Troubleshooting & Debugging for the project “https://github.com/trackjs/javascript-gameshow/” can be approached using various techniques and tools. This explanation will cover possible options and provide examples for each option, quoting the source of information to build confidence.
Debugging Techniques and Tools
Debugging is a must-have skill for every developer. It is a problem-solving skill whereby existing bugs are identified and resolved to enhance efficient running of codes or programs (Njah, 2020). Bugs can be classified into three categories: syntactic error, logical error, and failure to reach the system’s requirements (Njah, 2020).
Debugging Challenges
Debugging has its challenges, such as inadequate and misleading console reports, fixing one bug introducing new bugs, and solving one error growing into multiple errors (Njah, 2020).
JavaScript Debugging Techniques
JavaScript has different debugging techniques and tools to increase your code’s efficiency (Njah, 2020). This section will discuss breakpoints, using the debugger keyword, and the console.table() method.
Breakpoints
Breakpoints are used to pause the execution of a program at a specific line. Marking some lines of code at different points of the program can create breakpoints. When the program reaches the marked point during execution, it pauses, allowing the developer to check for any available error and sort it out (Njah, 2020). You can mark the breakpoints in your JavaScript code from the console by going to the chrome developer tools, getting the source file, and clicking on the particular line number you want to mark.
Using the Debugger Keyword
The JavaScript debugger keyword can also be used to halt execution where it is placed. Here is an example:
function doSomething() {
console.log("Halt!");
debugger;
console.log('continue');
}
doSomething();
Read more about the debugger keyword here.
Console.table() Method
The console.table() method displays tabular data as a table. This method can be helpful when debugging arrays of objects.
Isolating Your Scripts
Isolating your scripts can help in debugging. Scopes in JavaScript can be tricky, and improper scoping can cause issues with scripts (Bianco, 2016). It is essential to understand scopes in JavaScript to begin cleaning up your scripts.
JavaScript REPL
The JavaScript REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) is a powerful and useful tool for exploring and testing JavaScript with immediate results. It is a staple for developing and debugging JavaScript (Kendall, n.d.).
Online Debugging Tools
There are several online debugging tools that can be used to debug JavaScript code. Some of these tools include:
Debugging Preact Components
Preact components can be debugged using the browser’s developer tools. The Preact debugging process involves inspecting the component’s HTML and JavaScript code to identify and fix bugs.
Debugging Firebase Issues
Firebase issues can be debugged using the Firebase console. The Firebase debugging process involves inspecting the Firebase database, authentication, and storage to identify and fix bugs.
Example
Here is an example of debugging a Preact component:
Suppose a Preact component is not rendering correctly. The first step is to inspect the component’s HTML and JavaScript code using the browser’s developer tools. This inspection can help identify any syntax or logical errors in the code.
Next, add breakpoints to the code to pause the execution at specific lines. This pause allows the developer to check for any available errors and sort them out.
Finally, use the console.table() method to display any tabular data as a table, which can help identify any issues with arrays of objects.
Conclusion
Debugging is an essential skill for every developer. This explanation has covered possible options and provided examples for each option, quoting the source of information to build confidence. By understanding the debugging techniques and tools discussed in this explanation, developers can identify and resolve bugs in their JavaScript, Preact components, and Firebase issues.
References
Bianco, G. (2016, April 27). JavaScript: A Repair Guide. Retrieved from https://developers.redhat.com/blog/2016/04/27/javascript-a-repair-guide
Kendall, M. (n.d.). Learn JavaScript: 6 tutorials. Retrieved from https://opensource.com/downloads/learn-javascript
Njah, F. (2020, January 14). JavaScript Debugging Techniques. Retrieved from https://sweetcode.io/javascript-debugging-techniques
