systematic-debugging

A systematic debugging protocol is a structured, four-phase workflow that diagnoses regression failures through evidence gathering, pattern analysis, hypothesis testing, and root-cause fixes rather than guessing.

You debug flaky tests by following a structured four-phase workflow: gather evidence and logs, analyze patterns, test hypotheses, and apply root-cause fixes while maintaining an auditable log with a three-attempt cap.

Use a structured debugging workflow when you face flaky tests, regression failures after changes, or acceptance criteria misalignment, ensuring you identify root causes and maintain an audit trail instead of relying on ad hoc guessing.

The best way to find the root cause is to apply the four-phase protocol: collect all relevant logs and traces, analyze failure patterns, test hypotheses, and implement a fix while documenting the entire process in an audit log.

Yes, the debugging protocol enforces a three-attempt cap for hypothesis testing and fixes, requiring you to escalate the issue if the root cause remains unresolved after three documented attempts.

You need an audit log during debugging to document all collected evidence, hypotheses, tests, results, and resolutions, ensuring the process remains repeatable and providing a clear record for escalation when needed.