S15L01 - IntellJ Idea debugger overview

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Mastering Java Debugging in IntelliJ IDEA: A Comprehensive Guide
Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................... 1
Understanding Debugging in IntelliJ IDEA .................................. 3

2.1 What is Debugging? ......................................................... 3
2.2 Importance of Debugging in Java Development ..................... 4


Setting Up the Debugger .......................................................... 6

3.1 Configuring Debug Settings ............................................. 6
3.2 Using Command-Line Arguments with the Debugger .......... 7


Breakpoints and Watchpoints .................................................. 9

4.1 Setting Breakpoints .......................................................... 9
4.2 Implementing Watchpoints ................................................ 10
4.3 Conditional Breakpoints ................................................... 12
4.4 Managing Multiple Breakpoints ....................................... 14


Stepping Through Code ............................................................ 17

5.1 Step Over ................................................................. 17
5.2 Step Into ................................................................. 18
5.3 Step Out ................................................................. 19
5.4 Force Step Into .......................................................... 20


Advanced Debugging Features ............................................... 23

6.1 Inspecting Variables ..................................................... 23
6.2 Modifying Variable Values on the Fly ............................ 24
6.3 Utilizing the Variables Panel ......................................... 25
6.4 Working with Multithreaded Applications .................... 26


Best Practices for Effective Debugging .................................... 29

7.1 Organizing Breakpoints ................................................... 29
7.2 Using Logs Effectively ................................................... 30
7.3 Optimizing Debugger Performance ................................ 31


Conclusion ................................................................................. 34
Supplementary Information ........................................................ 36

9.1 Comparison Table: Watchpoints vs. Breakpoints ................. 36
9.2 Sample Program Code ..................................................... 38
9.3 Additional Resources .................................................. 42




Introduction
Debugging is an essential skill for any Java developer striving to write efficient and error-free code. In the realm of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), IntelliJ IDEA stands out as a powerful tool equipped with a robust debugger that simplifies the debugging process. This eBook delves into the intricacies of using the debugger in IntelliJ IDEA, guiding beginners and developers with basic knowledge through the essential features and best practices.
Understanding how to effectively utilize debugging tools can significantly enhance your coding workflow, making it easier to identify and rectify issues swiftly. This guide covers everything from setting up the debugger, utilizing breakpoints and watchpoints, stepping through code, to leveraging advanced debugging features. By the end of this eBook, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to debug Java applications efficiently using IntelliJ IDEA.
Pros:

Enhances code quality by identifying and fixing bugs
Improves understanding of code execution flow
Saves time in the development process

Cons:

Can be time-consuming if not used effectively
May require a learning curve for beginners

When and Where to Use Debugging:
Debugging is indispensable during the development phase, especially when dealing with complex applications or troubleshooting unexpected behaviors. It is particularly useful when integrating new features, optimizing performance, or maintaining legacy code.
Tabular Data: Usage Scenarios


Topic
When to Use
Where to Apply


Breakpoints
Pausing execution to inspect code at specific points
Any critical section of the code


Watchpoints
Monitoring changes to specific variables
Variables that influence key outcomes


Conditional Breakpoints
Pausing execution based on specific conditions
Scenarios requiring context-specific inspections



Understanding Debugging in IntelliJ IDEA
2.1 What is Debugging?
Debugging is the systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and removing bugs or defects in software applications. It involves running the program in a controlled environment where the developer can monitor the execution flow, inspect variables, and evaluate the state of the application at various points.
2.2 Importance of Debugging in Java Development
In Java development, debugging is crucial for ensuring that applications run as intended. It helps in:

Identifying Logical Errors: Spotting mistakes in the code that lead to incorrect behavior.
Optimizing Performance: Detecting and resolving performance bottlenecks.
Enhancing Code Quality: Ensuring the code is robust, reliable, and maintainable.

Effective debugging leads to more stable and efficient applications, ultimately enhancing user experience and reducing maintenance costs.

