Defensive programming

Defensive programming is a form of <a href="/facts/Defensive_design/zjpERCGX">defensive design</a> intended to develop programs that are capable of detecting potential security abnormalities and make predetermined responses. It ensures the continuing function of a piece of <a href="/facts/Software/RP79lVSW">software</a> under unforeseen circumstances. Defensive programming practices are often used where <a href="/facts/High_availability/y3J8GnEo">high availability</a>, <a href="/facts/Safety/jyH5HLSg">safety</a>, or <a href="/facts/Computer_security/7E5dIy7G">security</a> is needed.
Defensive programming is an approach to improve software and <a href="/facts/Source_code/o9J6Jv23">source code</a>, in terms of:

<ul><li>General quality – reducing the number of <a href="/facts/Software_bug/I1uSXySv">software bugs</a> and problems.</li>
<li>Making the source code comprehensible – the source code should be readable and understandable so it is approved in a <a href="/facts/Code_audit/2nE0ITTP">code audit</a>.</li>
<li>Making the software behave in a predictable manner despite unexpected inputs or user actions.</li></ul>
Overly defensive programming, however, may safeguard against errors that will never be encountered, thus incurring run-time and maintenance costs.

Defensive programming open-in-new

Defensive programming