, and each row showing each number input into the algorithm and the subsequent values of the variables. Trace tables are typically used in schools and colleges when teaching students how to program. They can be an essential tool in teaching students how certain calculations works and the systematic process that is occurring when the algorithm is executed. They can also be useful for debugging applications, helping the

programmer A computer programmer, sometimes referred to as a software developer, a software engineer, a programmer or a coder, is a person who creates computer programs — often for larger computer software. A programmer is someone who writes/creates ...

to easily detect what error is occurring, and why it may be occurring.

Example

int i, x = 0; for (i = 1; i <= 10; i++)

References

* http://www.comscigate.com/tutorial/KjellStyle/WilliamChen/trace1.html * http://www.thevickerage.worldonline.co.uk/theteacher/alevel/assem/assem5.htm
archived version
* http://portal.newman.wa.edu.au/technology/12infsys/html/KWH2003/TraceTables.htm

Debugging {{Algorithm-stub

Example

See also

References