Debugging Workflow
A practical Claude Code path for finding, reproducing, and fixing bugs
Use Claude Code effectively for debugging by combining context assembly, safe inspection tools, targeted reproduction, and focused fix loops.
Start with evidence, not edits
Claude Code is strongest when it can inspect the codebase, test outputs, and repository context before proposing a fix.
The best debugging loop starts with reproduction, then narrows to the smallest meaningful failure boundary.
- Read files and search first.
- Capture the current failing behavior.
- Use the existing project instructions and git snapshot to avoid fixing the wrong thing.
Keep the turn scoped around one failure narrative
Debugging improves when the conversation stays focused on one bug story: symptom, suspected cause, verification path, and fix.
If too many branches are mixed together, context pressure rises and the assistant becomes less decisive.
After the fix, verify with the cheapest useful check
Claude Code can over-validate if the prompt is vague. A better workflow is to run the narrowest test, type check, or build step that actually proves the bug is fixed.
Learn next
These guides are adjacent to the current topic and make the learning path easier to follow.
Code Review Workflow
How to use Claude Code for high-signal review instead of generic commentary
A review workflow built around bug finding, risk analysis, and missing-test detection rather than vague style feedback.
Repo Onboarding Workflow
How to bring Claude Code into a new codebase without losing the plot
A practical onboarding path for large or unfamiliar repositories, built around context capture, file discovery, and a stable working plan.
Managing Long Session Context
How to avoid context drift in extended Claude Code sessions
A guide to keeping long-running work coherent by using plans, memory correctly, and prompts that resist context sprawl.
Related resources
These directory entries connect the concept guide to concrete tools, docs, and integrations.
Debugging Assistant Prompts
Systematic prompts for debugging complex issues
Prompts designed to help debug complex issues methodically. Guides through error analysis, reproduction steps, root cause identification, and fix verification. Includes prompts for different types of bugs.
Test Runner Hook
Run tests related to changed files before committing
Pre-commit hook that runs tests for changed files. Uses test framework's built-in related test detection to only run relevant tests, keeping commits fast while ensuring coverage.
TypeScript Type-check Hook
Validate TypeScript types before committing
Pre-commit hook that runs TypeScript type checking. Ensures type safety across your codebase by catching type errors before they're committed. Uses tsc with noEmit flag.
Sentry MCP Server
Error tracking and debugging with Sentry integration
MCP server that connects Claude to Sentry for error tracking and debugging. Search and analyze errors, view stack traces, identify patterns, and help debug production issues directly from your conversations.