How to Debug Your Code Like a Pro Using VS Code

Debugging can either make or break your development experience. Fortunately, Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has become a powerful tool for developers wanting to debug effectively. Whether you are just starting or you code for a living, being able to debug confidently in VS Code can help you be more productive and produce cleaner code, without errors.

In this tutorial, we’ll share the debugging tools available to you in VS Code, and explain how to use them step-by-step.

🔧 Why Use VS Code for Debugging?
VS Code is not just a text editor; it is a lightweight integrated development environment (IDE) with many smart features. This is why developers prefer it for debugging:

Integrated debugger allowing breakpoints, watch expressions and conditional breakpoints
Integrated terminal
Real-time variable inspection
Extensible, with debugging extensions such as Dart/Flutter
Multiple language support JavaScript, Python, C++, etc.

🚀 Step-by-Step Guide to Debugging in VS Code

1. Install the Correct Language Extension
   Before you can debug in VS Code, make sure you have installed the language extension for the programming language you are using; for example:

Python Extension

JavaScript Debugger

C++ Extension

🔗 Pro Tip: Check out the VS Code Marketplace for more language support tools!

2. Set Breakpoints
   A breakpoint stops your program at a specific line of code (your breakpoint) so you can inspect the running code.

Click to the left of the line number or press F9

You can set multiple breakpoints to track the execution of your code

🧠 Use them to see how variable changes from line to line!

3. Once you have set your breakpoints:

Open the Run and Debug panel (the left side bar or Ctrl + Shift + D)

Click Run and Debug or press F5

Select the appropriate environment (e.g. Node.js, Python…)

VS Code may automatically create a launch.json configuration file for you.

4. Use the Debug Toolbar

Now the debugger is running, use the debug toolbar to operate debugging execution:

▶️ Continue (F5)

⏸ Pause

⏩ Step Over (F10)

⬇️ Step Into (F11)

⬆️ Step Out (Shift+F11)

🛑 Stop (Shift+F5)

5. Watch Variables and Expressions

Use the WATCH Panel for elements you would like to follow:

Add variables by hand and they will keep track of the value

Variables will be kept updated in real time as you move through code

You can also hover over variables in the editor to see the current value.

6. Use Call Stack & Breakpoint Log

In the CALL STACK panel you can see the order of function executions.
You can also see logs if you use console.log() or print() for extra information when debugging.

🛠 Pro tips for faster debugging

🧩Use Extensions such as Quokka.js for

🔄Turn on Auto Save to not miss updates while debugging

⚙️ Tailor the launch.json for intricate multi-file applications

🗂Employ Debug Console to run expressions ad hoc

Each programmer introduces bugs – experienced programmers know how to debug them effectively.

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is more than a code editor. It has a powerful debugger that helps you understand what your code is doing step by step, saving you hours of frustration.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to debug like a pro with VS Code, whether you are working with JavaScript, Node.js, or web applications.

Why Debugging Skills are Important

Debugging is more than just error correction. It’s about:

Understanding code dynamics
Uncovering latent bugs
Optimizing code
Writing cleaner, more secure code

Good debuggers are:
✅ Faster developers
✅ Better coders
✅ Capable of handling complex projects

What Makes VS Code Great for Debugging?

VS Code provides the following features for debugging:

• Breakpoints

• Viewing variables

• Step-through execution

• Tracking the call stack

• Watch expressions

• Integrated terminal

• Support for various languages through extensions

All this for free.

Step 1: Open the Debug Panel in VS Code

Open VS Code and:

• Click the Run and Debug icon on the sidebar
• Or press:
  Ctrl + Shift + D (Windows/Linux)
  Cmd + Shift + D (Mac)

This opens the Debug View.

Step 2: Set Breakpoints (Most Important Feature)

A breakpoint pauses code execution at a specific line.

How to Set a Breakpoint

• Click to the left of a line number
• A red dot appears

function add(a, b) {
  let result = a + b; // breakpoint here
  return result;
}

When execution reaches this line, VS Code pauses.

Step 3: Start Debugging

Click Run and Debug or press F5.

VS Code will:

• Run your app

• Stop at the breakpoint

• Let you inspect everything

🔍 Step 4: Inspect Variables Like a Pro

When paused:

• Hover over variables

• View values in the Variables panel

• Expand objects and arrays

This helps you catch:

• Undefined values

• Wrong data types

• Unexpected results

Step 6: Understand the Call Stack

The Call Stack reveals:

• Which function called which

• Order of execution

• Where errors occur

This is super helpful for:

• Nested functions

• Async code

• Backend APIs

Step 7: Use Watch Expressions

Watch expressions let you track values continuously.

Example

Add this to Watch:

user.age

VS Code updates it live as the code runs.

Perfect for:

• Debugging loops
• Monitoring state changes
• Watching conditions

Step 8: Debug JavaScript in the Browser

VS Code has a built-in connection with Chrome & Edge browsers.

How It Works

• Use the built-in JavaScript debugger

• Set breakpoints in frontend code

• Debug DOM & events

This is awesome for:

• React apps

• Vanilla JS websites

• Frontend bugs

Step 9: Debug Node.js Applications

VS Code is excellent for backend debugging.

Example Node.js Debug Config

{
  "type": "node",
  "request": "launch",
  "name": "Debug Node App",
  "program": "${workspaceFolder}/index.js"
}

This allows:

• API debugging
• Middleware inspection
• Database logic tracing

Frequently Asked Questions
Is VS Code sufficient for professional debugging?

Yes. Many experienced developers use VS Code on a daily basis.

Should I abandon console.log?

No – but don’t use it exclusively.

Can VS Code debug other languages?

Yes – Python, Java, C#, PHP, and many others (with extensions).

📌 Final Words
Keep learning about breakpoints, watch expressions, and stack tracing — all of which contribute to an even more efficient debugging experience in the future.

At FlymingoTech.in, we want to help novice and experienced developers keep up to date with all the latest tech trends, learning guides, and tool reviews. If you are looking to stay on top of programming in 2025 and beyond, we have all of the resources you need.