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Google Earth API

Debugging

  1. Introduction
  2. Debuggers
  3. Other resources

Introduction

JavaScript debugging tools can help to troubleshoot issues with your Earth API application. There are a number of such tools available, some of which are listed below.

For additional help, refer to the links listed in the Other resources section.

Debuggers

JavaScript debuggers are invaluable in the development of your Earth Plugin application.

In addition to the applications listed below, Apple's Safari browser, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 include JavaScript debuggers and other developer tools.

  • To access Safari's tools, select the Advanced tab from the Preferences dialog, and select Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  • Chrome's developer console can be accessed by selecting > Developer > JavaScript Console.
  • In Internet Explorer 8, select Tools > Developer Tools, or press F12.
Application Description Operating systems / browsers
Firebug An integrated debugger for Firefox 3.x Firefox 3.x on Windows and OS X
Firebug Lite A script to place the Firebug console in your web page All browsers / operating systems
Microsoft Script Editor

Included with Microsoft Office 2000+. Activate it from IE's View > Script Debugger.

You may need to deselect Disable Script Debugging from IE's Tools > Internet Options > Advanced menu.

 Internet Explorer on Windows
Microsoft Script Debugger

A free, lightweight script debugger. Once installed, activate it from IE's View > Script Debugger.

You may need to deselect Disable Script Debugging from IE's Tools > Internet Options > Advanced menu.

 Internet Explorer on Windows
Venkman The code name for Mozilla's JavaScript Debugger. An add-on for Firefox. Firefox 3.x on Windows and OS X

Other resources

There are plenty of JavaScript debugging resources available on the web.

  • The Google AJAX API Playground has a built-in debugger, using Firebug Lite. The Playground lets you modify a number of Google Earth API examples and see your changes reflected in the plugin instance on the page.
  • The Google Maps API documentation has a series of screencasts demonstrating the use of various script debuggers: Using Debugging Tools with the Google Maps API.
  • The Google Earth Plugin community on Google Groups is a good resource for many API-related questions. Official Google representatives are often available to answer specific questions, and a number of recognized experts kindly offer their experience to the community.