Debugging the CEF

While using the Alteryx HTML GUI SDK, the interface of your tools is a Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF), which is a simple framework for embedding Chromium-based browsers in other applications. You can take advantage of the Chrome Developer Tools to debug the interface of your tool.

To enable Chrome Developer Tools:

1. Type regedit.exe in the command prompt, or search from the Start menu, to open the Registry Editor.
2. Browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SRC\Alteryx.
3. Right-click the folder, point to New, and click Key.
4. Type DebugGui.
5. Right-click the default value and click Modify.
6. Type 1 in Value data and click OK.
7. Restart Alteryx Designer.
8. In the main menu, click Debug and select Show CEF Developer Tools.

The Alteryx CEF DevTools window automatically opens when you select a tool or window that uses the Chrome Embedded Framework.

Adding this registry key allows for remote debugging on port 9222, allowing CEF to be debugged from any CEF or Chrome browser window. To access the CEF remotely, go to the localhost URL oriented to the debugging port number: http://localhost:9222

When port 9222 is enabled, the temp Alteryx Engine file DevToolsActivePort is created. This file is used by Chrome and CEF to track the number of instances of Dev tools in use.