Debugging Source Code Files; Master Controller Debug Options - AMX NetLinx Studio Instruction Manual

Debugging Source Code Files

NetLinx Studio contains several useful options for debugging your Master Controller and Source Code files.
The Debugging feature allows you to view variables declared within the scope of a
Function and or Call procedure. However, stack and parameter values are not
editable. If you attempt to edit either the stack or parameter values, a warning
message is displayed.
In order to begin debugging, your computer must be connected to a Master Controller, and you must have a compiled
Source Code file active.

To use debugging, the Build With Source option must be selected in the Axcess Compiler and/or NetLinx
Compiler tabs of the Preferences dialog, before the file is compiled.

You cannot compile, send/receive files, or change port settings while the program is in debug mode.

Avoid declaring variables as volatile whenever possible, since volatile variables will not display their contents
during the debug session.

NetLinx character strings by default are displayed in current length mode, while all other strings (including
Integer strings) are displayed in total length mode.

Master Controller Debug Options

The Watch Bar is displayed when Start Debugging is selected from the Debug menu, or via the Debug Watch toolbar
(FIG. 179).
FIG. 179 Watch Bar
The Watch Bar is a dockable window that allows you to view and edit the contents of variables within a compiled
program. Also, you can control the execution through each pass of the mainline of a compiled program. Once Start
Debugging has been selected, additional options in the Debug menu become available:
Start/Stop
Debugging:
Step Mode:
Single Step:
The following options only apply to NetLinx code:
Run:
Run To Cursor:
Break:
Edit Breakpoints:
Toggle Break
Point:
Clear Break
Points:
NetLinx Studio - Instruction Manual
Ability to toggle the debug state of the application. There is no limitation on then number of NetLinx
variables that can be watched in the Debug Watch Bars.
Note: A maximum of 10 watch variables are allowed when debugging an Axcess master controller.
Enable/Disable Step mode causes the Interpreter to break after each execution of the mainline.
Watch variables are always updated after each pass through mainline. To continue program
execution while in Step mode, you must invoke the Step command again.
Note: This option is for Axcess Masters only.
Execute one line of a source code file at a time for a NetLinx Master or execute one pass through the
mainline code for an Axcess controller.
To continue execution after a Single Step operation or from a toggled break point.
Execute the program and break on the line of code where the cursor is residing on the screen.
Stop execution of the program and highlight the line of code on the screen.
A dialog appears listing all the break points within the code.
Toggle a break point on the screen where the cursor is residing.
A red diamond appears next to the line of code to signify a break point.
Clears all the break points within the source code file.
Building and Debugging Source Code
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