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iOS Debugging Fundamentals

Andrew Bancroft

Andrew Bancroft

Nothing is more frustrating than haphazardly hoping to find the cause of bugs in your apps. Become strategic in your iOS debugging efforts! Combine problem solving skills and Xcode’s debugging tools to maximize your bug fixing potential.

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Nothing is more frustrating than haphazardly hoping to find the cause of bugs in your apps. Become strategic in your iOS debugging efforts! Combine problem solving skills and Xcode’s debugging tools to maximize your bug fixing potential.

Bugs are bound to happen. Getting rid of them is an essential skill if you want to keep your sanity when building apps. In this course, iOS Debugging Fundamentals, you will learn a set of thinking skills to couple with the fundamental tools that Xcode provides you for finding and fixing flaws in your apps. First, you will learn to approach debugging situations with a set of principles for strategic problem solving. Next, you will discover how to configure breakpoints and inspect view hierarchies effectively. Finally, you will explore how to interpret a backtrace, glean valuable information from the Xcode debug area and console, locate changes in your codebase and simulate conditions that happen in the wild. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to strategically and methodically reason about probable causes of defects that you experience at runtime.

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iOS Debugging Xcode Debugging Tools Problem Solving Skills Breakpoints View Hierarchies Backtraces Xcode Debug Area

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Debugging as Strategic Problem Solving

Correcting Unmet Expectations

Addressing App Crashes

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches strategic problem solving, a core skill for debugging solutions effectively

Develops skills in interpreting backtraces, a valuable ability in identifying causes of runtime errors

Taught by Andrew Bancroft, who is recognized for their work in iOS app development

Covers essential tools in Xcode for debugging iOS apps, which are industry standard for iOS development

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Reviews summary

Mastering ios debugging fundamentals strategically

According to learners, this course offers a game-changing systematic approach to iOS debugging, moving beyond trial-and-error. Students particularly praise the incredibly clear explanations and highly practical demonstrations of Xcode's debugging tools. The focus on strategic problem-solving is consistently highlighted as a major strength, making it immediately applicable to real-world projects. While providing a solid foundation, some experienced developers found it too basic for advanced topics like deep memory or multithreading issues, suggesting it's best for beginners to intermediate iOS developers looking to enhance their core debugging skills.

Teaches effective use of Xcode's built-in debugging tools.

"I particularly liked the sections on view hierarchy debugging and backtraces."

"I particularly benefited from understanding how to interpret console output and simulate conditions."

"I can now confidently use Xcode's debugger."

Provides a strong fundamental understanding of iOS debugging.

"Good fundamental course on iOS debugging. It covers the basics well and provides a solid foundation."

"The course delivers on its promise of fundamental debugging skills. I found the practical exercises and demos to be very effective."

"Before this, I was just guessing. This is exactly what I needed to improve my development process."

Instructor provides incredibly clear explanations and practical demos.

"The instructor's explanations are incredibly clear and the demos are super practical. Highly recommend for any iOS dev."

"The Xcode tools demonstrations were spot on and immediately applicable to my projects. Very well structured and easy to follow."

"Excellent course! It demystifies debugging. The explanations are crystal clear and the examples are relevant."

Teaches a systematic and strategic approach to debugging.

"This course taught me a systematic approach, especially with breakpoints and the debugger. The instructor's explanations are incredibly clear..."

"Absolutely fantastic! The strategic problem-solving framework alone is worth the price of admission. It completely changed how I approach debugging."

"An essential course for iOS developers. The focus on strategic thinking rather than just tool usage is brilliant."

Does not delve into highly advanced debugging techniques.

"My only minor critique is that it could delve a bit deeper into advanced topics like multithreading issues or memory leaks, but for fundamentals, it's excellent."

"I was hoping for more advanced techniques. However, for a beginner or intermediate developer, it would probably be very helpful."

"I was looking for more detailed, step-by-step examples for common tricky bugs, but it felt more conceptual. Also, some examples seemed a bit simplistic..."

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 iOS Debugging Fundamentals with these activities:

Organize your course materials

Show steps

Establish a structured approach to accessing and reviewing course materials for optimal learning.

Show steps

Create a dedicated folder or notebook
Categorize and store course materials
Review and update your materials regularly

Review Xcode debugging tools

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with the Xcode debugging tools to ensure a smooth learning experience.

Show steps

Open the Xcode documentation
Locate the section on debugging tools
Read through the documentation

Debug a simple iOS app

Show steps

Apply the concepts of strategic problem solving and Xcode debugging tools to a practical scenario.

Show steps

Find a simple, open-source iOS app
Set breakpoints and inspect view hierarchies
Analyze backtraces and debug console logs
Simulate conditions that trigger bugs

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Debug a real-world iOS app with a peer

Show steps

Collaborate with a peer to tackle a complex debugging challenge, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Show steps

Find a peer with similar iOS development experience
Choose a real-world iOS app with a known bug
Work together to debug the app
Discuss and document the debugging process

Follow a tutorial on advanced iOS debugging techniques

Show steps

Expand your knowledge and skills by exploring advanced debugging techniques.

Show steps

Search for tutorials on advanced iOS debugging
Select a reputable tutorial
Follow the tutorial steps
Experiment with the new techniques

Write a blog post about a debugging technique

Show steps

Share your knowledge and insights by creating a blog post that deepens your understanding of a debugging technique.

Show steps

Choose a specific debugging technique to focus on
Research and gather information
Write a comprehensive blog post
Publish and promote your blog post

Develop a debugging workflow

Show steps

Organize your debugging process by creating a custom workflow to enhance efficiency.

