Break when a value changes using the Visual Studio debugger

visual-studio debugging breakpoints conditional-breakpoint
FlySwat picture FlySwat · Oct 2, 2008 · Viewed 139.8k times · Source

Is there a way to place a watch on variable and only have Visual Studio break when that value changes?

It would make it so much easier to find tricky state issues.

Can this be done?

Breakpoint conditions still need a breakpoint set, and I'd rather set a watch and let Visual Studio set the breakpoints at state changes.

Answer

AShelly picture AShelly · Oct 2, 2008

In the Visual Studio 2005 menu:

Debug -> New Breakpoint -> New Data Breakpoint

Enter:

&myVariable

Related questions

Can I set a breakpoint when variable is getting a specific value in .NET?

I am using Visual Studio 2010, and I know this feature is available in C++. I need to debug some code, that changes a variable to several values. I want to debug the code in a specific case, when the variable …

Read More
How do I remedy "The breakpoint will not currently be hit. No symbols have been loaded for this document." warning?

A C# desktop application on the express edition worked, but then it didn't work 5 seconds later. I tried the following: Ensure debug configuration, debug flag, and full debug information are set on all assemblies. Delete all bin and obj folders …

Read More
Is it possible to change the value of a variable during execution time?

I want to know if there is any way I can change the value of a variable during execution time, using Visual Studio 2008? I know I can do this on Eclipse (put a breakpoint, add a watcher and edit whatever …

Read More