Did you know that Odoo, one of the world’s leading open-source ERP solutions, is now used by 7+ million users globally? According to industry reports, Odoo’s adoption rate is growing by 30% year-over-year, making it one of the fastest-growing ERP platforms worldwide. Businesses across various industries, from eCommerce to manufacturing, are shifting to Odoo due to its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
With the release of Odoo 18, we are witnessing even more advanced AI-driven automation, faster processing speeds, and better database optimization features. Experts predict that by 2026, over 50% of small and mid-sized businesses will rely on cloud-based ERPs like Odoo to streamline operations.
One of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in Odoo is Odoo Developer Mode. Whether you’re an administrator, developer, or business owner, activating it unlocks customization, performance optimization, and debugging tools.
Odoo enhances user experience by allowing businesses to refine workflows, personalize dashboards, and streamline navigation, making Odoo more intuitive and efficient. In this guide, we’ll explore what Developer Mode does, why it’s essential, and how you can activate it in just a few clicks!
Odoo Developer Mode – What it is & Why it is Important?
Odoo is known for its user-friendly interface, but did you know that many of its most powerful tools are hidden from standard users? Odoo Developer Mode (also known as Odoo Debug Mode) is the key to unlocking advanced settings, customization options, and debugging tools that allow for smoother ERP management.
# Why Should You Activate Odoo Developer Mode & What are its Benefits?
Enabling Developer Mode grants access to Odoo’s backend configurations, database structure, API keys, and advanced settings, making it easier for users to optimize performance, create custom fields, and troubleshoot issues. Top Benefits of Developer Mode in Odoo:
- Customization Power – Modify existing Odoo modules, create new fields, and tweak workflows to fit your business needs.
- Database Optimization – Identify slow queries, clean unnecessary data, and enhance system efficiency.
- Debugging & Testing – Resolve errors, analyze logs, and troubleshoot third-party module issues.
- Security & Access Management – Control user roles, permissions, and security settings for better data management.
- Performance Monitoring – Keep track of CPU usage, memory consumption, and database query speeds to prevent system lag.
How to Activate Odoo Developer Mode? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Activating Developer Mode in Odoo is simple and can be done through multiple methods. Let’s explore the three best ways to enable it.
Method 1: Activate Developer Mode from Odoo Settings
This is the easiest method and requires no technical skills.
1. Login to your Odoo instance (Administrator access required).
2. Go to “Settings” on the dashboard.
3. Scroll down to the “Developer Tools” section.
4. Click on “Activate the Developer Mode” (You may also see it labeled as “Odoo Debug Mode”).
5. Once activated, you’ll see additional technical menus under Settings > Technical.
📌 Pro Tip: If you don’t see the Developer Tools section, ensure you have Administrator rights or install the “Developer Mode” app from the Odoo Apps Store.
Method 2: Activate Odoo Developer Mode via URL Parameter
If you prefer a quick, no-click method, simply modify the URL:
1. Open your Odoo instance in a browser.
2. At the end of the URL, add ?debug=1.
Example:
https://yourdomain.com/web?debug=1
3. Press Enter, and Developer Mode will be activated.
📌 Pro Tip: If you want Advanced Developer Mode, use ?debug=1&debug=assets.
Method 3: Enable Developer Mode via Odoo Shell (For Developers)
For developers or system admins, activating Developer Mode through Odoo’s shell provides greater flexibility.
1. Open the Odoo terminal or access your Odoo server.
2. Run the following command in the Odoo shell:
python
odoo-bin shell -d your_database
env['ir.config_parameter'].set_param('debug_mode', True)
3. Developer Mode will now be enabled system-wide.
📌 Pro Tip: This method is useful for managing multiple databases or automating Developer Mode activation in staging environments.
Advanced Database Optimization – Fine-Tuning Odoo for Peak Performance
Odoo Developer Mode provides direct access to database structures, making it easier to diagnose and resolve these issues.
