Scratch
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#1 2008-04-13 15:23:05
Scratch debugger
...::: Scratch debugger :::...
I think a "debugger for Scratch would be very useful. Currently "wrong" scripts are marked with a red border (which does not disappear when the "wrong" block is taken out, try with #/0) and you do not now what's the problem.
Also, when the main version of Scratch supports strings, this would be a helpful way to prevent people from using string variables as numbers and vice versa.
The debug window should have to be easy, not extremely difficult like in most languages.
This is how i see a debugger (not implemented, only the look):
The red messages are fatal errors, the green ones are to help clean up the code, avoid problems etc.
The red underlined words are links to scripts or actions.
What do you think? Please tell!
Joren
Last edited by JSO (2008-04-13 15:24:36)
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#2 2008-04-13 15:34:39
- Paddle2See
- Scratch Team
- Registered: 2007-10-27
- Posts: 1000+
Re: Scratch debugger
This is good stuff - but I would also like to see a debugger that addressed run-time errors. EdnaC had a thread going for awhile that discussed what a debugger in Scratch might look like. I think we agreed that being able to put a watch on a variable (have Scratch tell you where the value was being change) would be a big help. Also, a report that told you where a variable could potentially be changed (what sprites have scripts that attempt to change it's value) and where a variable is referenced would be a big help.
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#3 2008-04-14 12:10:22
Re: Scratch debugger
Hmmm... That would be very useful! If a debugger like this would be implemented, it cuold be done in a new menu, like "extra" - including "runtime info". I think it should look like the flash output window - but again, a bit more simplified. I still think it is better to show your ideas with an image, so I 'll create another one.
Another idea might be to include "potential" errors. like: "This hide block will be repeated forever - this might slow down your project." or "You used 'set color effect to' which will work differently online".
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#4 2008-04-14 16:48:02
- relyt12101
- Scratcher
- Registered: 2007-05-19
- Posts: 500+
Re: Scratch debugger
Could be very useful!
The Green section could be very appreciated by many people - saying what is and isn't used....
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#5 2008-04-16 14:06:59
- Bluekingice
- Scratcher
- Registered: 2007-12-25
- Posts: 86
Re: Scratch debugger
That's a very good idea! Sometimes I forget about a certain variable and leave it in the project.
My GAIA Online avatar.
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#8 2011-12-20 19:02:48
- silly_bagilly
- New Scratcher
- Registered: 2011-12-18
- Posts: 1
Re: Scratch debugger
http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/silly_bagilly/2230568, I need this project fixed. The values are messing up.
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#9 2011-12-20 19:12:39
- RedRocker227
- Scratcher
- Registered: 2011-10-26
- Posts: 1000+
Re: Scratch debugger
That's a really good idea! 
Why
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#10 2011-12-20 21:44:44
Re: Scratch debugger
Whoah, this is an ancient topic! Seriously historic, really. I remember seeing this thread back in the day, but only now am I expressing my support. 
silly_bagilly wrote:
http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/silly_bagilly/2230568, I need this project fixed. The values are messing up.
Perhaps you should try making your own thread to address this? It keeps the forums a bunch neater, just the way they should be.
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#11 2011-12-20 22:07:20
- my-chemical-romance
- Scratcher
- Registered: 2011-04-24
- Posts: 1000+
Re: Scratch debugger
Like Eclipse, it could tell you if something is never used in the script, would be really handy.
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#12 2011-12-21 00:29:31
- PaperMario123
- Scratcher
- Registered: 2011-11-25
- Posts: 500+
Re: Scratch debugger
I agree. This would help with a few problems I sometimes have, then have to spend 5 minutes finding. 
I support, big time! 
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#13 2011-12-21 04:15:25
- scimonster
- Community Moderator
- Registered: 2010-06-13
- Posts: 1000+
Re: Scratch debugger
Even though this is ancient, I support anyways!
Moderator | Scratch Wiki Administrator | Coders' Shed AdministratorScratch 2.0 is just around the corner! Prepare for the transition by beta testing. Your feedback will help make it the best it can be!
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