how to debug iOS app

Generated on 10/26/2024

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To debug an iOS app effectively, you can utilize several tools and techniques available in Xcode and LLDB, as discussed in various sessions at WWDC 2024.

  1. Using LLDB for Debugging: The session "Run, Break, Inspect: Explore effective debugging in LLDB" provides insights into using LLDB for debugging. It emphasizes the importance of the run-break-inspect loop and how to use crash logs to understand program state at the time of a crash. You can start by reproducing the bug and using LLDB to inspect the program state and backtrace to understand the sequence of function calls leading to the issue.

  2. Xcode Debugging Tools: The session "Xcode essentials" covers various debugging tools in Xcode. It highlights the use of breakpoints, the console, and the debug navigator to diagnose and fix issues. You can disable breakpoints to run the app without interruptions and use command-control-R to run without building, which speeds up the debugging process.

  3. New Features in Xcode 16: The session "What’s new in Xcode 16" introduces new debugging features like the thread performance checker, which helps identify runtime issues by pinpointing problematic lines of code. The unified backtrace view allows you to trace the call stack and inspect variables easily.

For a more detailed exploration of debugging in LLDB, you can refer to the session Run, Break, Inspect: Explore effective debugging in LLDB (03:46).

These sessions provide a comprehensive overview of the tools and techniques available for debugging iOS apps effectively.

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