8 Testing and debugging techniques
This chapter covers
- Debugging methods for identifying issues in Next.js applications
- Troubleshooting Vercel AI SDK
- Debugging techniques in Langchain.js
- Mocking frameworks that allow for controlled testing environments.
- Best practices for integrating testing and testing strategies for AI web applications.
Writing reliable software is a tricky business. There are a lot of intricacies to consider, and it is especially easy to make mistakes if you are not familiar with the technologies you are using. Take the technologies we have discussed in this book; each one of them is a potential candidate for error. With Next.js, for example, the usage of server components requires developers to change some of their typical patterns, which can lead to unexpected behavior if not handled correctly. It’s especially important to understand the nuances of server components (RSC) and server actions. The Vercel AI SDK abstraction layer simplifies interactions with AI models, but can introduce risks if developers are not fully aware of its underlying mechanics. Misconfiguration or incorrect assumptions about SDK behavior can lead to errors. Then the Langchain.js framework comes with its own set of challenges. The fast code iterations and changes of this library mean that best practices are continually changing, so developer must keep up with the new norms.