1. Set up configurations

• Python/Node/Java interpreter – choose version of the language to run.
• Working directory – where code runs (important if it reads/writes files).
• Environment variables – set PATH, API_KEY, or other configs needs.
• Command-line arguments – pass parameters to your program.
• Run on another machine (local network, server, or container):
  • The IDE connects via SSH or a remote debug server.
  • Set breakpoints and step through code as like in local.

2. Set Breakpoints

• A breakpoint is like a “pause” in program.
• When the program reaches it, it stops, so you can inspect what’s happening.
• Place breakpoints before the section you think might be causing trouble.

3. Step Through the Code

Once the program pauses at a breakpoint, you can:

• Step Over
  • Executes the current line of code and moves to the next line in the same function.
  • If the line calls a function, executes the whole function without going inside it.
  • Skips breakpoints inside that function line.
• Step Into
  • If the current line calls a function, go into that function, line by line.
  • Can hit breakpoints inside that function line.
• Step Out → Finish the current function and return to the caller.
  • Runs the rest of the current function without stopping line by line.
  • Returns to the point where the function was called.
  • Skips breakpoints inside the current function.