Debug Manual (for non technicals)
Unlocking the Art of Troubleshooting
In a world increasingly dominated by software, knowing how to debug is comparable to being able to change a car tire—it's an essential skill. Just as you don't need to be an auto mechanic to master the basics, I'll demystify the concept of debugging. It's valuable for those in technical fields, but the fundamentals are accessible to everyone.
Debugging is the art of identifying and fixing issues (bugs) in software, hardware, or any engineered device. This method can address any technical problem with a predictable outcome. Beyond just coding, these principles are applicable to all types of software and hardware. Daily-use software systems, built on specific instructions, are inherently logical and, theoretically, can be understood by examining these guidelines. Each system is accompanied by a form of 'manual'—a blueprint of its operational design—allowing for the diagnosis of problems through the interpretation of these instructions. This is in stark contrast to biological or natural systems, which don't come with clear guidelines, making them significantly more challenging to diagnose than systems created by people. In sum, debugging is much easier than it might initially appear.
Example
"I’m unable to complete my air ticket purchase..."
1. Change the Environment
Just as in cooking, where the choice of appliance (oven, stovetop, grill) can dramatically alter the outcome of a dish, in troubleshooting software or hardware issues, changing the "environment" can be equally transformative. The environment, in this context, refers to the software platform or system where your application operates. For instance, a web browser acts as an environment for websites, much like how a grill provides a unique cooking environment compared to an oven. If you're experiencing difficulty with a task, such as booking an airline ticket on a website, consider changing the environment—switching browsers or devices, for example—much like you might switch from baking to grilling to achieve another result.
Seeing a new problem when you change the environment is actually good—it means you're making progress. Think of it as detective work: every new clue, even if it's a different issue, helps you get closer to the solution. It's about narrowing down the possibilities and finding out what works and what doesn't.
2. Change the Variables
If changing the environment doesn't solve the issue, it's time to tweak the variables. Variables are the inputs you provide in your environment, such as keys for doors or letters for a mailbox. In cooking, think of them as the choice of ingredients when making a dish.
In the airline website example, try using a different email or credit card. Altering these inputs can sometimes bypass the issue, much like trying a different key for a door.
3. Check the Connections
The connection is the bridge that transports your information from one environment to another. Much like physical bridges, these connections can sometimes be compromised — they might be blocked, malfunctioning, or unable to reach their destination.
If you're encountering issues, consider trying alternative routes. For instance, if you're connected to Wi-Fi and experiencing problems, switch to your 4G network, use a different Wi-Fi network, or, if possible, connect directly using an Ethernet cable.
Finally: Reset the Environment, Variables, or Connections
Resetting is a fundamental troubleshooting step. Systems operate through changes in states, and resetting can clear a corrupt state, commonly seen in scenarios like Bluetooth connectivity issues. For example, if your Apple CarPlay stops displaying on your car dashboard, removing the previous connection settings (variables) and restarting both devices can often resolve the problem.
It's important to remember that software is created by humans, who can make mistakes, leading to bugs and glitches. Every computer system has its vulnerabilities. If you're unable to resolve an issue, providing detailed information to technical support can lead to a more effective solution. Don't omit any details, as software is continuously updated and evolving—unlike a conventional washing machine, which remains the same after manufacture. Regular updates can fix known issues, so keeping your systems up-to-date is crucial.
Happy Debugging!
amazing point of view!