Debugging Workflow

Systematic methodology for diagnosing and fixing bugs. Follow these phases in order — do not skip ahead.

Phase 1: Reproduce

Before anything else, reproduce the failure reliably.

Steps

1. Get the exact error — full traceback, not a summary
2. Find the minimal reproduction — smallest input/command that triggers it
3. Confirm it's consistent — run 3 times. Flaky? Note the frequency
4. Record the environment — Python version, OS, relevant config

Anti-patterns

• FORBIDDEN: Guessing the fix without reproducing first
• FORBIDDEN: Reading code and theorizing without running it
• FORBIDDEN: "I think I know what's wrong" before seeing the error