Updated: 11 December 1998

OpenVMS Debugger Manual

1. The SET VECTOR_MODE SYNCHRONIZED command causes the debugger to force automatic synchronization between the scalar and vector processors whenever a vector instruction is executed.
2. This STEP command suspends program execution on line 99, just before a VVDIVD instruction is executed. Assume that, in this example, the instruction will trigger a floating-point divide-by-zero exception.
3. This STEP command executes the VVDIVD instruction, which triggers the exception. The vector exception is delivered immediately because the debugger is being operated in synchronized vector mode.

Establishes a watchpoint at the location denoted by an address expression.

Format

SET WATCH address-expression[,...]
[WHEN(conditional-expression)]
[DO(command[;...])]

Parameters

address-expression

Specifies an address expression (a program location) at which a watchpoint is to be set. With high-level languages, this is typically the name of a program variable and can include a path name to uniquely specify the variable. More generally, an address expression can also be a memory address or a register and can be composed of numbers (offsets) and symbols, as well as one or more operators, operands, or delimiters. For information about the operators that you can use in address expressions, type Help Address_Expressions.

Do not specify the asterisk (*) wildcard character.

conditional-expression

Specifies a conditional expression in the currently set language; the expression is to be evaluated whenever execution reaches the watchpoint. (The debugger checks the syntax of the expressions in the WHEN clause when execution reaches the watchpoint, not when the watchpoint is set.) If the expression is true, the debugger reports that a watchpoint has been triggered. If an action (DO clause) is associated with the watchpoint, it will occur at this time. If the expression is false, a report is not issued, the commands specified by the DO clause (if one was specified) are not executed, and program execution is continued.

command

Specifies a debugger command to be executed as part of the DO clause when watch action is taken. The debugger checks the syntax of the commands in a DO clause when it executes the DO clause, not when the watchpoint is set.

Qualifiers

/AFTER:n

Specifies that watch action not be taken until the nth time the designated watchpoint is encountered (n is a decimal integer). Thereafter, the watchpoint occurs every time it is encountered provided that conditions in the WHEN clause are true. The SET WATCH/AFTER:1 command has the same effect as SET WATCH.

/INTO

Specifies that the debugger is to monitor a nonstatic variable by tracing instructions not only within the defining routine, but also within a routine that is called from the defining routine (and any other such nested calls). The SET WATCH/INTO command enables you to monitor nonstatic variables within called routines more precisely than SET WATCH/OVER; but the speed of execution within called routines is faster with SET WATCH/OVER.

/OVER

Specifies that the debugger is to monitor a nonstatic variable by tracing instructions only within the defining routine, not within a routine that is called by the defining routine. As a result, the debugger executes a called routine at normal speed and resumes tracing instructions only when execution returns to the defining routine. The SET WATCH/OVER command provides faster execution than SET WATCH/INTO; but if a called routine modifies the watched variable, execution is interrupted only upon returning to the defining routine. When you set watchpoints on nonstatic variables, SET WATCH/OVER is the default.

/SILENT

/NOSILENT (default)

Controls whether the "watch..." message and the source line for the current location are displayed at the watchpoint. The /NOSILENT qualifier specifies that the message is displayed. The /SILENT qualifier specifies that the message and source line are not displayed. The /SILENT qualifier overrides /SOURCE.

/SOURCE (default)

/NOSOURCE

Controls whether the source line for the current location is displayed at the watchpoint. The /SOURCE qualifier specifies that the source line is displayed. The /NOSOURCE qualifier specifies that the source line is not displayed. The /SILENT qualifier overrides /SOURCE. See also the SET STEP [NO]SOURCE command.

/STATIC

/NOSTATIC

Enables you to override the debugger's default determination of whether a specified variable (watchpoint location) is static or nonstatic. The /STATIC qualifier specifies that the debugger should treat the variable as a static variable, even though it might be allocated in P1 space. This causes the debugger to monitor the location by using the faster write-protection method rather than by tracing every instruction. The /NOSTATIC qualifier specifies that the debugger should treat the variable as a nonstatic variable, even though it might be allocated in P0 space, and causes the debugger to monitor the location by tracing every instruction. Be careful when using these qualifiers.

/TEMPORARY

Causes the watchpoint to disappear after it is triggered (the watchpoint does not remain permanently set).

