Dr. Penelope Quackston, PhD; Dr. Mallard Drakeford, PhD; Prof. Greta Featherstein, DSc
DOI: 22.2222/DBJ/ko33igey
Status: Published
Abstract: This study explores the contrasting approaches of real duck debugging and rubber duck debugging in the field of software development. Rubber duck debugging is a well-known technique where programmers explain their code to an inanimate rubber duck to identify logical errors. In contrast, real duck debugging involves explaining code to a live duck. Through a series of experiments and interviews with programmers, our research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and psychological benefits of both methods. Our findings suggest that while rubber duck debugging is useful, real duck debugging offers unique advantages, including enhanced focus, emotional support, and unexpected insights. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of both techniques, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating real ducks into the debugging process.
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Debugging is an essential part of the software development process, and various techniques have been developed to assist programmers in identifying and resolving errors in their code. One popular method is rubber duck debugging, where programmers explain their code line-by-line to a rubber duck. This technique helps clarify their thoughts and often leads to the discovery of logical errors. However, an alternative approach, real duck debugging, has recently gained attention. This method involves explaining code to a live duck, offering potential benefits beyond those provided by a rubber duck. This study aims to evaluate the merits of real duck debugging in comparison to rubber duck debugging, providing insights into their effectiveness and psychological impact on programmers.
Rubber duck debugging originated from the book “The Pragmatic Programmer” by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas, where a programmer carries a rubber duck and explains their code to it. The act of verbalizing the problem helps the programmer gain a new perspective and identify errors. Real duck debugging, on the other hand, involves the presence of a live duck, adding an element of interaction and companionship. This study investigates whether the presence of a real duck can enhance the debugging process and provide additional psychological benefits to programmers.
We conducted a series of experiments involving 20 programmers, divided into two groups: one using rubber ducks and the other using real ducks. Each programmer was given a set of coding tasks with intentional errors and asked to debug their code using their assigned method. The experiments were conducted in a controlled environment, with each session recorded for analysis.
Data collection involved both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data included the time taken to identify and resolve errors, the number of errors detected, and the overall success rate of debugging. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with the participants, focusing on their experiences, emotional responses, and perceived effectiveness of the debugging methods.
To ensure the well-being of the real ducks, we collaborated with the Duck Research Institute’s avian behavior specialists. The ducks were trained to remain calm and comfortable during the debugging sessions. Their health and safety were monitored throughout the experiments.
Our experiments and interviews yielded several key findings:
The group using real ducks demonstrated a slightly higher success rate in identifying and resolving errors compared to the rubber duck group. On average, the real duck group detected 15% more errors and resolved them 10% faster. This suggests that the presence of a real duck may enhance the programmer’s focus and cognitive processing.
The time taken to debug the code varied between the two groups. The real duck group completed their tasks approximately 12% faster than the rubber duck group. This increased efficiency may be attributed to the interactive nature of real duck debugging, which encourages continuous engagement and concentration.
Participants in the real duck group reported feeling a greater sense of emotional support and companionship during the debugging process. The presence of a live duck provided comfort and reduced feelings of isolation, which are common in programming tasks. This emotional support contributed to a more positive and enjoyable debugging experience.
Several participants in the real duck group reported experiencing unexpected insights and creative problem-solving while explaining their code to the real duck. The interactive nature of real duck debugging appeared to stimulate their thinking and lead to novel solutions. One participant noted, “It’s like the duck’s curious eyes made me rethink my approach and find a better solution.”
Real duck debugging was also associated with reduced stress levels. Participants described the calming effect of interacting with a live duck, which helped alleviate the frustration often associated with debugging. The presence of the duck created a more relaxed and enjoyable work environment.
The results of our study highlight the unique advantages of real duck debugging over rubber duck debugging. While both methods are effective in aiding the debugging process, real duck debugging offers additional psychological benefits that can enhance the overall experience for programmers.
The presence of a real duck appears to enhance the programmer’s focus and cognitive processing, leading to more efficient error detection and resolution. The interactive nature of real duck debugging encourages continuous engagement and active thinking, which can improve the effectiveness of the debugging process.
Real duck debugging provides emotional support and companionship, reducing feelings of isolation and stress. The calming presence of a live duck creates a more positive and enjoyable work environment, which can contribute to better mental well-being and job satisfaction for programmers.
The interactive nature of real duck debugging stimulates creative thinking and problem-solving. The act of explaining code to a curious and attentive duck can lead to unexpected insights and novel solutions, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the debugging process.
Real duck debugging offers unique advantages over rubber duck debugging, including enhanced focus, emotional support, and unexpected insights. While rubber duck debugging remains a valuable technique, incorporating real ducks into the debugging process can provide additional psychological benefits and improve the overall experience for programmers. Future research should explore the long-term impact of real duck debugging on programmer productivity and well-being, as well as the potential applications of this approach in other fields.
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.