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Troubleshooting and Debugging Techniques

Google Career Certificates

Google Career Certificates

In this course, we'll give you the tools to quickly identify and solve real-world problems that you might come across in your IT role. We'll look at a bunch of different strategies and approaches for tackling the most common pitfalls of your code and IT infrastructure. You'll learn strategies for approaching almost any technical problem and then see how those apply to solving different real-world scenarios.

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In this course, we'll give you the tools to quickly identify and solve real-world problems that you might come across in your IT role. We'll look at a bunch of different strategies and approaches for tackling the most common pitfalls of your code and IT infrastructure. You'll learn strategies for approaching almost any technical problem and then see how those apply to solving different real-world scenarios.

We picked examples that include general system issues, issues with software that someone else wrote, and issues with programs that we wrote. We'll talk about problems that can affect any operating system, and we'll also look at challenges specific to certain platforms and scripting languages. We strongly recommend that you’ve taken the prior courses in this program, or already have knowledge of Python and Linux so that you can follow along with our troubleshooting examples.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Troubleshooting Concepts

In this module, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of troubleshooting and you’ll learn different strategies and approaches to tackle problems that you might encounter. You’ll learn about the concept of debugging and how debugging is one of the core principles of troubleshooting. You’ll be introduced to some tools that will help you in the debugging process, like tcpdump, ps, top, itrace, and lots more. Next, you’ll explore how to “understand the problem.” This might sound like a no brainer, but it's not as easy as you might think! Next, we’ll dive into the different approaches when troubleshooting reproducing errors versus intermittent errors. Finally, you’ll learn about “binary searching a problem.” We’ll explore the different types of searches, including binary and linear searches. Then, we’ll learn about the concept of bisecting and how it can be used in your troubleshooting approach, and finish up with finding invalid data in a CSV file.

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Delves into "binary searching a problem", which is a crucial skill for solving complex problems efficiently

Explores various tools and techniques for identifying and resolving slowness issues, such as iotop, iftop, and activity monitor

Provides practical strategies for managing resources, preventing memory leaks, and optimizing disk space and network usage

Focuses on troubleshooting system crashes and application crashes, which are common challenges in IT environments

Emphasizes the importance of communication and documentation during incident handling, promoting effective problem resolution

Suitable for individuals with a basic understanding of Python and Linux, as it builds upon these prerequisites

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Reviews summary

Practical it troubleshooting fundamentals

According to learners, this course on Troubleshooting and Debugging Techniques is largely positive and provides a solid foundation for IT professionals and developers. Students highlight the practical tools and strategies taught, noting they could be applied immediately to their jobs. The course structure covering concepts, slowness, crashes, and resources is seen as logical and easy to follow, with clear explanations and helpful examples using Python and Linux. However, some learners, particularly more experienced engineers, felt the course lacked sufficient depth and found the material or examples too basic.

Examples rely heavily on Python and Linux.

"We strongly recommend that you’ve taken the prior courses in this program, or already have knowledge of Python and Linux so that you can follow along..."

"The Python examples were relevant."

"Heavily relied on Linux/Python, which is fine for those with that background, but less useful otherwise."

Introduces standard troubleshooting tools.

"Using tools like `top` and `ps`."

"The explanations of tools like `tcpdump` were particularly valuable."

"The tools covered are standard, and the explanations are simple."

Concepts presented logically and easy to follow.

"The breakdown of troubleshooting concepts... is logical and easy to follow."

"The structure is logical, moving from concepts to specific problem types (slowness, crashes, resources)."

"I found the course valuable for structuring my approach to debugging. The methodologies taught are solid."

Good for beginners and structured learning.

"It's a solid foundation."

"Good overview of troubleshooting methods."

"This course is a gem! It taught me how to think about problems differently and approach debugging with a clear methodology."

"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course."

Teaches immediately applicable skills.

"It's directly applicable to my job in IT support."

"Provides practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately."

