Debugging isn't the most enjoyable aspect of software development, but, whether you like it or not, it is an integral component of building applications. This means that it is essential to learn how to efficiently debug problems. But where do you start? Which tools do you have at your disposal? And when should you use which tool?
This week I would like to focus on debugging problems using Xcode and the tools it includes to debug problems. The first question I would like to address is simple. Where do you start?
Where to Start
Xcode's debugging tools can be a bit overwhelming if you're new to them. You can use breakpoints, inspect the output in the console, or debug the view hierarchy of your application. But it goes without saying that not every debugging tool is a good fit for every scenario. The view debugger won't be very useful if you're tracking down a memory leak.
In today's episode, I describe a simple workflow to debug issues using Xcode and the tools it includes to debug problems. Later this week, we explore each of these tools in more detail. Like I said, not every tool is useful for every scenario.
Don't Feel Discouraged
Debugging problems can be frustrating and it can be infuriating if you didn't write the code you're debugging. But, at the end of the day, you need to find the bug and squash it. That's your job.
If you're new to software development, then it may be discouraging to spend hours or even days debugging the same problem. Don't feel discouraged. This is normal and it doesn't mean you're not good at what you do. Like writing code, it takes time to become efficient at debugging problems.
Don't hesitate to reach out to your peers if you feel stuck. An extra pair of eyes can sometimes do wonders.