Description

When an instruction causes the modification of a watchpoint location, the debugger takes the following actions:

1. Suspends program execution after that instruction has completed execution.
2. If you specified /AFTER when you set the watchpoint, checks the AFTER count. If the specified number of counts has not been reached, execution continues and the debugger does not perform the remaining steps.
3. Evaluates the expression in a WHEN clause, if you specified one when you set the watchpoint. If the value of the expression is false, execution continues and the debugger does not perform the remaining steps.
4. Reports that execution has reached the watchpoint location ("watch of...") unless you specified /SILENT.
5. Reports the old (unmodified) value at the watchpoint location.
6. Reports the new (modified) value at the watchpoint location.
7. Displays the line of source code at which execution is suspended, unless you specified /NOSOURCE or /SILENT when you set the watchpoint or entered a previous SET STEP NOSOURCE command.
8. Executes the commands in a DO clause, if you specified one when you set the watchpoint. If the DO clause contains a GO command, execution continues and the debugger does not perform the next step.
9. Issues the prompt.

For high-level language programs, the address expressions you specify with the SET WATCH command are typically variable names. If you specify an absolute memory address that is associated with a compiler-generated type, the debugger symbolizes the address and uses the length in bytes associated with that type to determine the length in bytes of the watchpoint location. If you specify an absolute memory address that the debugger cannot associate with a compiler-generated type, the debugger watches 4 bytes of memory, by default, beginning at the byte identified by the address expression. You can change this length, however, by setting the type to either WORD (SET TYPE WORD, which changes the default length to 2 bytes) or BYTE (SET TYPE BYTE, which changes the default length to 1 byte). SET TYPE LONGWORD restores the default length of 4 bytes.

You can set watchpoints on aggregates (that is, entire arrays or records). A watchpoint set on an array or record triggers if any element of the array or record changes. Thus, you do not need to set watchpoints on individual array elements or record components. Note, however, that you cannot set an aggregate watchpoint on a variant record.

You can also set a watchpoint on a record component, on an individual array element, or on an array slice (a range of array elements). A watchpoint set on an array slice triggers if any element within that slice changes. When setting the watchpoint, follow the syntax of the current language.

The following qualifiers affect what output is seen when a watchpoint is reached:

• /[NO]SILENT
• /[NO]SOURCE

The following qualifiers affect the timing and duration of watchpoints:

• /AFTER:n
• /TEMPORARY

The following qualifiers apply only to nonstatic variables:

• /INTO
• /OVER

The following qualifier overrides the debugger's determination of whether a variable is static or nonstatic:

• /[NO]STATIC

Note On VAX systems, watchpoints set on variables whose addresses are in global sections do not work. Attempting to set a watchpoint on a location in a global section results in a %DEBUG-E-BADWATCH message.

Static and Nonstatic Watchpoints

The technique for setting a watchpoint depends on whether the variable is static or nonstatic.

A static variable is associated with the same memory address throughout execution of the program. You can always set a watchpoint on a static variable throughout execution.

A nonstatic variable is allocated on the call stack or in a register and has a value only when its defining routine is active (on the call stack). Therefore, you can set a watchpoint on a nonstatic variable only when execution is currently suspended within the scope of the defining routine (including any routine called by the defining routine). The watchpoint is canceled when execution returns from the defining routine. With a nonstatic variable, the debugger traces every instruction to detect any changes in the value of a watched variable or location.

Another distinction between static and nonstatic watchpoints is speed of execution. To watch a static variable, the debugger write-protects the page containing the variable. If your program attempts to write to that page, an access violation occurs and the debugger handles the exception, determining whether the watched variable was modified. Except when writing to that page, the program executes at normal speed.

To watch a nonstatic variable, the debugger traces every instruction in the variable's defining routine and checks the value of the variable after each instruction has been executed. Since this significantly slows execution, the debugger issues a message when you set a nonstatic watchpoint.

As explained in the next paragraphs, /[NO]STATIC, /INTO, and /OVER enable you to exercise some control over speed of execution and other factors when watching variables.

The debugger determines whether a variable is static or nonstatic by checking how it is allocated. Typically, a static variable is in P0 space (0 to 3FFFFFFF, hexadecimal); a nonstatic variable is in P1 space (40000000 to 7FFFFFFF) or in a register. The debugger issues a warning if you try to set a watchpoint on a variable that is allocated in P1 space or in a register when execution is not currently suspended within the scope of the defining routine.

The /[NO]STATIC qualifiers enable you to override this default behavior. For example, if you have allocated nonstack storage in P1 space, use /STATIC when setting a watchpoint on a variable that is allocated in that storage area. This enables the debugger to use the faster write-protection method of watching the location instead of tracing every instruction. Conversely, if, for example, you have allocated your own call stack in P0 space, use /NOSTATIC when setting a watchpoint on a variable that is allocated on that call stack. This enables the debugger to treat the watchpoint as a nonstatic watchpoint.

