This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Jaideep Parashar
Every developer knows the pain of debugging:
- Endless logs
- Cryptic error messages
- Hours wasted on Stack Overflow
I used to spend half my day chasing down bugs. But once I started using AI systematically, I cut my error-fix time by 70%.
Here’s exactly how I did it.
1⃣ Explaining Error Logs
Most error logs are written for machines, not humans. AI can translate them into plain English.
Prompt Example:
“Here’s my error log: [paste]. Explain the issue in simple terms and suggest likely causes.”
Why: You understand the bug’s root cause in minutes, not hours.
2⃣ Generating Fixes with Context
Instead of patching blindly, I feed both the error and the relevant code snippet to AI.
Prompt Example:
“This function throws an error: [paste code]. Suggest 2 fixes, explain pros/cons, and rewrite the corrected version.”
Why: AI gives multiple solutions, helping me choose the best one for my use case.
3⃣ Creating Unit Tests to Prevent Recurrence
Once a bug is fixed, I don’t want it coming back. AI helps by generating test cases that specifically target past errors.
Prompt Example:
“Generate 3 unit tests to ensure this bug doesn’t appear again in [language/framework].”
Why: Fix once, protect forever.
4⃣ Optimising Debugging Workflow
Instead of searching Google + forums, I now:
- Paste the error into AI
- Get an explanation + fixes
- Validate with tests
- Document the solution instantly
This reduces my context switching — the biggest hidden time drain.
5⃣ Documenting the Fix
AI makes it easy to capture what happened for future me (or teammates).
Prompt Example:
“Write a documentation note explaining the error, the fix applied, and how to avoid it in future.”
Why: Next time, I don’t start from scratch.
Results
- Before: A tough bug might take 3–4 hours.
- Now: The same bug takes 45 minutes or less.
That’s not just a productivity boost — it’s a mindset shift.
Debugging went from frustrating to systematic and manageable.
More Learning Resources:
- Prompt Books → Ready-to-use libraries across business, authorship, productivity, and branding → ChatGPT Prompts Access
- My live lectures on prompts & productivity → ReThynk AI YouTube Channel
- Plug-and-play prompt systems (free & paid) → ReThynk AI Templates & Frameworks
- Professional AI, business, and tech insights (currently free on our website) → ReThynk AI Magazine
Next Post: “AI-Powered Code Reviews: A Developer’s Secret Weapon” — how to use AI as your 24/7 code review partner.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Jaideep Parashar