I often find myself lost when my program runs but delivers incorrect output. I spend a lot of time trying random fixes—like logging values, rereading my code, and Googling solutions—without following a clear process. I want to learn about the systematic mental steps you all take to identify bugs effectively. How do you narrow down the issue instead of relying on guesswork? I'm interested in hearing about your workflow for tackling these kinds of problems.
1 Answer
I like to start with the output and work backwards. It gives you a clear direction to follow. First, I pinpoint what went wrong and then trace back the logic that led there.
That's good advice! A tip I'd add is to write down the expected output compared to what you got to keep your focus. This way, you're not just aimlessly digging through the code.