Making sense of the log.

[HaoZeke]

I'm unable to understand the output of even specialized log plug-ins like metalsmith-logger.

I seem to end up with multiple [object Object] files in which I can't seem to resolve..

How does one figure out what data is being passed internally?

GraphQL does this part really well...

[Ajedi32]

I'm not quite sure what you're asking. Can you post a MCVE of the problem you're experiencing?

[Zearin]

@HaoZeke I have been in your exact situation. I am unhappy with Metalsmith’s logging situation, and I hope to do something about it in v3.0.

But something that is helpful right now is metalsmith-debug-ui. It’s pretty minimalist, but it does something amazing (and useful!):

It takes a snapshot of the entire files object between each plugin, allowing you to look at any stage of the transformation process. I’ve found it incredibly useful in my own projects.

Give it a try, and let me know how it goes!

[HaoZeke]

@Zearin unfortunately I was using gulp-metalsmith so the debug ui wasn't working for me..

I really hope metalsmith has better logging in the next release.

[Zearin]

Can you try going without gulp-metalsmith just long enough to use metalsmith-debug-ui and determine the problem? You can always figure it out and then go back to your normal setup afterwards....

[HaoZeke]

Yup, I had taken some time off, I'll be checking it out soon.