What are some effective debugging techniques for weakly typed languages?

What are some effective debugging techniques for weakly typed languages?

In weakly typed languages, debugging can be tricky due to type coercion. Here are some techniques you can use:

1. Use Type Checking: Implement runtime type checks to catch errors early.
2. Verbose Logging: Add detailed logging to track variable states and types.
3. Unit Tests: Write unit tests to ensure functions behave as expected with various inputs.
4. Static Analysis Tools: Utilize tools that analyze code for potential type-related issues before runtime.

Can you explain how verbose logging helps in debugging?

Verbose logging provides detailed information about the program's execution flow, including variable values and types at different stages. This helps you identify where things go wrong, especially in weakly typed languages where type errors can be subtle.

What are some common pitfalls in weakly typed languages?

Common pitfalls include unexpected type coercion, where values are automatically converted to different types, leading to bugs. Additionally, relying on implicit type conversions can cause confusion and make the code harder to read and maintain.

How can I implement unit tests for my code?

To implement unit tests, you can use testing frameworks like Jest for JavaScript or Mocha. Start by writing test cases for individual functions, asserting expected outputs for given inputs. This helps ensure that your code behaves correctly across various scenarios.