Spectral Logs v0.2.1

v0.2.1 Release Notes

This hotfix release addresses critical ordering issues in both Node.js and Web versions of SpectralLogs, ensuring logs appear in the exact sequence they are called. We've also added a new input() method for interactive CLI applications.

Fixed

• Critical log ordering regression: Fixed severe race conditions that caused logs to appear in random order, regardless of call sequence. Both Node.js and Web versions now maintain strict chronological ordering.

• Asynchronous queue synchronization: Completely redesigned the internal queue system to eliminate double-queuing and ensure all log operations process in first-in-first-out order.

• Console.log interference: Resolved timing issues where console.log calls would interleave incorrectly with SpectralLogs output, preserving the expected sequence.

• Web version batching: Fixed message ordering in the Web version when using batched console output, ensuring styled logs maintain proper sequence.

Added

• Interactive input method: New spec.input() function for Node.js environments that prompts users for input with full SpectralLogs color and formatting support. Perfect for building interactive CLI tools and scripts.
• Documentation Updated: New Logger Functions section added to describe how to use the spec functions like spec.log() and the new spec.input() available here.

Stuff you need to know

• This is a critical stability release that fixes fundamental log ordering problems
• Both Node.js and browser environments now guarantee log sequence integrity
• No API changes - existing code works exactly the same but with reliable ordering
• The internal architecture has been significantly simplified for better reliability
• The new input() method is only available in Node.js and returns a Promise that resolves with the user's input

Install

• Fresh install:

npm install spectrallogs

• Update existing:

npm install spectrallogs@^0.2.1

• or

npm update spectrallogs

Usage

After updating, your existing SpectralLogs code will automatically benefit from proper log ordering. No configuration changes or code modifications are required.

Note: Logging behavior is now deterministic and reliable. You can confidently mix console.log with SpectralLogs calls and expect them to appear in the exact order they were executed.

Using the new input() method

The input() method allows you to prompt the user for input in Node.js applications. It supports all SpectralLogs colorization and formatting features.

const spec = require('spectrallogs');

// Basic usage
const name = await spec.input('What is your name? ');
spec.info(`Hello, ${name}!`);

// With color and default value
const environment = await spec.input('Enter environment: ', { 
  color: '#ffaa00', 
  default: 'development' 
});

// Using the color helper
const apiKey = await spec.input(
  `${spec.color('Enter API key:', 'error')} `
);

// For comparisons
const response = await spec.input('Are you sure? (yes/no) ');
if (response.toLowerCase() === 'yes') {
  spec.success('Confirmed!');
} else {
  spec.error('Cancelled');
}

Note: The input() method is asynchronous and returns a Promise, so you must use await or .then() to get the user's input. It also inherits the same formatting options as other log methods (like color, default, etc.).

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Changes made to fix the Web version:

The Web version has been updated to disable batching by default, which was causing similar ordering issues. The WebOutput class now defaults to immediate console writing instead of batched output, ensuring proper sequence. Batching can still be enabled explicitly if needed for performance:

// Enable batching explicitly if needed (not recommended for most use cases)
const logger = new SpectralLoggerWeb({ batching: true });

This change brings the Web version in line with the Node.js version's reliable ordering behavior.