node-inspect-debugger

Attach to the V8 inspector to pause Node.js execution and inspect scopes.

Updated May 16, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jaredcroxton/hermes-mirror --skill node-inspect-debugger-jaredcroxton
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: node-inspect-debugger
Source: https://github.com/jaredcroxton/hermes-mirror/tree/main/agents/skills/software-development/node-inspect-debugger
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jaredcroxton/hermes-mirror --skill node-inspect-debugger-jaredcroxton

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Node.js bugs are hard to diagnose when console logging is too slow or can't reach closure state, so you need a breakpoint-driven way to inspect execution and values while the program is paused.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Breakpoints and step controls: Pause execution and use step in/over/out, backtrace, and source listing to pinpoint where control flow goes wrong.
  • Scope and state inspection: Dump local and closure variables and evaluate arbitrary expressions in the paused frame to answer “why is this value undefined?”.
  • Interactive and scripted debugging: Use the built-in node inspect REPL for quick investigation, or drive the inspector via CDP for repeatable automation and batch data collection.

Use case example: A Hermes ui-tui component misbehaves—set a breakpoint at the suspect render path, pause execution, inspect component props/hooks-local values, and evaluate the rendering conditions that lead to the wrong UI.

Quick Start

Run node inspect on your script (or start with node --inspect-brk) and use sb('path/to/file.js', lineNumber) to set a breakpoint, then continue and inspect variables with repl at the pause.

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 Node.js with breakpoints instead of console logging?▼

Set Node.js breakpoints by attaching to the V8 inspector to pause execution, set breakpoints, and inspect scope values and call stacks. Use the node inspect REPL with sb('path/to/file.js', lineNumber) to set a breakpoint, then continue execution and use repl to inspect variables when paused.

Can I evaluate expressions in the current scope when Node.js execution is paused?▼

Yes, you can evaluate arbitrary expressions in the paused frame to dump local and closure variables. This lets you inspect component props, hooks-local values, and rendering conditions directly when execution is paused at a breakpoint.

Does Node.js debugging work with the Chrome DevTools Protocol for scripted automation?▼

Yes, you can drive the V8 inspector via CDP for repeatable automation and batch data collection. This requires programmatic CDP access using chrome-remote-interface to automate scripted debugging workflows instead of using the interactive node inspect REPL.

What's the best way to debug failing tests or UI behavior regressions in Node.js?▼

Set a breakpoint at the suspect render path or failing test execution, pause execution, and inspect component props and hooks-local values. Use step in/over/out, backtrace, and source listing to pinpoint exactly where control flow goes wrong in the UI or test.

Do I need node --inspect-brk to start debugging a Node.js script?▼

Yes, you need to start your script with node --inspect-brk or use the node inspect command to attach to the V8 inspector. This pauses execution at the start so you can set breakpoints via sb() before the code runs.