Debugging Scripts
Here’s a simple tip that could make a huge difference in your ability to debug your scripts in Designer:
If you use the JavaScript language for a script, you can use the following function to output information to the JavaScript Console available in Acrobat Standard/Pro:
console.println("string");When you preview your form in Designer or open it in Acrobat, you can use the “Ctrl + J” keyboard shortcut to display the JavaScript Console. Note that this feature is not available in Reader.
Anyone who has attempted to debug their script(s) in Acrobat knows that it’s a painful thing to do. Unfortunately, many only know about
app.alert("string");or
xfa.host.messageBox("string");which gets the job done but not without some headaches and, in certain cases, RSI in your index finger clicking through all those message boxes! The other problem is that showing a message box can cause differences in the form’s behaviour, especially if you’re trying to debug a script which is setting focus to an object on your form.
By using console.println, you can output text to the JavaScript Console so that you don’t change the behaviour of your scripts.
The ability to debug scripts is something we know needs serious attention in Designer and trust me, we’ve talked about it and we have plans to address these issues but I can’t speak about anything definite at this time.
Updated: August 5, 2008
May 5th, 2006 at 10:30 pm
Another technique I use is putting a text field on the form and using it as a debug output field - setting it’s text in the click event with the results of the code that’s handling the click, for example.
It’s right in between app.alert and console.println - no RSI from closing the alerts, and no having to bring up the JavaScript console. But you do have to remember to remove this field (and the code that sets it) before you’re done with your form.
May 6th, 2006 at 3:06 am
Hi Formbuilder
Thanks for the tip with
console.println(…);
YES the scripting and debugging features in designer are limited and need more attention if Adobe wants the platform to be a serious choice for big solutions/companies.
When you are used to code completion etc. from Visual studio, eclipse etc. you feel like you were set 5+ years back in time!
/Thomas
Jyske Bank - Denmark
July 28th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Hi Stefan,
thank you very much for those wonderfull scripts and tips to us new bies. i tried to use console.println abut it doesnt show anything. do i need to set anything before i use the command.please advice me
thanks
August 5th, 2008 at 9:51 am
sravya,
You’re welcome!
When you preview your form in Designer or open it in Acrobat, you simply need to press “Ctrl + J” on your keyboard to see the JavaScript Console. If you’re using Reader, you won’t be able to see it since that feature isn’t available in Reader.