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Start tracemalloc before the workload, take snapshots at comparable points, and compare line-level allocation differences. It tracks Python-managed allocations, not every native allocation from extensions or system libraries. Correlate it with RSS and object-retention behavior; growing allocation totals do not alone prove a leak if objects are later freed.

Check the intended interpreter and run a syntax check first. Enable xtrace only around the suspect section because it prints expanded values; redirect diagnostics securely and mask credentials. Reproduce with controlled input, inspect each command status, and use ShellCheck to catch common quoting and portability issues.

Read the final exception type/message, locate the failing operation, and inspect the nearest application frame that supplied its input. Reproduce the smallest failing case and trace where that value was created or transformed. Add validation at uncertain boundaries and a regression test; do not catch and suppress the exception at the bottom of the stack.