Debugging for Developers Who Think They Suck
A real-world, no-fluff strategy to stop flailing and actually fix your code.
What is Debugging?
Debugging means figuring out why your code isn’t doing what you expect — and fixing it without punching your monitor. Whether it’s a typo, logic fail, or missing semicolon, debugging is the calm (or chaos) between broken and fixed.
Quick Glossary (For the Truly New)
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bug | An error, flaw, or unexpected behavior in your code. |
| Debugging | The process of identifying and fixing bugs. |
| Reproduce | To make the bug happen again on purpose so you can study it. |
| Breakpoint | A spot in your code where you tell the debugger to pause. |
| Stack Trace | A list showing which functions were called before a crash or error. |
Don’t memorize these — just come back here when you see one in the wild.
We’ve all been there — a wall of red text, something mysteriously “undefined,” or code that worked yesterday but now won’t even launch. You start thinking maybe you’re not cut out for this. That’s garbage. You just need a strategy.
This is your Captain Dumbass field manual for debugging — not theoretical, not academic. Just stuff that actually works.
1. Step Zero: Slow Down
Don’t start wildly editing code or Googling the entire error message in a panic.
Take 30 seconds. Breathe. Look at what just happened.
2. Reproduce the Problem (Deliberately)
If the bug is random, isolate the exact steps to make it happen.
Can you recreate it on purpose?
- Is it only broken after login?
- Only after a certain input?
- Only on Fridays during rainstorms?
If you can’t reproduce it, you can’t fix it.
3. Use Print/Log Like a Pro
Sometimes your first move is just good old print() or console.log() — and that’s fine.
But do it with intent, not desperation.
Print variables just before things fail
Confirm function calls are being reached
Check for null, undefined, None, 0, or the wrong type
4. Use a Real Debugger (Eventually)
Once you’ve narrowed the bug down, use the debugger built into your IDE or language.
- Set breakpoints
- Step through code line by line
- Inspect variables live
Tools like pdb, VS Code’s debugger, gdb, Chrome dev tools — these exist for a reason.
5. Read the Actual Error Message
Not just the top line — the whole thing.
Stack traces tell you:
- What line of what file blew up
- What called it
- What value caused it to die
If it says TypeError: cannot read property 'foo' of undefined, then something is undefined.
Don’t fix it by wrapping everything in try/catch — fix the cause.
6. Break the Code on Purpose
Comment stuff out. Hardcode values. Trigger the failure intentionally.
This tells you:
- If your assumption about the problem is right
- What part of the logic is doing what you think it is
Sometimes you learn more by deliberately breaking a system than trying to make it work.
7. Rubber Duck (Or Explain It to Someone)
If you can’t find the bug, explain the problem out loud to:
- Another developer
- A friend
- Your cat
- An actual rubber duck
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This is called Rubber Duck Debugging. It’s a real thing — and weirdly, it works.
Half the time, you’ll spot the problem mid-sentence.
8. Know When to Walk Away
If you’re staring at the same code for an hour, take a walk. Eat something. Sleep.
You’re more likely to solve it with fresh eyes than brute-forcing until 3AM.
9. Final Thoughts and a Sanity Checklist
Before you rage-quit your project:
- Did you actually save the file?
- Did you restart your app/server/container?
- Did you look at logs?
- Did you reproduce the problem?
- Did you read the whole error?
- Did you isolate the function or line?
- Did you try printing/logging the values?
- Did you take a break?
If yes to all of the above — you’re already doing better than 90% of Stack Overflow.
Your Turn
What’s your go-to move when debugging? Ever spent an hour chasing a semicolon?
Share your pain and your process — especially if it helps the next poor soul find a shortcut to sanity.