Overview

Being able to quickly and efficiently debug an application when met with an issue is a useful skill for any developer. In this lesson, we will cover some debugging techniques that can be useful when developing applications with the nRF Connect SDK. First, we will go over more debugging functionality available in nRF Connect for VS Code and go through build errors and fatal errors, and how to debug them using tools like core dump and addr2line. Then we will cover how to troubleshoot the devicetree, and touch upon some physical debugging techniques.

In the exercise portion of this lesson, you will practice using advanced debugging features in nRF Connect for VS Code, and write and read directly to the SoC/SiP peripherals. Then, you will create an application that triggers a fault error, and practice using core dump and addr2line to debug.

Objectives

• Delve into the common pitfalls with nRF Connect SDK applications, including stack overflows, concurrency-related issues, missing devicetree entries, and Kconfig issues. 
• Explore advanced debugging techniques in nRF Connect for VS Code, such as conditional breakpoints, non-halting debugging, and non-invasive log points.
• Learn about build errors and fatal errors, and common tools to debug these (core dump and addr2line).
• Practice how to debug an application in nRF Connect for VS Code through hands-on exercises.
• Practice through hands-on exercises how to debug a fault error using core dump and addr2line