Randy Pagels shows how developers can use GitHub Copilot to diagnose errors, find bugs, and generate tests, transforming how debugging is done.

Debug Faster with GitHub Copilot

Posted on Jun 20, 2025 by Randy Pagels

No developer loves debugging—but with GitHub Copilot, you can make it a lot less painful. This post covers four key ways Copilot can help you identify and fix problems faster, so you can spend more time building and less time bug-hunting.

1. Explain Errors

You can prompt Copilot to interpret confusing error messages. For example, in Python:

# Explain this error and suggest a fix

Copilot will break down complex stack traces and offer actionable fixes.

2. Find Bugs in Your Code

Let Copilot review your functions and spot issues. In JavaScript:

// Review this function and suggest potential issues

Get feedback about possible logic errors or common pitfalls.

3. Generate Debugging Code

Need better visibility? Ask Copilot for debug print statements:

# Add debug print statements to this function

Copilot inserts logging where you need it, so you can trace what your code is doing at runtime.

4. Write Test Cases to Catch Bugs

Quickly generate unit tests to catch problems before they hit production. In TypeScript:

// Generate a unit test for this function

Automated tests help prevent bugs from sneaking in later.

Quick Takeaway

GitHub Copilot can make debugging less frustrating by helping with error explanations, bug detection, runtime diagnostics, and test generation. Next time you’re stuck on a bug, let Copilot give you a hand—and stay focused on building great solutions.

This post appeared first on “Randy Pagels’s Blog”. Read the entire article here