Breakpoint battery

What is a data breakpoint?

The data breakpoint is very useful to debug flags and variables that are being corrupted by the application. Once there is some access the application halts. Another approach is the stack overflow investigation.

How do I use a breakpoint?

This is the simplest use of a breakpoint. You only need to choose the C line or the ASM instruction in the disassembly windows and toggle the breakpoint. Once the breakpoint is hit, your application will stop. At this time, you can check the values of variables, flags and registers. In other words, you have full control.

How do I enable/disable a breakpoint?

Even with a limited number, for example for Arm Cortex-M where we have 6-8 breakpoints, you could save the location and disable and enable the breakpoint when needed. Just choose to show the View ->Breakpoints window and you will be able to set/clear the box, which means enabling or disabling the breakpoint.

What is a data log breakpoint?

In addition to data breakpoints with read and write accesses, you can also use data log breakpoints. The idea with these is to monitor and plot graphically the value of a specific variable or address in memory in the timeline.

How many code breakpoints are there?

The number of code breakpoints is limited to the number of hardware breakpoints but can be unlimited if you make use of software breakpoints or run the application in RAM. Even with a limited number, for example for Arm Cortex-M where we have 6-8 breakpoints, you could save the location and disable and enable the breakpoint when needed.

How do I set a data breakpoint?

Simply right-click the flag or variable and select the option Set data Breakpoint. By default, the read and write accesses will be monitored. If you want to add extra setting you can do it through the View->Breakpoints window and Edit option. Aside from the accesses, it is possible to monitor if the data matches.