How to Debug in VS Code: A Simple Guide for Faster Fixes

If you’ve ever stared blankly at your screen wondering why your code isn’t working—you’re not alone. Bugs happen. They’re inevitable. But fixing them doesn’t have to feel like rocket science.

Whether you’re a beginner just getting your feet wet or a seasoned developer who’s tired of digging through console logs, Visual Studio Code (VS Code) offers one of the most powerful, user-friendly debugging experiences available. The secret lies in using it the right way.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to debug in VS Code, step by step. No fluff. Just practical techniques, pro tips, and real examples that’ll help you squash bugs faster—and feel smarter doing it.

Why Debugging in VS Code is a Game Changer

VS Code is more than just a code editor—it’s a powerhouse with built-in debugging tools that can help you:

Set breakpoints and step through code
Inspect variables and call stacks in real-time
View output directly in the Debug Console
Easily debug JavaScript, Python, C++, and more

You don’t need to switch tools or clutter your screen with third-party extensions. VS Code puts debugging at your fingertips, right where you’re already writing code.

Getting Started: Setting Up Debugging in VS Code

1. Install the Right Extensions

Before you can debug in VS Code, make sure you’ve installed the relevant language extension. For example:

JavaScript/TypeScript: No extra extension needed
Python: Install the Python extension by Microsoft
C/C++: Install the C/C++ extension by Microsoft
Java: Use the Extension Pack for Java

Once installed, VS Code will recognize your language and provide debugging options accordingly.

How to Debug in VS Code: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Let’s walk through debugging a simple JavaScript function to understand the basics. The steps are similar for most languages.

Example Code: `index.js`

function greet(name) {
  const message = "Hello, " + name.toUpperCase();
  return message;
}

const result = greet("world");
console.log(result);

Let’s say your app is crashing because name is undefined somewhere. Here’s how to find and fix the issue using VS Code’s debugger.

Step 1: Open the Run and Debug Panel

Click on the Run and Debug icon on the left sidebar (or press Ctrl+Shift+D)
Click “Run and Debug” or choose your environment (e.g., Node.js)

Step 2: Add a Breakpoint

Breakpoints tell VS Code to pause execution so you can inspect what’s going on.

Click in the gutter (the space to the left of the line numbers) next to a line you want to inspect—like:

const message = "Hello, " + name.toUpperCase();

A red dot appears to indicate the breakpoint.

Step 3: Start Debugging

Press F5 or click the green Play button in the debug panel
VS Code will start your app and pause at your breakpoint
Now you can examine the current state of your program

Step 4: Inspect Variables and the Call Stack

Look at the Variables panel to see the value of name. Maybe it’s undefined. Maybe it’s null. Either way, you’ve just pinpointed the problem without needing to spam console.log.

Use the Call Stack to trace where the function was called from—super useful in larger codebases.

Step 5: Step Through the Code

Use these controls in the Debug Toolbar:

Step Over (F10) – Executes the next line without stepping into functions
Step Into (F11) – Enters into the next function call
Step Out (Shift+F11) – Leaves the current function
Restart (Ctrl+Shift+F5) – Restarts the debug session

These let you move through your code one line at a time, catching issues as they happen.

Advanced Debugging Features You Should Know

Watch Expressions

Need to keep an eye on a specific variable or calculation?

Use the Watch panel to monitor expressions in real time.
Perfect for tracking changes across multiple iterations or function calls.

Conditional Breakpoints

Only want to pause when a variable has a specific value?

Right-click your breakpoint → Edit Breakpoint
Enter a condition like name === undefined

This keeps your debugging efficient and focused.

Logpoints

Instead of using console.log(), use Logpoints to print values without changing your code.

Right-click the gutter → Add Logpoint
Example: Value of name is {name}

VS Code will output that to the Debug Console during runtime—without stopping the app.

Debugging Different Languages in VS Code

VS Code supports debugging across a wide variety of languages. Here’s a quick guide:

Language	Debug Setup Needed?	Extension
JavaScript	No	Built-in
TypeScript	No	Built-in
Python	Yes	Python extension
Java	Yes	Extension Pack for Java
C/C++	Yes	C/C++ extension
Go	Yes	Go extension

Each language might need its own launch.json configuration, but VS Code can auto-generate it in most cases.

Common Debugging Mistakes to Avoid

Even with powerful tools, debugging can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are a few traps to watch for:

Skipping breakpoints: Don’t just rely on logs—use breakpoints strategically.
Ignoring the call stack: This is where the real story is told.
Not stepping through your code: Debugging is about observation, not guessing.
Forgetting to check scope: Variables change in different contexts. Keep an eye on where you are.

Conclusion: Mastering Debugging = Mastering Development

Learning how to debug in VS Code isn’t just about fixing bugs—it’s about becoming a better developer.

Once you understand how to leverage breakpoints, step through your code, and monitor variables, you’ll write cleaner code and fix problems faster. You’ll stop guessing and start diagnosing like a pro.

So next time something breaks (and it will), open up VS Code, fire up the debugger, and handle it with confidence.

Ready to level up?
Start your next debugging session in VS Code with a clear head and this guide by your side. Want more hands-on tips like this? Subscribe to our newsletter and stay ahead of the curve.

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