How to Get the Function Name While Debugging in Python

Learn how to easily fetch function names during debugging in Python using the inspect module. Improve your debugging skills with this simple solution!
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How to Get the Function Name While Debugging in Python

Debugging can be a challenging task, especially when you're trying to determine which function is currently being executed. Imagine you're working on a project, and you want to print out the function name while debugging, but your code just outputs an empty string instead. This issue can be particularly frustrating, but don't worry; there is a straightforward solution! In this guide, we'll explore how you can efficiently retrieve the function name during runtime in Python.

The Problem

In Python, when using the inspect module to debug, you might try to access the function name with the following code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The expectation here is that the output should give you the names of the functions ('fn1', 'fn2', 'fn3'). Instead, the result is an empty string. So, how can we fix this and successfully print the function names?

The Solution

Fortunately, there is a straightforward solution to access the running function's name. Instead of trying to access the stack and the fourth item, you can simply access the function attribute directly through the stack. Below is the correct approach to achieve this.

Updated Code

Here's how to modify your existing code to print the function names correctly:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Expected Output

When you run the above code, you should see the following output as expected:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Why This Works

Summary

Debugging can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, but with the right tools and techniques, it can become much more manageable. By using the inspect module properly, you can easily get the function name while debugging your Python code.

Directly retrieve the function name via the .function attribute.

Print the name along with the function's output to streamline debugging.

We hope this solution simplifies your debugging process and enhances your Python programming skills! Happy coding!