We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
RailsConf 2023 - Merged PRs: An Untapped Resource for Practice and Exploration by Thomas Countz
Developing skills in merged pull requests and systematic debugging approaches to become a more efficient and confident developer.
- Merged pull requests (PRs) can be an untapped resource for practice and exploration in Rails development.
- Debugging is a costly and vital part of software development, but it’s often not taught formally.
- Most developers learn debugging through trial and error, community resources, and online forums.
- One way to approach debugging is by using a systematic approach, including setting up an environment, identifying problems, and evaluating solutions.
- Another approach is to employ the scientific method, observing, hypothesizing, and testing.
- Some key competencies for debugging include identifying problems, reproducing issues, and using debugging tools effectively.
- A suggested exercise is to set up an environment, find a merged PR, and try to debug it.
- This exercise can help developers become better debuggers by practicing with real-world examples.
- It’s also important to use a low-stakes environment and to focus on learning and growing rather than feeling pressure to produce working code.
- Some useful debugging tools and techniques include Pry, Pry-rescue, and the Rails debugger.
- Merged PRs can be filtered for bug fixes, linked issues, or specific components.
- It’s important to evaluate your solution, try to compare it to the actual solution, and reflect on your debugging experience.
-
The Costs of Debugging
- Average software developer spends 35-50% of their time on debugging tasks.
- Debugging costs money.
- 25-50% of developers reported no formal education in debugging.
- Debugging is not taught in school or university.
- Debugging is not seen as a key part of software development.
-
Some interesting debugging tools and techniques include:
- Pry
- Pry-rescue
- Rails debugger
- RDBG VS code extension
- Flame graphs
- The importance of debugging cannot be overstated, as it can help developers become more confident, competent, and efficient.
- Debugging can also help developers to learn and grow, and to become better developers overall.
- The community should lead the way in debugging education and research.
- The industry should also recognize the importance of debugging and provide more resources and support for developers.
- Debugging is not just about fixing bugs, it’s also about learning and growing as a developer.
- The more we learn about debugging, the better we can become at it.
- Debugging is a never-ending process, and it’s important to stay curious and keep learning.
- It’s also important to recognize that debugging is not just about finding bugs, it’s also about understanding the underlying causes of those bugs.