As a developer, debugging other people's code is an important skill. However, this is time consuming and often tedious. In this blog, we'll show you how to debug your code 10x faster by focusing on four important steps to help you understand the code debugging process. Let's get started!
1. Identify the problem
The first step is to identify the problem. Simply put, you need to determine why the function is failing and throwing an error. Consider a scenario where you use SvelteKit to convert a multi-page website into a single page application (SPA). In this example, the problem is obvious. The carousel does not work as expected.
2. Identify the root cause
This step is important to understand why the problem occurred. In this example, there are many reasons for the carousel to fail. For example:
- No use of external dependencies (packages, CSS, JS, etc.).
Once you understand the root cause, you can move on to the next step.
3. Find a solution to your problem
Once you've identified the root cause of the problem, brainstorm solutions. For example:
- Make sure the required packages are installed.
- Check if the carousel receives the required CSS.
- Check that there are no errors in your import statements.
By implementing these solutions, you can solve the underlying problem.
4. Run the solution
This step may take some time, but it is important to use all possible solutions to fix the error. By carefully implementing the identified solutions, the error will eventually be resolved.
Professional tip:
When a problem occurs, such as with a computer program, we often try to fix the same problem over and over again. But if it doesn't work, it's time to switch gears. Instead of repeating what didn't work, try something else. It may be a new method or a new perspective. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find a solution. If your first attempt doesn't work, don't get discouraged and try another method.
Result:
Finally, to master debugging techniques, you need to perform the following steps carefully and efficiently: this way you can speed up the debugging process significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by identifying the problem precisely: what should happen, what actually happens and where. Next, trace the root cause rather than patching the symptom. Then brainstorm possible fixes, apply them one at a time and test after each change so you know which one worked. Finally, confirm the fix does not break anything else. A structured process like this is usually faster than random trial and error.
Reproduce the bug reliably first, then narrow down where it happens using error messages, browser developer tools, logs and breakpoints. Check the usual suspects: missing or wrongly installed dependencies, incorrect import paths, CSS or scripts that are not loading, and recent changes to the code. Change one thing at a time and observe the result, so you can tell the actual cause apart from coincidences.
In a single-page app, pages are no longer full browser reloads, so scripts and styles that a multi-page site loaded on every page may not run or load when you navigate. Check that the carousel's package is installed, its CSS is imported where the component is used, and the import statements are correct. Libraries that touch the DOM usually need initialising after the component mounts.
Stop repeating the fix that is not working. Step back and try a different approach: question your assumptions, re-read the exact error, isolate the failing code in a minimal example, or explain the problem aloud to a colleague. Taking a short break or getting a fresh pair of eyes often reveals something obvious you missed after staring at the same code for too long.
