investigate

Root-cause debugging uses a four-phase workflow—investigate, analyze, hypothesize, implement—to systematically trace code paths and form a testable root-cause hypothesis. It guides symptom collection and reproduction steps to frame the problem before implementing a verifiable fix.

A structured debugging workflow separates root-cause analysis into investigate, analyze, hypothesize, and implement phases. This approach uses scope locking and structured evidence gathering to ensure a repeatable, reproducible path to a verifiable fix.

To generate a root-cause hypothesis, first collect symptoms, error messages, and reproduction steps during the investigation phase. Then, systematically analyze the code path to pinpoint the root cause and transition into implementing a verifiable fix.

Yes, scope locking is integrated into the debugging workflow to prevent unintended changes. It confines the investigation, analysis, and implementation phases to a safe boundary, ensuring the verifiable fix targets only the identified root cause.

Debugging fails without a reproducible approach because the four-phase workflow requires structured evidence gathering. Reproducible symptoms and error messages are necessary to accurately frame the problem, form a testable hypothesis, and yield a verifiable fix.