How to Save the Output of a Console.log(Object) to a File?

Advanced Browser-based Tactics

With the basics out of the way, it's time for browser environments. We can save structured logs for later diagnosis. Let's delve into the advanced methods:

Introducing Console.save Method

console.save isn't built-in, but we can create this champ:

(function(console){
  console.save = function(data, filename){
    if(!data) {
      console.error('Console.save: No data'); 
      //Typical case of "Houston, we have a problem!"
      return;
    }

    if(!filename) filename = 'console.json'; //Be a conformist! 

    if(typeof data === "object"){
      data = JSON.stringify(data, undefined, 4)
    }

    //Fear not the Blob!
    var blob = new Blob([data], {type: 'text/json'}),
        e    = document.createEvent('MouseEvents'),
        a    = document.createElement('a');

    a.download = filename;
    a.href = window.URL.createObjectURL(blob);
    a.dataset.downloadurl =  ['text/json', a.download, a.href].join(':');
    e.initMouseEvent('click', true, false, window,
                     0, 0, 0, 0, 0, false, false, false, false, 0, null);
    a.dispatchEvent(e);
  }
})(console);
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console.save wields a mighty Blob along with DOM elements for scooping up full-bodied structures of objects.

Leverage Plugins for Persistent Logging

For persistent tracking, debugout.js is your loyal companion. This plugin not only records our logs, but keeps the nested objects intact. Its secret power, timestamps, can help us solve mysteries over time.

let debugout = new debugout();
console.log = debugout.log;
// Aaaaand, action...
debugout.writeLogFile(); // Secretly writing logs in the dark... bwaahaahaa!
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Courting Complex Objects

At times, JSON.stringify fails us, as it has trust issues with functions, Symbols, or circular references. For such intricacies, a matchmaker in the form of custom replacers or helper libraries like JSON.stringify-anything steps in.

Snapshotting Console Objects

For a quick data kidnap, Chrome's object copying feature is at your service:

• Right-click the logged object in the console.
• Click "Copy object". All your object are belong to us now!
• Paste it into a text editor. Voila, mission accomplished!

Go Beyond Basic Logging

Sprucing up logs can be more fun than one thinks! You can save formatted, special characters, and even color-coded texts.

Prettifying Console Output

You can change the world, or at least the console, with a sprinkle of CSS:

console.log('%cHello Beautiful', 'font-style: italic; color: pink;');
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Embracing Special Characters and Emojis

When dealing with special characters, proper encoding is the key to success:

fs.writeFileSync('emoji.txt', '🦄 Unicorns are awesome! 🌈 ', 'utf8' );
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Leveling up Your Logs

Add tags to your logs for easier navigation:

console.log('[INFO] Just another log on the pile');
console.log('[WARN] Danger, Will Robinson!');
console.log('[ERROR] I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that.');


Expand Console Arsenal

Also consider using other console methods like console.info, console.warn, and console.error. They may not only make your logs colorful but also help various debugging tools tune in to your specific needs.