What is debugging?

Debugging refers specifically to the process of identifying, diagnosing, and resolving bugs or errors in a program. This is a critical step in software development, as it ensures that code functions as intended and meets the required specifications. During debugging, developers utilize various tools and methodologies to track down the source of issues, whether they be syntax errors, logical errors, or runtime exceptions. The goal is to make the code run smoothly without any unexpected behaviors.

The other options involve different aspects of software development. Writing new code from scratch focuses on the creation of applications rather than addressing existing issues. Compiling code for the first time is an essential step in the software development lifecycle, allowing the transition from source code to executable code, but it does not address fixing existing errors. Lastly, optimizing code for performance is about improving efficiency and speed but does not inherently involve correcting errors. Thus, debugging is distinctly about error resolution in software development.