What are some effective debugging tips for remote programming jobs?

Many companies use Visual Studio Code and Git to version control their code, so it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with these. Start with Git bash and learn a few commands before using Git in VSCode as this will give you better context behind what you're doing. I often go days just using the user interface in VSCode to manage code via Git.

Even better, make a build pipeline that runs your tests every time you commit to a specific branch. Write some code, commit and go make a coffee. By the time you get back you'll have some useful results - rinse and repeat!

Sometimes breakpoints can be used as a crutch when developing software. Make sure (where possible) your code is SOLID and modular, so that it's easy to follow the logic, and easier to write appropriate logging for any given situation.

Nothing is more powerful than a live demo when it comes to sharing your code. Even better, when a new work item comes up, get other members of the team involved so that they can get their hands dirty with the code and identify gaps in documentation that may have been overlooked by yourself, who may be intimately familiar with the code.

Not only should you learn from your mistakes, you should learn from others mistakes too! This is why it is often good to expose yourself to other people's code to not only learn what to do, but what not to do. Did someone introduce a bug and then someone came along and fixed it in the repo? Take a minute to look over the fix. Was it a good fix? Did it actually fix the problem? Understand the problem AND the solution to learn all around great programming skills.

In my perspective, remote doesn't change much than in-person debugging except direct communications with the seniors. 1. Version control helps identify gaps in consecutive releases. 2. Test driven approach is like, prevention is better than cure! right? 3. Have Unit Tests formed for every tiny feature/functionality, and run them every time introducing any change. 4. Don't overdo it, if you can't find it, ask for advice, and talk with your colleagues, sometimes ranting about it also helps to find mistakes! - Personal experience! 4. I love print statements/ logs to figure out where code failed.

In remote programming jobs, effective debugging is crucial for maintaining productivity. Embracing a version control system like Git helps track changes and facilitates collaboration. Regular testing, possibly through automated test suites, catches bugs early. Utilizing logging and breakpoints allows for a systematic approach to isolating issues. Clear communication with your team is essential, especially when debugging complex problems that require collective expertise. Learning from mistakes not only improves the codebase but also personal development. Additionally, remote debugging may involve specific tools that allow for shared sessions, which can be invaluable for collaborative problem-solving.

I have always found that the debugging tips you use for local systems is the same as remote. The only real difference is that you are on a remote machine or dealing with systems that are remote and may have the element of "lag" in them. I have always found the debugging trick of putting in simple print/echo statements works just as good for remote work as local. People may scoff at the idea for being so simple and limited, but that simplicity is what makes it good if you use it correctly.