ExtendScript Toolkit

Most people don't like using the ExtendScript Toolkit (ESTK) but that is what you'll probably be using when you first start to write your scripts, and it's the best way to step through your program when debugging. In a later blog I can cover using Sublime Text as a text editor as it has some nice features like linting, code completion and the ability to execute Indesign code.

On a pc, you can find the ESTK at Start Menu > All Programs > Adobe ExtendScript Toolkit CS4.
On a mac, just press the Command + Spacebar to bring up Spotlight and type 'estk'.

Below is how I like to set it up, with three panels. The left panel is where you write your code, the middle panel contains the Data Browser panel, this is where you can inspect the values of your variables and the state Indesign is in at a given time while running your program. The right panel is where you can enter commands and receive feedback from your program.

ExtendScript Toolkit (ESTK)