So It Broke… Now What? Debugging Python 101

Abstract

When beginners start learning Python, they often understand the idea of fixing errors but don’t fully connect it to the hands-on process of debugging. I learned this firsthand while building a production application, where the project’s size and complexity pushed my debugging skills to the limit. In this talk, I will break down a beginner-friendly toolkit for finding and fixing bugs in Python. We’ll start with making sense of error messages and learning how to read a traceback without panicking. Attendees will explore how to use tools like print() and assert strategically, and why exceptions and logging can be lifesavers when things go wrong. We will also tackle common beginner pitfalls, from harmless typos to sneaky logical errors, and share practical techniques for spotting them faster. By the end, attendees will walk away not just knowing how to debug, but with the confidence to face errors head-on, whether working on a small script or a large project.

Speakers