Simplify Debugging with cl-print: A Handy Tool for Node.js Developers

Debugging can be one of the most frustrating parts of software development, especially when you're left hunting through code to figure out where a particular log is coming from. For Node.js developers, traditional console.log statements often fall short by failing to provide sufficient context about the file and line number where the log originated.

To solve this problem, I’ve developed cl-print, an npm package that makes debugging smarter, faster, and more efficient. Let’s dive into what cl-print is, why you need it, and how you can start using it today.

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What is cl-print?

cl-print is a lightweight Node.js package that logs data to the terminal along with the file name and line number of the log statement. This additional context makes it incredibly easy to track down the source of your logs, saving you time and effort when debugging.

Key Features:

• File Name and Line Number: Know exactly where each log is coming from.
• Effortless Debugging: Simplifies the process of tracking and fixing issues.
• Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for developers just starting out with Node.js.
• Backend-Focused: Especially useful for backend developers managing large codebases.
• CLI Command Support: Includes a command-line interface for quickly creating files with cl-print pre-imported.

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Why Use cl-print?

Traditional console.log is great, but it lacks context. Imagine debugging a large project with dozens of files and thousands of lines of code—figuring out where a particular log came from can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

With cl-print, you get the file name and line number directly in your logs. This simple yet powerful feature saves you time and lets you focus on solving the real problem instead of searching for it.

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How to Install cl-print

Getting started with cl-print is easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Open your terminal and run the following command:

   npm install -g cl-print

note - install globally ,so you use it in as cmd tool also

1. Import it into your Node.js project:

   const {cl} = require('cl-print');

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How to Use cl-print

Using cl-print is as simple as replacing your console.log statements with cl. Here’s an example:

const {cl} = require('cl-print');

const user = { name: 'Alice', age: 25 };
cl(user);
// Output: <fileName>:<lineNumber>: { name: 'Alice', age: 25 }

With cl-print, the terminal output will now include the file name and line number, making it clear where the log originated.

Using the CLI Command

cl-print also comes with a CLI tool that makes it even easier to get started. You can create a new JavaScript file with cl-print pre-imported by running the following command:

cl add <filename>

For example:

cl add debug.js

This command will create a debug.js file with the following content:

const { cl } = require('cl-print');

// Your code here

This saves you time and ensures that cl-print is ready to use right away.

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Real-Life Use Cases

1. Debugging API Requests: When working with backend APIs, use cl-print to log request data and identify which routes are being hit.

   app.post('/login', (req, res) => {
       clPrint(req.body);
       res.send('Login successful!');
   });

1. Tracking Errors: Use cl-print to log error details along with their source file and line number for faster debugging.

   try {
       throw new Error('Something went wrong!');
   } catch (error) {
       clPrint(error);
   }

1. Testing Large Codebases: When working with a large project, cl-print helps you locate issues quickly by providing precise log details.

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Why Beginners and Backend Developers Will Love It

For beginners, debugging can feel overwhelming. cl-print simplifies the process by adding helpful context to logs, making it easier to understand and fix issues. For backend developers, managing large, complex codebases becomes far less daunting with the extra clarity that cl-print provides.

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Feedback and Contributions

I built cl-print to make debugging more accessible and efficient, but I’m always looking for ways to improve it. Your feedback and contributions are welcome! Feel free to:

• Report issues
• Suggest new features
• Contribute to the project on GitHub

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Get Started with cl-print Today!

Debugging doesn’t have to be a headache. With cl-print, you can track and fix issues faster, saving time and improving your productivity. So why wait? Install cl-print today and start debugging smarter!

Installation Command:

npm install cl-print

GitHub Repository:

GitHub Link (https://github.com/gitkrishnaa/cl)

npm link (https://www.npmjs.com/package/cl-print)

Happy Debugging! 🚀