Using SoftBench Debugger

Setting and Using Breakpoints

when you are responsible for only a part of a large program, you need only debug your particular module. Set breakpoints at the entry points of your module, and run the program to execute the code down to your module. When you have reached your module, you can Step through it to see it in more detail.

1.Set a breakpoint where you want to pause the program. See “Setting a Breakpoint” on page 190.

2.Continue your program from its current location, or choose "File: Rerun" to restart your program. See “Loading or Rerunning an Executable Program” on page 165.

While the program being debugged runs to the next breakpoint, the PC Location indicator displays a highlighted "Running…" and a "clock" animation. SoftBench Debugger buffers further commands until SoftBench Debugger becomes ready to execute them.

3.When SoftBench Debugger reaches the breakpoint, the PC Location changes to the current program location. (Notice that the PC arrow displays on the same line as the breakpoint annotation.) You are now ready to continue the debugging process.

If the PC Location remains "Running…", the program being debugged could be waiting for input. See “Interacting with Your Program” on page 174.

To run from the current PC to the next breakpoint, select Continue. You can use this to execute sections of the program that do not need to be debugged.

Setting a Breakpoint

SoftBench Debugger provides many ways to set breakpoints, depending on your needs. See “Setting Breakpoints in a Program File” on page 131 for information on setting breakpoints from within your editor.

Using the Editable Source Area

You may find this method convenient if you can see or easily retrieve the desired source line.

1.Locate the source statement in the Source File Area:

•If the currently viewed source file contains the statement, scroll until you can see the line.

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Chapter 7