{{QBDLDATE:05-20-2022}}
{{QBDLTIME:23:07:28}}
'''$DEBUG''' is precompiler [[Metacommand|metacommand]], which enables debugging features, allowing you to step through your code running line by line and to inspect variables and change their values in real time.


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:[[$DEBUG]]


{{PageDescription}}
* '''$DEBUG''' injects extra code in the resulting binary, allowing the IDE to control the execution flow of your program.
* When '''$DEBUG''' is used, the IDE will connect to your running program using a local TCP/IP connection.
** You may get a prompt from your Operating System regarding this, so it may be necessary to allow the IDE to receive connections.
** No external connections are created, and your running program will only attempt to connect locally to the IDE.
* The default TCP/IP port starts at 9001. Multiple running instances of the IDE will attempt to open ports 9002 and up.
** You can change the base port in the Debug menu.
* The metacommand is supposed to be removed once your program is ready for release, although leaving it in won't have any effect if your program isn't run from the IDE.
** The only drawback of leaving the metacommand in is that your binary will end up being larger than required.

== $DEBUG Mode Operation ==
* To start execution in pause mode, you can use '''F7''' or '''F8'''.
* There will be an arrow next to the line number where execution is paused, indicating the next line that will be run.
* When you enable '''$DEBUG''' mode, you can set breakpoints by clicking the line number at which you wish to stop execution. This can also be achieved by using the '''F9''' key.
** Breakpoints are indicated by a red dot next to the line number.
** To clear all breakpoints, hit '''F10'''.
* To skip a line during execution, shift-click a line number
** Lines marked for skipping are indicated by an exclamation mark next to the line number.
* '''F4''' opens the Variable List dialog, which allows you to add variables to the Watch List.
* During execution, the Variable List dialog also allows you to set the values of variables and also to create Watchpoints.
* Watchpoints halt execution, similarly to breakpoints, but do so when a variable matches the condition you specify.
** You can use relational operators (=, <>, >=, <=, >, <) to create watchpoint conditions.
* After a breakpoint or a watchpoint is reached, '''F5''' can be used to continue execution.
* '''F6''' can be used when the execution pointer is inside a sub/function. When used, execution will proceed until the procedure is ended.
* '''F7''' can be used to run line by line, and can be used to debug code inside subs/functions (Step Into).
* '''F8''' can be used to run line by line without entering sub/function calls (Step Over).
* '''F12''' can be used to show the current call stack (which procedure calls led to the current line).


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* [[Metacommand]]s


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