How do you approach debugging issues in your code when you encounter unexpected behavior?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and your methodical approach to debugging when faced with unexpected behavior in your code. To effectively answer, describe your debugging process, highlighting key steps such as: identifying the problem, isolating the issue, testing hypotheses, and documenting your findings. Consider mentioning tools or techniques you commonly use to aid in debugging.

When I encounter unexpected behavior in my code, I first try to reproduce the issue to confirm it's a consistent problem. Next, I will examine recent changes in the code that may have introduced the bug. I usually use debugging tools like breakpoints and step-through features in my IDE to isolate where the code deviates from expected behavior. Once I've narrowed down the problematic area, I can review the logic and test various inputs to understand what's causing the issue. Finally, I document the steps taken, along with the solution, to enhance future debugging efforts.

My approach to debugging starts with identifying the specific conditions under which the issue occurs. I analyze the logs and error messages to gain insights into potential causes. I often employ a divide-and-conquer strategy, temporarily removing or commenting out parts of the code to see if the problem persists. If necessary, I will write unit tests to confirm the functionality of suspect code segments. After fixing the issue, I run regression tests to ensure no new problems have been introduced. Throughout the process, I keep detailed notes to help with similar issues in the future.