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See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 8:59 am
by MichaelBluejay
Ridiculously, the list of variables in the debugger is at the bottom of the script editor, so both the script and the list of variables competes for space. The larger I make the list of variables, the less code I can see, and vice-versa. The variables list ought to be listed in a separate pane or window so the programmer can see both the list of variables and the code at the height of the screen. I have a 27" screen but LC forces me to waste it.
Is there in fact some way to show a screen-high list of variables without being at the expense of how much code I can see? Are there any 3rd party debuggers? I couldn't find any.
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 10:58 am
by AndyP
Hi MichaelBluejay,
That's an interesting idea. Working on a plugin now.
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 1:40 pm
by AndyP
A lot easier than I thought it would be.
This can be docked left or right to the editor or free floating.
Finishing off and will upload to Sample Stacks later today.
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 1:50 pm
by Klaus
Way cool, Andy!

Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 2:01 pm
by mrcoollion
Love it...

Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 2:43 pm
by MichaelBluejay
Wow, thanks!
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 2:50 pm
by dunbarx
Andy.
Eager to see your work.
I use a 32" monitor exclusively for the SE, rotated on its side so it is rather tall. Though I can see a lot of real estate, I still have to look from on high to down low constantly, so being able to see the variable pane right next to the code being debugged would be a treat.
Now I need a huge square monitor.
But does the variable pane in your gadget scroll? I do not see a scrollbar.
Craig
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 3:42 pm
by AndyP
dunbarx wrote: ↑Fri Jan 08, 2021 2:50 pm
But does the variable pane in your gadget scroll? I do not see a scrollbar.
Craig
Yes it does.
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 4:31 pm
by bogs
@Andy - that is sooooooooo cool !
I think I should point out that you *can* also pop any variable your interested in keeping track of out of that pane and into a separate window of it's own. As well, Mikey made this invaluable tip (among many gems over the year(s)) -
Mikey wrote: ↑Mon Feb 18, 2019 8:27 pm
@bogs
if you're trying to debug your app after it's compiled, you can take advantage of the fact that LC is interpreted at runtime by adding something like:
Code: Select all
on mouseUp
ask "Command, please"
if it is not empty then do it
end mouseUp
That's all it takes to get started with adding the ability to execute arbitrary code on the fly.
You could check the contents of a global if you responded with:
** Note by bogs - the above and below can also be used within the IDE itself ~
Somehow, I have misplaced the bookmarks I made of a similar post, and an afternoon of looking failed to turn it up
I'll have to see if I can do better when I wake up for sure.
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 6:11 pm
by AndyP
]HI All,
The Variable Monitor is now on Sample Stacks.
[attachment=0]2021-01-08_18-55-42.png[/attachment
Please place in your plugins folder and restart LiveCode.
Open the Variable Monitor plugin and hit the refresh button to start mirroring the Script Editor variable pane.
Looking forward to your feedback and suggestions.
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 9:09 pm
by FourthWorld
The variables used to be in a separate window. People said it was too fiddly.
Hard to come up with a design that pleases a diverse audience.
Fortunately, with the IDE being all scripted, we have many options for tooling to choose from.
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 9:42 pm
by bogs
Well, with the ability to either pop out the windows or not, don't you have the best of both worlds?
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2021 12:58 am
by FourthWorld
bogs wrote: ↑Fri Jan 08, 2021 9:42 pm
Well, with the ability to either pop out the windows or not, don't you have the best of both worlds?
Depending on how it's done it may be a patent infringement.

Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2021 2:47 am
by MichaelBluejay
FourthWorld wrote: ↑Fri Jan 08, 2021 9:09 pm
Hard to come up with a design that pleases a diverse audience.
Not at all. You just give them the option to do it one way or the other, then everyone on both sides is happy.
Re: See both variables and code in the debugger?
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2021 2:50 am
by MichaelBluejay
AndyP wrote: ↑Fri Jan 08, 2021 6:11 pm
The Variable Monitor is now on Sample Stacks.
Where is this Sample Stacks of which you speak?