## Using Breakpoints

Edit window with BreakPoint (red icon)

The Edit | Breakpoints menu option is a useful debugging tool to be used when creating, testing, and running a part program. Generally, part programs are executed sequentially, line by line. By placing a breakpoint at a particular line in the part program, program execution will pause when it reaches that point. If the part program makes use of variable expressions and flow control, you can examine these variables to ensure that the program is functioning as desired.

Once PC-DMIS has paused for the breakpoint, you may want to use the Step Next button. This button continues with the measurement process but does so one step at a time, pausing the CMM after executing each step of any command creating movement of the CMM. While in Step Mode, hits can be inserted into features and new features can be inserted between existing features or commands. Step Mode can also be simulated off-line.

When you are ready to continue with normal program execution, simply press Continue on the Execution dialog. Several menu and keyboard commands are available for manipulating the placement and removal of breakpoints. Breakpoints are saved with the part program and are therefore available the next time the part program is opened.

Note: If your program uses breakpoints and the Edit window is in Command mode, PC-DMIS continues to display the Edit window during execution but highlights the current command to execute in red. If the Edit window is in Summary mode, with a breakpoint, PC-DMIS shows a green highlight in the Edit window for already executed commands, yellow for a feature about to be measured, blue for features currently undergoing execution, and orange for non-executed commands.

Example of colors used in Summary mode during execution with a breakpoint.

Example of colors used in Command mode during execution with a breakpoint.

More:

Toggle Breakpoint

Insert Defaults

Remove Defaults

Remove All