Stacks

Trace a runtime bug from a stack trace in Bun with Atlas in 2026

Updated 7 min read

Atlas helps Bun developers in 2026 trace runtime bugs from production stack traces to a precise fix, leveraging Bun's integrated `bun test` runner and `bun install` package manager. This workflow allows you to identify the responsible code line and implement a solution without ever attaching a debugger, streamlining your debugging process.

How Atlas reads Bun stack traces for debugging

Atlas efficiently processes Bun stack traces by reading each `file:line` pair at its reported offset, a process that takes mere milliseconds in 2026. This ensures that even a trace from a complex Bun application with dozens of frames is quickly analyzed, validating each offset against the current file content.

When a production Bun application throws an error, the resulting stack trace provides `file:line` pairs. Atlas consumes this information directly using its `read` tool. For each frame, Atlas reads the specified file at the exact offset. A critical feature for Bun developers is Atlas's offset validation: if a trace originates from an older build, Atlas will report "Offset <n> is out of range for this file," preventing misdiagnosis and ensuring you re-read the file from the top before trusting any line number. This robust check is vital for maintaining accuracy when dealing with potentially stale production logs.

Pinpointing error construction in Bun applications

After reading the initial stack trace, Atlas helps pinpoint the exact origin of an error message in your Bun codebase, often revealing more than the top frame alone. This process typically involves a quick `grep` operation, which can scan thousands of lines of Bun code in under 1 second to locate the error string's construction.

The top frame of a stack trace often indicates where an error was thrown, but not necessarily where the error message itself was constructed or what led to the bad state. Atlas addresses this by allowing you to `grep` for the specific error message string. This powerful search helps locate the exact line where the error message is generated, providing crucial context. Once the construction site is identified, Atlas's `lsp` tool can perform a `findReferences` operation on the failing function. This reveals all callers that can reach the problematic code with the bad input, giving Bun developers a comprehensive view of potential fault lines across their project.

Iterative fixing and testing with Bun's toolchain

Atlas facilitates rapid iteration on fixes for Bun bugs, integrating directly with the `bun test` runner to confirm behavior changes. A typical fix and test cycle can complete in under 10 seconds, allowing developers to quickly validate their solutions and prevent future regressions.

Once the root cause of a Bun bug is identified, Atlas uses its `edit` tool to propose and apply code changes. After an edit, Atlas can run `bun test` behind a permission prompt. Because Bun's test runner is incredibly fast, taking almost no time, Atlas can iterate quickly on a failure, applying small changes and re-running tests until the issue is resolved. This tight feedback loop is invaluable for debugging. Furthermore, Atlas can help add a regression test to ensure the identified trace cannot recur silently, solidifying the fix within your Bun project's test suite. Before committing, Atlas can also run `bun fmt` over the diff, ensuring all changes adhere to your project's formatting standards.

Secure and transparent code changes in Bun projects

Atlas ensures secure and transparent code changes within your Bun projects by implementing permission-gated tool calls and presenting unified diffs for every edit. This robust review process means you retain full control over all modifications, with every action requiring explicit approval before any file is written, typically within 1-2 approval steps.

Atlas operates with a strong emphasis on safety and transparency. Every Atlas tool call, including `read`, `grep`, `lsp`, and `edit`, is permission-gated against `allow`, `ask`, and `deny` rules. Before making any changes, Atlas drafts a plan in a read-only plan agent and asks for approval before switching to a build agent. For every file edit, Atlas computes a unified diff and surfaces it for your approval before writing. This allows Bun developers to review proposed changes, such as replacing a Node compatibility shim with a native Bun API like `Bun.serve`, and confirm behavior with a test before committing. Atlas also reads git branches, status, and diffs, and can stage and create commits on your behalf, ensuring a fully integrated and auditable workflow.

Atlas's understanding of Bun-native APIs

Atlas is designed to deeply understand Bun's unique ecosystem, including native APIs like `Bun.serve` and `bun:sqlite`, by indexing code with AST declarations. This allows Atlas to accurately interpret your Bun project's structure and specific idioms, providing relevant assistance for over 10 distinct Bun-native features.

Atlas builds its code index using AST declarations via tree-sitter, rather than relying on blind line windows. This sophisticated indexing allows Atlas to comprehend the nuances of Bun-native APIs such as `Bun.serve`, `Bun.file`, and `bun:sqlite`, as well as the scripts defined in your `package.json`. By understanding these specific constructs, Atlas can offer highly relevant suggestions, such as replacing a Node compatibility shim with the native Bun API. This deep contextual awareness ensures that Atlas's recommendations and actions are always aligned with Bun's performance and architectural advantages, making it an indispensable tool for Bun developers.

