8 replies to this topic

[jshaffstall]

Is there a function to call to output a debug message that gets logged in the debugger window? I know about using show_message, but that's klunky and there's no history of previous messages. In the absence of a full-out debugger allowing stepping through lines of code, some form of debug logging is important for tracking down bugs. Since GMS is being targeted at professionals, I'm hoping I just missed finding this feature in the help.

[rwkay]

show_debug_message???

It's been in GameMaker for a long time - though I tend to find noone knows about it.

Russell

[alexandervrs]

show_debug_message???

It's been in GameMaker for a long time - though I tend to find noone knows about it.

Russell

Maybe because the messages are not directly visible in the main debugger window and we have to go to Tools > Show Messages.
In Flash when you do trace() then it shows the messages in the output window right away, maybe GM should do the same.

[rwkay]

They are output to the compile form which you should keep open - even in non-debug...

Also if you open windows in the debugger then they will be reopened when the debugger restarts...

Russell

[alexandervrs]

Also if you open windows in the debugger then they will be reopened when the debugger restarts...

Ah, this one is very useful.

[jshaffstall]

show_debug_message???

It's been in GameMaker for a long time - though I tend to find noone knows about it.

That's exactly what I was looking for, thanks! I did finally find it in the help, but it was embedded in the general Debugging topic, not listed as a separate entry.

[locohost]

They are output to the compile form which you should keep open - even in non-debug...

Also if you open windows in the debugger then they will be reopened when the debugger restarts...

Russell

I can't find the show_debug_messages anywhere. By saying "output to the compile form" I thought you meant the lower window in the IDE that shows the compile progress. However I see none of my show_debug_messages in there so I must be wrong. I guess I don't know what "the compile form" is.

EDIT: There is what looks like a white debugger window that opens in Chrome as the game is starting up. However, my game graphics completely cover that so I have no way of seeing it.

Edited by locohost, 25 May 2012 - 04:55 PM.

[rwkay]

Ah! OK you are working in HTML5 in that case run in Debug and there is a scrolling text box underneath your game all the show_debug_message output should go to that.

Russell

[locohost]

Ah! OK you are working in HTML5 in that case run in Debug and there is a scrolling text box underneath your game all the show_debug_message output should go to that.

Russell

Yeah I kinda figured. That's what my "Edit" is about. However, I have no way to see that underneath the game graphics so I'm still confused