How can you effectively debug code running remotely or in the cloud?

1 Choose a suitable IDE

An integrated development environment (IDE) is a software application that provides features such as code editing, syntax highlighting, debugging, testing, and deployment. Choosing a suitable IDE for your remote or cloud-based project can make a big difference in your debugging experience. Some IDEs offer built-in support for remote debugging, such as Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, and Eclipse. Others require additional plugins or extensions, such as Remote Development for VS Code or Cloud Code for IntelliJ IDEA. You should also consider the compatibility, performance, security, and cost of the IDE you choose.

2 Configure remote debugging settings

Once you have chosen an IDE that supports remote debugging, you need to configure the settings to connect to your remote or cloud server. Depending on the IDE and the platform you are using, this may involve different steps and options. For example, if you are using VS Code and Azure, you need to install the Azure App Service extension, sign in to your Azure account, select your app service, and attach the debugger. If you are using PyCharm and AWS, you need to create a SSH configuration, specify the remote interpreter, and create a debug configuration. You should consult the documentation of your IDE and platform for the specific instructions and best practices.

3 Use breakpoints and watch expressions

Breakpoints and watch expressions are essential tools for debugging code running remotely or in the cloud. Breakpoints allow you to pause the execution of your code at a specific line or condition, and inspect the values of variables and expressions. Watch expressions allow you to evaluate and monitor the values of expressions in real time, without modifying your code. You can use breakpoints and watch expressions to identify and isolate the source of errors, test hypotheses, and verify assumptions. You can also use them to compare the behavior of your code in different environments, such as development, testing, and production.

5 Test and deploy your code securely

The final step of debugging code running remotely or in the cloud is to test and deploy your code securely. Testing your code ensures that it meets the functional and non-functional requirements, and that it does not introduce new bugs or regressions. Deploying your code securely ensures that it does not compromise the integrity or confidentiality of your system or data. You should follow the best practices and standards for testing and deploying code running remotely or in the cloud, such as using automated testing tools, implementing continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, and applying encryption and authentication techniques.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?