here is the answer by chatGPT

While Python is an interpreted language that allows you to run code line by line interactively, there are several reasons why using a debugger like the built-in VS Code debugger can be beneficial for debugging Python code:

1. Complex Code and Flow Control: When dealing with complex code, it may not be feasible to manually run each line of code interactively. Debuggers allow you to set breakpoints at specific lines and examine the program’s behavior at those points. This is particularly useful when trying to understand the flow of control or to pinpoint the exact location of bugs.
2. Non-Interactive Scenarios: In some cases, your Python code might be part of a larger program or a script that needs to run non-interactively, without manual intervention. Using a debugger enables you to debug the code without the need for manual input.
3. Persistent Debugging State: A debugger allows you to stop at breakpoints and inspect variables and their values at that moment. This state is persistent, which means you can investigate the data and conditions that led to a particular issue, even after the code has completed its execution.
4. Inspecting Variables and Data: Debuggers provide a convenient way to inspect the values of variables at different points in the program’s execution. This feature is especially useful for identifying the values causing errors or unexpected behavior.
5. Stepping Through Code: Debuggers allow you to step through the code line by line or step over functions, enabling you to understand the execution flow and identify potential issues more effectively.
6. Time-Consuming Code: If your Python code involves time-consuming operations, debugging line by line interactively might not be practical. A debugger can help you isolate problems and minimize the time spent on debugging.
7. Handling Exceptions: Debuggers provide detailed information about unhandled exceptions, their type, and the line numbers where they occurred. This makes it easier to identify the root cause of errors.
8. Integration with IDE: Using a built-in debugger in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like VS Code provides a seamless debugging experience. It allows you to combine code editing, debugging, and other development tasks in one place.

In summary, while Python’s interactive nature allows you to run code line by line in a Python REPL or shell, using a debugger like the one in VS Code can significantly enhance the debugging process, especially when dealing with more complex scenarios and non-interactive code execution. It provides powerful tools for identifying and resolving issues in your Python programs efficiently.

tbd