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Debugging technique: Check your assumptions

Similar to target fixation, you can get stuck when debugging because of an incorrect assumption.

If you are stuck, review your current assumptions. Could the bug be in a different system? A different area of the codebase? A different file?

Is there something about your development setup that changes the behaviour of the bug? Does the code assume everyone has low-latency and high-bandwidth network access?

Are the tests complete and accurate? Did the code you’re looking at ever work in the first place? Is the code even being executed? Are you running the right version?

You can get validated answers to these questions and keep ruling out assumptions. Eventually, you’ll understand the bug and have the proof to feel confident in approaching the fix.

- Karl

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