How to view JavaScript function calls as they occur

javascript debugging function-calls
styfle picture styfle · Apr 15, 2011 · Viewed 36.5k times · Source

Is it possible to view JavaScript function calls in the browser's JavaScript console? I know you can view XHR, but can you view function calls?

For example, I hover my mouse over some element on a page and a div pops up. I know there was a JavaScript function that was called to show the popup so it would be nice to be able to view this call in the console so I can see what function was called.

Am I missing something or is this not possible?

Answer

victorhooi picture victorhooi · Apr 15, 2011

So basically you want to view JS calls in real-time?

The Firebug extension on Firefox offers that (http://getfirebug.com/javascript).

Basically, what you want to do is find your function within your code, then set a breakpoint on it. You should then be able to step through execution on it, just like a normal debugger. It shouldn't be hard to find the JS function associated with a and a particular event (e.g. mouseover) on that - is this page in question using straight JS or a framework? And if so, which one?

Google Chrome's built-in developer tools offer a smaller subset - depending on what you want, the Profile tab on it might be useful?

What exactly do you need to trace this JS function for? We might be able to recommend a better tool for you based on your particular need.

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