Enhancing Debugging Skills with AI-Powered Assistance: A Real-Time Tool for Debugging Support
arXiv:2601.02504 · doi:10.1145/3786580.3786976
Abstract
Debugging is a crucial skill in programming education and software development, yet it is often overlooked in CS curricula. To address this, we introduce an AI-powered debugging assistant integrated into an IDE. It offers real-time support by analyzing code, suggesting breakpoints, and providing contextual hints. Using RAG with LLMs, program slicing, and custom heuristics, it enhances efficiency by minimizing LLM calls and improving accuracy. A three-level evaluation - technical analysis, UX study, and classroom tests - highlights its potential for teaching debugging.
Accepted at ICSE SEET 2026, 6 pages, 2 figures