Show steps

Identify common debugging scenarios
Design a step-by-step workflow for each scenario
Document the workflow
Test and refine the workflow

Build a personal iOS debugging tool

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Enhance your debugging skills by creating a tool that automates or simplifies debugging tasks.

Show steps

Identify a specific debugging task to automate
Research existing tools and techniques
Design and implement a prototype tool
Test and refine the tool

Career center

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

iOS Developer

iOS Developers specialize in developing software for Apple's iOS operating system. They may work on a variety of projects, from games and entertainment apps to productivity and business tools. This course is a great fit for iOS Developers as it provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to debug and fix issues in their iOS apps. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, iOS Developers can quickly identify and fix bugs in their code, ensuring that their apps are stable and reliable.

See salaries and explore the career path for iOS Developer

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers specialize in developing software for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. They may work on a variety of projects, from games and entertainment apps to productivity and business tools. This course is a great fit for Mobile Developers as it provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to debug and fix issues in their mobile apps. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Mobile Developers can quickly identify and fix bugs in their code, ensuring that their apps are stable and reliable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer code. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. This course may be useful to Computer Programmers by helping them to troubleshoot and debug their code more effectively. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Computer Programmers can quickly identify and fix bugs in their code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of software and hardware products. They may work in a variety of settings, including call centers, help desks, and online forums. This course may be useful to Technical Support Specialists by helping them to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues more effectively. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Technical Support Specialists can quickly identify and fix bugs in software, ensuring that users can get the help they need.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Software Tester

Software Testers test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets quality standards. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. This course may be useful to Software Testers by helping them to identify and fix bugs in software more effectively. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Software Testers can quickly identify and fix bugs in code, ensuring that the software is stable and reliable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets quality standards. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. This course may be useful to Quality Assurance Analysts by helping them to identify and fix bugs in software more effectively. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Quality Assurance Analysts can quickly identify and fix bugs in code, ensuring that the software is stable and reliable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Developer

Software Developers use their knowledge of programming and software development to build and maintain computer applications. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. This course may be useful to Software Developers by helping them to troubleshoot and debug their code more effectively. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Software Developers can quickly identify and fix bugs in their code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, development, and maintenance of software systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. This course may be useful to Software Engineers by helping them to troubleshoot and debug their code more effectively. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Software Engineers can quickly identify and fix bugs in their code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make decisions. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course may be useful to Data Scientists by helping them to troubleshoot and debug their code more effectively. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Data Scientists can quickly identify and fix bugs in their code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course may be useful to Machine Learning Engineers by helping them to troubleshoot and debug their code more effectively. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Machine Learning Engineers can quickly identify and fix bugs in their code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning and executing projects. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal projects to large enterprise projects. This course may be useful to Project Managers by helping them to understand the technical aspects of project management. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Project Managers can better understand the challenges that developers face and make better decisions about project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses to improve their processes and operations. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal projects to large enterprise projects. This course may be useful to Business Analysts by helping them to understand the technical aspects of business analysis. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Business Analysts can better understand the challenges that developers face and make better decisions about business analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts help businesses to design and implement new systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal projects to large enterprise projects. This course may be useful to Systems Analysts by helping them to understand the technical aspects of systems analysis. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Systems Analysts can better understand the challenges that developers face and make better decisions about systems analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal products to large enterprise products. This course may be useful to Product Managers by helping them to understand the technical aspects of product development. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Product Managers can better understand the challenges that developers face and make better decisions about product development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal websites to large enterprise web applications. This course may be useful to Web Developers by helping them to troubleshoot and debug their code more effectively. By learning how to use Xcode's debugging tools and how to interpret a backtrace, Web Developers can quickly identify and fix bugs in their code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 iOS Debugging Fundamentals.

Cover image

Cover image

The Pragmatic Programmer

Save

Provides general software development best practices that will be helpful to iOS developers. It is particularly useful for those who are new to the field.

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)

Brutal Refactoring

Save

Most iOS developers will work with legacy code at some point in their careers. provides strategies for working with such code effectively.

Brutal Refactoring

Brutal Refactoring

Save

Provides practical advice on writing clean code. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their coding skills.

Cover image

Cover image

The Art of Debugging with GDB, DDD, and Eclipse

Save

Is an excellent resource for learning how to use GDB, DDD, and Eclipse for debugging. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic debugging techniques to advanced features.

The Art of Debugging with GDB, DDD, and Eclipse

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Comprehensive guide to debugging. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic debugging techniques to advanced troubleshooting strategies.

Cover image

Cover image

Mastering Swift 5.3

Save

Good resource for iOS developers who want to learn more about Swift. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic syntax to advanced features.

Mastering Swift 5.3 - Sixth Edition: Upgrade your...

Mastering Swift 5.3: Upgrade your knowledge and...

Cover image

Cover image

iOS Programming

Save

This is an older edition of a popular book on iOS development. It is still a valuable resource, but it does not cover some of the latest features of iOS.

iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide

Ios Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide

IOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide

iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide

iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide, 7/e

iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (Big Nerd...

iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (Big Nerd...

iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (Big Nerd...

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Time

85 hours

Level

Introductory

Via

Pluralsight

Instructor

Andrew Bancroft

Language

English

This course belongs to a collection called iOS App Development — Fundamentals. It's comprised of 12 courses:

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches strategic problem solving, a core skill for debugging solutions effectively

Develops skills in interpreting backtraces, a valuable ability in identifying causes of runtime errors

Taught by Andrew Bancroft, who is recognized for their work in iOS app development

Covers essential tools in Xcode for debugging iOS apps, which are industry standard for iOS development

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