"Gave me immediate actionable insights for my daily tasks."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Too basic for experienced professionals.

"Some parts felt a bit basic if you already have some experience, but it's a solid foundation."

"Doesn't go deep enough for experienced engineers."

"The course feels quite basic and doesn't offer much new information if you've been troubleshooting for a while."

"It's a starting point, but not a comprehensive guide."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Troubleshooting and Debugging Techniques with these activities:

Review the basics of Python and Linux

Show steps

This will help you refresh your knowledge of the basics of Python and Linux, which are essential for troubleshooting

Browse courses on Python

Show steps

Review your notes from previous courses or online resources
Take practice quizzes or exercises to test your understanding

Follow a tutorial on using a specific troubleshooting tool

Show steps

This will help you learn how to use a specific tool to troubleshoot problems

Browse courses on Troubleshooting

Show steps

Find a tutorial on using a specific troubleshooting tool, such as tcpdump or strace
Follow the tutorial and learn how to use the tool

Create a collection of troubleshooting resources

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This will help you keep all of your troubleshooting resources organized in one place

Browse courses on Troubleshooting

Show steps

Create a document or spreadsheet to store your troubleshooting resources
Add links to useful websites, articles, and tools

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Discuss troubleshooting techniques with a peer

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This will help you learn from others' experiences and perspectives on troubleshooting

Browse courses on Troubleshooting

Show steps

Find a peer who is also taking this course
Meet with your peer regularly to discuss troubleshooting techniques and share tips

Practice debugging Python code

Show steps

This will help you improve your ability to find and fix errors in your code

Browse courses on Debugging

Show steps

Write a simple Python program with several bugs
Use a debugger to step through the program and find the bugs
Fix the bugs and test your program to make sure it works correctly

Build a small troubleshooting script

Show steps

This will help you apply the concepts you learn in the module to a practical scenario

Browse courses on Troubleshooting

Show steps

Identify a simple problem that you can troubleshoot, such as checking if a file exists or if a process is running
Write a script that uses the concepts you learned in the module to troubleshoot the problem

Contribute to an open-source troubleshooting project

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This will give you hands-on experience troubleshooting real-world problems and contributing to the open-source community

Browse courses on Troubleshooting

Show steps

Find an open-source troubleshooting project that you are interested in contributing to
Read the project documentation and familiarize yourself with the code
Find a bug or issue that you can help to fix
Submit a pull request with your fix

Career center

Learners who complete Troubleshooting and Debugging Techniques will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers analyze user needs to design, develop, and implement software products and systems. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Software Engineer because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Software Engineers who need to be able to identify and fix problems in their code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

IT Specialist

IT Specialists provide technical support to users and maintain computer systems and networks. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, education, and healthcare. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as an IT Specialist because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for IT Specialists who need to be able to identify and fix problems with computer systems and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Specialist

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Database Administrator because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Database Administrators who need to be able to identify and fix problems with databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems and networks. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Systems Administrator because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Systems Administrators who need to be able to identify and fix problems with computer systems and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Network Engineer because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Network Engineers who need to be able to identify and fix problems with computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Security Analyst

Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from security threats. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Security Analyst because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Security Analysts who need to be able to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, marketing, and education. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Web Developer because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Web Developers who need to be able to identify and fix problems with websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to extract meaningful insights. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Data Scientist because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Data Scientists who need to be able to identify and fix problems with data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and implement machine learning models. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Machine Learning Engineer because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Machine Learning Engineers who need to be able to identify and fix problems with machine learning models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop software systems. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Software Architect because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Software Architects who need to be able to identify and fix problems with software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Computer Programmer because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Computer Programmers who need to be able to identify and fix problems with computer programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Technical Writer because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills are essential for Technical Writers who need to be able to identify and fix problems with technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, consumer goods, and healthcare. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Product Manager because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills can be helpful for Product Managers who need to be able to identify and fix problems with new products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, construction, and manufacturing. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Project Manager because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills can be helpful for Project Managers who need to be able to identify and fix problems with projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Business Analyst because it provides a foundation in troubleshooting and debugging techniques. These skills can be helpful for Business Analysts who need to be able to identify and fix problems with business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Troubleshooting and Debugging Techniques.