# How to Optimize Database Performance Using Developer Mode?
Once Developer Mode is activated, follow these steps to analyze and optimize your database:
a. Analyzing Database Tables and Fields
1. Navigate to Settings > Technical > Database Structure > Models
2. Select a model (e.g., res.partner for customer records).
3. Check the fields, indexes, and constraints that may be causing inefficiencies.
4. Identify unused fields and remove them to free up space.
📌 Pro Tip: Deleting unnecessary custom fields and data records reduces database size, improving query speeds.
b. Cleaning Unused and Redundant Data
Over time, Odoo databases accumulate unnecessary records, including:
- Old sales orders
- Expired leads
- Unused product variants
- Temporary data logs
To clean up redundant data:
1. Go to Settings > Technical > Database Structure > Garbage Collector
2. Enable automated cleanup for log files and redundant entries
3. Manually delete unused records if needed
c. Indexing and Query Optimization
One of the most powerful ways to speed up queries is by ensuring proper indexing.
1. Navigate to PostgreSQL Database Console (via Odoo shell).
2. Run the following command to check missing indexes:
sql
SELECT * FROM pg_stat_user_indexes WHERE idx_scan = 0;
3. If missing indexes are found, create an index using:
sql
CREATE INDEX idx_partner_email ON res_partner(email);
📌 Pro Tip: Indexing frequently searched fields (e.g., customer names, product SKUs) can improve search speeds by up to 10x.
Performance Tweaks – Debugging Slow Queries and Improving System Efficiency
Slow queries are one of the most common performance killers in Odoo. Luckily, Developer Mode helps identify and fix these bottlenecks.
# How to Debug Slow Queries in Odoo?
1. Enable Query Debugging
- Go to Settings > Technical > Performance > Enable Query Logging
- This shows execution times for all database queries.
2. Check Long-Running Queries
- Use the Odoo shell to monitor slow queries:
sql
SELECT pid, age(clock_timestamp(), query_start), query FROM pg_stat_activity WHERE state = 'active' ORDER BY query_start;
3. Optimize Queries and Views
- Reduce heavy JOIN operations by using precomputed fields.
- Archive old data to avoid querying unnecessary records.
- Use lazy loading for large datasets instead of fetching all records at once.
📌 Pro Tip: If a query takes more than 3 seconds to execute, consider optimizing it using indexes, partitioning, or caching.
Security Enhancements – Managing Access Controls and Preventing Vulnerabilities
Security is critical when working with ERP systems. Odoo Developer Mode provides insights into user access levels, security rules, and potential vulnerabilities.
# Managing User Roles and Permissions
1. Navigate to Settings > Users & Companies > Groups
2. Review group permissions (e.g., Sales Manager, Inventory User).
3. Modify record rules to prevent unauthorized data access.
4. Ensure that sensitive actions (e.g., modifying invoices, viewing financial data) are restricted to authorized users only.
📌 Pro Tip: Limit Administrator Access – Only allow Developer Mode for trusted technical staff to prevent accidental data exposure.
# Disabling Debug Mode in Production
Leaving Odoo Debug Mode active in a live production environment is a security risk. Attackers could use Developer Mode to access sensitive configurations.
How to disable Developer Mode safely?
- Use Settings > Deactivate Developer Mode
- Remove ?debug=1 from URLs in web browsers
- Run the following command in the Odoo shell:
python
env['ir.config_parameter'].set_param('debug_mode', False)📌 Pro Tip: Always restart the Odoo service after making security changes to apply them:
bash
sudo systemctl restart odoo
# Secure API and External Integrations
If your Odoo instance integrates with third-party apps via APIs, ensure API keys are not exposed in Developer Mode.
Checklist for API Security:
- Use OAuth 2.0 Authentication for API connections.
- Disable API access for unauthorized users.
- Rotate API keys regularly to prevent misuse.
