How do you write debuggable code?

2 Follow coding standards

Another way to write debuggable code is to follow coding standards and conventions for your language, framework, and project. Coding standards are guidelines that define how to write, format, and organize your code. They help you maintain consistency, readability, and quality in your code. They also make it easier to collaborate with other developers, as you can share a common style and structure. Some examples of coding standards are indentation, spacing, comments, naming, and documentation. You can use tools such as linters, formatters, and code analyzers to check and enforce coding standards in your code.

3 Use logging and debugging tools

A third way to write debuggable code is to use logging and debugging tools that help you monitor, inspect, and modify your code during development and testing. Logging tools allow you to record and display messages, events, and data in your code. They help you track the flow and behavior of your code, as well as identify and locate errors. Debugging tools allow you to pause, resume, and step through your code. They help you examine and manipulate the state and values of your variables, functions, and objects. Some examples of logging and debugging tools are console.log(), debugger, Chrome DevTools, and Visual Studio Code.

4 Write tests and use test frameworks

A fourth way to write debuggable code is to write tests and use test frameworks that help you verify and validate your code. Tests are pieces of code that check if your code works as expected and meets the requirements. They help you prevent and detect errors, bugs, and defects in your code. They also help you refactor and improve your code, as you can ensure that your changes do not break the functionality. Test frameworks are tools that help you write, run, and manage your tests. They provide features such as assertions, test cases, test suites, test runners, and test reports. Some examples of test frameworks are Jest, Mocha, Jasmine, and Cypress.

5 Use version control and code review

A fifth way to write debuggable code is to use version control and code review that help you control and improve your code. Version control is a system that tracks and manages the changes and history of your code. It helps you backup, restore, and compare your code, as well as collaborate with other developers. Code review is a process that involves inspecting and evaluating your code by yourself or others. It helps you find and fix errors, bugs, and issues in your code, as well as enhance your code quality, performance, and security. Some examples of version control and code review tools are Git, GitHub, Bitbucket, and CodePen.

6 Learn from your mistakes

A sixth way to write debuggable code is to learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge. Debugging is not only a way to fix your code, but also a way to learn from your code. Every error, bug, and glitch that you encounter can teach you something new and valuable. You can learn how to avoid common pitfalls, how to apply best practices, how to use new tools and techniques, and how to solve complex problems. You can also learn from other developers, by reading their code, asking for feedback, and joining online communities and forums.