Choosing Your Path
5. Making the Right Decision for Your Code
Okay, so we've explored the pros and cons of both debugging and running without debugging. But how do you actually decide which approach is right for you in a given situation? Here are some key factors to consider:
Complexity: How complex is the code you're working with? If it's a simple script with a few lines of code, running without debugging might be perfectly fine. But if it's a large, intricate program with lots of moving parts, debugging is almost certainly the way to go. The more complex the code, the more opportunities there are for things to go wrong, and the more important it is to have a good debugging strategy.
Experience: How experienced are you as a programmer? If you're a beginner, you might want to err on the side of debugging, as it will help you understand how your code works and identify common errors. As you gain more experience, you'll become better at spotting potential problems and knowing when you can get away with running without debugging. This skill is developed over time by understanding the coding patterns!
Risk: What are the potential consequences of an error? If a bug could lead to data loss, security vulnerabilities, or system crashes, debugging is a must. But if the worst that could happen is a slightly incorrect output, you might be able to take a chance and run without debugging. Risk assesment is a part of every code before submitting.
Time: How much time do you have? Debugging can be time-consuming, so if you're under pressure to deliver results quickly, you might be tempted to run without debugging. However, keep in mind that spending a little extra time debugging upfront can often save you a lot of time in the long run, by preventing more serious problems from cropping up later. The most important is deliver code on time.
