Using Breakpoints

Breakpoints allow you to stop execution of command syntax at specified points within the syntax and continue execution when ready. This allows you to view output or data at an intermediate point in a syntax job, or to run command syntax that displays information about the current state of the data, such as FREQUENCIES. Breakpoints can only be set at the level of a command, not on specific lines within a command.

To insert a breakpoint on a command:

  1. Click anywhere in the region to the left of the text associated with the command.

    The breakpoint is represented as a red circle in the region to the left of the command text and on the same line as the command name regardless of where you clicked.

    Figure 1. Execution stopped at a breakpoint
    Syntax Editor window showing execution stopped at a breakpoint and displaying the progress indicator arrow.

    When you run command syntax containing breakpoints, execution stops prior to each command containing a breakpoint.

    The downward pointing arrow to the left of the command text shows the progress of the syntax run. It spans the region from the first command run through the last command run and is particularly useful when running command syntax containing breakpoints.

    To resume execution following a breakpoint:

  2. From the menus in the Syntax Editor choose:

    Run > Continue