B22. How Can I Trace the Source of an Error?
In order to trace the source of an error, either user-related or program errors, it is necessary to reproduce the error. As long as we cannot reproduce an error, we cannot fix it.
Once an error has occurred, it will often be difficult to reconstruct the process that lead to it. For this reason, while looking for an error, it may be helpful to run a screen recording in the background. Your screen will be recorded while you are working. Should an error occur, it will be possible to rely on the screen recording in order to reproduce and eliminate the error.
Under Mac OS X, the software "QuickTime", which ships with the operating systems, includes screen recording features. Follow these steps:
- Start "QuickTime Player". You will find it in your applications folder.
- In the "File" menu, select "New screen recording".
- In the small window "Screen recording", press the red "Record" button (the button with a red dot).
- To start recording, click once in the middle of the screen. QuickTime will now record all movements on your screen.
- Once the error occurs, click on the stop icon in the menu at the top of your screen. The recording will stop and will show up in the window that pops up.
- Save your recording on the desktop (this will create a ".mov" file).
- If you finish your work process without an error occurring, just stop the recording and discard it.
Similar tools are available for Windows, such as e.g.: http://www.apowersoft.de
