Writing clean and functional code is essential for any developer aiming to create efficient and maintainable software. Here are the top 5 best practices to keep in mind:

1. Consistent Naming Conventions: Use clear and descriptive names for variables, functions, and classes. This makes the code self-explanatory and helps others (or yourself in the future) to understand what each component does.
2. Comment Your Code: Quality comments are vital. They explain the 'why' behind your logic, which can be crucial for others reading your code or for you when revisiting old projects.

3. Keep Functions Small: Break your code into smaller, reusable functions. This makes it easier to test and debug, and it promotes better reusability across projects.
4. Adhere to DRY Principle: DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) encourages you to avoid code duplication. Whenever you notice repeated code, consider refactoring it into a single function or module.
5. Regularly Refactor Code: Don’t wait for your code to become unwieldy before you refactor. Regularly revisiting and improving your code maintains its cleanliness and functionality over time.

Debugging your code is an essential skill for any developer. To effectively troubleshoot your programs, start by reproducing the error. Identify the specific conditions that trigger the bug, and try to isolate it by creating a simplified version of the code. This could involve commenting out sections, or using print statements to track variables and their values. Once you have a clear understanding of when the error occurs, it's time to move on to the next step of the debugging process.

Next, utilize debugging tools provided by your development environment. Most Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) come equipped with built-in debuggers that allow you to set breakpoints, step through your code line by line, and inspect variable values at runtime. This method helps in pinpointing the exact location of the problem. Lastly, document your findings throughout this process. Keeping a debugging log can be invaluable for future reference, especially if similar issues arise again.

When evaluating what makes software ‘work’, two foundational aspects stand out: functionality and user experience. Functionality refers to the specific tasks a software application can perform and how well it meets the needs of its users. A well-functioning software should provide a seamless and efficient execution of its intended tasks. This includes everything from the speed of operation to the responsiveness of the interface. If users can achieve their goals without unnecessary complications, the software can be deemed successful in its functionality.

On the other hand, user experience encompasses the overall experience a user has while interacting with the software. It includes factors such as ease of navigation, clarity of layout, and overall aesthetic appeal. A software application that prioritizes user experience not only enhances satisfaction but also fosters engagement and loyalty among users. As software development continues to evolve, balancing both functionality and user experience becomes essential for creating products that resonate with users and stand the test of time.