5 JavaScript Console Methods You're Not Using (But Should Be)

5 JavaScript Console Methods You're Not Using (But Should Be) JavaScript, Debugging, Developer Tools, Productivity https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555066931-4365d14bab8c?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1000&q=80

Everyone uses console.log(), but JavaScript's console object has powerful debugging methods that can save you hours. Here are 5 underused console methods that will make you a better debugger.

1. console.table() - View Arrays & Objects Beautifully

Instead of expanding objects in the console, display them as a table.

JavaScript

const users = [
  { name: 'Alice', age: 25, city: 'NYC' },
  { name: 'Bob', age: 30, city: 'London' },
  { name: 'Charlie', age: 35, city: 'Tokyo' }
];

console.table(users);
// Displays a beautiful sortable table

Use case: When working with arrays of objects (API responses, user data).

2. console.group() - Organize Your Logs

Group related logs together to avoid console clutter.

JavaScript

console.group('User Login Process');
console.log('Step 1: Validating credentials...');
console.log('Step 2: Checking permissions...');
console.log('Step 3: Generating session token...');
console.groupEnd();

Use case: Tracking multi-step processes or function execution flow.

3. console.time() & console.timeEnd() - Performance Tracking

Measure how long your code takes to execute.

JavaScript

console.time('API Call');
// Simulate API call
await fetch('https://api.example.com/data');
console.timeEnd('API Call');
// Console: API Call: 245ms

Use case: Identifying slow functions or API calls.

4. console.assert() - Conditional Logging

Only log when a condition is false.

JavaScript

const user = { name: 'Alice', age: 25 };
console.assert(user.age >= 18, 'User must be 18 or older', user);
// Only logs if user.age < 18

Use case: Validating assumptions in your code during development.

5. console.trace() - See the Call Stack

Show where the current function was called from.

JavaScript

function calculateTotal(price, tax) {
  console.trace('calculateTotal called');
  return price + (price * tax);
}

calculateTotal(100, 0.1);
// Shows the entire call stack

Use case: Debugging complex applications with many function calls.

📋 Console Methods Cheatsheet

Method	Purpose	When to Use
console.table()	Display data as table	Arrays of objects
console.group()	Group related logs	Multi-step processes
console.time()	Measure execution time	Performance debugging
console.assert()	Conditional logging	Validation checks
console.trace()	Show call stack	Complex debugging

Your Challenge: Replace at least 3 console.log() calls in your current project with these more specific methods this week!