Introduction
Debugging is one of the most essential skills in software development. It’s not just about finding bugs — it’s about understanding how your program behaves at every step. Whether you use VS Code or IntelliJ, both offer advanced debugging features that can dramatically improve your productivity. In this post, we’ll explore how to master debugging in both tools, from setting breakpoints to analyzing variables and stepping through complex logic.
Why Debugging Matters
Writing code is only half the job; understanding what it does is equally important. Debugging allows you to stop program execution, inspect variable states, and verify assumptions about your logic. As a result, you catch errors early and avoid guesswork when troubleshooting.
Debugging in VS Code
Visual Studio Code is lightweight but powerful when it comes to debugging. It supports a wide range of languages and frameworks through extensions, making it ideal for full-stack developers.
Setting Up the Debugger
To start debugging, open your project and click the Run and Debug icon on the left sidebar. VS Code may automatically detect your environment, but you can also configure it manually in .vscode/launch.json. Example configuration for Node.js:
{
"version": "0.2.0",
"configurations": [
{
"type": "node",
"request": "launch",
"name": "Launch Program",
"program": "${workspaceFolder}/index.js"
}
]
}
Using Breakpoints
You can add breakpoints by clicking to the left of a line number or pressing F9. Once your app runs, VS Code pauses execution at that point, letting you inspect values in the Variables panel. You can even set conditional breakpoints to stop execution only when specific conditions are met — perfect for loops or edge cases.
Inspecting and Stepping Through Code
The Debug Toolbar allows you to step through code line by line using options like Step Over (F10), Step Into (F11), and Continue (F5). Additionally, you can evaluate expressions directly in the Debug Console, making it easy to test values without restarting your program.
Integrations That Boost Debugging
VS Code supports a wide range of debugging extensions:
- Debugger for Chrome / Edge: Debug web apps directly in the browser.
- Python Extension: Full-featured debugging for Python projects.
- Docker Extension: Attach debuggers to containers.
- Remote Development: Debug code running on servers or in WSL environments.
These tools make VS Code a flexible choice for debugging across multiple platforms.
Debugging in IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA, on the other hand, is known for its deep integration with JVM languages like Java, Kotlin, and Scala. However, it also supports JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python, making it great for polyglot developers.
Setting Breakpoints and Starting Debugging
Just like in VS Code, click beside the line numbers to set breakpoints. Then, run your program in Debug mode using the green bug icon or by pressing Shift + F9. IntelliJ stops at your breakpoints and opens the Debugger Tool Window automatically.
Inspecting Variables and Expressions
In IntelliJ, you can hover over variables to see their current values or expand them in the Variables view. The Evaluate Expression (Alt + F8) feature lets you test snippets of code live — useful for checking complex logic or fixing conditions on the fly.
Advanced Debugging Features
- Smart Step Into: Skips boilerplate code and jumps directly into specific function calls.
- Exception Breakpoints: Automatically stops when an exception is thrown, even if you didn’t set a manual breakpoint.
- Memory View: Visualize object references and track memory usage.
- HotSwap: Update code during debugging without restarting the app (for supported languages).
These features give IntelliJ an edge for enterprise-level debugging and deep code analysis.
VS Code vs IntelliJ: Which Is Better for Debugging?
| Feature | VS Code | IntelliJ IDEA |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Languages | Almost all via extensions | Best for Java/Kotlin, supports JS & Python |
| Performance | Lightweight and fast | Heavier but deeply integrated |
| UI Flexibility | Highly customizable | Structured and polished |
| Advanced Features | Requires extensions | Built-in advanced tools |
| Best For | Full-stack & web developers | Backend & enterprise developers |
Ultimately, both tools excel in different areas. VS Code is faster and easier to customize, while IntelliJ provides more advanced features out of the box for complex projects.
Debugging Best Practices
- Use conditional breakpoints instead of manually reproducing rare issues.
- Log strategically: Combine logging and debugging for better insights.
- Step through code to understand flow before changing logic.
- Use watch expressions to track variable changes across iterations.
- Avoid print-based debugging: Modern tools give far more visibility and control.
Following these practices helps you debug smarter, not harder.
Final Thoughts
Mastering debugging in VS Code and IntelliJ is about understanding how each tool fits your workflow. VS Code shines in speed, flexibility, and cross-language support, while IntelliJ is perfect for deep, structured debugging of complex applications. Regardless of your choice, both empower you to write better, cleaner, and more reliable code. To enhance your VS Code workflow even further, read Top VS Code Extensions for Full-Stack Developers (2025 Edition). For full IntelliJ guides, check the JetBrains documentation.
