From Novice to Ninja: How I moved from getting scared of Errors to throwing and handling them gracefully
Tags: javascript, webdev, beginners, programming
Published: 2023-07-30 13:47:02

Early on in my journey as a developer, I dreaded encountering bugs. 

I thought I was alone. It's only now that I'm beginning to realize it's a common phase everyone goes through. Bug seem like obstacles that stood in the way of a perfectly functioning program. 

Like intruders lurking in the darkest corners, they appear unexpectedly and wreak havoc on your well designed programming flow.

At first, I resented their existence. 

The only thing I calculate after solving a bug is calculating how much of the time and effort I used in tracking them could have been converted into something productive like opening more PRs and adding more features to the product.

However, as I gained experience, my perspective began to shift.

## But my perspective began to change one fateful day

A seemingly simple project I was working on began to throw inexplicable errors. No matter how much I tried to ignore them, they persisted, mocking my skills. Frustration boiled inside me, threatening to consume my enthusiasm for programming but I was broke and can't quit for how far i've come.

With no other choice, I decided to confront the bugs head-on.

Instead of dwelling on the problem's complexity, I focused on the process of debugging itself. It was then that I realized the true beauty of debugging – it forces us to scrutinize our code, line by line, examining every tiny detail. 

In the process, I learned how to look at my code from different angles, identify potential pitfalls, and gained a profound understanding of the system's inner workings.

** One particular experience that stands out was an elusive bug that surfaced only during specific conditions. It haunted me for days, lurking in the shadows of my project. I felt an almost personal vendetta against this bug, and I couldn't rest until I uncovered its source. The countless hours invested in debugging eventually led me to a Eureka moment. Not only did I fix the problem, but I discovered an aspect of the system that I had previously overlooked. The satisfaction I derived from that breakthrough was unparalleled – it was akin to solving a complex puzzle or uncovering a hidden treasure.

***I recall a particularly perplexing bug that haunted me for days. It involved a seemingly innocent line of code that caused erratic behavior in a critical module. The more I dug into the issue, the deeper the rabbit hole seemed to go. Frustration mounted, and doubts crept in. But it was during this trial that I discovered the true beauty of bugs—they forced me to question my assumptions and delve into the intricacies of the system.


## Before I hate errors, now I create and throw them.

Bugs give invaluable insights into the system, allowing us to understand its intricacies and grow as developers.

Embracing them has not only expanded my technical knowledge but also honed my problem-solving skills. Each bug comes with a unique set of challenges, pushing me to think creatively and consider alternative approaches. 

It's like engaging in a sparring match with the system, where I learn from its maneuvers, and becoming a better developer with every encounter.

Moreover, resolving bugs has made me more empathetic towards fellow developers. We all share this rollercoaster of emotions – from the initial frustration to the exhilaration of triumph when a bug is squashed. It has created a sense of camaraderie within the development community, where we openly share our bug war stories and learn from one another's triumphs and defeats.

In a world that often emphasizes perfection and the pursuit of flawlessness, I urge fellow developers to embrace the bugs.


The journey of resolving a bug is akin to solving a challenging puzzle. Each piece of the puzzle brings us closer to unraveling the mystery, and with each solved bug, a profound sense of accomplishment washes over us. The euphoria that accompanies the successful eradication of a bug is unmatched—it fuels our passion and rejuvenates our spirit as developers. The satisfaction is not merely derived from making the system work flawlessly but also from the knowledge that we have honed our skills and grown as problem solvers.

Bugs, in their essence, are our greatest teachers. They expose the flaws in our logic, challenge our assumptions, and force us to think critically. 

As we navigate the treacherous terrain of debugging, we acquire invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the realm of coding. Perseverance, resilience, attention to detail, and the ability to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success—all these qualities are nurtured through our encounters with bugs.

To comprehend the inner workings of a software system, one must embrace the bugs within it. Like detectives on a mission, we analyze stack traces, scrutinize log files, and reproduce the elusive errors in controlled environments.

As we chase after these tiny creatures, we uncover the complex interactions between different components, gaining a deeper understanding of the system's intricacies. 

Instead of seeing them as merely annoyances or roadblocks, we should see them invaluable opportunities for growth and learning, catalysts for self-education, propelling us to become more proficient and knowledgeable developers.

Ever wonder how your favourite youtubers become so good? they spent so much time than you can fathom dealing with bugs. That's what you should start doing. So also am I.


## I'm beginning to see Bugs as Friends instead Foes

As a software developer, I have learned to embrace bugs as companions on my journey, rather than adversaries to be feared
They have become an integral part of my growth and understanding of complex systems. 

So, the next time you encounter a bug, instead of succumbing to frustration, try viewing it as an invitation to explore, to learn, and to experience the unparalleled satisfaction that comes from unraveling the intricacies of the system. Embrace the bugs and let them guide you toward becoming a more accomplished and fulfilled developer.

Bugs can be frustrating and feel like wasted time, but we shouldn't overlook the profound learning opportunities they present.

I'm not saying you should dive into them with enthusiasm, instead, i'm asking you to embrace them because they are the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of the system.

They are not signs of failure, but rather opportunities for growth.Bugs remind us that the pursuit of perfection is a never-ending journey, and the joy lies not in achieving it, but in the pursuit itself.

Bugs are how we gain understanding of the system. Embrace them!