Setting Up the Debugger
3.1 Configuring Debug Settings
To begin debugging in IntelliJ IDEA, you need to configure the debugger settings appropriately. Follow these steps:

Open Configuration Settings:

Navigate to the top toolbar and locate the configuration settings icon (usually resembling a wrench or gear).


Edit Configurations:

Click on Edit Configurations to access the run/debug configurations dialog.


Set Main Class:

Ensure that the correct main class is selected, especially if your program contains multiple main methods.


Apply and Save:

After configuring, click Apply and then OK to save the settings.



Figure 3.1: Editing Configuration Settings in IntelliJ IDEA

3.2 Using Command-Line Arguments with the Debugger
IntelliJ IDEA allows you to pass command-line arguments to your program during debugging. Here's how:

Access Run/Debug Configurations:

Go to Run > Edit Configurations.


Add Arguments:

In the Program Arguments section, input the desired command-line arguments.


Apply and Debug:

Click Apply and then Debug to run the program with the specified arguments.



Sample Program Code: Using Command-Line Arguments


		
		
			
			
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			public class DebugDemo {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        if (args.length > 0) {
            System.out.println("Command-Line Arguments:");
            for (String arg : args) {
                System.out.println(arg);
            }
        } else {
            System.out.println("No command-line arguments provided.");
        }
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						public class DebugDemo {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        if (args.length > 0) {
            System.out.println("Command-Line Arguments:");
            for (String arg : args) {
                System.out.println(arg);
            }
        } else {
            System.out.println("No command-line arguments provided.");
        }
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

The program checks if any command-line arguments are provided.
If arguments exist, it prints each one; otherwise, it notifies the user that no arguments were given.

Output Example:


		
		
			
			
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			Command-Line Arguments:
Debugging
IntelliJ IDEA
Java
			
				
					
				
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						Command-Line Arguments:
Debugging
IntelliJ IDEA
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Breakpoints and Watchpoints
4.1 Setting Breakpoints
Breakpoints are markers that you can set on specific lines of code to pause the execution of your program at those points. This allows you to inspect the state of the application and understand its behavior.
How to Set a Breakpoint:

Locate the Line:

Open the Java file in the editor.


Click on the Gutter:

Click in the left margin (gutter) next to the line number where you want to set the breakpoint. A red dot will appear, indicating the breakpoint.



Sample Code with Breakpoints:


		
		
			
			
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			public class BreakpointExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int x = 5; // Breakpoint here
        int y = x + 10;
        System.out.println("Value of y: " + y);
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						public class BreakpointExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int x = 5; // Breakpoint here
        int y = x + 10;
        System.out.println("Value of y: " + y);
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

A breakpoint is set at the line int x = 5;. When debugging, the program will pause execution at this line, allowing you to inspect the value of x before it changes.

4.2 Implementing Watchpoints
Watchpoints allow you to monitor the value of a specific variable during the execution of your program. Whenever the value changes, the debugger pauses the execution, enabling you to observe the changes in real-time.
How to Set a Watchpoint:

Identify the Variable:

Choose the variable you want to monitor.


Add Watch:

Right-click on the variable and select Add Watch or use the Watch panel to add the variable manually.



Sample Code with Watchpoint:


		
		
			
			
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			public class WatchpointExample {
    static int count = 0;

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        increment();
        System.out.println("Count: " + count);
    }

    public static void increment() {
        count += 1; // Watchpoint set on 'count'
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						public class WatchpointExample {
    static int count = 0;
 
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        increment();
        System.out.println("Count: " + count);
    }
 
    public static void increment() {
        count += 1; // Watchpoint set on 'count'
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

A watchpoint is set on the static variable count. Each time count changes, the debugger will pause, allowing you to track its value throughout the program execution.

4.3 Conditional Breakpoints
Conditional breakpoints enable the debugger to pause execution only when certain conditions are met. This is particularly useful when you want to inspect the state of the program under specific circumstances.
Setting a Conditional Breakpoint:

Set a Breakpoint:

Place a breakpoint on the desired line.


