Over time, website customizations and the installation or removal of third-party apps can introduce code misconfigurations and server errors. For Shopify users, these issues often stem from residual or malfunctioning app code. When an app is uninstalled from Shopify, it doesn’t always remove all its code from your theme, leading to potential errors. Regularly checking for and addressing these errors is crucial for maintaining optimal site performance.
One effective tool for identifying these issues is the
Chrome DevTools Console. This guide will walk you through the process of using Chrome DevTools to detect and fix console and JavaScript errors on your Shopify site.
How to Check for Errors Using Chrome DevTools
- Open Chrome DevTools:
• Navigate to the page you want to inspect using Google Chrome.
• Use the following keyboard shortcuts to open DevTools:
•
Mac: Command + Option + J
•
Windows/Linux: Control + Shift + J
- Navigate to the Console Tab:
• In the DevTools pane, click on the
Console tab to view any logged errors or warnings.
Understanding and Fixing Common Console Errors
Console errors can indicate various issues, such as:
•
Old App Code: Residual code from uninstalled apps still loading on your site.
•
Broken File Paths: Incorrect file paths leading to failed resource loading.
•
Code Typos: Syntax errors or typos in your JavaScript or Liquid code.
•
Misconfigured Apps/Code: Incorrect configurations causing scripts to fail.
Example:
Suppose you encounter an error indicating a failed resource load from a domain like
bam.nr-data.net. This could be due to a misconfigured or previously uninstalled app. To resolve this:
•
Identify the Source: Determine which app or script is attempting to load the resource.
•
Remove Residual Code: Manually remove any remaining code from uninstalled apps by editing your theme files.
•
Consult App Documentation or Support: If the error is from an active app, refer to its documentation or contact support for assistance.
Recent Updates in Chrome DevTools
Since the original publication of this article in 2019, Chrome DevTools has undergone several updates to enhance its functionality:
•
Performance Panel Improvements: Enhanced insights into site performance, including detailed metrics and visualizations.
•
Accessibility Tree View in Elements Panel: Improved tools for auditing and enhancing website accessibility.
•
Calibrated CPU Throttling Presets: More accurate simulation of different device performances for testing.
•
First- and Third-Party Highlighting in Performance: Ability to distinguish between first-party, third-party, and extension data in performance analyses.
For a comprehensive list of updates, refer to the official Chrome DevTools documentation.
Shopify Platform Changes
Shopify has also introduced numerous updates and features since 2019 that may impact how console errors manifest and are resolved:
•
API Versioning: Shopify now deprecates older API versions annually. Ensure your apps and integrations are compatible with the latest API versions to avoid deprecated behavior.
•
Enhanced App Development Tools: New tools and APIs have been introduced to streamline app development and integration, reducing the likelihood of errors.
Staying informed about these changes is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient Shopify store. Regularly consult the Shopify Changelog for the latest updates.
Summary
Regularly using Chrome DevTools to identify and fix console and JavaScript errors is essential for maintaining optimal site performance. By staying updated with the latest developments in DevTools and the Shopify platform, you can ensure a smoother, more efficient experience for your site’s visitors.
For professional assistance with optimizing your Shopify site, consider reaching out to our team for a comprehensive analysis and tailored solutions.
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