What You’ll Learn
- Debug issues by describing them to Verdent
- Leverage the @verifier subagent for quick checks
- Apply systematic debugging workflows
- Use Desktop features for parallel debugging
Debugging with Verdent
Basic Debugging Workflow
1
Describe the Bug
In the input box, describe the issue and symptoms you’re seeing
2
Verdent Investigates
Verdent reads relevant files and analyzes the code to find the root cause
3
Review the Fix
Verdent proposes and implements the fix, then shows the changes
Terminal (Optional)
For manual debugging or when you need direct command access:- Press
Ctrl+JorCtrl+`to toggle the terminal panel - Terminal opens in the current workspace’s root directory
Common terminal debugging commands
Common terminal debugging commands
Using @verifier
The@verifier subagent specializes in rapid validation and verification tasks.
When to Use @verifier
| Task | Example |
|---|---|
| Quick checks | @verifier check if auth middleware handles expired tokens |
| Validation | @verifier validate the error handling in @userService.ts |
| Syntax verification | @verifier check this SQL query for syntax errors |
| Pre-commit checks | @verifier verify the changes are ready for commit |
@verifier Examples
Check specific functionality:@verifier vs Main Agent
| Aspect | @verifier | Main Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Context | Isolated, focused | Full conversation context |
| Speed | Faster for quick checks | Better for complex analysis |
| Best for | Validation, verification | Investigation, fixing |
| Cost | Separate context (efficient) | Main context usage |
Debugging Workflows
- Error Messages
- Test Failures
- Performance
Investigate error messages systematically:Prompt template:Verdent will:
- Analyze the error message
- Search for relevant code
- Identify the root cause
- Propose a fix
Desktop Debugging Features
Parallel Debugging
Debug multiple issues simultaneously in separate workspaces:- Multiple Bugs
- Compare Against Stable
Debug unrelated bugs in parallel without interference:Benefit: Each debug effort is isolated with no interference between sessions.
1
Create Debug Workspace
Click New Workspace in the Top Bar for your first bug
2
Name the Workspace
Give it a descriptive name (e.g., “debug-auth-bug”)
3
Describe the Bug
In the input box, describe the bug and ask Verdent to investigate
4
Create Additional Workspaces
Repeat for each additional bug you want to debug
5
Compare Results
Switch between workspaces using All Workspaces to compare behavior
6
Apply Fixes
When a fix is ready, click Workspace Actions → Rebase to main branch
Reviewing Bug Fixes
After Verdent makes a fix:- Click Task Changes in the middle panel to review changes
- Verify the fix addresses the root cause
- Check for unintended side effects
- Request modifications in the input box if needed
Plan Mode for Complex Bugs
For difficult-to-understand bugs:1
Switch to Plan Mode
Press
Shift+Tab or Ctrl+. to switch to Plan Mode2
Describe the Bug
In the input box, describe the bug in detail:
3
Review Analysis
Verdent analyzes code and creates an investigation plan
4
Execute Investigation
Switch to Agent Mode to investigate systematically
Debugging Prompts
- Bug Report
- Investigation
- Regression Tests
Structured format for reporting bugs:
FAQs
How do I debug intermittent bugs?
How do I debug intermittent bugs?
- Add logging to capture state when bug occurs
- Request Verdent to add strategic log statements
- Reproduce multiple times to find pattern
- Use
@verifierto validate fixes don’t introduce regressions
Should I use a separate workspace for debugging?
Should I use a separate workspace for debugging?
Yes, for:
- Bugs that might require significant changes
- When you want to compare against master
- Long debugging sessions
- Quick fixes
- Obvious bugs with simple solutions
- When already in a feature workspace
How do I debug production issues safely?
How do I debug production issues safely?
- Create a workspace for the debug effort
- Add logging/diagnostics without deployment
- Test fixes thoroughly
- Review changes before rebasing
- Deploy after full test verification
When should I use @verifier instead of the main agent?
When should I use @verifier instead of the main agent?
Use @verifier for quick validation checks, syntax verification, and pre-commit checks. Use the main agent for complex investigations requiring full context.
Can Verdent debug code it didn't write?
Can Verdent debug code it didn't write?
Yes. Describe the bug and use @-mentions to point Verdent to relevant files. Verdent analyzes the code regardless of who wrote it.