Print Debugging
Print debugging is a debugging technique where developers insert print statements (e.g., using console.log in JavaScript or print in Python) into their code to output variable values, execution flow, or other diagnostic information during runtime. It helps identify issues by revealing the state of the program at specific points, making it a simple and widely used method for troubleshooting. Despite its simplicity, it is often considered a basic or ad-hoc approach compared to more advanced debugging tools.
Developers should use print debugging when they need a quick, low-overhead way to inspect code behavior, especially in early development stages, small projects, or environments where integrated debuggers are unavailable. It is particularly useful for debugging simple logic errors, checking data flow, or verifying function outputs in scripting languages like Python or JavaScript. However, for complex issues or large codebases, more systematic debugging methods are recommended to avoid cluttering code and improve efficiency.