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A describes a generic set of steps to rectify or correct a `F33f`_`[bug`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Software_bug]`_`f within a software system. It is a solution to a recurring problem that is related to a particular bug or type of bug in a specific context.

A bug pattern is a particular type of pattern. The original concept of a pattern was introduced by the architect `F33f`_`[Christopher Alexander`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Christopher_Alexander]`_`f as a `F33f`_`[design pattern`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Design_pattern]`_`f.

Some examples of debugging patterns include:

• Eliminate noise bug pattern – Isolate and expose a particular bug by eliminating all other `F33f`_`[noise`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Noise]`_`f in the system. This enables you to concentrate on finding the real issue.

• Recurring bug pattern – Expose a bug via a `F33f`_`[unit test`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Unit_test]`_`f. Run that unit test as part of a standard build from that moment on. This ensure that the bug will not recur.

• Time-specific bug pattern – Expose the bug by writing a `F33f`_`[continuous test`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Continuous_testing]`_`f that runs continuously and fails when an expected error occurs. This is useful for transient bugs.

>>Contents

• `F0af`_`[See also`#see-also]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[External links`#external-links]`_`f

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>>See also

• `F33f`_`[Design pattern`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Design_pattern]`_`f

• `F33f`_`[Architectural pattern (computer science)`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Architectural_pattern_(computer_science)]`_`f

>>External links

• A Pattern Language for Software Debugging Archived 2021-12-02 at the `F33f`_`[Wayback Machine`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Wayback_Machine]`_`f (`F33f`_`[PDF`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=PDF]`_`f)

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