abstract.txt

Python Debugging: Beyond print

What do you do when you see an exception stacktrace? Unless it is a simple error, you examine the runtime state that caused it. Many developers do that with print and logging, which works well for simple cases but becomes complex with more moving parts involved. Fortunately, there is a built-in Python debugger pdb and its improved iPython-powered wrapper ipdb, which lets you pause a running program, read and change its state, and even control the execution flow. Ipdb is most useful in post-mortem mode: one can explore the whole stacktrace after an exception has occurred and interactively collect all the relevant information in one go instead of printing one variable at a time.

This workshop is a hands-on tutorial on ipdb in Python 3. The exercises include configuring, launching, and navigating ipdb. If we have enough time we may also look at how to extend the default debugger class. The workshop aims to sharpen your debugging skills by having a faster feedback loop in testing bug origin theories. Follow along if you bring a laptop, otherwise the code and slides will be posted on Github. Your system must have python 3.7, git and virtualenv installed.

Audience level: Intermediate

Speaker: Timofey Tipishev, Sportamore AB.