Using Breakpoints › Variable-Change Breakpoints

Variable-Change Breakpoints

A variable‑change breakpoint is a special type of conditional breakpoint that takes effect when the value of a specified COBOL or Assembler variable changes. If you set a variable‑change breakpoint while the variable is also listed in the Keep window, the variable's new value immediately appears at the top of the breakpoint display when the breakpoint is triggered.

To set a variable‑change breakpoint from a Source Listing screen, follow these steps:

1. Enter v in position 1 of any line in the program listing that defines or references the variable.
2. If the statement references the variable, place the cursor under any character in the variable name. (Omit this step if the statement defines the variable.)
3. Press Enter.

To set a variable‑change breakpoint for a variable in the Keep window, follow these steps:

1. Enter v next to the variable name in the Keep window.
2. Press Enter.

Set variable‑change breakpoints before or during program execution. If you set the breakpoint before execution, the variable's initial value is its value when it first becomes known to CA InterTest for CICS during execution. Any change from this initial value triggers the variable‑change breakpoint.

Set Conditional Breakpoints from the Menus explains how to set variable‑change breakpoints when the value of a variable increases or decreases.