Roland Su

What I learned debugging builds

Build failures are easiest to fix when the first failing command is visible. The rest of the output is useful only after that point is clear.

I now start with the smallest reproducible command, write down the expected input, and check the environment before changing application code.

A useful debugging order

  • Confirm the command and working directory.
  • Check versions and environment variables.
  • Reduce the failure until one assumption breaks.