Spent way too long on print statements before realizing that wasn't going to cut it.
Start by reproducing the bug and using the debugger to trace the execution flow, focusing on the most likely areas based on error messages or symptoms. Prioritize bugs by impact and fix them incrementally, verifying each fix with tests to avoid introducing new issues. Communicate your thought process clearly, especially when making trade-offs under time pressure.
Pro tip: Use conditional breakpoints and watch expressions to efficiently narrow down the root cause without stepping through every line. Also, verbalize your hypotheses and how you're testing them—this shows structured thinking and keeps the interviewer engaged.
Quickly read the error report or failing test, then reproduce the bug to confirm the symptoms. Identify the expected vs. actual behavior.
Based on the symptoms and code structure, list potential root causes and prioritize the most likely ones. Consider recent changes or common bug patterns.
Use the debugger to set breakpoints, inspect variables, and step through critical sections. Validate or eliminate hypotheses one by one.
Implement the minimal fix for the identified bug, then run tests or manually verify the fix. Ensure no regressions are introduced.
Explain your findings and fix to the interviewer, and if time permits, look for additional bugs. Discuss trade-offs if a perfect fix isn't feasible within the time limit.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.