Function to control print/printLN

Projects Programming
1

Hi

I am using an Arduino Zero.

I want to enable and disable debug output based on if the USB port is connected:

if (Serial) works great to detect connection.

I am struggling with how to enable and disable the debug.

i am thinking something like:

void debug(text){

if (Serial){

Serial.println(text);

}

The issue is that text can be different types. How do i make sure text can take different types INT,String etc. Like println can ?

Thanks

2

Will this work for you:

#define DEBUG
// a bunch of code...

void setup() {

#ifdef DEBUG
   Serial.begin(9600);
#endif

// more code...
}

void loop()
{
    int val;

 // some code...

#ifdef DEBUG
   Serial.print("val = ");
   Serial.println(val);
#endif

// more code..

If you have the #define for DEBUG active, the Serial object is compiled into the code. If you comment out that line, all #ifdef's become false and the Serial object is not compiled into the code. This makes it easy to leave debug code in the file, but only activate it when needed.

3

Or, put the #define DEBUG inside the if(Serial){}

4

Please read How to use the forum and use code tags next time.

An idea:

template< typename T, typename U > void debug( T data, U modifier ){
  if(Serial){
    Serial.print(data, modifier);
  }
}
template< typename T > void debug( T data ){
  if(Serial){
    Serial.print(data);
  }
}
5

ardy_guy:
Or, put the #define DEBUG inside the if(Serial){}

Why that way? That leaves the if statement block in the code even if you don't need it.