Google Chrome DevTools: Handy Tips
Tags: webdev, javascript, debug, productivity
Published: 2023-12-25 15:26:46



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/j8yg44c6n9qywh7v7kdf.png)




Google Chrome DevTools is a powerful set of web development tools built directly into the Chrome browser. It provides a wide range of features that help developers debug, optimize, and understand web applications. In this article, we'll unravel more features, sprinkle in additional tips. Let's dive in!

1. Gateway to DevTools Magic

To open devtools just right-click anywhere on a webpage, choose "Inspect," and voila! If you're into shortcuts, hit Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Opt+I (Mac). Also you can find it in the Chrome menu under "More Tools" > "Developer Tools."


Dark Mode: Click the gear icon in the top-right corner of DevTools and choose "Preferences." Embrace the darkness by enabling the "Dark Theme" for a sleek and magical appearance.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/auqciu6m0705430k4yy2.png)


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/f1xx3zsjxbptgehxqept.png)




2. Play with Devices
Touch and Feel: Toggle the "Toggle device toolbar" button to simulate touch interactions. Feel the of touch events without getting fingerprints on your screen.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ph1fja2d8mib5vphvikm.png)



3.  Console tricks!

a. Magic Commands
`$_` to the Rescue: Use `$_` in the console to reference the result of the last expression. It's like summoning the spirit of your previous command.

b. Fancy Logging
Styling Your Logs: Add `%c` to your console.log and apply CSS styles to your log messages. Spice up your console with colors and fonts.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/611erjpodbsh2pq70jw6.png)



c. Table Talk
Multidimensional Tables: Nest arrays and objects within your data for a table. :)


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/v3n6shlauw4pffxn5x4a.png)


4. The Story of Your Code in the Source Panel

a. Hide and Seek
Navigate with Precision: Use Ctrl+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+P (Mac) to quickly navigate and find files in the source panel. 

It's like having a file finder of vscode.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/jdqbpak05wglz1xdh6mk.png)


b. Breakpoints with Conditions

Logpoint : Instead of stopping at a breakpoint, set a "Logpoint" to log a message to the console. Keep the magic flowing without interrupting the spell ;)


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/qmso3ictd74mvg3p1l5e.png)



5. Network Adventures

a. Speed Bumps

Online, Offline, and Beyond: Simulate offline experiences by checking the "Offline" option in the Network panel. Experience the magic of how your website behaves without an internet connection.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/901ip9bmqm1s2prkncnd.png)



b. Copy-Paste Wizardry

Preserve the Magic: When copying an object from the console, use copy(myObject) to preserve the object in its original form. No more losing properties during the copy-paste ritual.


6. Performance Magic Show

a. Lights, Camera, Action!
Frame Mode: In the Performance panel, switch to "Frames" mode to analyze your website's performance frame by frame. It's like directing a movie of your web page.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rznofbdjy8tudxgzlrb0.png)


7. Application Playground

a. Storage Treasure Hunt
IndexedDB Explorer: Under the "Application" panel, explore IndexedDB with the "IndexedDB" tab.]

b. Application Manifest Magic
Manifest Insights: Check the "Manifest" tab to inspect your web app's manifest file.


8. Miscellaneous Enchantments

Search Everywhere: Press Ctrl+Shift+F (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Opt+F (Mac) to search across all DevTools panels. A magical way to find what you seek without going too far.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7wjc0wf719p5y6tq80lv.png)



In Conclusion
Google Chrome DevTools is a versatile tool that can greatly improve your web development workflow. By incorporating these tips and tricks into your routine, you'll be able to debug more efficiently, optimize performance, and gain a deeper understanding of your web applications.