DataTables debugger

The DataTables debugger makes it easy to provide information to assist with a support request. The debugger will gather information about the DataTables used on any web-page and submit it to the DataTables debug server.

A unique code is used to identify the submitted table information which you would then provide in your support request allowing me to see what configuration your table is used in, and use the information provided to assist in diagnosing any issues that you might be encountering with the table.

How to use the DataTables debugger

The debugger will read information about your page by loading its Javascript. This can be done in one of two ways:

  • As a bookmarklet
  • A Javascript snippet that is pasted directly into your browser's console.

Javascript snippet

To use the debugger on your page with minimum hassle, simply copy the code below, and then paste it into the browser's debug console where and when you want to run the debugger.

(function() {
    var url = 'https://debug.datatables.net/bookmarklet/DT_Debug.js';
    if (typeof DT_Debug != 'undefined') {
        if (DT_Debug.instance !== null) {
            DT_Debug.close();
        } else {
            new DT_Debug();
        }
    } else {
        var n = document.createElement('script');
        n.setAttribute('language', 'JavaScript');
        n.setAttribute('src', url + '?rand=' + new Date().getTime());
        document.body.appendChild(n);
    }
})();

Bookmarklet

If you make use of the debugger for multiple pages, you might find it useful to install it as a bookmarklet. This can be done by clicking and dragging the button to your browser's bookmark bar, or right clicking on the button an selecting "Add to bookmark. Then load the web-page with the DataTable you wish to debug and select the bookmarklet from your bookmark bar.

DataTables debug

Privacy

The debugger will read the configuration and data of the DataTables on your page at the time when the debugger is run. This is then uploaded to the DataTables debug server and stored in a database. The record can be deleted by you at any time (using the same browser and IP address as was used to upload the file in the first place), and it will be automatically deleted one week after it has been uploaded. This information uploaded will not be sold in any way, however, due to the nature of this public service, you should be careful about what data you do upload.

Example output

When the data is submitted to the server, it is available on a page like this. This example is from the table on the DataTables home page.