debugger - JavaScript | MDN

Syntax

Examples

Using the debugger statement

The following example shows code where a debugger statement has been inserted, to invoke a debugger (if one exists) when the function is called.

js

function potentiallyBuggyCode() {
  debugger;
  // do potentially buggy stuff to examine, step through, etc.
}

When the debugger is invoked, execution is paused at the debugger statement. It is like a breakpoint in the script source.

A browser with developer tools open to the debugger panel showing how execution is paused at the debugger statement to allow close inspection of variables, scopes, events, etc.

Specifications

Specification
ECMAScript® 2026 Language Specification
# sec-debugger-statement

Browser compatibility

See also

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