The Debugging Decay Index: Rethinking Debugging Strategies for Code LLMs
The effectiveness of AI debugging follows a predictable exponential decay
pattern; most models lose 60-80% of their debugging capability within just 2-3
attempts, despite iterative debugging being a critical capability for practical
code generation systems. We introduce the Debugging Decay Index (DDI), a
mathematical framework that quantifies when debugging becomes ineffective and
predicts intervention points. Our strategic fresh start approach shifts from
exploitation to exploration at strategic points in the debugging process,
demonstrating that well-timed interventions can rescue the effectiveness of
debugging. DDI reveals a fundamental limitation in current AI debugging and
provides the first quantitative framework for optimising iterative code
generation strategies.
685a555f0e4ad7e2197586b1
Muntasir Adnan
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2025-06-26T09:33:02.852Z
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Muntasir Adnan
user
adnaan525
685a555f0e4ad7e2197586b2
Carlos C. N. Kuhn
The Debugging Decay Index: Rethinking Debugging Strategies for Code LLMs
The effectiveness of AI debugging follows a predictable exponential decay
pattern; most models lose 60-80% of their debugging capability within just 2-3
attempts, despite iterative debugging being a critical capability for practical
code generation systems. We introduce the Debugging Decay Index (DDI), a
mathematical framework that quantifies when debugging becomes ineffective and
predicts intervention points. Our strategic fresh start approach shifts from
exploitation to exploration at strategic points in the debugging process,
demonstrating that well-timed interventions can rescue the effectiveness of
debugging. DDI reveals a fundamental limitation in current AI debugging and
provides the first quantitative framework for optimising iterative code
generation strategies.
The Debugging Decay Index (DDI) quantifies and optimizes the effectiveness of iterative AI debugging by predicting intervention points to revive and enhance debugging capability.
AI debugging Debugging Decay Index (DDI) iterative debugging code generation effectiveness intervention points