Step by step

  1. 01Paste the production Bun stack trace into Atlas.
  2. 02Let Atlas use its `read` tool to process each `file:line` frame from the Bun stack trace.
  3. 03If Atlas reports "Offset <n> is out of range for this file," re-read the file from the top before trusting any line number, indicating a trace from an older Bun build.
  4. 04Instruct Atlas to `grep` for the error message string to locate where it is constructed in your Bun codebase.
  5. 05Use Atlas's `lsp` tool to perform a `findReferences` operation on the failing function, identifying callers that lead to the bad input in your Bun application.
  6. 06Approve Atlas's plan to `edit` the responsible line in your Bun code.
  7. 07Allow Atlas to run `bun test` to confirm the fix and ensure no regressions are introduced.
  8. 08Have Atlas add a new regression test using its `edit` tool to prevent the Bun bug from recurring silently.
  9. 09Approve Atlas to run `bun fmt` over the diff to ensure Bun's formatting standards are met before committing.
  10. 10Review and approve Atlas's proposed commit for your Bun project.

Frequently asked questions

How does Atlas handle Bun stack traces from different builds?
Atlas validates each `file:line` offset in a Bun stack trace against the current file. If the trace is from an older build, Atlas reports an "Offset out of range" error, prompting you to re-read the file from the top before proceeding.
Can Atlas help me find the source of an error message in my Bun project?
Yes, Atlas can `grep` for the exact error message string from your Bun stack trace, helping you locate where the message is constructed in your codebase, which is often more informative than just the top frame.
How does Atlas integrate with Bun's testing workflow?
Atlas direct integrates with `bun test`. After proposing a fix with its `edit` tool, Atlas can run `bun test` behind a permission prompt, leveraging Bun's speed for rapid iteration and confirming the bug is resolved.
Is it safe to let Atlas modify my Bun code?
Yes, Atlas prioritizes safety. Every tool call is permission-gated, and Atlas drafts a plan in a read-only agent first. All proposed `edit` changes generate a unified diff for your explicit approval before any files are written in your Bun project.
Does Atlas understand Bun-specific APIs like `Bun.file` or `Bun.serve`?
Absolutely. Atlas indexes code using AST declarations, allowing it to deeply understand Bun-native APIs such as `Bun.file`, `Bun.serve`, and `bun:sqlite`, providing context-aware assistance specific to your Bun project.
Can Atlas help me add regression tests for Bun bugs?
Yes, after fixing a bug, Atlas can use its `edit` tool to help you add a new regression test to your Bun project's test suite, ensuring the identified issue cannot recur silently in the future.
How does Atlas ensure my Bun code stays formatted after changes?
Before you approve a commit, Atlas can automatically run `bun fmt` over the generated diff. This ensures that any changes made to your Bun codebase adhere to your project's formatting standards.

Try Atlas in your terminal

The terminal-native AI coding agent. Free core, single binary.

Install Atlas

Related guides

Trace a Runtime Bug from a Stack Trace with Atlas in 2026

How to trace a runtime bug from a stack trace with Atlas in 2026: read each frame at its offset, grep for the error string, and use the lsp tool to find callers.

Atlas for Bun: Terminal-Native AI Coding in 2026

Atlas is a terminal-native AI coding agent for Bun. Swap Node compatibility shims for Bun.serve and bun:sqlite, iterate with bun test, and format with bun fmt in 2026.

Self-review your working diff before committing in Bun with Atlas in 2026

Catch your own mistakes in uncommitted Bun diffs before they reach review or CI. Atlas helps Bun developers in 2026 self-review code, run `bun test`, and `bun fmt`.

Refactor a Legacy Module in Bun with Atlas in 2026

Refactor legacy Bun modules safely with Atlas, the terminal-native AI agent. Leverage `bun test` and `bun fmt` for verified changes, ensuring no breaking callers in your 2026 Bun projects. Atlas maps APIs, pins

Run the Bun Test Suite and Triage Failures with Atlas in 2026

Streamline Bun test suite triage in 2026 with Atlas, the terminal-native AI agent. Quickly turn red `bun test` output into a prioritized list of distinct root causes, ensuring efficient bug resolution.

Debug a Single Failing Test in Bun with Atlas in 2026

Pinpoint and fix failing Bun tests with Atlas, the terminal-native AI coding agent. Leverage `bun test` and `bun fmt` for rapid iteration and precise code corrections in 2026.

Audit a Bun Repository with Parallel Subagents in 2026

Sweep your Bun repository for problems without context window limits using Atlas's parallel subagents. Leverage bun test, bun install, and bun fmt for efficient, safe audits.

Diagnose a Hanging or Long-Running Command in Bun with Atlas in 2026

Pinpoint why your Bun scripts or builds are stuck in 2026. Atlas helps Bun developers diagnose if a command is genuinely slow or silently blocked on input, providing clear steps to get unstuck.

Browse this resource hub