We can use debugging tools to minimize and find bugs. In this article you will learn the best Python debugging tricks.

PuDB - A console-based Python debugger

Python Debug with PuDB

A graphical interface is shown using the PuDB terminal.

Related course:
Practice Python with interactive exercises

Installation to install with Python 3:

sudo pip3 install pudb

for Python 2.x use:

sudo pip install pudb

Debugging Start debugging with:

$ pudb3 program.py

(or sudo if you don't have the right permissions)

You can take step by step through the program. Use the n key to take a step through the program. The current variable contents are shown on the right top.

debug with python

You can set breakpoints using the b key. To continue execution until the next breakpoints, press the c key.

Breakpoint in Python program

PDB - The Python Debugger

The module pdb supports setting breakpoints. A breakpoint is an intentional pause of the program. where you can get more information about the programs state.

To set a breakpoint, insert the line

pdb.set_trace()

Example A practical example:

import pdb
x = 3
y = 4
pdb.set_trace()
total = x + y
pdb.set_trace()

We have inserted a few breakpoints in this program. The program will pause at each breakpoint (pdb.set_trace()). To view a variables contents simply type the variable name:

$ python3 program.py
(Pdb) x
3
(Pdb) y
4
(Pdb) total
*** NameError: name 'total' is not defined
(Pdb)

Press c or continue to go on with the programs execution until the next breakpoint

(Pdb) c
--Return--
> program.py(7)<module>()->None
-> total = x + y
(Pdb) total
7