Use of Java Exception Stack Trace to Improve Bug Fixing Skills of Intermediate Java Learners

Abstract

Today industry demands attention towards the software quality in the development process than only software delivery. The quality of software can be measured, monitored and tested during different phases of software development lifecycle. Major failures of software affect money as well as the reputation of a company. In this scenario, fixing bugs in less time is an important factor. Today's challenge for engineering students is to have program writing skills as well as bug fixing skills and complete the task in stipulated time period. Here, we present the experiment on how bug fixing skills are improved. We have conducted the experiment during Java programming course for Third Year students of Information Technology discipline. This experiment was to use Java exception stack trace to find bugs in Java program and fix them in stipulated time. To test the effect of this experiment, a pre-test post-test experimental study along with perception survey was carried out. We found that more than 65% students were successful in fixing bugs in stipulated time and about 20% students were able to fix bugs, but not in stipulated time. About 80-85% students were in state to analyze and fix the bugs in program.