Debug Console Tutorial

Introduction to the Debug Console

The Debug Console in Visual Studio Code is a powerful tool that allows developers to interact with the debugger, execute commands, and evaluate expressions while debugging their applications. It provides a command-line interface where you can enter commands, inspect variables, and view output from your application.

Accessing the Debug Console

To access the Debug Console in VS Code, follow these steps:

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Start a debugging session by clicking on the Run icon in the Activity Bar on the side or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + D.
3. Choose your debugging configuration and click the green play button.
4. Once the debugging session is active, the Debug Console will appear at the bottom of the window.

You can also toggle the Debug Console by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Y.

Using the Debug Console

The Debug Console allows you to perform various tasks:

• Evaluate Expressions: You can evaluate any valid JavaScript expression by typing it into the console.
• Inspect Variables: You can check the current values of variables in your scope.
• Execute Commands: The console supports commands like restart, continue, and more.

Here's an example of how to evaluate an expression:

Debugging Example

Let's consider a simple debugging scenario. Suppose you have the following JavaScript code:

function add(a, b) {
    return a + b;
}
console.log(add(5, 10));
                

When you set a breakpoint on the return statement and start debugging, you can use the Debug Console to inspect the values of a and b:

You should see the output reflecting the current values of a and b in the output area below the console.

Common Commands in the Debug Console

Here are some common commands you can use in the Debug Console:

• clear: Clears the contents of the Debug Console.
• restart: Restarts the debugging session.
• continue: Continues the execution until the next breakpoint.
• step over: Steps over the next line of code.
• step into: Steps into the function being called.

Conclusion

The Debug Console is an essential part of the debugging process in Visual Studio Code. By utilizing its features, you can gain insights into your code, inspect variables, and execute commands to streamline your debugging workflow. Experiment with the Debug Console in your projects to fully appreciate its capabilities.