In WebAssembly (Wasm), as in any programming context, errors can happen. These can be due to multiple reasons, including faulty logic, type mismatches, incorrect function calls, memory issues, and more.

For example, in a simple scenario, trying to perform a division operation with zero as the denominator in the compiled code will result in a runtime error. Here's how this might look in the original C++ code:

1#include <iostream.h>
2using namespace std;
3int main() {
4  // faulty logic that leads to runtime error
5  int num = 0;
6  int den = 0;
7  cout << "Trying to divide by zero!\n";
8  cout << num/den;
9  return 0;
10}

Debugging these kinds of errors in C++ is relatively straightforward. However, once your code is compiled into a Wasm module and running in a browser, it becomes significantly more challenging to identify and resolve errors. This is mainly because the Wasm bytecode does not readily provide source-level debug information, and conventional debugging tools may not directly apply.

Addressing this issue requires the use of specific tools and techniques designed for Wasm debugging, which we will explore in the following screens. In many cases, it also involves working with the JavaScript environment interfacing with the Wasm module, further adding to the complexity of the debugging process.

So, as we proceed, let's always keep in mind that debugging is an important part of the development process. Being equipped with the right knowledge and tools can make your Wasm development journey smoother and more enjoyable.

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#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

int main() {

  // faulty logic that leads to runtime error

  int num = 0;

  int den = 0;

  cout << "Trying to divide by zero!\n";

  cout << num/den;

  return 0;

}