You can also control the execution speed for nonstatic watchpoints in called routines by using /INTO and /OVER.

On both Alpha and VAX processors, both static and nonstatic watchpoints are available. With static watchpoints, the debugger write-protects the page of memory in which the watched variable is stored. Static watchpoints, therefore, would interfere with the system service itself if not for the debugger's use of system service interception (SSI).

If a static watchpoint is in effect then, through system service interception, the debugger deactivates the static watchpoint, asynchronous traps (ASTs), and thread switching, just before the system service call. The debugger reactivates them just after the system service call completes, putting the watchpoint, AST enabling, and thread switching back to their original state and, finally, checking for any watchpoint hits. This behavior is designed to allow the system service to run as it normally would (that is, without write-protected pages) and to prevent the AST code or a different thread from potentially changing the watchpointed location while the watchpoint is deactivated. Be aware of this behavior if, for example, your application tests to see if ASTs are enabled.

An active static watchpoint can cause a system service to fail, likely with an ACCVIO status, if the system service is not supported by the system service interception (SSI) vehicle (DBGSSISHR on OpenVMS VAX systems and SYS$SSISHR on OpenVMS Alpha systems). Any system service that is not in SYS$PUBLIC_VECTORS is unsupported by SSI, including User Written System Services (UWSS) and any loadable system services, such as $MOUNT.

When a static watchpoint is active, the debugger write-protects the page containing the variable to be watched. A system service call not supported by SSI can fail if it tries to write to that page of user memory.

To avoid this failure, do either of the following:

• Deactivate the static watchpoint before the service call. When the call completes, check the watchpoint manually and reactivate it.
• Use nonstatic watchpoints. Note that nonstatic watchpoints can slow execution.

If a watched location changes during a system service routine, you will be notified, as usual, that the watchpoint occurred. Note that, on rare occasions, stack may show one or more debugger frames on top of the frame or frames for your program. To work around this problem, enter one or more STEP/RETURN commands to get back to your program.

System service interception is on by default, but on Alpha processors only, you can disable interception prior to a debugging session by issuing the following command:

$ DEFINE SSI$AUTO_ACTIVATE OFF

To reenable system service interception, issue one of the following commands:

$ DEFINE SSI$AUTO_ACTIVATE ON $ DEASSIGN SSI$AUTO_ACTIVATE

Global Section Watchpoints (Alpha Only)

On Alpha processors, you can set watchpoints on variables or arbitrary program locations in global sections. A global section is a region of memory that is shared among all processes of a multiprocess program. A watchpoint that is set on a location in a global section (a global section watchpoint) triggers when any process modifies the contents of that location.

You set a global section watchpoint just as you would set a watchpoint on a static variable. However, because of the way the debugger monitors global section watchpoints, note the following point. When setting watchpoints on arrays or records, performance is improved if you specify individual elements rather than the entire structure with the SET WATCH command.

If you set a watchpoint on a location that is not yet mapped to a global section, the watchpoint is treated as a conventional static watchpoint. When the location is subsequently mapped to a global section, the watchpoint is automatically treated as a global section watchpoint and an informational message is issued. The watchpoint is then visible from each process of the multiprocess program.

Related commands:

• (ACTIVATE,DEACTIVATE,SHOW,CANCEL) WATCH
• MONITOR
• SET BREAK
• SET STEP [NO]SOURCE
• SET TRACE

Examples

DBG> SET WATCH MAXCOUNT
      

This command establishes a watchpoint on the variable MAXCOUNT.

DBG> SET WATCH ARR
DBG> GO
    ...
watch of SUBR\ARR at SUBR\%LINE 12+8 
   old value: 
    (1):         7 
    (2):         12 
    (3):         3 
   new value: 
    (1):         7 
    (2):         12 
    (3):         28 
 
break at SUBR\%LINE 14
DBG>
      

In this example, the SET WATCH command sets a watchpoint on the three-element integer array, ARR. Execution is then resumed with the GO command. The watchpoint triggers whenever any array element changes. In this case, the third element changed.

DBG> SET WATCH ARR(3)
      

This command sets a watchpoint on element 3 of array ARR (Fortran array syntax). The watchpoint triggers whenever element 3 changes.

DBG> SET WATCH P_ARR[3:5]
      

This command sets a watchpoint on the array slice consisting of elements 3 to 5 of array P_ARR (Pascal array syntax). The watchpoint triggers whenever any of these elements change.

DBG> SET WATCH P_ARR[3]:P_ARR[5]
      

This command sets a separate watchpoint on each of elements 3 to 5 of array P_ARR (Pascal array syntax). Each watchpoint triggers whenever its target element changes.

