Self Debugging

What is this Reddit Tracker?
It’s a bookmarklet I wrote to highlight new comments on Reddit. When I visit a comment thread a second time, it highlights the new comments that were added since my last visit.

Why?
Because it’s hard to follow comment threads on Reddit. You see, they’re not listed in order. They move up and down based on votes. So, when there is a lot of comments, it’s hard to tell which ones are new.

Do I need to install anything?
No. It’s doesn’t require installation. It’s just a simple Javascript bookmarklet that you add to your browser. And I’m providing the source code as well, if you’re interested.

How do I add it to my browser?
If you use Firefox, just drag the link below to your browser’s bookmarks toolbar (IE users see below).

2. The next time you visit the page, click “Reddit Tracker” again and it’ll highlight the new comments in bold. See image below (click for full size image).

3. If there are no new comments, it tells you so.

If you’re wondering what that little blue link is. It’s a link to the Break Time community on my new startup ZoooV.com. Yes, I’m evil :). If it bothers you too much, you can easily remove it; you have the code. But, it’s barely visible.

How about IE Users?
IE users, I’m sorry. It’s too much code to fit within IE’s bookmarklet limit. However, if you really want an IE version, leave a comment below and if I find enough interest I’ll create a simplified version for IE and email you when it’s ready. It might not have all the features of the Firefox version, but it should do.

Where is the Source Code?
Click here to get the source code. Feel free to change it or build on it. And, although you don’t have to, I would be so very grateful if you keep my little ‘break time’ link there. You can add your own link if you like. And, if you do build a better version based on my code, let me know so I can link to you from here.

Final thoughts
I wrote this after I built a similar tool for YC News. So, if you hang out there as well, grab the YC News Tracker. And, while we’re at it, you might also want to check this Firefox plugin written by my friend, Kartik. Although it requires installation, it’s a more powerful tool for highlighting changes on any Web page, including Reddit. It’s really cool.