Troubleshoot JavaScript implementation

Last update: January 25, 2024

CREATED FOR:

  • Developer

The following are several reasons why your organization might have issues with correctly getting data into Adobe Analytics.

Using quotes

Most variables sent to Adobe are strings. In JavaScript, you can use either single quotes or double quotes.

Mixing quotes to define a variable

As a best practice, make sure that you are consistent with the types of quotes you use. If a single quote designates the start of a string, a single quote must be used to close it.

For example, both s.eVar1 = 'Value' and s.eVar1 = "Value" are both valid. s.eVar1 = 'Value" is not valid.

Including single or double quotes in a string

Sometimes including a single or double quote in a string is desired. For example, you want to include the value Alex's sale or John the "Hunter" in reports. There are two methods to include these values:

  • Use the other quote type: For example, s.eVar1 = "Alex's sale" and s.eVar1 = 'John the "Hunter"' are both valid.
  • Escape quotation marks: Use a backslash to escape quotation marks. For example, s.eVar1 = 'Alex\'s sale' and s.eVar1 = "John the \"Hunter\"" are both valid.

Avoid using curly quotes

Some programs automatically convert neutral quotes ("..." and '...') into curly quotes ("..." and '...'). Avoid using document editors (such as Microsoft Word), or transmitting code snippets through email. Curly quotes cannot be used in JavaScript.

Reference the Analytics object

All variables sent to Adobe use the Analytics object. Most implementations use the s object. Make sure that when referencing variables that you include the Analytics object in your reference.

For example, s.eVar1 = 'Value' is valid, while eVar1 = 'Value' is not.

Define each variable once

When a track function (s.t()) runs, AppMeasurement takes all defined variables and compiles them into an image request. If you define a variable more than once in your implementation, only the latest value is used. Make sure that all variable values contain the correct value when the track function runs.

Correct variable capitalization

Some variables use uppercase letters. JavaScript variables are case-sensitive. Make sure that you use the correct case when defining variables. For example, s.eVar1 = 'Value' is valid, while s.evar1 = 'Value' is not.

Plug-ins

Some organizations use plug-ins to improve their implementation of Adobe Analytics. When upgrading AppMeasurement versions, do not forget to re-include any installed plug-ins. The code created in the Code Manager does not have any plug-in code with it. Make a copy of your existing code in case you need to revert to a previous version of AppMeasurement.

White space in variable values

In HTML there are several characters that create whitespace. These include a space, a tab, and a carriage return (or linefeed). Consider the following example:

<head>
  <title>
    Home Page
  </title>
</head>
<body>
<script language="javascript">
  s.pageName = document.title;
</script>
</body>

In this case, document.title populates s.pageName, which receives a value of “Home Page”. However, some browsers can interpret white space differently. The result can be either of two following examples:

s.pageName = "Home Page";

s.pageName = "        Home Page";

These two variable values are considered separate in Adobe Analytics. However, the white space is automatically removed for display purposes. The result is a report that displays two seemingly identical “Home Page” line items. Make sure that variable values do not contain whitespace before or after the desired value.

Truncated image requests

Implementations that populate many variables with long values can sometimes run into truncated image requests. Some older browsers, such as Internet Explorer, impose a 2083-character limit on image request URLs. If your organization faces very long image requests, try the following:

  • Use the Experience Cloud ID service: AppMeasurement libraries 1.4.1 and later automatically send image requests using HTTP POST if they are too long. Data sent using this method is not truncated regardless of length. See Adobe Experience Cloud ID service for more information.

  • Use processing rules: Processing rules can copy values from one variable to another. This method saves you from setting the same value in multiple variables. For example:

    Always execute:

    Overwrite value of prop1 with eVar1

    Overwrite value of eVar2 with eVar1

    Overwrite value of prop2 with eVar1

    Then set eVar1 in your implementation:

    s.eVar1 = "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog";

  • Use dynamic variables: If your implementation populates many variables with the same value, you can use dynamic variables to shorten the request URL:

    s.eVar1 = "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog";
s.eVar2 = "D=v1";
s.prop1 = "D=v1";
s.prop2 = "D=v1";

  • Use classifications: If product or page names are unusually long, you can use an identifying value or code, then use classifications to display a more friendly name.

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