Monday, January 16, 2006

Automatic JavaScript documentation generation

I'm looking for some recommendations for auto-generating API docs for JS libraries. There doesn't seem to be a lot of info out there on Google, so let's build a list here.

I'm interested in everything from mods to existing packages like DocBook, JavaDocs, etc. to Perl scripts you've stitched together back in 1999. Have at it!

Non-Blogger members can email me and I'll post your link.

Friday, January 13, 2006

Tip: the MS Script Debugger

I'm surprised that more JavaScript developers don't know (or maybe have forgotten) about the Microsoft Script Debugger. If you're weary of IE script errors that report "Line 324: Object expected" and no filename when you have 500K of script divided over 12 files, install this beastie, then open IE and go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced and uncheck "Disable Script Debugging (Internet Explorer)."

Restart IE and the next time you encounter a JS error, a dialog box should pop up asking you if you wish to debug it. Clicking OK will launch the debugger, taking you to the file (hallelujah!) and the line at which it occurred.

It's not specifically tailored for JS like Venkman, but it's waaaaay better than IE's native JS error reporting.