What are the most common debugging mistakes made in different development environments?

1 Web debugging

Web development involves various languages, frameworks, and technologies, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Python, React, Angular and more. Debugging web applications can be challenging since you need to contend with both the client-side and server-side, as well as the communication between them. Some of the most frequent web debugging mistakes are not using the browser's developer tools, not checking the console for errors and warnings, and not testing on different browsers and devices. The browser's developer tools are an invaluable resource for inspecting HTML, CSS, JavaScript, network and performance of your web application. You can use them to set breakpoints, watch variables, evaluate expressions and modify the DOM. Additionally, you can use it to simulate different devices, screen sizes and network conditions. The console is also part of the browser's developer tools that shows messages from the browser and your code. It can be used to log information, debug errors and test code snippets. Lastly, it is important to test your web application on multiple browsers and devices to guarantee that it works as expected and resolves any potential problems gracefully.

2 Mobile debugging

When developing mobile applications for smartphones and tablets, you have to consider a variety of platforms, such as Android, iOS, Flutter, React Native, or Ionic. Debugging mobile applications can be a challenge due to the different operating systems, hardware, and user interfaces. It's important to be aware of common debugging mistakes, like not using the platform's debugging tools. Each platform has its own tools that allow you to run, test, and debug your application on a simulator or a real device. You should also handle device orientation changes properly and test how your application adapts to them. Additionally, it's important to consider offline scenarios and implement strategies such as caching, local storage, or error handling in case of low signal or data limits.

3 Desktop debugging

Desktop development involves creating applications for personal computers, using languages and frameworks such as C#, Java, Python, Electron, or Qt. Debugging desktop applications can be easier than web or mobile applications due to having more control over the environment and user input. Nevertheless, some of the most common desktop debugging mistakes include not using a debugger, not using unit tests, and not handling exceptions. A debugger is a tool that allows you to run your code step by step, inspect the values of variables, and modify them on the fly. Unit tests are pieces of code that test the functionality of a specific part of your code and can help you verify that your code works as expected. Exceptions are errors that occur during the execution of your code and should always be handled properly with meaningful feedback for the user. Utilizing a debugger, unit tests, and handling exceptions properly can help you find and fix logical errors, runtime errors, and memory leaks in your code.

4 Embedded debugging

Embedded development involves creating software for devices with limited resources, such as microcontrollers, sensors, or IoT devices. Debugging embedded software can be difficult due to the need to manage low-level programming, hardware constraints, and real-time requirements. To avoid common mistakes when debugging, it is recommended to use a hardware debugger for setting breakpoints and tracing execution; a logic analyzer for monitoring communication between devices; and print statements for debugging logic errors, input/output errors, and unexpected behaviors. A hardware debugger can help with timing issues, interrupts, and peripheral interactions. A logic analyzer is useful for debugging protocol errors, data corruption, and synchronization problems. Print statements can output information to a console, a serial port, or a display. All of these tools can be invaluable when debugging embedded software.

5 Here’s what else to consider

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