Stop Using print(): The Ultimate Guide to Python Logging for Better Debugging

Discover why using Python's logging module instead of print() is the smarter choice for debugging, tracking errors, and building production-ready applications.

Ask just about any Python developer how they first started fixing bugs in their code, and I’m pretty sure most will say they used the print() statement, I know I did. It’s quick, simple, and doesn’t take any setup—so why not, right?

But as your projects get bigger and more complicated, print() starts to fall apart. You can’t control what it shows, it’s hard to filter the messages, and trying to manage print statements across a bunch of files becomes a total mess.

It’s kind of like trying to find a needle in a haystack—and instead of sorting the hay, you just keep adding more and hoping the needle pops out. That’s basically what happens when you rely only on print() for debugging.

The better, smarter way to handle debugging in Python is by using logging. Logging doesn’t just tell you what happened—it also tells you when, where, and under what conditions it happened.

And the best part? You don’t have to clutter your main code or mess with your app’s core logic to get all that info.

In this article, I’ll walk through why logging should be your go-to tool for debugging and keeping an eye on your Python apps. We’ll look at how it works, how to set it up, and how to use it in real-world situations.

Building on simple, practical steps, this guide has everything you need to get comfortable with logging in Python.

By the time you’re done, you’ll know how to use logging like a pro—and you’ll finally be ready to stop using print statements for good.

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