Auto Open Devtools for Tabs with Automatic Tab Behavior

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If you're like me, you've probably spent countless hours debugging code in the DevTools panel of your browser. But what if you could save time and effort by having DevTools automatically open for every new tab you create?

With some clever browser extensions and settings, you can make this a reality. This feature is especially useful for developers who work on multiple projects simultaneously and need to inspect the code of each tab quickly.

For example, the "Auto Open Devtools for Tabs" extension allows you to open DevTools automatically for every new tab, saving you the hassle of manually opening it each time. This extension is available for Chrome and can be easily installed from the Chrome Web Store.

By enabling this feature, you can streamline your development workflow and focus on what matters most – writing code and solving problems.

Auto Opening Dev Tools

The feature to auto-open Dev Tools for new tabs has been available in Chrome since 2016, according to a bug report from Chromium.

To enable this feature, you can use the command line argument `--auto-open-devtools-for-tabs` when launching Chrome. For example, you can start Chrome with the following command: `chrome.exe --start-maximized --auto-open-devtools-for-tabs --user-data-dir=%TMP%\chrome -profile-directory=Default about:blank`.

This command will launch Chrome in a new, isolated window with Dev Tools open.

For more insights, see: Azure Vm Auto Start

Chrome Dev Tools

Credit: youtube.com, Opening Developer Tools Automatically

Chrome Dev Tools have been a lifesaver for many developers, allowing them to inspect and debug their code with ease.

One of the most frustrating things about Chrome Dev Tools is that they don't stay open by default, requiring you to press Shift + I every time you want to access them.

In 2016, a feature was added that allows Chrome Dev Tools to automatically open when a new window is opened, but it's not enabled by default. You can find more information about this feature on the Chromium bugs page, issue #410958.

If you're looking for a workaround, you can use a Chrome extension to create a new pane inside the Dev Tools. This can be a good solution, but it's not exactly what you're looking for.

Another option is to use a script to send keys to Chrome, simulating the Ctrl Shift J command. However, this would only work for new instances of Chrome, and you'd need to get creative with selenium or something to navigate to a given page.

Recommended read: Browser Dev Tools

Credit: youtube.com, DevTools - #AskChrome

Here are some alternative methods to consider:

  • Editing the source code of your HTML5 application to open Dev Tools automatically
  • Using a Chrome extension to create a new pane inside the Dev Tools
  • Using a script to send keys to Chrome

Keep in mind that these methods may not be the most elegant solutions, but they can get the job done.

Automatic Tab Behavior

Chrome has a feature called "Auto-open DevTools for popups" that allows DevTools to track the opening of new tabs and windows.

This feature is enabled when you have DevTools open for a tab, and that tab opens a new window or tab.

If you have this feature enabled, Chrome will open a new instance of DevTools for the new window/tab.

But, unless the Toolbox is displayed as a Window, this behavior can be confusing.

Chrome now forces loading all popups to new tabs, which may not be the best UX.

If popups still opened real popups, this feature would be a nice UX, as real popups can't have any toolbox.

Some issues are hard to diagnose because they happen in the transition between two tabs, such as sites opening a new tab for login or downloading files.

Dt-webcompat

Credit: youtube.com, Navigate Chrome's dev tools like a boss (Command Menu)

Dt-webcompat is a project that focuses on making the web more compatible with various devices and browsers. It's a crucial part of ensuring a smooth user experience.

Dt-webcompat specifically looks at issues related to compatibility with devices like TVs, set-top boxes, and other non-traditional devices. These devices often have unique requirements and limitations.

One of the key challenges that dt-webcompat addresses is the lack of standardization across different devices and browsers. This can lead to inconsistent behavior and frustrating user experiences.

For example, the project has identified issues with the way certain websites are rendered on TVs, including problems with font rendering and layout.

One Answer

If you want to start Chrome as a new isolated window with DevTools open, you can do so from the CLI in Windows. Here's the command: chrome.exe --start-maximized --auto-open-devtools-for-tabs --user-data-dir=%TMP%\chrome -profile-directory=Default about:blank.

This works for Edge as well, just use a different user-data-dir folder: msedge.exe --start-maximized --auto-open-devtools-for-tabs --user-data-dir=%TMP%\msedge -profile-directory=Default about:blank.

Once you're in DevTools, you can enable Ctrl+1-9 shortcuts by hitting F1.

Explore further: Open Source Data Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortcut for open DevTools in Chrome?

To open DevTools in Chrome, press F12 or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl-Shift-I on Windows/Linux or Command-Option-I on macOS. This will give you access to a powerful debugging tool.

Judith Lang

Senior Assigning Editor

Judith Lang is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for curating engaging content for readers. With a keen eye for detail, she has successfully managed a wide range of article categories, from technology and software to education and career development. Judith's expertise lies in assigning and editing articles that cater to the needs of modern professionals, providing them with valuable insights and knowledge to stay ahead in their fields.

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