DacksUndefinedGlobalsCatcher (1)
DacksUndefinedGlobalsCatcher
A powerful debugging utility for ESO (Elder Scrolls Online) add-on developers that helps catch and report undefined global variables. This tool makes it easier to track down pesky UI errors like attempt to index a nil value and other issues related to undefined globals in ESO add-ons.
Compatible with both PC/Gamepad and Console UI(that is ForceConsoleFlow.2 CVar)! Works seamlessly whether you’re using keyboard/mouse or gamepad mode.
Overview
When developing ESO add-ons, one common source of errors is attempting to access undefined global variables. These errors can manifest as cryptic messages like:
12345678901234567890:1: attempt to index a nil value
DacksUndefinedGlobalsCatcher helps by:
Catching all attempts to access undefined global variables
Displaying detailed error information including the variable name and call stack
Allowing you to ignore specific globals or function patterns
Providing a convenient UI for reviewing and managing errors
Screenshots
https://github.com/DakJaniels/DacksUndefinedGlobalsCatcher/blob/main/example.png
Features
Real-time Error Detection: Catches undefined globals as they happen
Detailed Error Reporting: Shows the exact variable that’s undefined along with:
Call stack with function names
Source file and line numbers
Local variable context when available
Customizable Ignore Lists:
Pre-configured list of common ESO UI elements to reduce noise
Add your own globals to ignore via slash commands
Add function patterns to ignore via slash commands
Interactive UI:
Resizable window with proper scrolling
Color-coded messages for better readability
Toggle visibility with a simple slash command
Multi-platform Support:
Compatible with both keyboard/mouse and gamepad (Console) UI
Automatically adapts font and UI elements to the current mode
Localization Support:
Available in multiple languages: English, German (de), Spanish (es), French (fr), Japanese (jp), Russian (ru), and Traditional Chinese (zh)
Automatically uses your game’s language setting
Installation
Download the latest release from GitHub or esoui.
Extract to your ESO AddOns folder:
Windows: DocumentsElder Scrolls OnlineliveAddOns
Mac: ~/Documents/Elder Scrolls Online/live/AddOns/
Launch ESO and enable the add-on in the add-on settings
Usage
Slash Commands
/undefs – Toggle the undefined globals window
/undefs_list – List all ignored globals
/undefs_add – Add a global to the ignore list
/undefs_remove – Remove a global from the ignore list
/undefs_listfunc – List all ignored function patterns
/undefs_addfunc – Add a function pattern to the ignore list
/undefs_removefunc – Remove a function pattern from the ignore list
/undefs_help – Show help message with all commands
/rl – Shortcut for reloading the UI
Working with the Error Window
When an undefined global is accessed, it will be displayed in the error window with:
The number of times it has occurred
The name of the undefined global
A detailed call stack showing where the error happened
When available, local variable context to help debug the issue
Managing Ignore Lists
The add-on comes with predefined lists of globals and function patterns to ignore. These are common UI elements and functions that don’t need to be reported. You can add your own entries to these lists using the slash commands.
Default Ignore Lists
To reduce noise, the add-on includes default ignore lists:
Default Ignored Globals (over 170 entries) include:
Common UI elements (ActionButton1Decoration, QuickslotButton5Decoration, etc.)
Known addons (MasterMerchant, AdvancedFilters, AUI_Main, etc.)
Various pin types (pinType_Skyshards, pinType_Treasure_Maps, etc.)
ESO global variables (PREVIEW_UPDATE_INTERVAL_MS, TUTORIAL_TRIGGER_MOUNT_SET, etc.)
Default Ignored Function Patterns include:
UI creation functions (CreateControl, CreateTopLevelWindow, etc.)
Event handlers (OnUpdate, OnShow, OnHide, etc.)
Add-on initialization functions (OnAddOnLoaded, etc.)
Other common patterns (ZO_WorldMapPins_Manager:AddCustomPin, etc.)
You can view the complete lists in-game by using the /undefs_list and /undefs_listfunc commands, or by examining the source code.
For Add-on Developers
This tool is especially useful when:
Developing new add-ons
Debugging existing add-ons
Finding compatibility issues between add-ons
Tracking down performance issues caused by repetitive errors
Credits
Original concept by Merlight
Maintained and enhanced by @dack_janiels
License
DacksUndefinedGlobalsCatcher is not created by, affiliated with, or sponsored by ZeniMax Media Inc. or its affiliates. The Elder Scrolls and related logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved.
Support & Contributions
If you find a bug or have a feature request, please submit an issue on GitHub. Contributions via pull requests are welcome!