Cover image

Cover image

The Pragmatic Programmer

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Provides practical advice on software development, including tips on debugging and troubleshooting. It covers topics such as code reviews, unit testing, and refactoring.

The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery,...

Pragmatic Programmer, The: From Journeyman to Master

(Italiano) Pragmatic Programmer - Edizione del 20°...

(Italiano) Il Pragmatic Programmer: Guida per manovali del...

(中文) The Pragmatic Programmer: access to the highest...

Pragmatic programmer (Korean Edition)

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Cover image

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Comprehensive guide to software development, covering topics such as design, coding, testing, and maintenance. It includes a chapter on debugging, which provides guidance on finding and fixing bugs.

Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software...

Code Complete (Developer Best Practices)

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Provides a set of best practices for writing Java code. It covers topics such as object-oriented design, concurrency, and performance.

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Head First Java

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Provides a gentle introduction to Java programming. It covers the basics of the language, as well as topics such as object-oriented design and error handling.

Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide

Head First Java

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Introduction to Java Programming

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Java programming. It covers the basics of the language, as well as topics such as object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms.

Introduction to Java Programming and Data...

Introduction to Java Programming: Brief Version,...

Introduction to Java Programming and Data Structures

Introduction to Java Programming, AP Version

Introduction to Java Programming and Data...

Introduction to Java Programming and Data...

Introduction to Java Programming, Comprehensive...

Introduction to Java Programming, Brief Version...

Introduction to Java Programming, (text only) 8th...

Introduction to Java Programming: Comprehensive...

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Provides a deep dive into the Java programming language. It covers topics such as object-oriented design, generics, and concurrency.

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The Java Virtual Machine Specification, Java SE 8...

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Is the definitive guide to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It provides a detailed overview of the JVM architecture and how it executes Java code.

The Java Virtual Machine Specification, Java SE 8...

The Java Virtual Machine Specification, Java SE 8...

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Cover image

The Art of Debugging with GDB, DDD, and Eclipse

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Provides a practical guide to debugging with GDB, DDD, and Eclipse. It covers topics such as setting breakpoints, examining variables, and debugging multithreaded programs.

The Art of Debugging with GDB, DDD, and Eclipse

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Comprehensive guide to debugging. It covers topics such as error handling, logging, profiling, and unit testing. It also provides guidance on debugging specific types of problems, such as memory leaks and race conditions.

Debugging: The 9 Indispensable Rules for Finding...

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Cover image

.NET Development Using the Compiler API

Save

Provides a guide to debugging with Visual Studio. It covers topics such as setting breakpoints, examining variables, and debugging multithreaded programs.

.NET Development Using the Compiler API

.NET Development Using the Compiler API

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Level

Introductory

Via

Coursera

Institution

Google

Instructor

Google Career Certificates

Language

English

Transcripts

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This course belongs to a collection called Google IT Automation with Python. It's comprised of six courses:

Troubleshooting and Debugging Techniques (viewing)
Configuration Management and the Cloud
Using Python to Interact with the Operating System
Crash Course on Python
Automating Real-World Tasks with Python
Introduction to Git and GitHub

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Delves into "binary searching a problem", which is a crucial skill for solving complex problems efficiently

Explores various tools and techniques for identifying and resolving slowness issues, such as iotop, iftop, and activity monitor

Provides practical strategies for managing resources, preventing memory leaks, and optimizing disk space and network usage

Focuses on troubleshooting system crashes and application crashes, which are common challenges in IT environments

Emphasizes the importance of communication and documentation during incident handling, promoting effective problem resolution

Suitable for individuals with a basic understanding of Python and Linux, as it builds upon these prerequisites

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