9.8. Project: Errors and Debugging¶

Avast, ye scurvy dogs! We be needn’ ta fix yonder code!

The cap’n in charge of clearing our rocket for launch be out with a cold, and ye be the next tech in line.

Yer job is to check the code and fix any bugs. Remember, the lives of the crew rest upon yer shoulders. Happy second day on the job!

Yer directions:

Launch the rocket only if the fuel, crew and computer all check out OK.
If a check fails, print that information to the console and scrub the launch (then scrub the deck).
If all checks be successful, print a countdown to the console, then bellow “Liftoff!”

Note

If yer teacher added ye to a Trinket course, do the exercises there.

If ye NOT be in a Trinket course, use the links given in the text below.

Yep! This page be in pirate-talk! If ye not like pirates (ye foul blaggart), then click here for normal text.

9.8.1. Fix Syntax Errors First¶

Find this code at repl.it or Trinket.

Run code block 1 as-is and squint yer eyes at the error message. Fix the mistake, and then re-run the code to check it.

launch_ready = False
fuel_level = 17000

if fuel_level >= 20000
   print('Fuel level cleared.')
   launch_ready = True
else:
   print('WARNING: Insufficient fuel!')
   launch_ready = False

Code block 2 hides two syntax errors. Run the code as-is to find the mistakes.

Tip: Don’t be too hasty, Matey! Only ONE error gets flagged at a time. Fix that ONE problem, and then re-run the code to check yer work. Avoid trying to fix multiple issues at once.

crew_status = True
computer_status = 'green'

if crew_status and computer_status = 'green':
   print('Crew & computer cleared.')
   launch_ready = True
else:
   print('WARNING: Crew or computer not ready!')
   launch_ready = False

if (launch_ready):
   print("10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...")
   print("Fed parrot...")
   print("Ignition...")
   print("Liftoff!')
else:
   print("Launch scrubbed.")

9.8.2. Fix Runtime Errors Next¶

Fix this code at repl.it or Trinket.

Remember to examine the error message for clues about what went wrong. Pay close attention to any line numbers given in the message—these will help ye locate and repair the bug.

launch_ready = False
fuel_level = 27000

if fuel_Level >= 20000:
   print('Fuel level cleared.')
   launch_ready = True
else:
   print('WARNING: Insufficient fuel!')
   launch_ready = False

Arrr! Now find and fix the runtime error in a longer code block.

launch_ready = False
fuel_level = 27000

if fuel_level >= 20000:
   print('Fuel level cleared.')
   launch_ready = True
else:
   print('WARNING: Insufficient fuel!')
   launch_ready = False

if launch_ready:
   print("10, 9, 8...")
   print("Fed parrot...")
   print("6, 5, 4...")
   print("Ignition...")
   printt("3, 2, 1...")
   print("Liftoff!")
else:
   print("Launch scrubbed.")

9.8.3. Solve Logic Errors Last¶

Logic errors do not generate warning messages or prevent the code from running, but the program still does not work like ye want. (Refer to the Fixing Logic Errors section if ye need to review).

Fix this code at repl.it or Trinket.

First, run this sample code as-is and examine the output. Should the rocket have launched? Did it?

Do not worry about fixing the code yet. Ye will do that in the next steps.
Let’s break the code down into smaller chunks. Consider the first if/else block below.
```
if fuel_level >= 20000:
   print('Fuel level cleared.')
   launch_ready = True
else:
   print('WARNING: Insufficient fuel!')
   launch_ready = False
```
1. Comment out lines 13 - 25 in the code editor.
2. Add print("launch_ready =", launch_ready) after the first block, then run the program.
3. Given the fuel_level value, should launch_ready be True or False after the check? Is the program behaving as expected?
Now consider the second if/else block. Add another print("launch_ready =", launch_ready) after this block and run the program.
```
if crew_status and computer_status == 'green':
   print('Crew & computer cleared.')
   launch_ready = True
else:
   print('WARNING: Crew or computer not ready!')
   launch_ready = False
```
Given crew_status and computer_status, should launch_ready be True or False after this check? Is the program behaving as expected?

Now consider both if/else blocks together (keeping the added print lines). Run the code and examine the output.

launch_ready = False
fuel_level = 17000
crew_status = True
computer_status = 'green'

if fuel_level >= 20000:
   print('Fuel level cleared.')
   launch_ready = True
else:
   print('WARNING: Insufficient fuel!')
   launch_ready = False

print("launch_ready =", launch_ready)

if crew_status and computer_status == 'green':
   print('Crew & computer cleared.')
   launch_ready = True
else:
   print('WARNING: Crew or computer not ready!')
   launch_ready = False

print("launch_ready =", launch_ready)

Given the values for fuel_level, crew_status and computer_status, should launch_ready be True or False? Is the program behaving as expected?

Ahoy, Houston! We spied a problem! The value of launch_ready assigned in the first if/else block got changed in the second if/else block. Dangerous waters, Matey.

Since the issue is with launch_ready, ONE way to fix the logic error is to use a different variable to store the fuel check result. Make yer code do this, then check if yer change works by updating the first print statement.
Almost done, so wipe the sweat off yer brow! Modify the final if/else block to print the countdown and “Liftoff!” if both the fuel check and launch_ready variables are True. Print “Launch scrubbed” if either check fails.

Blimey! That’s some good work. Now go feed yer parrot.