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Breakpoints have now been patented

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the real-coders-just-use-printf-anyway dept.

An anonymous reader noted that apparently Breakpoints have now been patented. From the link "A method for debugging including the steps of receiving code having a software breakpoint function therein, running the code for the purpose of debugging, monitoring the code to detect the presence of the software breakpoint function, recognizing the software breakpoint function, determining an action to be performed based on the software breakpoint function, and implementing the action. The present invention also includes an apparatus for implementing the method for debugging and a medium embodying a program of instructions for execution by a device to perform the method for debugging."

26 of 412 comments (clear)

  1. Could someone please patent code comments? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'd love to have this as an excuse for not doing them. Thanks.

  2. Next up... by CdrGlork · · Score: 5, Funny

    Next to be patented will be the GOTO statement, so ALL YOU LAZY PROGGERS WILL STOP USING IT!

    1. Re:Next up... by jimstapleton · · Score: 3, Funny

      ok, if you do that, can I patent a system whereby human-readable text is converted into machine instructions?

      --
      34486853790
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    2. Re:Next up... by Jarjarthejedi · · Score: 3, Funny

      Patent Application 297641286876b

      A method by which a specific unbound sequence of comparisons are performed with the program being instructed to perform differing operation based on the results. Should none of the comparisons result in the machine determining that the variable being compared fits the condition a "default" condition shall be allowed. Using this system a large number of such Improved Jumps can be performed with less code and processing power.

      ((For those without programming knowledge, or sense of humor, the parent wants to post If-Then statements, this is a Switch statement. That is all))

      --
      There are two kinds of fool One says 'This is old therefore good' Another says 'This is new therefore better'- Dean Ing
    3. Re:Next up... by exp(pi*sqrt(163)) · · Score: 1, Funny

      You're using a programming language where you have to write the code yourself to keep track of what memory has been allocated and then free whatever half-baked state you find yourself in when an error happens? I didn't know they still had such things. Tell me. Does your computer use valves or relays?

      --
      Doesn't it make you feel good to know that our freedoms are protected by politicans, lawyers and journalists.
    4. Re:Next up... by Dachannien · · Score: 5, Funny

      Your code makes me want to throw up.

    5. Re:Next up... by teslar · · Score: 3, Funny

      There's no try/catch in C, I'm afraid.... you're thinking C++.

    6. Re:Next up... by Vihai · · Score: 2, Funny

      I don't think I'm undestanding you, sorry, I'm not a native english speaker.

      I, of course, use that approach when I write C code, that's why I wrote that code snippet in C.
      And I, of course, write C code in kernel land and when writing critical code in userland

      Oh... and yes... memory allocation failures may well happen on modern machines in kernel land... and if you like to write robust code, you have to cope with those

    7. Re:Next up... by gyranthir · · Score: 4, Funny

      Cobol already exists!!!

    8. Re:Next up... by Feyr · · Score: 4, Funny

      he did say human readable

    9. Re:Next up... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      If you know where and how to use them, [gotos] actually are a sensible choice.

      I couldn't have put it better myself.

      10 PRINT "YOU'RE A DICK..."
      20 GOTO 10
      RUN
    10. Re:Next up... by zizzo · · Score: 2, Funny

      There's no try/catch in C...
      There is only do {} while;

    11. Re:Next up... by that+this+is+not+und · · Score: 2, Funny

      Does the software operating some subsystem for a guided missle scramble like crazy to deallocate all unneded memory before the warhead detonates?

  3. That's it. by Manos_Of_Fate · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm applying for a patent on "A system of tubes, that carries information globally, so as to assist the procurement of pr0n."

    --
    Isn't enough that I ruined a pony, making a gift for you?
    1. Re:That's it. by blantonl · · Score: 3, Funny

      I'd love to see the prior "art" for this one.

      --
      Lindsay Blanton
      RadioReference.com
  4. I have a ton of prior art on this one by bherman · · Score: 4, Funny

    Take any of my code....it has a ton of breakpoints. Usually any function with an input breaks at that point.

    --
    Error: Sig not found.
  5. What's a breakpoint? by seniorcoder · · Score: 3, Funny
    I assisted in the hiring of a mid-level developer for our team.
    One week into his new job, I suggested he set a breakpoint in his code to quickly determine the cause of a problem. He said: "What's a breakpoint?"
    A month later he was fired.

    How does a developer manage to work for a few years without knowing what a breakpoint is?

    1. Re:What's a breakpoint? by exp(pi*sqrt(163)) · · Score: 4, Funny
      > How does a developer manage to work for a few years without knowing what a breakpoint is?

      His code always worked first time?

      --
      Doesn't it make you feel good to know that our freedoms are protected by politicans, lawyers and journalists.
    2. Re:What's a breakpoint? by niceone · · Score: 2, Funny

      How does a developer manage to work for a few years without knowing what a breakpoint is?

      by writing completely bug free code?

      What are these breakpoints of which you speak, anyway?

      --
      ccalam - acoustic versions of new songs.
    3. Re:What's a breakpoint? by dodobh · · Score: 2, Funny

      printf(3)

      --
      I can throw myself at the ground, and miss.
  6. in other patent pending news by psbrogna · · Score: 2, Funny

    I'm in the process of getting "software bugs" patented. No worries- I'm planning on being quite liberal with licensing, just a modest subscription based royalty fee.

  7. Step 2? by fishdan · · Score: 5, Funny

    Step 1: Patent commenting
    Step 2: ???????????
    Step 3: Profit!!!!

    The problem is there will be no profit because no one comments. On the other hand, at least there is no prior art to rule against your patent.

    --
    Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm
    1. Re:Step 2? by sunwukong · · Score: 4, Funny

      If you really want to make money, patent not commenting code.

    2. Re:Step 2? by MindKata · · Score: 3, Funny

      "patent this, patent that etc.."

      Ok, I've just patented The Big Bang ... now you all have to pay up or I can exclude you from my reality.

      --
      There are 10 kinds of people in the world... those who understand binary and those who don't.
  8. Outsourcing to Slashdot? by mutube · · Score: 1, Funny

    Is anyone else starting to wonder if the Patent Office is using Slashdot to check for prior art, rather than employ clerks to do it in-house?

    1. Receive application for patent
    2. Create dummy patent-approved page
    3. Submit to Slashdot with "Shock! Horror!" summary
    (3b. While still claiming expenses for a horde of patent clerks)
    4. ????
    5. Profit!!!

    Watch it CmdrTaco, I'm onto you.

    --
    Python coder | PyQt Applications | Writer
  9. Going home now... by Tmack · · Score: 2, Funny
    Well, Im packing up and going home. I wouldnt want my employer getting in trouble over patent infringement because of me. Guess Ill just have to sit at home and wait until they work out a licensing agreement or something so I can get back to work fixing code....

    tm

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