How I fix bugs

• First, if possible, I reproduce the bug and check what’s wrong: what’s not working or working but not in the desired way
• I look for the piece/pieces of code where the bug occurs and track the changes in the data

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• Depending on what I’m working on, I try to get more insight into the data.

If it’s in JavaScript, I use:

console.log(data)

If it’s in Ruby, I use:

binding.pry

If it’s in haml, I use:

%p data

• If needed, I put these on every other line of code and inspect the changes in the data flow
• Usually, by this time, it’s already obvious what’s wrong so I start fixing the bug (and google if I get stuck)

Fixing bugs is an essential part of a Software Engineer’s job whether you like it or not. Treat it as a way to advance your skills and get valuable experience, and maybe someday you’ll start enjoying it (or not).

How do you usually fix bugs?