So, your code isn’t working quite as expected. Don’t fret, errors (or “bugs” in programmer lingo) are a natural part of the development process. But fear not, fellow beginner, for with a strategic approach, you can debug your code better! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify and fix those pesky bugs:
Always check your console:
One thing I learnt from working with senior developers is whenever I go to them to help me debug a code, they always say “let me see your console” first. And more often than not, I eventually see the error in my console and sometimes the source of the error. But seeing the error either in the console or in the coding environment is the first step to debugging your code.
Become an Error Detective:
- Read the Error: Don’t underestimate the power of error messages! They often point directly to the line of code causing the issue. Take some time to understand the message and what it’s referring to.
- Examine the Code: Look for typos, syntax mistakes, or anything suspicious around the error.
Talk it out:
Explain your code’s logic out loud (even to a rubber duck!). Verbalizing your thought process can reveal hidden flaws. Surprisingly, this method has helped me a lot. So when I get a pesky bug that seems like I can’t solve, after trying many methods and they don’t work I reach out to seniors to help me. On some occasions when I begin to get ideas to solve those problems the moment I start to explain my problem. Eventually, I discovered this method helps me a lot, though I always look crazy as I talk to myself a lot but that comes with the job ☺.
Summon Backup:
- Google is Your Friend
- Search online forums and communities for solutions to your error message and programming language. I have always wanted a tech community where I can post my problems and get solutions to them as quickly as possible which is one of the reasons why I am here at Africoders and there is just this sense of relief that there are amazing developers on this platform that can solve my problems at any time I run into one.
- Don’t Be Shy: Stuck and at a loss? Ask a more experienced developer or online community for help. Explain the problem, the error message, and what you’ve tried so far (I do this always).
Debugging takes practice, so be persistent! With these steps, you will find debugging your code much more easy and fun.
