Bugs are an unavoidable part of software development, regardless of experience level. What separates beginners from experienced developers is not the absence of bugs, but how they approach and solve them. Understanding the lifecycle of a bug helps beginners see problems as part of the process rather than personal failures.
The lifecycle begins with discovery. Bugs are often discovered through unexpected behavior, broken features, or error messages in the browser’s Developer Tools console. Instead of panicking, developers learn to observe carefully. Error messages, stack traces, and console logs provide valuable clues about what went wrong and where.
The next stage is investigation and fixing, which happens in the code editor, usually VS Code. Developers analyze the problem, test assumptions, and adjust logic or syntax. Tools such as breakpoints, console logs, and step-by-step debugging help isolate the root cause. This stage strengthens problem-solving skills and deepens understanding of how the code works.
Once the bug is fixed, the final step is recording the solution using Git and GitHub. The fix is committed with a clear message describing what was changed and why. This creates a permanent record and ensures the solution can be referenced in the future. In team environments, this transparency is critical for collaboration.
Understanding the full lifecycle of a bug helps beginners develop patience and confidence. Over time, debugging becomes systematic, logical, and even satisfying. Each bug solved is a lesson learned and a step toward becoming a stronger developer.