What is the purpose of debugging in programming?

The purpose of debugging in programming is to identify and eliminate errors within the code. When a programmer writes code, it is common for issues—such as syntax errors, logic errors, or runtime errors—to arise. Debugging is the process that allows developers to test their code, observe its behavior during execution, and systematically find and fix these issues. This important step ensures that the software functions as intended and meets the desired requirements.

While enhancing the user interface, optimizing speed, and creating algorithms are all crucial aspects of software development, they do not specifically address the issue of errors within the code. Debugging directly focuses on the reliability and correctness of the program, making it an essential part of the programming process.