DBG> SET TRACE/SILENT SUB2 DO (SET WATCH K)
      

In this example, variable K is a nonstatic variable and is defined only when its defining routine, SUB2, is active (on the call stack). The SET TRACE command sets a tracepoint on SUB2. When the tracepoint is triggered during execution, the DO clause sets a watchpoint on K. The watchpoint is then canceled when execution returns from routine SUB2. The /SILENT qualifier suppresses the "trace..." message and the display of source code at the tracepoint.

DBG_1> SET WATCH ARR(1)
DBG_1> SHOW WATCH
watchpoint of PPL3\ARR(1) 
DBG_1> GO
%DEBUG-I-WATVARNOWGBL, watched variable PPL3\ARR(1) 
     has been remapped to a global section 
predefined trace on activation at routine PPL3 in %PROCESS_NUMBER 2 
predefined trace on activation at routine PPL3 in %PROCESS_NUMBER 3 
watch of PPL3\ARR(1) at PPL3\%LINE 93 in %PROCESS_NUMBER 2 
    93:             ARR(1) = INDEX 
   old value: 0 
   new value: 1 
break at PPL3\%LINE 94 in %PROCESS_NUMBER 2 
   94:              ARR(I) = I
DBG_2> DO (SHOW WATCH)
For %PROCESS_NUMBER 1 
  watchpoint of PPL3\ARR(1) [global-section watchpoint] 
For %PROCESS_NUMBER 2 
  watchpoint of PPL3\ARR(1) [global-section watchpoint] 
For %PROCESS_NUMBER 3 
  watchpoint of PPL3\ARR(1) [global-section watchpoint]
DBG_2>
      

In this VAX example of a global section watchpoint, the SET WATCH command sets a watchpoint on element 1 of array ARR. Because ARR has not yet been mapped to a global section, the SHOW WATCH command identifies the watchpoint as a conventional static watchpoint.

After the GO command resumes execution, ARR is remapped to a global section. The watchpoint is automatically treated as a global section watchpoint.

Processes 2 and 3 come under debugger control, then the watchpoint is triggered in process 2, interrupting execution. At this point, the SHOW WATCH command confirms that the watchpoint is visible from each process.

Creates a screen window definition.

Note This command is not available in the DECwindows Motif interface to the debugger.

Format

SET WINDOW window-name
AT (start-line,line-count
[,start-column,column-count])

Parameters

window-name

Specifies the name of the window you are defining. If a window definition with that name already exists, it is canceled in favor of the new definition.

start-line

Specifies the starting line number of the window. This line displays the window title, or header line. The top line of the screen is line 1.

line-count

Specifies the number of text lines in the window, not counting the header line. The value must be at least 1. The sum of start-line and line-count must not exceed the current screen height.

start-column

Specifies the starting column number of the window. This is the column at which the first character of the window is displayed. The leftmost column of the screen is column 1.

column-count

Specifies the number of characters per line in the window. The value must be at least 1. The sum of start-column and column-count must not exceed the current screen width.

Description

A screen window is a rectangular region on the terminal screen through which you can view a display. The SET WINDOW command establishes a window definition by associating a window name with a screen region. You specify the screen region in terms of a starting line and height (line count) and, optionally, a starting column and width (column count). If you do not specify the starting column and column count, the starting column defaults to column 1 and the column count defaults to the current screen width.

You can specify a window region in terms of expressions that use the built-in symbols %PAGE and %WIDTH.

You can use the names of any windows you have defined with the SET WINDOW command in a DISPLAY command to position displays on the screen.

Window definitions are dynamic---that is, window dimensions expand and contract proportionally when a SET TERMINAL command changes the screen width or height.

Related commands:

• DISPLAY
• (SHOW,CANCEL) DISPLAY
• (SET,SHOW) TERMINAL
• (SHOW,CANCEL) WINDOW

Examples

DBG> SET WINDOW ONELINE AT (1,1)
      

This command defines a window named ONELINE at the top of the screen. The window is one line deep and, by default, spans the width of the screen.

DBG> SET WINDOW MIDDLE AT (9,4,30,20)
      

This command defines a window named MIDDLE at the middle of the screen. The window is 4 lines deep starting at line 9, and 20 columns wide starting at column 30.

DBG> SET WINDOW FLEX AT (%PAGE/4,%PAGE/2,%WIDTH/4,%WIDTH/2)
      

This command defines a window named FLEX that occupies a region around the middle of the screen and is defined in terms of the current screen height (%PAGE) and width (%WIDTH).

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