What’s the best way to debug Fable applications using Visual Studio (not VS Code)?

What are the most effective methods and best practices for debugging Fable applications within the Visual Studio environment, specifically excluding the use of Visual Studio Code?

Debugging Fable applications in Visual Studio (not VS Code) can be a bit tricky, but here are some effective methods and best practices:

Set Up Debugging Configuration: Ensure that your project is set up for debugging. Go to the project properties and set the startup object to your main F# file. You can also configure the debug profile to launch the browser and set the appropriate URLs1.

Use Source Maps: Fable generates source maps that map your F# code to the generated JavaScript. This allows you to set breakpoints and debug your F# code directly in the browser's developer tools.

Browser Developer Tools: Use the browser's developer tools to debug your client-side code. Open the developer tools (usually by pressing F12) and navigate to the source tab to find your F# files1. You can set breakpoints and inspect variables here.

Server-Side Debugging: If your Fable application includes a backend, you can debug the server-side code directly in Visual Studio. Set the server project as the startup project and use the Visual Studio debugger to step through your code.

Check for Errors: Ensure that there are no errors in your F# code that might prevent the debugger from working correctly. Use the Visual Studio error list to identify and fix any issues.

Use Debugging Tools: Utilize Visual Studio's built-in debugging tools, such as the call stack, watch window, and immediate window, to inspect the state of your application and diagnose issues.

By following these methods, you can effectively debug Fable applications within the Visual Studio environment.