Editing Defensive programming (section)

{{Short description|Software development methodology}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2020}}
{{howto|date=March 2012}}

'''Defensive programming''' is a form of [[defensive design]] intended to develop programs that are capable of detecting potential security abnormalities and make predetermined responses.<ref>{{Citation |last=Boulanger |first=Jean-Louis |title=6 - Technique to Manage Software Safety |date=2016-01-01 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781785481178500064 |work=Certifiable Software Applications 1 |pages=125–156 |editor-last=Boulanger |editor-first=Jean-Louis |publisher=Elsevier |language=en |isbn=978-1-78548-117-8 |access-date=2022-09-02}}</ref> It ensures the continuing function of a piece of [[software]] under unforeseen circumstances. Defensive programming practices are often used where [[high availability]], [[safety]], or [[computer security|security]] is needed.

Defensive programming is an approach to improve software and [[source code]], in terms of:
* General quality – reducing the number of [[software bug]]s and problems.
* Making the source code comprehensible – the source code should be readable and understandable so it is approved in a [[code audit]].
* Making the software behave in a predictable manner despite unexpected inputs or user actions.

Overly defensive programming, however, may safeguard against errors that will never be encountered, thus incurring run-time and maintenance costs.