Debug management using dynamic analysis based on state information

Abstract

Disclosed aspects include a debugger evaluating an expression. The expression has a debug element. Using dynamic analysis, a set of state information related to the debug element is identified. The set of state information can be generated external to the debugger and used within the debugger subsequent to being generated. Utilizing the set of state information, a tolerance parameter is selected. The tolerance parameter is for a conditional breakpoint linked with the debug element. In response to selecting the tolerance parameter, a triggering event for the conditional breakpoint may be detected. Based on the tolerance parameter, it may be determined to disregard the triggering event. Subsequently, the triggering event can be disregarded. Altogether, aspects of the disclosure provide a methodology for debug management that may provide performance or efficiency benefits.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]This disclosure relates generally to computer systems and, more particularly, relates to debug management. As computers have become faster and available memory has increased, software has also become more and more complex. A typical software application may contain millions of lines of code. With the increased complexity of software applications, the issues associated with the code as written have become more numerous and difficult to resolve. As code complexity has increased, the need for debug management efficiency may increase.SUMMARY[0002]Aspects of the disclosure leverage run-time routines associated with the dynamic analysis instrumentation code to determine if a specific analysis error may be in the Boolean expression that is being executed by the debugger. One or more routines from a dynamic analyzer may be called that can detect an error event. The user can utilize one or more directives on the conditional breakpoint to control firing if such an error is det...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a method for managing debugging in a way that improves performance and efficiency. It involves a kernel-based debugger that evaluates an expression with a bug element. The method includes identifying information about the bug element, selecting a tolerance parameter for a conditional breakpoint, and detecting triggering events that might cause a break in the code. By disregarding these triggering events, the method improves the speed and accuracy of debugging.

Problems solved by technology

As computers have become faster and available memory has increased, software has also become more and more complex.

With the increased complexity of software applications, the issues associated with the code as written have become more numerous and difficult to resolve.

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