Debugger Terms

Active Window :

The window to which all keystrokes (except those valid in the Command Window) apply. An active window is indicated by a highlighted border. The Tab and Shift-Tab keys are used to select the next and previous window, respectively.

Animate Mode :

The mode of execution in which an application runs one line at a time until a Breakpoint or Tracepoint is reached, with the Execution Bar moving to each line as it is executed.

Breakpoint :

A point at which an application pauses execution and returns control to the debugger.

Callstack  :

A list containing the names of all pending activations at the current point in an application.

Callstack Window :

The window in which the Callstack is displayed.

Code Window :

The window in which source code is displayed.

Command Window :

The window in which commands are displayed and entered.

Cursor :

The cursor indicates the current line and/or column position in the active window or dialog box. Note that some windows, such as the Monitor Window, do not utilize the cursor. When a window that does not utilize the cursor is active, the cursor appears in the Code Window.

See Also: Highlight, Input Focus

Debugger :

A tool used to track down errors in a program.

Dialog Box :

A box displayed from within the debugger whenever further input is required.

Execution Bar :

The highlight bar which is positioned on the line of code to be executed next.

Help Window :

The window in which online help is displayed.

Inspecting :

The process of examining work areas, variables, expressions and activations inside the debugger.

Menu Bar :

The bar at the top of the debugger screen, on which the available menu choices are displayed.

Monitor Window :

The window in which monitored variables are displayed.

Monitored Variable :

A variable which is selected by the options on the Monitor Menu and displayed in the Monitor Window.

Run Mode :

The mode of execution in which an application executes without pausing, until a Breakpoint or Tracepoint is reached.

Script File :

A file in which frequently used debugger commands are stored and from which those commands can be executed.

Set Colors Window :

The window in which the Debugger color settings can be inspected.

Single Step Mode :

The mode of execution in which only the line of code highlighted by the Execution Bar is executed, and its output displayed.

Trace Mode :

A mode of execution similar to Single Step Mode, the difference being that Trace Mode traces over function and procedure calls.

Tracepoint :

A variable or expression whose value is displayed in the Watch Window, and which causes an application to pause whenever that value changes.

View Sets Window :

The window in which Clipper language status settings can be inspected.

View Workareas Window :

The window in which work area information is displayed.

Watch Window :

The window in which Watchpoints and Tracepoints are displayed.

Watchpoint :

A variable or expression whose value is displayed in the Watch Window and updated as an application executes.