What does 'debugging' refer to in programming?

Debugging refers to the essential process of identifying, analyzing, and removing errors or bugs from software. In programming, software can have various types of issues, such as logical errors, syntax errors, or runtime exceptions that prevent it from functioning correctly. Debugging involves using specialized tools, techniques, and systematic approaches to trace through the code, validate the logic, and ensure that the program behaves as expected.

This process is crucial for maintaining software quality, improving functionality, and enhancing user experience. By effectively debugging a program, a developer ensures that the software runs smoothly and meets the specified requirements, providing reliable performance.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of programming. For instance, optimizing code for speed involves improving the performance of the software after it has been written. Writing new code refers to the initial stage of coding, where the functionalities are defined and implemented, while compiling source code relates to the translation of code into machine language, which is a separate step from debugging.