Internet Explorer Debug Mode - Is there a quick way to enable/disable it?

Question

I do web site debugging with IE (as well as other browsers) but my problem is with IE, as it is the browser i usually use for regular browsing.

In order to debug you need to turn on debug mode in the advanced options. Ok, fine. Its turned on. But the issue I have that is quite annoying is that it seems 30% of websites have JS errors, and IE in dbeug mode causes a popup. This is now also the case with SO as well, where i spend a lot of time now. Everytime i edit i get a js error pup up.

I guess it comes down to this: Does anyone know of a way to QUICKLY enable and disable debug mode, such as a Hokey, or an add-in, so you dont have to go into Advanced Options to enable and disable?

Thanks!

Edit: I should mention I do mainly asp.net development and use vs.net. I do already use FF/Firebug for some scenarios and non ie related issues. I'm not really looking to switch around what I do or how I do it, mainly looking for a solution to the problem at hand. Even a workaround that doesnt involve using other browsers/debuggers.

Answer 1

The quickest way I can think of would be to write a small utility to:

• Close all IE windows
• Toggle the REG_SZ registry value HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Disable Script Debugger (from "yes" to "no" or vice versa)
• Optionally restart IE

As far as I know, there's no way to make IE recognize the changed registry value without restarting it, even using an IE plugin.

As an aside, unless the IE/VS integration is critical for you, you may want to look into the combination of Firefox and Firebug for Javascript debugging: I find it much nicer in general, and debugging can easily be enabled or disabled, either interactively or on a per-site basis.

Answer 2

have a look at debugbar its free for personal use, 60 days trial for commercial. It works a bit like fireug for firefox but obviously its gonna cost to use

Answer 3

I recommend using Firefox + IE Tab, which would allow you to easily and quickly change the rendering engine used for sites that require IE. This way the bulk of your browsing can be done in non-IE tabs and you can avoid the debug popups.