slug: debugging-systematically
title: "Systematic Debugging — From Symptom to Root Cause"
version: 1.0.0
description: "Apply the scientific method to debugging: reproduce, hypothesize, test, and conclude."
category: developer-skills
tags: [debugging, troubleshooting, problem-solving, developer-tools, root-cause]
difficulty: beginner

xp:
  read: 10
  walkthrough: 30
  exercise: 20
  quiz: 15
  quiz-perfect-bonus: 10
  game: 25
  game-perfect-bonus: 15

time:
  quick: 5
  read: 15
  guided: 40

prerequisites: []
related: [code-review, test-strategy]

triggers:
  - "How do I debug effectively?"
  - "How do I find the root cause of a bug?"
  - "What's a systematic approach to debugging?"
  - "How do I use breakpoints and debugger tools?"

visuals:
  diagrams: [diagram-flow, diagram-mermaid]
  quiz-types: [quiz-drag-order, quiz-timed-choice]
  game-types: [scenario, speed-round]
  playground: javascript
  web-embeds: true
  slides: true

sources:
  - url: "https://www.nickjanetakis.com/blog/debugging-9-rules-from-david-j-agans"
    label: "Debugging — 9 Rules (David Agans summary)"
    type: docs
  - url: "https://www.amazon.com/Debugging-David-J-Agans/dp/0814474578"
    label: "Debugging by David Agans (book)"
    type: book