How to inspect Javascript Objects

javascript object inspect
Valentina picture Valentina · Mar 18, 2011 · Viewed 102.8k times · Source

How can I inspect an Object in an alert box? Normally alerting an Object just throws the nodename:

alert(document);

But I want to get the properties and methods of the object in the alert box. How can I achieve this functionality, if possible? Or are there any other suggestions?

Particularly, I am seeking a solution for a production environment where console.log and Firebug are not available.

Answer

Torsten Becker picture Torsten Becker · Mar 18, 2011

How about alert(JSON.stringify(object)) with a modern browser?

In case of TypeError: Converting circular structure to JSON, here are more options: How to serialize DOM node to JSON even if there are circular references?

The documentation: JSON.stringify() provides info on formatting or prettifying the output.

Related questions

Checking if a key exists in a JavaScript object?

How do I check if a particular key exists in a JavaScript object or array? If a key doesn't exist, and I try to access it, will it return false? Or throw an error?

Read More
What is the most efficient way to deep clone an object in JavaScript?

What is the most efficient way to clone a JavaScript object? I've seen obj = eval(uneval(o)); being used, but that's non-standard and only supported by Firefox. I've done things like obj = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(o)); but question the …

Read More
Converting an object to a string

How can I convert a JavaScript object into a string? Example: var o = {a:1, b:2} console.log(o) console.log('Item: ' + o) Output: Object { a=1, b=2} // very nice readable output :) Item: [object Object] // no idea what's inside :(

Read More