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Thread: YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

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  1. #1
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    Default YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

    Can we add a feature to the debugger to add a breakpoint when a watched value / expression changes?

    I've a DEU* who managed to find a way to change a pointer that she shouldn't be changing, and it's hard to follow how she did it. I'd like to make the debugger hit a breakpoint / raise an exception when that value changes.



    *Defective End User. Usually present when PEBCAK (Problem exists between chair and keyboard)

    /MM
    Michael Mullan.
    Danes Bridge Enterprises.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    There is just today. Tomorrow is a concept
    that is mostly theoretical. -- GM Wylie
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

  2. #2
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    Default Re: YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

    I believe you've asked for this before & I vote + a zillion. It'd really, really be helpful.
    Garret

    Time for an oldie but goodie:

    "If it ain't broke, you're not trying." - Red Green

  3. #3
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    Default Re: YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

    I believe you're not wrong, but I'm hoping it was so long ago that the decision makers have changed, and a fresh vote may get a better look in.

    :-)
    Michael Mullan.
    Danes Bridge Enterprises.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    There is just today. Tomorrow is a concept
    that is mostly theoretical. -- GM Wylie
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

  4. #4
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    Default Re: YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

    Just couldn't make yourself say I was right, eh?

    I get it...
    Garret

    Time for an oldie but goodie:

    "If it ain't broke, you're not trying." - Red Green

  5. #5

    Default Re: YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

    Michael,

    They're called watchpoints or sometimes also "Data Breakpoints" and I implemented this in dfSplat.

    Sadly though my implementation is currently too slow to be practical. (You have to be quite desperate)
    This has to be implemented at the debugger C level code for it to be fast enough to be useful.
    Actually this normally even depends on native hardware support where an event is triggered on memory access at a specific memory address.
    During that event the debugger logic can then check if it needs to trigger a breakpoint (data changed!) or not.

    Unless I can come up with some sort of hack, not impossible, but it does require a bit of additional reverse engineering, like I need to figure out the actual memory address of the data you want to watch.

    Oh and if it isn't clear: ---> YES I also REALLY want this feature (d'uh)
    --
    Wil
    Last edited by wila; 4-May-2021 at 04:03 PM.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

    Regards,
    Raveen Sundram

    Software Development Manager
    Excellent Software Ltd
    Auckland, New Zealand
    www.helixretail.co.nz


  7. #7
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    Default Re: YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

    +1

  8. #8
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    Default Re: YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

    I've also requested this in the context of knowing the moment when a field in the file buffer changes etc but you have no idea where that change takes place so you cannot set a 'traditional' breakpoint

    +1
    Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm - Winston Churchill

  9. #9
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    Default Re: YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

    Quote Originally Posted by Michael Mullan View Post
    Can we add a feature to the debugger to add a breakpoint when a watched value / expression changes?

    I've a DEU* who managed to find a way to change a pointer that she shouldn't be changing, and it's hard to follow how she did it. I'd like to make the debugger hit a breakpoint / raise an exception when that value changes.



    *Defective End User. Usually present when PEBCAK (Problem exists between chair and keyboard)

    /MM
    literally needed this yesterday... in both charmode and DF19.1. reverted to a WAG at where it was occurring, and added a DF19.1 breakpoint and a (series of) CM msgboxes. painful.
    I should be on a beach ...

  10. #10
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    Default Re: YAFR: Breakpoint on Watch Window Delta.

    It's something I would use at least weekly if not more often.
    Garret

    Time for an oldie but goodie:

    "If it ain't broke, you're not trying." - Red Green

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