How to Debug AI Code in Windsurf (When the Vibes Go Wrong)

AI-generated code isn't perfect. Sometimes Windsurf's Cascade generates code that looks right but doesn't work. When that happens, you need debugging skills.

In this guide, we'll show you how to debug AI-generated code in Windsurf effectively.

Understanding Windsurf's Error Reporting

Windsurf has built-in debugging features that help you identify problems quickly.

1. The Problems Panel

Press `Cmd+Shift+M` to open the Problems panel. This shows:
* Syntax errors
* Type errors (if using TypeScript)
* Linting warnings

2. Inline Error Indicators

Red squiggly lines indicate errors. Hover over them to see the error message.

3. The Terminal

Windsurf has an integrated terminal. Run your app and watch for runtime errors.

Common AI-Generated Bugs

Bug 1: Missing Imports

Symptom: `ReferenceError: X is not defined`

Cause: The AI generated code that uses a library but forgot to import it.

Fix:
Ask Cascade: “Add the missing import for X”

Or manually add:
“`javascript
import X from ‘library-name';
“`

Bug 2: Type Mismatches (TypeScript)

Symptom: `Type ‘string' is not assignable to type ‘number'`

Cause: The AI passed the wrong data type.

Fix:
Ask Cascade: “Fix the type error on line 42”

Or manually convert:
“`typescript
const age = parseInt(userInput); // Convert string to number
“`

Bug 3: Async/Await Issues

Symptom: `Promise {}` or data not loading

Cause: The AI forgot to use `await` or didn't handle promises correctly.

Fix:
Ask Cascade: “This function should wait for the API response before continuing”

Or add `await`:
“`javascript
const data = await fetchData(); // Don't forget await!
“`

Bug 4: Infinite Loops

Symptom: Browser freezes, high CPU usage

Cause: The AI created a loop without a proper exit condition.

Fix:
Check the loop condition. Ask Cascade: “This loop is running forever. Fix the exit condition.”

Bug 5: State Management Issues (React)

Symptom: Component doesn't re-render when data changes

Cause: The AI mutated state directly instead of using `setState`.

Fix:
Ask Cascade: “Update this to use proper React state management”

The Debugging Workflow

Step 1: Reproduce the Bug

Make sure you can consistently trigger the error. Note:
* What action causes it?
* What's the error message?
* Does it happen every time?

Step 2: Isolate the Problem

Use `console.log()` to narrow down where the issue is:

“`javascript
console.log(‘Before API call');
const data = await fetchData();
console.log(‘After API call', data);
“`

Step 3: Ask Cascade for Help

Windsurf's Cascade can help debug. Use specific prompts:

Good Prompt:
> “The fetchUsers function is returning undefined. The API endpoint is /api/users and should return an array of user objects. Debug this.”

Bad Prompt:
> “It's broken. Fix it.”

Step 4: Use the Debugger

Windsurf has a built-in debugger. Set breakpoints by clicking the line number gutter.

To start debugging:
1. Set a breakpoint
2. Press `F5` to start debugging
3. Step through the code with `F10` (step over) or `F11` (step into)

Step 5: Check the Network Tab

For API-related bugs, use the browser's Network tab (F12 in Chrome):
* Is the request being sent?
* What's the response status code?
* What data is being returned?

Advanced Debugging Techniques

Technique 1: The “Explain This” Prompt

If you don't understand the generated code, ask:
> “Explain what this function does line by line”

Cascade will break down the logic, helping you spot the error.

Technique 2: The “Simplify” Approach

If the code is too complex to debug, ask:
> “Simplify this function. Remove unnecessary complexity.”

Sometimes the AI over-engineers. A simpler version is easier to debug.

Technique 3: The “Rewrite” Strategy

If the bug is deep and hard to find, ask:
> “Rewrite this function from scratch using a different approach.”

Sometimes starting fresh is faster than debugging.

Technique 4: Add Type Safety

If you're using JavaScript, switch to TypeScript:
> “Convert this file to TypeScript and add proper types.”

TypeScript catches many bugs at compile time.

Debugging React Apps in Windsurf

Use React DevTools

Install the React DevTools browser extension. It lets you:
* Inspect component props and state
* Track re-renders
* Profile performance

Common React Bugs

Bug: Component not updating
Fix: Check if you're mutating state directly. Use spread operators:
“`javascript
// Wrong
state.users.push(newUser);

// Right
setState({ users: […state.users, newUser] });
“`

Bug: Infinite re-renders
Fix: Check `useEffect` dependencies:
“`javascript
// Wrong (missing dependency)
useEffect(() => {
fetchData();
}, []); // Should include dependencies

// Right
useEffect(() => {
fetchData();
}, [userId]); // Re-run when userId changes
“`

Debugging Node.js/Backend Code

Use the Node Debugger

In Windsurf's terminal:
“`bash
node –inspect-brk server.js
“`

Then attach the debugger in Windsurf.

Check Logs

Add detailed logging:
“`javascript
console.log(‘Request received:', req.body);
console.log(‘Database query:', query);
console.log(‘Response:', response);
“`

Test API Endpoints

Use tools like:
* Postman (GUI for API testing)
* curl (command-line API testing)
* Thunder Client (VS Code/Windsurf extension)

When to Give Up and Rewrite

Sometimes debugging takes longer than rewriting. Consider rewriting if:
* You've spent more than 30 minutes on a single bug
* The code is overly complex
* You don't understand the approach the AI took

Prompt:
> “This approach isn't working. Rewrite this feature using [different approach].”

Conclusion

Debugging AI-generated code is a skill. The more you do it, the better you get at spotting common patterns and fixing them quickly.

At BYS Marketing, we've debugged thousands of AI-generated bugs. We've learned that the key is clear communication with the AI and systematic problem-solving.

—

Stuck on a bug you can't solve?
Contact BYS Marketing. Our team can debug and optimize your AI-generated code.