Essential JavaScript Debugging Techniques

Debugging is a critical skill for any developer. This guide covers the most effective techniques for finding and fixing bugs in your JavaScript code.

1. `console.log()`

The simplest and most common debugging tool. Use it to print the values of variables at different points in your code to trace the execution flow and inspect state.

function calculateTotal(a, b) {
  console.log('Initial values:', a, b);
  const result = a + b;
  console.log('Result:', result);
  return result;
}

2. Browser DevTools: Breakpoints

Instead of `console.log`, you can set breakpoints in your browser's developer tools. The code execution will pause at the breakpoint, allowing you to inspect the call stack, see the values of all variables in scope, and step through the code line by line.

3. The `debugger` Statement

Placing the `debugger;` statement in your code will automatically trigger a breakpoint and pause execution if the browser's developer tools are open.