What is the term for the process of locating and fixing bugs in computer program code?

The process of locating and fixing bugs in computer program code is referred to as debugging. Debugging is an essential part of the software development lifecycle, where developers identify issues or errors within the code, which can cause the program to behave unpredictably or fail. During debugging, developers may use various tools, such as debuggers or integrated development environments (IDEs), to step through the code, analyze variable states, and observe the execution flow to better understand where the problems occur.

Other terms related to the software development process serve different functions. Beta testing involves releasing the software to a limited audience to identify bugs and gather feedback before the final release. User documentation provides instructions and guidance for end-users on how to use the software but does not address bug fixing. User training focuses on teaching users about the software's features and functionalities, rather than the technical aspects of resolving code issues. Thus, debugging specifically highlights the correction of errors within the code itself, distinguishing it from these other practices.