Console Ninja is a VS Code extension that brings browser and Node.js console output directly into the editor, eliminating context switching for developers. It supports a wide array of modern JavaScript build tools and frameworks, offering both free community features and a paid PRO tier with advanced debugging capabilities.

How It Works

Console Ninja integrates by patching locally installed Node modules, intercepting console.log, console.trace, and errors before they reach the runtime. This allows it to display output ergonomically next to the relevant code lines and in a dedicated log viewer. It operates via a local WebSocket server for communication between the application and the editor, and intelligently avoids instrumenting production builds.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Install the VS Code extension.
• For Node.js apps, prefix your run command with console-ninja (e.g., console-ninja node app.js).
• Supports Vite, Webpack, Next.js, Nest.js, Remix, Astro, and more.
• Official documentation: https://console-ninja.com/docs/

Highlighted Details

• Logpoints: Log expression values without modifying code by setting VS Code breakpoints.
• Watchpoints: Monitor the values of logged expressions for changes directly in the editor.
• GitHub Copilot Integration: Enables AI-powered error investigation using logs and stack traces.
• Code Coverage: Tracks execution coverage for functions and files, displayed inline.

Maintenance & Community

• Developed by Wallaby.js team.
• Community support via Discord (link not provided in README).
• PRO features are actively developed.

Licensing & Compatibility

• Community Edition is free. PRO Edition is a paid subscription.
• License details not explicitly stated in the README, but implies free use for community features.
• Compatible with most modern JavaScript development workflows.

Limitations & Caveats

• PRO features require a paid subscription.
• Next.js Turbopack and middleware are not currently supported.
• Network logging in the community edition only captures URL, method, and status; request/response content requires PRO.