Expression Console

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
September 28, 2022
16 replies
642 views

Is there any way we can get a Chrome-like console for expressions? After a certain point, with a complex expression it becomes really hard to test for bugs as you have to basically run the same code on a text layer or some other property and rewrite the code just to get some sort of output for variables. Being able to have a console would be excellent (especially to inspect objects), but a great stopgap would be the ability to post a value to the info palette, like we can with scripting.

Expressions were already important, and with Master Properties they've become even more important. The whole system could use an overhaul—speed, global variables/functions, everything. Thanks!

UI and UX

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FeedbackCommunityMemberAuthor

Inspiring

I use Expressionist, but there's no way to get variable output unless you run a partial expression on something like a text layer, or a property that shows numbers and output a value there. I can't just type something like console.log(var) and have it work. No script has access to that sort of feature while it's working. A script can log to the info palette, but not while the expression is running—or log specific variables in the expression without running its own engine.

Anyway, it sounds like expressions are getting updated to use a new engine, maybe even JS vs ECMAscript so this might be moot. Maybe we'll get lucky and you can tie in libraries. That'd be pretty rad.

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FeedbackCommunityMemberAuthor

Inspiring

What is your regular workflow to test expressions ? Have you looked at scripts proposed on aescripts.com ? https://aescripts.com/after-effects/expressions/

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FeedbackCommunityMemberAuthor

Inspiring

Oh, I'll have to check that out! I think Ukramedia just did a thing on that. Hopefully it's not too clunky. Thanks man. And I will definitely keep my eyes peeled. Expressionist is the only thing that made making that new linear wipe thing I did yesterday bearable (if you came across that on twitter).

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FeedbackCommunityMemberAuthor

Inspiring

Agreed. One note, global functions/variables can be achieved with the JSX import that was added not too long ago. Keep an eye out for updates on Expressionist also 😉

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FeedbackCommunityMemberAuthor

Inspiring

That would definitely fit my needs.