Is there a way to determine which Javascript module is responsible for generating a specific element or table on a webpage?

Question

Is there a way to determine which Javascript module is responsible for generating a specific element or table on a webpage?

Upon starting my new position, I discovered that the company already has a large web application in place. While my main responsibility is front-end testing using Selenium, I am interested in gaining insights into how the app functions behind the scenes. Specifically, I want to understand which JavaScript module is responsible for creating a particular element, table, or form that appears on the webpage. While I can use the 'inspect element' feature in Chrome dev tools to view the DOM structure, I need guidance on identifying the specific .js file associated with the creation of these elements. My goal is to connect the dots between the DOM inspector and the source files that contribute to building the DOM.

javascript google-chrome-devtools

Answer 1

Answer №1

I recently developed a Chrome Extension that allows users to inspect a webpage and view the specific JavaScript code for each DOM element. While it's still a bit unreliable, I recommend giving it a shot.

This Extension was inspired by some of Pranay's suggestions.

https://i.sstatic.net/CY7OH.png

Answer 2

I recently developed a Chrome Extension that allows users to inspect a webpage and view the specific JavaScript code for each DOM element. While it's still a bit unreliable, I recommend giving it a shot.

This Extension was inspired by some of Pranay's suggestions.

https://i.sstatic.net/CY7OH.png

Answer 3

Answer №2

Manipulating DOM elements can be achieved by either setting the innerHTML of a DOM element or using the appendChild method. To simplify these processes, JavaScript provides the Proxy object. By utilizing Proxy, you can monitor and intercept these actions. You can also utilize console.trace() in the Chrome console to track the location.

For example:

If you have the following HTML structure:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title></title>
</head>
<body>
<div></div>
</body>
</html>

Your Proxy implementation may look like this:

var divEl = document.querySelector('div');

divEl.appendChild = new Proxy(divEl.appendChild, {
  apply: function(target, thisArg, argumentsList) {
    console.trace();
    target.apply(thisArg, argumentsList);
  }
});

If the following code is executed somewhere in your script:

var pEl = document.createElement('p');
divEl.appendChild(pEl);

You will be able to trace back and see where it originated from in the console.

Answer 4

Manipulating DOM elements can be achieved by either setting the innerHTML of a DOM element or using the appendChild method. To simplify these processes, JavaScript provides the Proxy object. By utilizing Proxy, you can monitor and intercept these actions. You can also utilize console.trace() in the Chrome console to track the location.

For example:

If you have the following HTML structure:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title></title>
</head>
<body>
<div></div>
</body>
</html>

Your Proxy implementation may look like this:

var divEl = document.querySelector('div');

divEl.appendChild = new Proxy(divEl.appendChild, {
  apply: function(target, thisArg, argumentsList) {
    console.trace();
    target.apply(thisArg, argumentsList);
  }
});

If the following code is executed somewhere in your script:

var pEl = document.createElement('p');
divEl.appendChild(pEl);

You will be able to trace back and see where it originated from in the console.

Is there a way to determine which Javascript module is responsible for generating a specific element or table on a webpage?

Answer №1

Answer №2

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