An In- Deep Guide to Effectively Manage and Resolve Bugs: Guide to Excelling in Software Development Beyond Coding Skills(Part 5)
Master the art of bug management and resolution with this comprehensive guide, taking you software development skills to the next level beyond coding
Overview
In this article, we will focus entirely on resolving bugs. However, before we embark on the technical process, I would like to share two essential tips that must be taken into consideration before addressing any bug.
- Acquaint yourself with your relevant toolkit
Similar to any other expert in their field, software engineers must posses a thorough understanding of their tools, especially when it comes to debugging. Adequate familiarity with these tools can significantly save time in the troubleshooting process. Several tools are available for use, including:
- Debugger -> The debugger offers functionality such as conditional breakpoints, step-back, and other related feature.
- IDE -> To provide an instance, consider the stack trace, where the existing variable values are visible. Additionally, it is essential to know where to define the products for compilation and set the sensitivity level for errors.
2. Documenting the bugs
Proper documentation is essential in accomplishing tasks, particularly when it comes to resolving bugs. There is nothing more frustrating than spending time debugging a scenario test case only to find that the result is exactly what you expected. To avoid this, it is crucial to document the steps you have taken. Moreover, documenting your process will help other developers take over the task should you become unable to complete it. Overall, the importance of thorough documentation cannot be overstated, as it allows for more efficient and effective task resolution:
- When it comes to bugs, it is crucial to proceed with caution and ensure that any theories regarding the root cause of the issue are thoroughly tested and validated. This means having solid evidence to either confirm or disprove such theories before proceeding with any further steps.
- Pinpointing the exact location of code failure often requires a series of manual tests and a through review of the results.
- The value of conversing with teammates and review code cannot be overstated, as the insights gained from these interactions are invaluable.
It is easy to get bogged down in confusion, and even the smallest misstep can cost hours of work. That is why it is so important to document your processes. writing things down is a simple yet effective way to avoid confusion and ensure that your work is as efficient as possible. To make sure your documentation is thorough and effective, there are four key factors to consider. What did you try, and what results did you get?
- What are clues you have uncovered so far that may be helpful in identifying the root cause of the problem?
- What are you next steps in addressing the issue and preventing it from happening again in the future?
- Are there any other important details or pieces of information that may be useful in resolving the problem? By keeping there questions in mind, you will be able to approach problem-solving more systematically and comprehensively.
Before we start into technical fixing bug, obviously all bugs, a difference are not all steps will relevant for all bugs.
Bug Solving Stages
1. Collecting the Information
To effectively address bugs, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the intended behavior and specifications of the system. This is particularly important when it comes to fixing bugs, for two primary reasons
- Understanding the Expected Behavior
Understanding the correct behavior is crucial in solving a bug, as it might turn out that what was reported as a bug is not a bug at all. For instance, as QA person might report a malfunction in not seeing a product on the product list, bug after read the specifications, it might be become clear that the products being shipped to customers are not supposed to be shown on that list. In such cases, it is important to have a clear understanding of the intended behavior to avoid wasting time on something that is not a bug.
- Understand the impact of changing features
To avoid introducing unintended consequences while fixing a bug, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the system’s architecture and interdependent features. Altering a specific functionality may have a ripple effect on other parts of the system, potentially leading to new bugs or breaking previously functional code. By thoroughly understanding the functionality and it is potential impacts , developers can make informed decisions and take appropriate measures to mitigate any negative effects on the system as a whole.
- Reproduce the Bug to Gain Clarity
On e of the essential steps is identifying and solving a bug is reproducing it firsthand. Without a firsthand account, it can be challenging to grasp the intricacies of the bug’s behavior and identify its root cause. By reproducing the bug, you can gain insight into the underlying issues and understand how they interact with the systems’s functionality. This knowledge can the be leveraged to develop targeted solutions that address the root cause of the bug, rather than merely treating its symptoms. Reproducing the bug provides a unique opportunity to view the system in action, offering and unparalleled understanding of its behavior and functionality.
- Identify the Root Cause
When faced with a bug in a system, it is important to isolate the exact point of failure to efficiently resolve the issue. For instance, if a process for importing product data triggers an error, one could begin by determining whether the error is a result of the network configuration or the volume of data being imported. To do this, one could test the process from within the organizational network and the attempt to import products from a single category to determine if the issue lies with the volume of data. Once the issue has been narrowed down to a specific category, further testing could be done to isolate the exact products causing the error. By taking a systematic approach to isolate the exact point of failure, one can streamline the debugging process and quickly resolve the issue at hand.
2. Preparing for Debugging
Tips to consider before starting your debugging process
- Gain a thorough understanding of the code flow
- Reproduce the issue locally to observe the problem first-hand
- Consider refactoring code to improve readability and reduce complexity
Effective debugging requires thorough preparation before diving into the code. Understanding the code flow is essential to isolate the issue and determine its root cause. Reproducing the issue locally allows you to observe the problem and its behavior in the context of your development environtment. Additionally, refactoring code to improve readability and reduce complexity can make the debugging process smoother and more efficient. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success and approach the debugging process with a clear and focused mindset.
3. Debug Action
- Articulate Clearly
The ability to describe the problem with precision and detail can lead to faster problem-solving. It helps identify and narrow down the assumptions made in the code and the root cause the bug.
- Doubt Your Assumptions
It’s common to make assumptions about the code that may not be true. Instead of accepting assumptions as facts, consider other possibilities that may exist. By questioning assumptions, you can more accurately diagnose the problem.
- Consider Alternatives
Sometimes, fixing the bug may not the best approach. You may need to consider other ways of achieving the same outcome, such as using existing code or rewriting code. Be open to alternative solutions that can address the problem effectively.
- Understand Before Changing
Changing code without fully understanding it can lead to further issues down the line. Only modify code that you fully comprehend to avoid making the problem worse.
4. Retesting Solutions
The purpose of retesting is:
- Verify that the fixed issue is working correctly
- Ensure that other functions that were previously working are still working as intended
After fixing an issue, it is important to verify that the solution is effective and does not introduce new problems. This can accomplished through retesting. Retesting ensures that the original issue has been resolved and that other functions that were previously working as expected still work properly. It is crucial to perform thorough retesting before releasing the code to production to prevent any potential regressions. This process will not only help to ensure that the issue is fixed but also maintain the overall quality and functionality of the system.