Add a Condition:

Right-click on the breakpoint and select Condition.


Define the Condition:

Enter the condition expression, such as x == 10.



Example:


		
		
			
			
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			public class ConditionalBreakpointExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        for (int x = 0; x <= 20; x++) {
            System.out.println("x = " + x);
            // Breakpoint with condition x == 10
        }
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						public class ConditionalBreakpointExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        for (int x = 0; x <= 20; x++) {
            System.out.println("x = " + x);
            // Breakpoint with condition x == 10
        }
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

A breakpoint is set inside the loop with the condition x == 10. The debugger will pause execution only when x reaches 10, allowing you to inspect the program's state at that specific iteration.

4.4 Managing Multiple Breakpoints
When working on larger projects, you might need to manage multiple breakpoints efficiently. IntelliJ IDEA offers tools to view, enable/disable, and delete breakpoints as needed.
Managing Breakpoints:

View All Breakpoints:

Press Ctrl + Shift + F8 (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + F8 (Mac) to open the Breakpoints dialog.


Enable/Disable Breakpoints:

Use the checkboxes to enable or disable specific breakpoints without deleting them.


Delete Breakpoints:

Select the breakpoint and click the Remove button to delete it.



Best Practices:

Organize Breakpoints: Group related breakpoints together for easier management.
Use Descriptive Names: Rename breakpoints to reflect their purpose.
Regularly Review Breakpoints: Remove obsolete breakpoints to maintain clarity.


Stepping Through Code
Stepping through code allows you to execute your program line by line, observing the behavior and state of the application at each step. IntelliJ IDEA provides several stepping options to facilitate this process.
5.1 Step Over
Step Over executes the current line of code and moves to the next line in the same method. If the current line contains a method call, Step Over will execute the entire method without entering it.
Usage Scenario:
When you want to execute a method call without delving into its internal implementation.
Example:


		
		
			
			
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			public class StepOverExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int a = 5;
        int b = add(a, 10); // Step Over here
        System.out.println("Result: " + b);
    }

    public static int add(int x, int y) {
        return x + y;
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						public class StepOverExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int a = 5;
        int b = add(a, 10); // Step Over here
        System.out.println("Result: " + b);
    }
 
    public static int add(int x, int y) {
        return x + y;
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

Placing a breakpoint on int b = add(a, 10); and using Step Over will execute the add method without stepping into it, allowing you to quickly proceed to the next line.

5.2 Step Into
Step Into enters the method being called, allowing you to debug the method's internal code.
Usage Scenario:
When you need to inspect the functionality within a method or identify issues inside the method's implementation.
Example:


		
		
			
			
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			public class StepIntoExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int a = 5;
        int b = multiply(a, 10); // Step Into here
        System.out.println("Result: " + b);
    }

    public static int multiply(int x, int y) {
        return x * y;
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						public class StepIntoExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int a = 5;
        int b = multiply(a, 10); // Step Into here
        System.out.println("Result: " + b);
    }
 
    public static int multiply(int x, int y) {
        return x * y;
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

Setting a breakpoint on int b = multiply(a, 10); and using Step Into will take you inside the multiply method, allowing you to debug its logic.

5.3 Step Out
Step Out continues execution until the current method returns, effectively stepping out of it.
Usage Scenario:
When you've finished debugging a method and want to return to the caller without stepping through the remaining method code.
Example:


		
		
			
			
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			public class StepOutExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int a = 5;
        int b = calculate(a, 10); // Step Out from here
        System.out.println("Result: " + b);
    }

    public static int calculate(int x, int y) {
        int result = x + y;
        return result;
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						public class StepOutExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int a = 5;
        int b = calculate(a, 10); // Step Out from here
        System.out.println("Result: " + b);
    }
 
    public static int calculate(int x, int y) {
        int result = x + y;
        return result;
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

After stepping into the calculate method and inspecting its logic, using Step Out will return you to the main method, allowing you to continue debugging from there.

