Debugging in Bubble.io: Tips to Fix Issues Like a Pro 🚀

Hey,

This week, we’re tackling a skill that every Bubble.io builder needs to master: debugging. Let’s be honest—no app works perfectly on the first try. But knowing how to identify and fix issues quickly can save you a ton of frustration (and make your app much better in the process).

Here are my top tips for debugging your Bubble.io app like a pro, so you can troubleshoot faster and get your app running smoothly. Let’s dive in!

Here’s a fresh idea for your weekly newsletter: "How to Debug Your Bubble.io App Like a Pro." This topic hasn’t been covered before and offers massive value by helping users troubleshoot issues effectively.

Subject: Debugging in Bubble.io: Tips to Fix Issues Like a Pro 🚀

Hey [Subscriber’s First Name],

This week, we’re tackling a skill that every Bubble.io builder needs to master: debugging. Let’s be honest—no app works perfectly on the first try. But knowing how to identify and fix issues quickly can save you a ton of frustration (and make your app much better in the process).

Here are my top tips for debugging your Bubble.io app like a pro, so you can troubleshoot faster and get your app running smoothly. Let’s dive in! 💡

1. Use the Bubble Debugger

Bubble.io’s built-in debugger is your first line of defence when something isn’t working as expected. It helps you see exactly what’s happening with your workflows, conditions, and data.

How To Use It:

• Preview your app and enable the Debugger Mode (look for the small bug icon in the preview window).

• Step through workflows one action at a time to see what’s happening behind the scenes.

• Check for data mismatches, conditions that aren’t being met, or missing fields.

Pro Tip: Use the “Step-by-Step” option to pinpoint exactly where things are breaking.

2. Inspect Your Database in Real-Time

Many app issues come from unexpected data inputs or missing records. Bubble lets you inspect your database in real time to identify and fix these problems.

How To Do It:

• Go to the App Data tab in the editor.

• Search for the record you’re trying to debug and check if the data is correct.

• Use the “Run as” feature to test your app as a specific user and ensure their data is being processed correctly.

Pro Tip: Keep your test data clean and structured to make it easier to spot issues.

3. Double-Check Conditional Logic

Conditional logic is often the culprit when things don’t behave as expected. A small typo or conflicting condition can throw off your workflows.

How To Debug It:

• Check the conditions on your workflows and elements (e.g., “Only When” settings).

• Simplify complex conditions into smaller, testable pieces. For example, if you’re using multiple “and/or” statements, test each part individually.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, add temporary text boxes that display values for key conditions or Custom States. This helps you see what’s happening behind the scenes.

4. Log Your Workflows for Better Insights

If you’re dealing with a complex workflow, it can be hard to know where things are going wrong. Adding temporary logs to your workflows can help you track progress and identify where issues arise.

How To Do It:

• Use the “Trigger Custom Event” or “Show an Alert” actions at key points in your workflow to display progress.

• For backend workflows, create a temporary field in your database to store debug logs (e.g., “Step Completed”).

Pro Tip: Delete or disable these logs once you’ve fixed the issue to keep your app clean and efficient.

5. Test Across Devices and Users

Sometimes, issues don’t appear until you test your app on different devices or as different users. What works on your desktop might break on mobile, and permissions can cause unexpected behaviour for specific user roles.

How To Do It:

• Test your app on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices to ensure it’s responsive.

• Use the “Run as” feature in the Data tab to test workflows for various user roles or permissions.

Pro Tip: Ask a friend or colleague to test your app with fresh eyes. They might spot something you missed.

6. Common Issues to Watch Out For

Here are a few common pitfalls to check if you’re stuck:

• Data Mismatches: Ensure the data types match between inputs, workflows, and database fields.

• Empty Fields: Check if any required fields are missing values that might break workflows.

• Broken Repeating Groups: Verify that the data source is correct and that any constraints are working as expected.

That’s a Wrap! 🎉

Debugging isn’t always fun, but it’s an essential part of building a great app. By mastering these tips and tools, you’ll not only fix issues faster but also learn how to prevent them in the future.

What’s been your biggest debugging challenge in Bubble.io so far? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to help out or even feature your question in a future newsletter!

Until next week,
Stackless