Debugging Breakpoint with Execution Anchor Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing debugging methods require inefficiently setting and removing multiple breakpoints or using conditional breakpoints, which are tedious and require recompilation, making it difficult to implement breakpoints based on specific execution paths in complex applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of anchor points that indicate completion of intermediary executions, allowing for the specification of the number of executions required to trigger a breakpoint without the need for intermediary breakpoints or conditional breakpoints, facilitating faster and more direct debugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple breakpoints are set to track specific execution paths, then debugging precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to manually set and remove multiple breakpoints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the execution path tracking into discrete anchor points that can be independently configured and monitored. Each anchor point represents a specific function or code location that must be executed in sequence, allowing the debugging system to track complex execution paths without requiring multiple traditional breakpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakpoint mechanism is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it can pause execution at specified locations, track execution paths through anchor points, and automatically manage the debugging process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for path tracking and execution pausing.
2Measurement precision
If conditional breakpoints are used to implement path-specific debugging, then debugging precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and productivity deteriorate due to required recompilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the execution path tracking functionality from the traditional breakpoint mechanism by introducing separate anchor points. These anchor points are configured independently of the breakpoint conditions, allowing path-specific debugging without requiring conditional logic that would necessitate recompilation.
Solution Approach 2:
Anchor points are configured in advance to define the desired execution path. The debugging system then automatically monitors execution against these pre-defined anchor points, eliminating the need for conditional breakpoints that require recompilation to implement path-specific debugging.
3Ease of operation
If traditional breakpoints are used without execution path tracking, then ease of operation is maintained, but debugging precision deteriorates in complex applications with multiple execution paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anchor points as intermediary elements between the breakpoint mechanism and the execution path. These anchor points serve as mediators that track execution flow through specified functions or code locations, providing precise execution path tracking while maintaining the simplicity of traditional breakpoint setting.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to verify software includes a debugger setting a breakpoint in the software. The breakpoint indicates a point at which to pause or stop execution of the software. The method also includes setting one or more anchor points associated with the breakpoint. Each of the one or more anchor points represents another point in the software that must be executed prior to pausing or stopping the execution of the software at the breakpoint.