How to Use Chrome DevTools Like a Pro on Linux

If you’re a Linux user, chances are you already love how much control and flexibility the operating system offers. But what about your browser? Google Chrome’s Developer Tools (or DevTools) are like a Swiss army knife for anyone who wants to dig deeper into how web pages work. Whether you’re a developer, a curious learner, or just someone who loves tweaking things, DevTools can be a game-changer. And the best part? They’re built right into Chrome, ready to use.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to master Chrome DevTools on Linux. From debugging websites to improving performance and even personalizing your browsing experience, these tips will help you unlock the full potential of DevTools. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or already familiar with the basics—there’s something here for everyone.

1. Opening DevTools the Right Way

The first step is knowing how to open Chrome DevTools quickly. On Linux, you have several ways to do this:

• Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + I.
• Right-Click: Right-click anywhere on a webpage and choose “Inspect.”
• Menu Option: Go to the three-dot menu in Chrome, select “More tools,” and then “Developer Tools.”

Once it’s open, you’ll see a panel at the bottom or side of your screen. This is where the magic happens. If you’re working on multiple monitors, you can even dock the panel to different positions for better visibility.

2. Inspect Elements: Understand the Page Structure

The “Elements” tab is like a window into the HTML and CSS of a webpage. This is the place to start if you want to understand or tweak a website’s structure and design.

Here’s what you can do:

• Highlight Elements: Hover over HTML tags in the panel, and Chrome will highlight the corresponding part of the webpage.
• Edit HTML and CSS: Right-click on any tag or style and make changes in real-time. For instance, you can change text, colors, or layouts and see the results instantly.
• Copy Useful Snippets: Right-click on an element to copy its HTML, CSS, or even XPath for automation scripts.

This feature is perfect for testing small changes before implementing them on a real project or just playing around with how websites work.

3. Monitor Network Activity

The “Network” tab is a lifesaver if you’re trying to troubleshoot why a page is loading slowly. It shows you every resource a page is loading, including images, scripts, and fonts.

Key tips for using this tab:

• Check Load Times: Look at the timeline to see which resources are taking the most time to load.
• Filter Requests: Use filters like “CSS” or “JavaScript” to focus on specific resources.
• Throttle Network Speed: Simulate slower internet speeds to see how your page performs on limited connections. This is especially useful for testing on mobile or in remote areas.

4. Debug JavaScript with the Console

The “Console” tab is where you can run and debug JavaScript code. It’s like having a live command-line interface for the browser.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Log Messages: Use console.log() in your scripts to print messages or variables for debugging.
• Test Scripts: Type small pieces of JavaScript directly into the console to test how they work.
• Find Errors: Check for error messages in red. Clicking on them will take you to the problematic line in your code.

For Linux users who love terminal commands, the console will feel very familiar and powerful.

5. Improve Page Performance

The “Performance” tab is packed with tools to help you optimize how a webpage loads and functions. This is especially important for developers building websites or apps.

Here’s what you can do:

• Record Page Load: Click the record button and reload the page to capture its performance data.
• Identify Bottlenecks: Look for red sections in the timeline. These often indicate parts of your code slowing things down.
• Analyze Frame Rate: If your page includes animations or videos, check the frame rate to ensure smooth playback.

By using this tab, you can pinpoint exactly where your webpage needs improvement.

6. Audit Your Website

The “Lighthouse” tab is like having an automated tester for your webpage. It generates a report on performance, accessibility, SEO, and more.

How to use it:

1. Open the “Lighthouse” tab.
2. Choose what you want to audit, such as mobile or desktop performance.
3. Click “Generate Report.”

In a few seconds, you’ll get detailed suggestions to improve your site. It’s an essential tool for anyone serious about web development.

7. Work with Cookies and Local Storage

The “Application” tab is a hidden gem for working with cookies, local storage, and session data. This is particularly useful for developers working on login systems or saving user preferences.

Here’s how it helps:

• View Cookies: See all cookies stored by the site you’re visiting. You can even edit or delete them.
• Manage Storage: Clear cached data or inspect what’s saved in local storage.
• Simulate States: Modify session data to test how your site reacts in different conditions.

This tab makes it easier to troubleshoot issues with authentication or data persistence.

8. Simulate Mobile Devices

The “Device Toolbar” is built into the Elements tab and lets you see how a webpage looks and behaves on different screen sizes and devices.

How to use it:

1. Click the phone icon in the top-left corner of the DevTools panel.
2. Choose a device from the dropdown, such as an iPhone or Pixel.
3. Rotate the screen to test both portrait and landscape modes.

This tool is crucial for ensuring your site looks good on both desktops and mobile devices.

9. Capture Screenshots or Record Sessions

DevTools lets you take full-page screenshots or even record what happens during a session. This is useful for documenting bugs or creating tutorials.

Steps for screenshots:

1. Open the “Command Menu” with Ctrl + Shift + P.
2. Type “Screenshot” and choose your preferred option, such as full-page or visible viewport.

For recording, use the “Performance” tab to capture how your site loads and interacts.

10. Use Chrome DevTools Shortcuts

Finally, learn some handy shortcuts to navigate DevTools faster. Here are a few you should try:

• Switch Tabs: Press Ctrl + [ or ] to move between tabs.
• Search for Anything: Use Ctrl + Shift + P to open the Command Menu and type what you need.
• Dock/Undock Panel: Press Ctrl + Shift + D to change the position of the DevTools panel.

The more you use these shortcuts, the more efficient you’ll become.

Wrapping It Up

Chrome DevTools is one of the most powerful tools for web enthusiasts and developers, especially if you’re on Linux. From inspecting elements and debugging code to optimizing performance and auditing websites, it’s packed with features to make your workflow smoother.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, the tips in this guide will help you use DevTools like a pro. Start experimenting with the tabs and features mentioned here, and you’ll quickly see how much they can simplify your work.

For more Linux and tech tips, don’t forget to check out The Last Tech and Develop n Solve. These resources are perfect for diving deeper into Linux and web development tools. Happy debugging!