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node-inspect-debugger

Debug Node.js processes via the V8 inspector and Chrome DevTools Protocol.

Updated Jul 3, 2026
Search Tags:#vitest#debugging#nodejs#breakpoints#chrome devtools protocol#heap snapshot#v8 inspector
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/CHENHUI-X/toolbox --skill node-inspect-debugger-chenhui-x
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: node-inspect-debugger
Source: https://github.com/CHENHUI-X/toolbox/tree/main/official-skills/software-development/node-inspect-debugger
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/CHENHUI-X/toolbox --skill node-inspect-debugger-chenhui-x

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires chrome-remote-interface.

What problem does it solve? When console.log is not enough, this Skill lets you drive Node's built-in V8 inspector from the terminal to set real breakpoints, step through code, walk call stacks, dump local and closure scopes, and evaluate arbitrary expressions in paused frames. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Interactive REPL debugging: Use node inspect to set breakpoints, step in/over/out, watch expressions, and drop into a scoped REPL with zero installation. - Programmatic CDP automation: Script breakpoint management, scope capture, CPU profiles, and heap snapshots via chrome-remote-interface for non-interactive debugging. - Attach to running processes: Enable the inspector on live Node processes with SIGUSR1 and attach by PID or WebSocket URL, including Ink-based TUI apps and Vitest test runs. - Use Case: A Vitest test fails in a TypeScript project. Launch it with node --inspect-brk, attach the debugger, set a breakpoint in the suspect file, and inspect closure state that console.log cannot reach. ## Quick Start Ask the agent to launch your Node script with --inspect-brk, attach node inspect, set a breakpoint at the failing line, and print the local variables when it pauses.

Frequently Asked Questions about node-inspect-debugger

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I debug a Node.js script from the command line?▼

Run node inspect path/to/script.js to launch the built-in debugger paused on the first line. Use sb() to set breakpoints, c to continue, n to step over, and repl to evaluate expressions in the current scope.

How do I attach a debugger to a running Node process?▼

Send SIGUSR1 to the process with kill -SIGUSR1 <pid>, which starts the inspector on port 9229. Then attach with node inspect -p <pid> or use the WebSocket URL from http://127.0.0.1:9229/json/list.

What is the difference between --inspect and --inspect-brk?▼

--inspect starts the inspector but lets the script run immediately, so you may miss early breakpoints. --inspect-brk pauses on the first line, giving you time to attach and set breakpoints before any code executes.

Why do my breakpoints hit the wrong lines in TypeScript?▼

Breakpoints land on the emitted JavaScript, not the .ts source. Either set breakpoints in the built dist/*.js files, or run with --enable-source-maps and use a CDP client that follows sourcemaps, since the node inspect CLI does not.

Can I capture a CPU profile or heap snapshot without Chrome DevTools?▼

Yes, use chrome-remote-interface to drive the Profiler and HeapProfiler domains programmatically. Start and stop Profiler for a .cpuprofile, or call takeHeapSnapshot and write the chunks to a .heapsnapshot file for later analysis.

When should I not use breakpoint debugging for Node.js?▼

Skip it when console.log answers the question in under a minute, since breakpoint-driven debugging is heavier. Also note that Python child processes need a different debugger such as debugpy, not the V8 inspector.

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