What is the purpose of debugging in software development?

The purpose of debugging in software development is to identify and fix bugs or errors in code. Debugging is a critical process that allows developers to inspect the functionality of their programs, find faults or unexpected behavior, and make corrections to ensure that the software operates as intended. This involves analyzing the code, running tests, and using tools designed to isolate and diagnose issues.

By effectively debugging, developers can enhance the reliability and quality of their software. This process not only addresses existing problems but also helps in understanding the logic and flow of the code, contributing to better overall program structure and maintenance.

While improving software speed and performance, documenting code, and creating new features are important aspects of software development, they do not directly encompass the essential goal of debugging, which focuses specifically on troubleshooting and resolving issues within the existing codebase.