Common SuiteScript Errors and Fixes — Debugging Like a Pro

Introduction

Even seasoned developers hit errors in NetSuite — from validation issues to governance limits and mis-typed field IDs.
The key to writing reliable scripts is understanding how to debug efficiently and recognizing common patterns behind the errors.

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

• The most frequent SuiteScript errors.
• Why they happen.
• How to fix them quickly.
• Tools and debugging methods that make life easier.

🧰 1. Understanding the NetSuite Script Log

Before diving into fixes, always start with your Script Execution Log:

• Navigate to: Customization > Scripting > Script Deployments > Execution Log
• Review log levels (DEBUG, AUDIT, ERROR).
• Use log.audit() for checkpoints and log.error() for stack traces.

⚠️ 2. Common SuiteScript Errors and Their Fixes

🪲 3. Example: Fixing “Missing Required Argument”

❌ Problematic Code

var rec = record.load({ id: 123 }); // type missing

✅ Fixed

var rec = record.load({
  type: record.Type.CUSTOMER,
  id: 123
});

🧭 4. Tools for Debugging

🧩 A. SuiteScript Debugger

• Access via Customization > Scripting > Script Debugger
• Step through your script line-by-line.
• Watch variable values and governance usage.

🧩 B. Chrome Console + Suitelet/Client Scripts

For client scripts, use browser console:

console.log('Field Value:', currentRecord.getValue('email'));

🧩 C. Custom Logging Framework

Create a reusable helper:

function logMsg(level, title, details) {
  log[level]({ title, details });
}

Then replace all log.debug calls to centralize logging.

🧠 5. Preventive Debugging Habits

✅ Validate inputs before record operations.
✅ Always log remaining usage in long scripts.
✅ Wrap critical blocks in try / catch.
✅ Use script parameters for configurable values.
✅ Test scripts in Sandbox with sample data.

🧩 6. Advanced Debugging with try/catch

try {
  var invoice = record.load({ type: 'invoice', id: 123 });
  var total = invoice.getValue('total');
} catch (e) {
  log.error('Load Failed', e.message);
}

This prevents the script from crashing and logs details for review.

🧮 7. Handling Promise Rejections (SuiteScript 2.1)

When using async/await, wrap in try/catch:

try {
  const resp = await https.get.promise({ url });
} catch (err) {
  log.error('HTTP Error', err.message);
}

🧱 8. Governance Monitoring Helper

Add this to any script to avoid usage errors:

function checkUsage() {
  const remain = runtime.getCurrentScript().getRemainingUsage();
  if (remain < 200) throw Error('Low governance: ' + remain);
}

✅ 9. Checklist Before Deployment

• Test in Sandbox
• Check role permissions
• Log remaining governance
• Handle nulls and undefineds
• Use correct record types and field IDs

Conclusion

Debugging SuiteScript doesn’t have to be painful. By recognizing common errors, applying preventive coding habits, and leveraging NetSuite’s built-in tools, you’ll drastically reduce deployment failures and save hours of troubleshooting.

When something goes wrong — don’t panic, just debug like a pro!

Learn more about NetSuite Scripting Tutorials & different NetSuite Customization resources