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🔍 Module 14: Debugging

Debugging is the process of finding and fixing bugs (defects) in your code. It's a critical skill that separates productive developers from frustrated ones.

This module covers: - Print debugging - The simplest and often most effective approach - Using debuggers - Step through code interactively with pdb - Reading tracebacks - Understand Python's error messages - Common bugs - Recognize and fix frequent mistakes

Estimated Time: 5-7 hours Prerequisites: Modules 01-08 Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate

📚 Topics Covered

# Topic Description Key Concepts
01 Print Debugging Strategic print statements print(), f-strings, logging
02 Using Debuggers Interactive debugging with pdb breakpoint(), stepping, inspection
03 Reading Tracebacks Understanding error messages stack traces, exception chains
04 Common Bugs Frequent mistakes and fixes off-by-one, mutation, scope issues

🎯 Learning Goals

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Use print statements strategically to trace program flow.
  • Navigate the Python debugger (pdb) to step through code.
  • Read and interpret tracebacks to locate bugs quickly.
  • Recognize common bug patterns and know how to fix them.
  • Develop a systematic debugging mindset.

📂 Module Structure

14_debugging/
├── README.md
├── 01_print_debugging/
│   ├── README.md
│   ├── examples.py
│   ├── exercises.py
│   └── quiz.md
├── 02_using_debuggers/
│   ├── README.md
│   ├── examples.py
│   ├── exercises.py
│   └── quiz.md
├── 03_reading_tracebacks/
│   ├── README.md
│   ├── examples.py
│   ├── exercises.py
│   └── quiz.md
└── 04_common_bugs/
    ├── README.md
    ├── examples.py
    ├── exercises.py
    └── quiz.md

🧠 The Debugging Mindset

  1. Reproduce - Can you make the bug happen consistently?
  2. Isolate - What's the smallest code that shows the problem?
  3. Understand - What did you expect vs. what happened?
  4. Fix - Change the code to correct the behavior.
  5. Verify - Does the fix work? Did it break anything else?

💡 Debugging Strategies

Strategy When to Use
Print debugging Quick checks, simple bugs
Debugger (pdb) Complex logic, need to inspect state
Rubber duck Explaining code reveals assumptions
Binary search Narrow down where bug occurs
Read the docs API misunderstanding
Take a break Fresh eyes see more

Start here: 01_print_debugging