Unity Asset for Efficient Debugging
Debugging is a crucial part of game development, and having the right tools can make a significant difference. One such tool is Debug Inspector from Kim Jinwoo, an extension asset available on the Unity Asset Store. This blog post will explore its features, setup process, and benefits for Unity developers.
Key Details
- License Agreement: Standard Unity Asset Store EULA
- License Type: Extension Asset
- File Size: 79.6 KB
- Latest Version: 1.1.1 (Released on Oct 19, 2023)
- Original Unity Version: 2022.3.8 or higher
Features of Debug Inspector
Debug Inspector allows developers to inspect, edit, and manage all Unity debug logs directly from within the Unity Editor. Here are some of its standout features:
- Centralized Log Management: View all debug statements in one centralized container, making it easy to navigate through scripts.
- Integration with DOTween: Requires the free DOTween asset by Demigiant, which simplifies scripting translation, lerping, and timing routines.
- Error-Free Installation: With DOTween installed, Debug Inspector installs cleanly with no errors or warnings in C#.
- Editor-Only Scripts: Contains editor scripts and utility scripts defined only in the Unity Editor. This pattern ensures smooth deployment on platforms like Windows or Android without needing to modify editor code.
Streamlining Workflow
One of the most significant advantages of Debug Inspector is how it streamlines the debugging workflow:
- Visibility and Select ability: By making all debug log statements visible and selectable within the Unity Editor, Debug Inspector allows developers to quickly identify and address issues. This centralized view eliminates the need to sift through console logs, saving valuable time.
- Efficient Navigation: The ability to select and focus on specific log statements helps in pinpointing the exact location of issues within the code. This targeted approach reduces the time spent on debugging and enhances productivity.
- Enhanced Debugging Experience: With Debug Inspector, developers can edit and manage logs directly, making real-time adjustments and seeing immediate results. This interactive debugging process leads to faster iterations and more efficient problem-solving.
Setup Process
To use Debug Inspector, you need to go through the setup process of DOTween. Once DOTween is installed, Debug Inspector integrates seamlessly, enhancing your debugging workflow.
Code Quality and Usability
The editor code in Debug Inspector is well-written, making excellent use of containers like Dictionaries. However, there is a minor typo in the asset name (“Thridparty” should be “ThirdParty”), which has been tested and corrected without issues.
Recommendations
- GUI Layout: The code framework does not use curly braces for GUI layout elements with indentations, which could be improved for readability.
- OnGUI Method: A single monolithic OnGUI method handles all editor layouts and user interface components, which is efficient but could be modularized for better maintainability.
Conclusion
Debug Inspector is a great free asset to add to your Unity projects, significantly improving access to debug code and enhancing unit tests. Its clean installation process make it a valuable tool for any Unity developer. By streamlining the workflow and making debug log statements visible and selectable, Debug Inspector enhances the overall debugging experience, leading to more efficient and effective development.