Debugging is a skill that every programmer needs to learn in order to write
efficient and error-free code. You may be a beginner or a seasoned developer,
but learning how to find, analyze, and correct errors in your code is important.
Here are some good debugging practices that every coder should learn.
Understand the Problem
Before diving into debugging, take the time to fully understand the issue. Read
error messages carefully, analyze logs, and replicate the problem.
Understanding the root cause will make fixing the issue much easier.
Analyze Error Messages
Most programming languages provide detailed error messages. Understanding
these messages can often point directly to the issue.
Replicating the Issue
Attempt to replicate the bug reliably. This aids in recognizing patterns and
knowing under which circumstances the bug is seen.
Use Print Statements or Logging
Adding print statements or logging is one of the most straightforward yet
useful debugging methods. By printing the values of variables at various points,
you can identify where something goes wrong.
Strategic Placement of Print Statements
Adding print statements at key checkpoints in your code can help isolate where
an issue occurs.
Using Logging Frameworks
Instead of using print statements, consider using logging libraries like Log4j
(Java), Python’s logging module, or Winston (Node.js) for better debugging
insights.
Leverage Debugging Tools
Most modern Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) come with built-in
debuggers. Tools like breakpoints, step execution, and variable inspection can
help track down errors systematically.
Setting Breakpoints
Breakpoints enable programmers to stop the execution and view the
application's state at particular points.
Execution of Steps
Stepping code line by line assists in the comprehension of precise flow and
finding wrong logic.
Rubber Duck Debugging
This involves describing your code line by line to a rubber duck (or any other
non-living thing). This practice compels you to think clearly about your code,
usually resulting in self-revelation of the problem.
Syntax and Typos Check
Small syntax errors or typos may cause surprise bugs. The use of linters and
static code analysis tools can detect these errors prior to execution.
Utilizing Linters
ESLint (JavaScript), Pylint (Python), and Checkstyle (Java) are some tools that
can detect syntax and stylistic errors early.
Auto Formatters
Auto-formatters such as Prettier and Black can assist in keeping the code
formatted consistently and minimize syntax-based issues.
Divide and Conquer (Binary Search Debugging)
Divide the code while debugging large bodies of code and examine each
division individually. Debugging with a binary search helps isolate the flawed
section of the code quickly through commenting out or disabling code blocks.
Commenting Out Code Segments
comment out segments of the code briefly to determine whether the problem
has vanished, effectively reducing the amount of code as the source of the bug
to search through.
Utilizing Debugging Flags
Adding temporary flags to your code to turn on/off some features can speed up
identifying the source of the bug.
Utilize Version Control and Revert to a Good State
Version control tools such as Git enable you to follow changes in your code.
When a bug occurs, you can revert to an earlier good state and examine the
changes that caused the bug.
Using Git Bisect
Git bisect is a great utility which can help pinpoint the specific commit which
added a bug.
Crafting Helpful Commit Messages
Descriptive commit messages facilitate easy understanding of changes made
and locating potential problems.
Read Documentation and Error Messages Thoroughly
Error messages usually have clues on what failed. Reading official
documentation and error logs may help understand how to solve problems in
an efficient manner.
Online Searching for Solutions
Platforms such as GitHub discussions and Stack Overflow can offer insightful
information on typical problems and their solutions.
Reading Stack Traces
Stack traces give a comprehensive sequence of function calls to the error,
aiding in effectively diagnosing the problem.
Test Cases and Unit Testing
Writing test cases can catch bugs early. Unit testing libraries such as JUnit (for
Java), PyTest (for Python), and Jest (for JavaScript) enable developers to ensure
each function is correct before incorporating it.
Writing Test-Driven Code
Using a Test-Driven Development (TDD) strategy ensures code is thoroughly
tested prior to deployment.
Using Mocking Frameworks
Mocking external dependencies while testing can isolate and detect bugs in
complicated systems.
Seek Help from the Community
If you're stuck, don't hesitate to ask for assistance from online coding forums
such as Stack Overflow, GitHub forums, or Reddit coding forums. A new eye can
sometimes find a solution.
Pair Programming
Pair programming with another developer can uncover errors you may have
missed.
Code Meetups
Getting to know other developers at code meetups and hackathons can be
beneficial in debugging.
Debugging is a part of coding that cannot be avoided, and becoming proficient
in debugging can prevent wasted time and frustration. By methodically tackling
bugs, using debugging tools, and tapping into collective knowledge, developers
can effectively identify and resolve problems, resulting in more stable and
reliable code
Top comments (1)
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