📌 Pro Tip: Store API credentials in environment variables, not in the database or frontend code.
Best Practices – How to Use Developer Mode Safely in Production
While Developer Mode is a powerful tool, misusing it can lead to database corruption, security vulnerabilities, or performance issues.
# Best Practices for Using Developer Mode Effectively
✅ Use Developer Mode in a Test Environment
- Avoid making direct changes in a live Odoo instance.
- Set up a staging database to test changes before deployment.
✅ Monitor Database Performance Regularly
- Use query logging and indexing to detect slow queries.
- Schedule automatic data cleanup to remove unnecessary records.
✅ Restrict Developer Mode Access
- Only grant access to senior developers and system admins.
- Disable Developer Mode when not in use to prevent unauthorized changes.
✅ Keep Backups Before Making Changes
- Always back up your database before modifying table structures.
Use the following command for PostgreSQL backups:
bash
pg_dump -U odoo -h localhost -d your_database > backup.sql
✅ Follow Odoo’s Security Guidelines
- Disable external access to Odoo ports (except for trusted IPs).
Use SSL certificates to encrypt Odoo communication.
How to Disable Odoo Developer Mode? (Quick Methods)
Once you’ve finished making changes, it’s a good practice to disable Developer Mode to prevent accidental modifications and improve security.
Method 1: Disable Developer Mode from Odoo Settings
1. Navigate to “Settings” in your Odoo dashboard.
2. Scroll down to “Developer Tools”.
3. Click “Deactivate Developer Mode” (or “Disable Debug Mode”).
4. The system will return to normal mode with hidden technical options.
📌 Pro Tip: Leaving the Odoo developer more enabled unnecessarily can expose sensitive settings to unauthorized users and may slow down your Odoo system.
Method 2: Remove Debug Mode from URL
1. If you enabled Developer Mode via URL, simply remove ?debug=1 from the URL and refresh the page.
2. The system will revert to its standard interface.
Method 3: Disable Developer Mode Using Odoo Shell
If you enabled Developer Mode through the Odoo shell, use this command to turn it off:
python
env['ir.config_parameter'].set_param('debug_mode', False)💡 Pro Tip: For added security, restart the Odoo service after disabling Developer Mode:
bash
sudo systemctl restart odoo
Shiv Technolabs – Your Trusted Odoo Experts
When it comes to Odoo customization in Dubai, businesses need a team of experts who understand the complexities of ERP solutions and can tailor them to unique operational needs.
Shiv Technolabs is a trusted name in the industry, offering top-tier Odoo customization services that enhance performance, security, and user experience.
Whether you’re looking to modify existing modules, optimize database efficiency, or develop a fully customized Odoo solution, our team is here to deliver results. We specialize in debugging, fine-tuning queries, and enhancing system security to ensure a seamless and high-performing Odoo instance.
If you’re looking to hire Odoo developers with expertise in module customization, database optimization, and API integrations, Shiv Technolabs is your go-to partner.
Our team ensures smooth implementation, scalability, and ongoing support, helping businesses maximize their Odoo ERP investment.
From small startups to large enterprises, we help businesses in Dubai and worldwide leverage Odoo’s full potential to streamline operations, automate workflows, and improve efficiency. Ready to elevate your business with a robust and optimized Odoo system?
Contact Shiv Technolabs today and let’s build the perfect ERP solution for your needs!
To Sum Up
Odoo is a powerful ERP system, but to truly maximize its benefits, businesses must customize, optimize, and secure their platforms effectively.
Odoo Developer Mode is a game-changer, providing access to advanced settings, database management tools, and debugging features that enhance performance and efficiency. However, leveraging these capabilities requires expertise, which is where Shiv Technolabs excels.
Our Odoo customization services help businesses optimize their ERP system, enhance workflows, and implement custom solutions tailored to unique operational needs.
Let’s take your Odoo system to the next level—partner with Shiv Technolabs today for expert-driven Odoo solutions!
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