Evaluating expressions

In this section, you will evaluate expressions in the context of your running Java program.

  1. Debug junit.samples.VectorTest.java to the breakpoint in the setUp() method and select Step Over twice to populate fFull.  (See the Debugging your Programs section for full details.)
  2. Open the Debug Shell view by selecting Window > Show View > Display and type the following line in the view:

    fFull.size()

  3. Select the text you just typed, and from its context menu, select Display.  (You can also choose Display Result of Evaluating Selected Text (Display) from the Debug Shell view toolbar.)

    Debug Shell view with fFull.size selected and showing context menu

  4. The expression is evaluated and the result is displayed in the Display view.

    Debug Shell view showing evaluation result: (int) 2

  5. On a new line in the Debug Shell view, type the following line:

    fFull.toArray()

  6. Select this line, and select Inspect from the context menu.  (You can also choose Inspect Result of Evaluating Selected Text (Inspect) from the Debug Shell view toolbar.)
  7. A lightweight window opens with the value of the evaluated expression.

    Pop-up containing fFull.toArray() expression

Debugger Evaluating expressions
Displaying the result of evaluating an expression
Inspecting the result of evaluating an expression Expressions view