Learning outcomes
- Explain how to inspect elements, styles, console and network activity.
- Complete the guided activity safely.
- Check that you can connect code to browser behaviour.
Live Server and Browser
Browser Developer Tools
Learn to inspect elements, styles, console and network activity and connect code to browser behaviour in this beginner-friendly Visual Studio Code lesson.
Before you begin
Use a non-sensitive practice folder, inspect unfamiliar code before trusting it, and never place passwords, tokens or private information in project files.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the intended practice workspace in Visual Studio Code and confirm its folder name and Workspace Trust state.
- Find one CSS rule and one failed request.
- Save the relevant files and review the Problems panel, terminal, Source Control view or browser preview as appropriate.
- Check filenames, relative paths, console messages, keyboard use, mobile layout and privacy before continuing.
- Confirm that you can connect code to browser behaviour, then create a clear commit, backup or saved checkpoint.
Ian's practical tip: Work in one named project folder, preview after small changes, read the actual error message and keep a recoverable version before broad edits.
Practical activity
Find one CSS rule and one failed request. The expected result is to connect code to browser behaviour.