5.4 Force Step Into
Force Step Into goes deeper than Step Into by allowing you to step into methods even when they are not accessible via regular stepping (e.g., library methods).
Usage Scenario:
When you need to debug internal implementations of methods that are typically not accessible.
Example:


		
		
			
			
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			public class ForceStepIntoExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String text = "Hello, World!";
        int length = text.length(); // Force Step Into here
        System.out.println("Length: " + length);
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						public class ForceStepIntoExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String text = "Hello, World!";
        int length = text.length(); // Force Step Into here
        System.out.println("Length: " + length);
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

By using Force Step Into on text.length(), you can navigate into the String class's length method to inspect its execution, which is generally hidden from the developer.


Advanced Debugging Features
IntelliJ IDEA offers a suite of advanced debugging features that enhance the debugging experience, making it more efficient and insightful.
6.1 Inspecting Variables
The Variables Panel provides a detailed view of all the variables in the current scope, displaying their names, types, and current values.
Features:

Real-Time Updates: Variables are updated in real-time as you step through the code.
Expandable Objects: You can expand objects to view their internal fields and nested objects.

Example:


		
		
			
			
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			public class VariableInspectionExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Person person = new Person("Alice", 30);
        person.setAge(31);
        System.out.println(person);
    }
}

class Person {
    private String name;
    private int age;

    // Constructor and getters/setters omitted for brevity
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						public class VariableInspectionExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Person person = new Person("Alice", 30);
        person.setAge(31);
        System.out.println(person);
    }
}
 
class Person {
    private String name;
    private int age;
 
    // Constructor and getters/setters omitted for brevity
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

When debugging, the Variables Panel will display the person object with its name and age fields, allowing you to inspect and verify their values at each step.

6.2 Modifying Variable Values on the Fly
IntelliJ IDEA allows you to modify the values of variables during debugging, enabling you to test different scenarios without restarting the application.
How to Modify Variables:

Pause Execution:

Set a breakpoint and start debugging.


Select Variable:

In the Variables Panel, right-click on the variable you wish to modify.


Set Value:

Choose Set Value and enter the new desired value.



Example:


		
		
			
			
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			public class ModifyVariableExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int counter = 10;
        counter += 5; // Modify 'counter' to 20 here
        System.out.println("Counter: " + counter);
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						public class ModifyVariableExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int counter = 10;
        counter += 5; // Modify 'counter' to 20 here
        System.out.println("Counter: " + counter);
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

During debugging, you can change the value of counter from 15 to 20 before the println statement, allowing you to observe how the program behaves with different variable values.

6.3 Utilizing the Variables Panel
The Variables Panel offers several functionalities to enhance variable inspection:

Watch Expressions: Add expressions to watch specific variables or calculations.
Filtering: Filter variables to focus on those relevant to your current debugging needs.
Grouping: Group variables by their scope or type for better organization.

Tips:

Add Watches: Regularly monitor variables that are critical to your application's logic.
Use Evaluations: Evaluate complex expressions directly within the Variables Panel to understand their outcomes.

6.4 Working with Multithreaded Applications
Debugging multithreaded applications can be challenging due to the concurrent execution of threads. IntelliJ IDEA provides tools to manage and inspect multiple threads effectively.
Features:

Thread Overview: View all active threads in the Threads Panel.
Switching Threads: Easily switch between threads to inspect their states and variables.
Suspending Threads: Suspend and resume threads to control execution flow.

