Bugs give you that ‘nails-on-a-chalkboard’ feeling. They are those annoying defects that make your software underperform.
You load a prompt, and it takes hours to load. Your system’s stability, response time and resource consumption begin to deplete.
All these are mere symptoms that your system might have a bug – predominantly the errors made by software developers during the process of writing the software code.
These errors then come back to haunt the developers by hampering the functioning of certain features of the software.
But much worse is the process of fixing these errors – debugging. It’s a ritual of passage for every software developer because no one is above mistakes.
Whether you’re a seasoned coder or a newbie who just got their feet wet, you’ve probably faced that dreaded moment of ‘Why isn’t this working?!’ It can be frustrating, but with the right mindset, tools, and techniques, it can actually be fun – maybe not fun, but at least less soul-crushing.
So, we have a bug – systems errors. How, then, do we go about it, let alone do it like a pro?
Buckle up. We’re diving deep into strategies, battle-tested tips, and the best tools to make debugging smoother than a well-optimised algorithm.
Strategies for Debugging Like a Pro
First things first, don’t rush into trying to fix the errors. Debugging is not about getting it fixed. It’s about solving a major problem, and this requires approaching the situation with an understanding mindset before proceeding to fix it. Instead of panicking when things aren’t working, debugging requires that you think strategically and approach it from the root cause.
You can do that by taking the following steps:
- Stay calm: The worst debugging decisions are made when you’re frustrated. So, step back, take a deep breath and attack the problem methodically from an informed point of view.
- Ask Questions to ascertain the problem: Ask the necessary questions that can help you identify the cause of the malfunction. Questions like, ‘What changed?’ ‘How is it originally supposed to function?’ ‘What error message is it displaying?’ will help you better understand the problem. So, if your code was working five minutes ago, something must have changed.
Identify what that is, and you’re halfway to finding the solution. Below is a code example for when a factorial function is malfunctioning.
- Break the problem down: It is vital to use a systemic approach when debugging, which can be done by isolating the sections of code to pinpoint the main issue and tackle them in bits.
- Explain it out loud: Sometimes, verbalising the problem or explaining it to an inanimate object, such as a rubber duck, can help you clarify what the problem is. This is an actual technique called Rubber Duck Debugging, and if you master its technique, you can surely be a master at bug-fixing.
Debugging Tips That Actually Work
Leverage the following tips to fix technical bugs when confronted with them.
- Use the Binary Search Method: This is a very efficient way of debugging. For many, once the question of ‘where is the problem located’, then the rest is easy for them. Perhaps you are having trouble deciphering where the bug is located in the software or the system; a binary search approach will undoubtedly make it easier for you to find it.
Take these steps to carry out your next debugging:
- Add debug prints or breakpoints halfway through your code.
- If the issue is still present, the bug is in the first half. But if it is not, then it is in the second.
- Repeat this process until you can zero in on the actual culprit.
- Combine the Print Debugging and Debugger: Some software developers are loyal to the traditional log(), print(), or printf(), while others rely on debuggers. I say use the hybrid approach and combine both methods. The truth is that you can use the two because each has its place in helping you to solve the problem. Debuggers offer the advantages of letting you pause execution, inspect memory, and step through code interactively. While print debugging can provide simplicity, it needs no additional tools and is quick to check variable values or flow. So, feel free to check tutorials on how to leverage debugging tools if you haven’t been trying them.
- Reproduce the Bug Consistently: A bug that you can’t reproduce is a bug that you can’t fix. If you can reproduce it, then rest assured that it’s fixable. Before diving into the code, however, try to get consistent steps to trigger the issue. Tools like BugReplay and Session Replay help record and analyse user interactions.
Vital Debugging Tools
What’s a mechanic without his tools? What’s a Software Developer without his vital tools? It is highly important that, as a software developer, you have certain tools that make your debugging task easier and smoother. Below are three debugging tools you should consider having as a DevOps:
- Debuggers
You can never go wrong with debuggers. Having them at hand gives you confidence in cases when errors arise and offers various options for sorting them swiftly. Debuggers like Chrome DevTools can be used for front-end debugging, and GDB can be used for C/C++ debugging, while VS Code Debugger can be used for JavaScript, Python, and more.
- Log Analysers
Having analysers like LogRocket can help you record user sessions and console logs. Also, Sentry will monitor real-time errors for you, making it easy to track problems.
- Error Trackers
Raygun helps you track crashes and performance issues while Datadog logs, traces, and monitoring are in place.
Finally, don’t be afraid to seek help. Even pros sometimes get stuck. If you’ve spent too long on a bug without making headway, try asking for help. And when asking, ask the right people. The internet is always available.
But consider the Stack Overflow to format your question properly for better responses. Another option is GitHub Issues, which checks if others have faced the same bug and see how they were able to resolve it. Lastly, leverage AI Debugging Assistants for a faster experience.
*Kudzai Gopfa is a software engineer with a difference. He is passionate about leveraging technology to create impactful solutions. With extensive experience in software development, he has contributed to innovative projects and mentored aspiring tech professionals. Dedicated to pushing technological boundaries, Kudazi actively shares insights and champions excellence in the industry.
