Top 4 JavaScript Debugging Tips for Beginners🐞

Debugging is an essential skill for any JavaScript developer. Learning how to effectively find and fix bugs can save you a lot of time and frustration. Here are four debugging tips to help beginners tackle JavaScript issues more efficiently. 🌟

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1. Use console.log() Wisely 🖥️

The console.log() method is a simple yet powerful tool for debugging JavaScript code. It allows you to print values to the console, helping you understand what your code is doing at various points.

Tips:

• Print Variables: Use console.log() to print variable values and ensure they are what you expect.
• Trace Execution: Add console.log() statements at different points in your code to trace its execution flow.
• Format Output: Use string interpolation and object formatting for clearer output.

Example:

function calculateSum(a, b) {
  console.log(`a: ${a}, b: ${b}`); // Print input values
  const sum = a + b;
  console.log(`Sum: ${sum}`); // Print result
  return sum;
}

calculateSum(3, 5);

2. Utilize Breakpoints in the Browser DevTools 🛠️

Modern browsers come with powerful developer tools (DevTools) that include a built-in debugger. Setting breakpoints in your code allows you to pause execution and inspect the current state.

Tips:

• Set Breakpoints: Click on the line number in the Sources panel to set a breakpoint.
• Step Through Code: Use the step buttons to move through your code line by line.
• Inspect Variables: Hover over variables or use the Scope panel to inspect their values.

Example:

1. Open DevTools (F12 or right-click -> Inspect).
2. Go to the Sources panel.
3. Set a breakpoint by clicking on a line number.
4. Reload the page and use the debugger controls to step through the code.

3. Leverage Error Messages 📜

JavaScript error messages provide valuable information about what went wrong and where. Learning to read and understand these messages can help you quickly pinpoint issues.

Tips:

• Read the Error Message: Pay attention to the error type and message.
• Check the Stack Trace: The stack trace shows where the error occurred and the sequence of function calls that led to it.
• Look Up Error Codes: If you're unsure about an error, look it up online for more information.

Example:

function divide(a, b) {
  if (b === 0) {
    throw new Error('Division by zero is not allowed');
  }
  return a / b;
}

try {
  divide(4, 0);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error.message);
  console.error(error.stack); // Check stack trace
}

4. Use Debugger Statements for Manual Breakpoints 🔍

The debugger statement acts as a manual breakpoint in your code. When the JavaScript engine encounters a debugger statement, it will pause execution if DevTools is open.

Tips:

• Place Strategically: Add debugger statements in locations where you suspect issues.
• Remove After Debugging: Make sure to remove or comment out debugger statements once you have resolved the issue.

Example:

function findMax(arr) {
  let max = arr[0];
  for (let i = 1; i < arr.length; i++) {
    debugger; // Pause execution here
    if (arr[i] > max) {
      max = arr[i];
    }
  }
  return max;
}

const numbers = [3, 7, 2, 9, 4];
findMax(numbers);

---

By following these debugging tips, you'll be better equipped to identify and resolve issues in your JavaScript code. Remember, effective debugging is a skill that improves with practice. Happy coding! ✨

Start Your JavaScript Journey

If you're new to JavaScript or want a refresher, visit my blog on BuyMeACoffee to get started with the basics.

👉 Introduction to JavaScript: Your First Steps in Coding

Series Index

Part	Title	Link
1	The Ultimate Git Command Cheatsheet	Read
2	Top 12 JavaScript Resources for Learning and Mastery	Read
3	Angular vs. React: A Comprehensive Comparison	Read
4	Top 10 JavaScript Best Practices for Writing Clean Code	Read
5	Top 20 JavaScript Tricks and Tips for Every Developer 🚀	Read
6	8 Exciting New JavaScript Concepts You Need to Know	Read
7	Top 7 Tips for Managing State in JavaScript Applications	Read
8	🔒 Essential Node.js Security Best Practices	Read
9	10 Best Practices for Optimizing Angular Performance	Read
10	Top 10 React Performance Optimization Techniques	Read
11	Top 15 JavaScript Projects to Boost Your Portfolio	Read
12	6 Repositories To Master Node.js	Read
13	Best 6 Repositories To Master Next.js	Read
14	Top 5 JavaScript Libraries for Building Interactive UI	Read
15	Top 3 JavaScript Concepts Every Developer Should Know	Read
16	20 Ways to Improve Node.js Performance at Scale	Read
17	Boost Your Node.js App Performance with Compression Middleware	Read
18	Understanding Dijkstra's Algorithm: A Step-by-Step Guide	Read
19	Understanding NPM and NVM: Essential Tools for Node.js Development	Read

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Comments

[João Angelo]

Hi Dipak Ahirav,
Top, very nice and helpful !
Thanks for sharing.