Debugging is the process of identifying, isolating, and fixing errors or unexpected behavior in software. It involves analyzing code, examining logs, using breakpoints, and evaluating program state to understand why a system is not behaving as intended. Debugging ranges from simple print statements to advanced tools that inspect memory, executions, and asynchronous flows. It is a core skill for developers working in any environment—whether frontend, backend, or data pipelines.
Why it matters
All software eventually contains bugs, and effective debugging saves time, reduces frustration, and improves reliability. Good debugging practices help avoid guesswork, prevent regressions, and build confidence in changes. Debugging is tightly linked to testing, logging, and observability.
Examples
Tracking down a failing request in a web application, finding a slow database query, or isolating a logic issue in a loop are common debugging tasks. Lessons like What Is Debugging? and Reading Error Messages introduce foundational techniques.