Build: How to Create a Javascript Console in Sublime Text

This updated guide examines Build: How to Create a Javascript Console in Sublime Text and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1

Using JSC (Mac OS X)

Setting Up

1. Launch Sublime Text.
   • JSC is a command-line Javascript runner, cooked directly into Mac OS X. Because most Macs already contains everything you need to run the script, creating the build system in Sublime Text is incredibly easy.
   • If you have a Windows computer, see the directions for Node.js below.
2. Go toTools>Build System>New Build Systemin the top bar.
3. Paste this code into the resulting new tab that Sublime Text opened. Replace anything else in it:

   {"cmd":["/System/Library/Frameworks/JavaScriptCore.framework/Versions/A/Resources/jsc","$file"],"selector":"source.js"}

4. Save the file asJSC.sublime-buildin the default "user" folder. Now you have created your build system!

Using the Console

1. Open the Javascript file that you want to run in Sublime Text.
2. Usedebug()instead ofconsole.log()in your script.
3. Go toTools>Build Systemin the top bar and selectJSC. This is the build system that you just created.
4. Build the Javascript file. Use either the shortcut (Ctrl+Bfor Windows, and⌘Cmd+Bfor Mac), or chooseBuildfrom theToolsmenu. A console will now appear in a pane at the bottom of the window, showing the results of your script!

Method 2

Using Node.js

Setting Up

1. Download the Node installer from theproject's homepageand run it. Simply use the default settings.
   • Node.js (Node) is a platform built to allow Javascript to run on a server. However, it can also be installed on your local computer, providing a relatively simple way to run Javascript and get the results without using a browser.
2. Go toTools>Build System>New Build Systemin the top bar.
3. Paste this code into the resulting new tab that Sublime Text opened. Replace anything else in it:

   {"cmd":["node","$file"],"selector":"source.js"}

   • If you receive a "[Errno 2]" error, then you'll need to changenodein the code above to the path where node is located. To do this, open terminal and runwhich node. This will print out the path to the node binary.
4. Save the file asnode.sublime-buildin the default "user" folder.Now you have created your build system!

Using the Console

1. Open the Javascript file that you want to run in Sublime Text.
2. Go toTools>Build Systemin the top bar and selectnode. This is the build system that you just created.
3. Build the Javascript file. Use either the build shortcut (Ctrl+Bfor Windows, and⌘Cmd+Bfor Mac), or chooseBuildfrom theToolsmenu. A console will now appear in a pane at the bottom of the window, showing the results of your script!