Part V: Debugging and Testing

Chapter List

Chapter 24: Software Unit Testing Frameworks

Chapter 25: Debugging with GDB

Chapter 26: Code Hardening

Part Overview

In this final part of the book, well look at the topics of debugging and testing. This includes unit-testing frameworks, using the GNU source-level debugger, and finally code hardening techniques for creating higher quality and more reliable GNU/_Linux applications.

Chapter 24, Software Unit Testing Frameworks

The topic of software testing is an important one with quite a bit of development in the open source community. After an introduction to unit and system testing, unit testing frameworks are explored, including a look at how to make your own and two open source distributions. The expect utility is also covered as a means to test applications at a high level.

Chapter 25, Debugging with GDB

The GNU Debugger is a source-level debugger that is a staple for GNU/Linux application development. GDB is integrated into the GNU toolchain and offers both command-line and GUI versions. This chapter presents GDB in a tutorial fashion and walks through the debugging of a simple application using breakpoints. Features such as data inspection, stack frame viewing, and the GDB commands used most are covered. More advanced features for multiprocess and multithreaded application debugging and core -dump file debugging are also discussed.

Chapter 26, Code Hardening

The topic of code hardening, otherwise known as defensive programming, is the final chapter of the book. Code hardening is an umbrella for a variety of techniques that have the goal of increasing the quality and reliability of software. In this chapter, well look at numerous coding methods as well as tools (such as static source checking tools) to help build better software.