Debugging Basics for Windows Developers

Debugging is an essential skill for any Windows developer. Whether you're building native C++ applications or managed .NET solutions, understanding the tools and techniques at your disposal will help you troubleshoot issues efficiently.

Key Debugging Tools

Visual Studio Debugger – Integrated debugger with breakpoints, watch windows, and live debugging.
WinDbg – Powerful low‑level debugger for kernel‑mode and user‑mode debugging.
ProcDump – Command‑line utility for capturing crash dumps.
DebugDiag – Analyzes hangs, leaks, and crashes.

Setting Breakpoints

Breakpoints pause execution so you can inspect state. In Visual Studio, press F9 or click the margin next to a line of code.

using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        int a = 5;
        int b = 0;
        int result = Divide(a, b); // Set a breakpoint here
        Console.WriteLine(result);
    }

    static int Divide(int x, int y)
    {
        return x / y; // Watch variables x and y
    }
}

Watch & Immediate Windows

Use the Watch window to monitor variable values, and the Immediate window to execute code on the fly.

// Example commands in Immediate window
? a
? b
? result

First‑Chance vs. Second‑Chance Exceptions

Visual Studio distinguishes between first‑chance (thrown) and second‑chance (unhandled) exceptions. Configure exception settings via Debug → Windows → Exception Settings.

Native (C/C++) Debugging Tips

Enable Symbol Loading (Tools → Options → Debugging → Symbols).
Use Disassembly view to step through assembly if source is unavailable.
Leverage Memory Window to inspect raw data.

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