Front-End Debugging Methods

If you’ve ever worked on a website or web app, you know that bugs can be frustrating. Things break, pages don’t look right, buttons don’t work — it’s all part of the job. But don’t worry! Debugging is a skill, and the more you practice, the better you get. In this blog, we’ll go over some common front-end debugging methods that every developer should know.

1. Use the Browser DevTools

Every major browser (like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) comes with built-in developer tools. You can open them by right-clicking on a page and selecting “Inspect”, or by pressing F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I.

Here’s what you can do with DevTools:

• Console: Shows you errors and messages. If something isn’t working, check here first.
• Elements: Lets you inspect the HTML and CSS of any element on the page.
• Network: See if your files are loading properly or if there are issues with your API calls.
• Sources: View your JavaScript files and set breakpoints to pause and inspect your code.

2. Console Logging

Using console.log() in your JavaScript code helps you see what’s going on. You can log values, messages, or even errors. For example:

console.log("The function ran!");
console.log("User data:", user);

Don’t forget: remove or comment them out later — your future self will thank you.

3. Peek into the Network Tab

So your app is supposed to fetch data from an API… but it’s stuck loading forever? Time to visit the Network tab.

It shows:

• If the request was sent
• How long it took
• What the response was
• Any errors (like 404 Not Found or 500 Server Error)

It’s like checking the mail — did the letter get sent? Did the server write back? Did it say “Sorry, I don’t know you”? The Network tab knows all.

4. Layout Looks Broken? Inspect the Element

If something looks wrong on the page — like text overlapping, images disappearing, or buttons misbehaving — go to the Elements tab.

Hover over the code, and the browser will highlight the part on the page. You can even change the CSS live to test what fixes the issue. Want to move a box 10px to the right? Try it and see right away.

It’s like digital play-dough for web pages.

5. Breakpoints — Pause and Inspect

JavaScript bugs can be sneaky. If logging isn’t helping, use a breakpoint in the Sources tab.

This lets you pause your code at a certain line and see:

• What values your variables have
• Which functions were called
• What’s going to happen next

It’s like freezing time to investigate a crime scene — everything stops until you say go.

6. Test Different Devices with Device Mode

Websites don’t just live on big desktop screens — they live in phones, tablets, and even tiny smart fridges (maybe). Use the Device Mode in DevTools (click the little phone/tablet icon) to test your layout on different screen sizes.

You can switch between devices like iPhones, Androids, and iPads to make sure everything still looks great.

Bonus: You can even simulate slow internet to see how your app behaves on a bad connection. Yay, realism!

7. Use Linters and Formatters

Before bugs even show up, tools like ESLint or Prettier can catch mistakes early.

They’ll tell you things like:

• “You forgot a semicolon.”
• “This variable is declared but never used.”
• “Your code looks like a tornado wrote it. Let’s clean it up.”

Most code editors like VS Code can run these tools automatically as you type.

8. Clear Your Cache (Seriously, Do It)

Sometimes your browser is too smart for its own good. It saves old versions of your files, which means you might be fixing bugs that already got fixed — but the browser hasn’t noticed yet.

To make sure you’re seeing the latest version:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + R for a hard reload
• Or clear your browser cache manually

It’s like refreshing your brain after a long nap — everything just works better.

9. VS Code Tips That Make Debugging Easier

If you’re using Visual Studio Code (VS Code) — and let’s be real, most of us are — there are a bunch of features that can make debugging faster and less frustrating. Here are some you should definitely try:

A. Use Breakpoints in VS Code

Did you know you can debug directly in VS Code — without even opening the browser’s DevTools? If you set up a launch configuration, you can:

• Add breakpoints by clicking next to the line numbers
• Run your code in debug mode
• Step through your JavaScript or TypeScript line-by-line

It works especially well with React, Next.js, or when using Node.js with front-end tools.

B. Use Extensions Like “Debugger for Chrome”

Install the Debugger for Chrome extension in VS Code. It connects your editor to your browser, so you can debug code in the browser while staying inside VS Code. No more switching back and forth!

C. Auto-Fix Code with ESLint + Prettier

Set up ESLint and Prettier extensions to automatically format your code and catch common issues as you type. You can even enable “Format on Save”, so your code stays clean without lifting a finger.

D. Peek Definitions and Go to References

Right-click on a variable or function and choose “Go to Definition” or “Find All References”. It’s perfect for tracking down where something is defined or used — especially in big projects where bugs hide in unexpected places.

E. Use TODO Comments

Leave little notes for yourself with // TODO: or // FIXME: in your code. Extensions like TODO Highlight will color-code them so they stand out. Great for reminding yourself, “Come back and fix this later!”

Final Thoughts

Debugging front-end code can be a rollercoaster. One minute you’re panicking over a broken layout, the next you feel like a superhero for fixing a bug that’s been haunting you all day.

The key is to stay calm, use the right tools and enjoy the learning process. Every bug is a puzzle, and you’re the one with the map.

So next time something breaks, smile. You’re just one step closer to mastering the art of debugging.

Happy coding!