The JavaScript Debugger window

This section describes the JavaScript Debugger window which appears when the Enable JavaScript Debugger preference is selected in General Preferences (it is deselected by default) and there is an error when executing a script.


JavaScript Debugger Window A. Command line B. Debug output view C. Stack trace view D. JavaScript source view E. Resume F. Pause G. Stop H. Step over I. Step into J. Step out K. Breakpoints display

The current stack trace appears in the upper-left pane of the script debugger window. This stack trace view displays the calling hierarchy at the time of the breakpoint. Double-clicking a line in this view changes the current scope, enabling you to inspect and modify scope specific data.

All debugging output appears in the upper-right pane of the script debugger window. Specifically, output from the print method of the $ object appears in this debug output view.

The currently executing JavaScript source appears in the lower pane of the script debugger window. Double-clicking a line in this JavaScript source view sets or clears an unconditional breakpoint on that line. That is, if a breakpoint is in effect for that line, double-clicking it clears the breakpoint, and vice-versa. The line number display on the left part displays a red dot for all lines with a breakpoint.

If debugging is disabled in After Effects preferences, the user will see an error message but not the Debugger itself. This is the typical setup that will be used in situations where professional roles are divided between those writing and administering scripts (technical directors, system administrators, etc.) and those using them (the artist/animators). If you are writing and debugging your own scripts, you will want to enable the debugger.