Debugging: an essential step for the performance of your website

Debugging consists of identifying, analysing and resolving technical problems that may occur on a website. These problems can include code errors, conflicts between plugins, page loading problems, server errors, etc. These problems can have serious consequences, such as slow loading times or display errors, which in the long run lead to drops in traffic and conversions.

What’s more, a website with technical problems will also have a negative impact on SEO. Search engines such as Google favour well-structured and optimised sites, and a site with debugging problems is likely to see its ranking drop in the search results.

As WordPress is one of the most popular content management platforms, it is essential for WordPress website owners to know how to debug their site. Here are a few steps to effectively debugging a WordPress site:

1. Using logs: Error logs from your web server and WordPress are valuable sources of information for identifying problems. You can consult these logs to identify errors and warnings that occur on your site.
2. Deactivating plugins: Plugins can be the cause of many problems on a WordPress site. If you’re having problems, try deactivating plugins one by one to see if any of them are causing the problem.
3. Check for JavaScript errors: Use the browser development tools to check your site for JavaScript errors. JavaScript errors can cause interactivity and display problems.
4. Check theme and plugin compatibility: Make sure your WordPress theme and plugins are up to date and compatible with the version of WordPress you are using. Outdated themes and plugins can cause conflicts and errors.
5. Use of debugging tools (or debugger): WordPress comes with specific debugging systems to make the process easier, but there are plugins and tools specially designed for debugging on WordPress. For example, the “Query Monitor” extension can help you identify slow SQL requests, PHP errors and performance problems.

Complex websites – such as web applications, e-commerce sites or portals with multiple integrations – can present more complex debugging problems. In such cases, debugging tools should be used on a case-by-case basis.

Here are some examples of advanced debugging problems that more complex websites may face:

1. Performance problems: Complex websites can suffer from performance problems due to inefficient SQL queries, poorly optimised scripts or poor management of server resources.
2. Security problems: Complex websites are often the target of cyber attacks. A developer will be able to identify potential security flaws and close them to prevent any intrusion.
3. Integration conflicts : Integrations with third-party systems such as payment gateways, content management systems, or APIs can sometimes lead to conflicts that require advanced debugging expertise to resolve.

In addition to the technical aspects, debugging also plays a crucial role in a website’s SEO. Search engines favour websites that offer a fluid user experience and are well structured.

1. Loading times: As seen above, debugging problems, such as poorly optimised scripts or slow SQL queries, can lead to longer loading times, which can negatively affect search engine rankings.
2. Indexing errors: Technical problems on your site, such as 404 errors or server errors, can prevent search engines from indexing your pages correctly, which will also have a negative impact on your SEO.
3. User experience: Debugging improves the user experience by eliminating problems that could disrupt site navigation. A good user experience leads to a lower bounce rate and better interaction with content, which is also taken into account by search engines in their ranking algorithm.

In addition to reactive debugging to resolve existing problems, it is also a good idea to put in place good practices to prevent debugging problems in the future. Here are some tips from our developers on how to keep your website running smoothly and reduce the frequency of technical problems:

1. Regular site back-ups: Make regular back-ups of your website, including the database and files, so that you can restore an earlier version at a glance in the event of a major problem.
2. Frequent updates: Make sure you keep your website, themes and plugins up to date with the latest versions available. Updates often include bug fixes, new features and security improvements.
3. Use reliable plugins and themes: Choose plugins and themes from reliable and reputable sources. Poorly coded plugins and themes can lead to conflicts.
   Testing before deployment: Before deploying major changes to your website, carry out extensive testing on a development version. This will allow you to detect potential errors before they affect your live site.
   Proactive monitoring: Set up monitoring tools to track your website’s performance, load times, 404 errors, etc. This will help you to detect any emerging problems quickly.
4. Limit the use of plugins: Too many plugins can overload your website and lead to compatibility problems. Use only essential plugins and delete those that are no longer necessary.
5. Security checks: Carry out regular security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement appropriate security measures.
6. Performance monitoring: Monitor the performance of your website, including load times, server resources and SQL queries. Identify bottlenecks and optimise performance.
7. Training and technology watch: Make sure your team is regularly trained in the latest technologies and best practices in web development. Technology watch keeps you up to date with developments in the sector.

To illustrate in concrete terms the positive impact of debugging on website performance, let’s take a look at a real-life case study of an e-commerce site that benefited from the services of a digital agency with expertise in debugging.

Context

An e-commerce site specialising in the sale of electronic products was experiencing a gradual decline in its conversion rate and an increase in its bounce rate.

Debugging and diagnostics

To solve these problems, the developers began by carrying out a complete audit of the site. They examined server error logs, checked site performance, analysed page load times and inspected SQL queries to identify any bottlenecks.

Problems identified

The audit revealed a number of problems affecting the site’s performance. The main problems included unhandled JavaScript errors, slow SQL queries due to a poorly optimised database, and excessive use of non-essential plugins.

Solutions implemented

To remedy these problems, the developers proceeded as follows:

1. JavaScript error management: They corrected identified JavaScript errors, which improved the site’s interactivity and reduced the bounce rate.
2. Database optimisation: They carried out a complete database optimisation, removing obsolete data and improving SQL queries to reduce server response times.
3. Plugin review: The agency evaluated the use of plugins on the site and deactivated those that were not essential. This reduced site overload and improved page load times.
4. Updates and patches: They updated the site’s CMS and plugins to ensure they were up to date and free of security vulnerabilities.

Debugging is an essential step in guaranteeing the performance, security and optimal user experience of your website. Whether you use WordPress or have a complex website, debugging requires in-depth technical expertise to identify and resolve problems effectively.