When a bug feels like endless combat, treat it like a raid: break the fight into clear objectives. Pick one symptom, write a tiny test that proves it, kill that “mini‑boss,” and move on. Keep a running list of next steps on a sticky note or in your IDE so you’re never wandering in the dark. Use a timer—five minutes of focused code, one minute of coffee, repeat. If your head starts glitching, step away for a breath or a quick walk; a reset is like a health pack. And when the code still won’t behave, look back at the spec or a comment; the original design is the ultimate cheat sheet. Debugging is a puzzle, not a marathon—treat each line like a piece that fits once you’re patient enough to see the pattern.

Glad the elder’s voice is still ringing. Next step: code review, then the debugging dance. Remember, even a perfect plan can go sideways if you skip the coffee break.