debugging

Root-cause debugging is a structured workflow that diagnoses bugs using evidence-based hypothesis testing rather than trial-and-error. It ensures you identify and resolve the actual source of the failure, preventing regressions and preserving durable context.

To debug a failing test case, run the baseline suite, identify the failing case, formulate an evidence-based hypothesis, implement a minimal fix, and verify the change. This structured workflow ensures traceability and regression avoidance.

This debugging workflow is specifically applicable to software projects with test suites. It requires baseline tests to verify failures and validate fixes, making it unsuitable for projects lacking automated test coverage.

The best way to document debugging decisions is by logging hypothesis justifications and change verifications throughout the multi-phase workflow. This preserves durable context and ensures traceability for future regression avoidance.

You should run baseline tests before formulating a debugging hypothesis to establish a clear evidence-based starting point. This ensures you identify the exact failing case and verify that your minimal fix actually resolves the root-cause.