| name | systematic-debugging |
| description | 4-phase root cause process. Use on any bug, test failure, or unexpected behavior before proposing fixes. |
Systematic Debugging
Source: superpowers plugin (claude-plugins-official)
4 Phases
- REPRODUCE — confirm bug exists, get minimal repro case
- LOCATE — bisect to smallest failing unit (binary search the call stack)
- UNDERSTAND — explain WHY it fails, not just WHERE
- FIX — change one thing, verify fix doesn't break other tests
Rules
- Never guess — hypothesize then verify
- One variable at a time
- Read error messages literally before interpreting
- Check recent git changes first (
git log --oneline -10)
Hackathon shortcuts
console.log placement: just before and after suspected line
- Check network tab before assuming backend bug
- Verify env vars loaded before debugging logic