What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
debug
Example
I need to debug this code to find out why it's not working. [debug: verb]
Example
The developer spent hours debugging the software to fix all the issues. [debugging: gerund or present participle]
troubleshoot
Example
I need to troubleshoot my internet connection to figure out why it's so slow. [troubleshoot: verb]
Example
The IT specialist spent the day troubleshooting the network to fix the connectivity issues. [troubleshooting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Troubleshoot is more commonly used than debug in everyday language, especially in technical contexts. Troubleshooting is a more general term that can be applied to various technical fields, while debugging is primarily used in software development.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between debug and troubleshoot?
Both debug and troubleshoot are technical terms that are generally used in formal contexts. However, debugging is more specific to software development and may be considered more formal than troubleshooting, which is a more general term used in various technical fields.
