Most developers waste hours debugging because they skip the one thing that makes it simple: having a system.

You’ve been there. You’re chasing a bug, making random code changes, hoping something works. You fix one thing, but something else breaks. Suddenly, it’s 4 hours later, and the issue is still haunting you.

It doesn’t have to be like this.

At DevRoom, we’ve handled countless projects, and debugging used to be a time sink for us too. Then we implemented a 3-step framework, and it changed everything. It’s simple, repeatable, and works. Here’s how you can use it to solve 90% of bugs faster:

Step 1: Recreate the Bug

Most developers jump straight into the code, but that’s the wrong move. First, you need to make the bug happen consistently.

Why? Because if you can’t replicate it, you’re working blind. Recreating the issue gives you control and sets the stage for finding the real problem.

How to do it:

• Write down exactly what you (or the user) did to trigger the bug.

• Test in the same environment to confirm it happens every time.

• Use tools like browser dev tools, backend logs, or screen recordings to capture details.

Example: A user reports that clicking “Submit” doesn’t save their data. Recreate the scenario—what browser are they using? Is it a specific form field? Does it happen after a specific sequence of clicks?

Step 2: Isolate the Cause

Once you’ve replicated the bug, your job is to figure out where the problem is coming from. Here’s where most developers get stuck—they start randomly changing code instead of narrowing down the root cause.

How to do it:

• Use logs and breakpoints to trace the flow of execution.

• Simplify the problem by eliminating variables:

• Does it happen in all browsers?

• Is it tied to specific input values?

• Focus on one module, function, or system at a time.

Example: Let’s say the “Submit” button issue is caused by a failed API request. Instead of rewriting your form logic, check the network response in the browser’s dev tools. Is the server returning an error? Is the data malformed? Narrowing it down saves hours of unnecessary fixes.

Step 3: Test the Fix Thoroughly

You’ve found the problem and implemented a fix. Great—but you’re not done. The biggest mistake is assuming the first solution is the final one. You need to test it in every relevant scenario.

How to do it:

• Test edge cases (unexpected inputs, large datasets, etc.).

• Run automated tests to check if the fix impacts other parts of the system.

• Get a second set of eyes—peer reviews often catch things you missed.

Example: If your API request was fixed by adding a missing field, test how the form behaves with empty fields, incorrect data, or a poor network connection. Avoid new bugs creeping in.

Why This Works

This framework works because it forces you to:

1. Focus on understanding the bug first.

2. Solve problems methodically instead of guessing.

3. Ensure your fix holds up under real-world conditions.

We’ve used this system on every project at DevRoom, and it’s saved us hundreds of hours. It’s simple, but the results speak for themselves.

Try It Today

Next time you hit a bug, don’t panic. Follow these three steps:

1. Recreate it.

2. Isolate the cause.

3. Test the fix thoroughly.

You’ll save time, ship fixes faster, and keep your sanity intact.