top band

Saturday 5:10 p.m.–5:40 p.m.

So you think you can PDB?

Clayton Parker

Audience level:
Novice
Category:
Python Core (language, stdlib, etc.)

Description

This talk will be an introduction to the most commonly used Python Debugger commands and what they do. Learn how to navigate and inspect code from the pdb prompt so you can better understand how it works. The Python Debugger is a valuable debugging tool for all levels of Python programmers. You should walk away being able to debug the next Python code you encounter!

Abstract

Do you litter your code with print and log statements to figure out why it isn't doing what you expected? If so, this talk is for you! The Python Debugger is an easy to use debugging tool once you learn the commands. For those that haven't been exposed to it yet, it may be overwhelming. This talk aims to cover all of the most commonly used commands for day to day debugging sessions. It will also briefly cover a few pdb alternatives to make debugging easier and ways to integrate pdb into popular editors. For each command, the audience will learn what the command does, its shortcut and how it is used. The usage examples will be done by running pdb against code during the presentation. This will give the audience the chance to see live examples of how pdb can be used to debug and investigate Python code. Audience members should leave the talk with enough knowledge to start debugging and inspecting their own programs right away. With the power of pdb in your toolbelt, you'll never be left in the dark, wondering why that code isn't doing what you expected. You'll be able to dig in and get to the bottom of the issue faster than ever.
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