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Last updated on Mar 16, 2025
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You're debugging a complex piece of code. How do you truly grasp the feedback you're given?

How do you decode feedback on your code? Share your strategies for understanding it effectively.

Programming Programming

Programming

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Last updated on Mar 16, 2025
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You're debugging a complex piece of code. How do you truly grasp the feedback you're given?

How do you decode feedback on your code? Share your strategies for understanding it effectively.

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10 answers
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    Diogo Ribeiro

    Senior .Net Engineer | .Net Developer | Full Stack Developer | C# | .Net | Azure | React | Angular

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    I break it down step by step. First, I identify the core issue behind the feedback—whether it's a logic flaw, performance concern, or best practice suggestion. Then, I reproduce the issue if possible to see its impact. If something isn’t clear, I ask targeted questions to avoid assumptions. Finally, I apply fixes incrementally, testing after each change to ensure I'm addressing the root cause.

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    Sathyapriya Arulmozhi

    Lead Engineer at HCLTech | JLPT N3 Certified | JLPT N2 中 | 7x Microsoft Azure Certified | GitHub Copilot Fusion Hackathon '24 winner | Polyglot | Citizen scientist | Skater

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    If I were debugging a complex code and receive for the same: - I'll first, understand whether the feedback is inline with my approach or not. - If not, then I'll start by incorporating the same as-is and analyze if it helps. - Then, I'll progressively change things and test if everything works at each stage. For me, debugging starts with identifying where the issue is and working backwards. And having fun, while at it 😇✨️

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    Arivukkarasan Raja, PhD

    Director of IT → VP IT | Enterprise Architecture | AI Governance | Digital Operating Models | Reduced tech debt, drove platform innovation | Trusted to align IT strategy with C-suite impact | PhD in Robotics & AI

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    To fully understand debugging feedback, start by replicating the issue in a controlled environment. Break down feedback into actionable parts and prioritize critical errors. Collaborate with colleagues for diverse insights. Use version control to track changes and note improvements. Document each step, noting successful strategies. Perform tests iteratively, confirming each fix. Reflect on patterns or recurring errors to enhance your debugging skills over time.

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    Eric de Oliveira Souza

    Tech Lead 🇧🇷🇺🇸 | React, Next, Node, Nest, AWS

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    When reviewing feedback on complex code, the first step is to read it carefully without reacting. It’s important to understand whether the feedback is about logic, readability, performance, or style. If something isn’t clear, asking for examples or clarification helps avoid assumptions. Rewriting parts of the code in smaller pieces can also make it easier to apply suggestions. Finally, confirming the changes with the reviewer ensures the solution matches the expectation and avoids back-and-forth.

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    Timothy Hurd

    Senior Software Engineer | Senior Full Stack Web Developer | API Developer | Meta Certified Front-End Developer | IBM Certified AI Developer | PHP Developer | Tech Blogger

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    As stated by others the top idea is first to simplify things. Step through line by line and break it down. Is the function long and unwieldy? Refactor where possible and simplify as much as you can. Once you break it down it will be easier to understand and usually the bug just jumps out at you. Breaking down problems is the number one skill for a programmer, by far.

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    A Daji

    Web coding

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    Understand the purpose of the code review feedback - it is not simply to fix bugs. Place yourself in the perspective of project stakeholders and the reviewer. Think about the project goals, coding standards, guidelines, and industry best practices. Ask why the review was conducted, or the anything you don't understand about the feedback. Breakdown the issues to identify the problem and understand its impact: logic, functionality, maintainability, performance. Take this as an opportunity to learn and grow. Document your thoughts and approaches to the suggested changes. Finally, summarise the main issues then make sure you address all the points raised in the review. Thank the reviewer for their time.

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    Timothy Hurd

    Senior Software Engineer | Senior Full Stack Web Developer | API Developer | Meta Certified Front-End Developer | IBM Certified AI Developer | PHP Developer | Tech Blogger

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    As with everything we do in our jobs, we break it down and understand the smaller pieces. Then for the pieces we don't understand we ask for more feedback and clarifications. Just think, everything we do in our lives are often a series of simpler steps. If we can understand those steps we can understand the larger picture.

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    Fabrício Ferreira

    Senior Flutter Engineer | Mobile Developer | Mobile Engineer | Dart | Android | iOS | Kotlin | Firebase

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    Such a relevant topic — especially when dealing with nuanced or critical feedback on complex code. 🧠💬 My approach is to never assume intent — I ask clarifying questions to ensure I fully understand the why behind the suggestion. A quick "Can you elaborate on the reasoning here?" often leads to deeper learning. Also, I take notes and paraphrase the feedback back to the reviewer in my own words. If I can't explain it simply, I probably haven't internalized it yet. The best feedback isn’t just about fixing code — it’s about growing as a developer. 🌱 How do you turn technical feedback into actionable improvements?

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    Vineet Thakran

    840+ Problems Solved on CodeChef

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    Break Down the Feedback – Identify key points and categorize them into performance issues, logic errors, or best practices. For example, if a reviewer notes inefficient sorting, compare algorithms to find a better approach. Ask Clarifying Questions – If feedback is unclear, request specific examples or explanations to avoid misinterpretation. Test Suggested Changes – Implement the recommendations and compare results before committing to modifications. Apply Patterns and Principles – Relate feedback to coding standards or design patterns to improve future implementations. Understanding feedback deeply leads to better problem-solving and long-term growth.

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