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1. Trace Tables
Understanding Trace Tables in
Programming

2. Definition
• A trace table is a technique used to track the
values of variables in a program or algorithm
at each step of its execution.

3. Purpose
• Trace tables help in understanding how an
algorithm works, debugging programs, and
verifying the correctness of algorithms.

4. Example
• Consider the following algorithm:
• 1. Initialize x = 0
• 2. For i from 1 to 5:
• a. x = x + i
• Trace Table:
• | Step | i | x |
• |------|---|---|
• | 1 | 1 | 1 |
• | 2 | 2 | 3 |

5. How to Use Trace Tables
• 1. Identify the variables in the algorithm.
• 2. Create columns for each variable and each
step of the algorithm.
• 3. Fill in the table by executing the algorithm
step-by-step and recording the values of the
variables.