Example:


		
		
			
			
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			public class MultithreadedDebugExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Thread thread1 = new Thread(new Task(), "Thread-1");
        Thread thread2 = new Thread(new Task(), "Thread-2");
        thread1.start();
        thread2.start();
    }
}

class Task implements Runnable {
    @Override
    public void run() {
        int x = 0;
        while (x < 5) {
            System.out.println(Thread.currentThread().getName() + " - x: " + x);
            x++;
            try {
                Thread.sleep(500);
            } catch (InterruptedException e) {
                e.printStackTrace();
            }
        }
    }
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						public class MultithreadedDebugExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Thread thread1 = new Thread(new Task(), "Thread-1");
        Thread thread2 = new Thread(new Task(), "Thread-2");
        thread1.start();
        thread2.start();
    }
}
 
class Task implements Runnable {
    @Override
    public void run() {
        int x = 0;
        while (x < 5) {
            System.out.println(Thread.currentThread().getName() + " - x: " + x);
            x++;
            try {
                Thread.sleep(500);
            } catch (InterruptedException e) {
                e.printStackTrace();
            }
        }
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

While debugging, you can inspect each thread's execution separately, monitor their x variables, and understand how they interact within the application.


Best Practices for Effective Debugging
Adhering to best practices can make your debugging process more efficient and less error-prone. Here are some key strategies to enhance your debugging skills.
7.1 Organizing Breakpoints
Properly organizing your breakpoints ensures that you can quickly navigate and manage them during debugging sessions.
Strategies:

Categorize Breakpoints: Group breakpoints based on modules, features, or functionality.
Name Breakpoints: Assign descriptive names to breakpoints to remember their purpose.
Use Conditional Breakpoints: Reduce unnecessary pauses by adding conditions to breakpoints.

7.2 Using Logs Effectively
Logging is a complementary tool to debugging, providing insights into application behavior without manual inspection.
Tips:

Strategic Logging: Place log statements at critical points in your code to track execution flow and variable states.
Different Log Levels: Utilize various log levels (INFO, DEBUG, ERROR) to control the verbosity of logs.
Analyze Log Outputs: Regularly review log outputs to identify patterns and potential issues.

Example:


		
		
			
			
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			import java.util.logging.Logger;

public class LoggingExample {
    private static final Logger logger = Logger.getLogger(LoggingExample.class.getName());

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        logger.info("Application started.");
        int result = compute(5, 10);
        logger.info("Computation result: " + result);
    }

    public static int compute(int a, int b) {
        logger.debug("Computing the sum of " + a + " and " + b);
        return a + b;
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						import java.util.logging.Logger;
 
public class LoggingExample {
    private static final Logger logger = Logger.getLogger(LoggingExample.class.getName());
 
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        logger.info("Application started.");
        int result = compute(5, 10);
        logger.info("Computation result: " + result);
    }
 
    public static int compute(int a, int b) {
        logger.debug("Computing the sum of " + a + " and " + b);
        return a + b;
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

Logs provide a chronological record of application events, aiding in tracing and diagnosing issues.

7.3 Optimizing Debugger Performance
Efficient use of the debugger can save time and resources, especially when working on large projects.
Strategies:

Limit Breakpoints: Avoid excessive breakpoints to prevent overwhelming the debugger.
Use Evaluate Expression: Instead of stepping through every line, use the Evaluate Expression feature to inspect complex expressions quickly.
Suspend Threads Selectively: Focus on relevant threads to reduce clutter and improve performance.


Conclusion
Debugging is an indispensable aspect of Java development, ensuring that applications run smoothly and efficiently. IntelliJ IDEA's powerful debugging tools, including breakpoints, watchpoints, and advanced stepping features, empower developers to identify and resolve issues with precision. By mastering these tools and adhering to best practices, you can significantly enhance your coding workflow, reduce development time, and produce high-quality software.
Key Takeaways:

Breakpoints and Watchpoints: Fundamental tools for pausing execution and monitoring variable changes.
Stepping Through Code: Essential for understanding the execution flow and pinpointing issues.
Advanced Features: Utilize variable inspection, on-the-fly modifications, and multithreading support to streamline debugging.
Best Practices: Organize breakpoints, use logging effectively, and optimize debugger performance for efficient debugging sessions.

Embrace these debugging strategies to elevate your Java development skills and build robust, error-free applications.
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Supplementary Information
9.1 Comparison Table: Watchpoints vs. Breakpoints


Feature
Breakpoints
Watchpoints


Purpose
Pause execution at specific lines of code
Monitor and pause when a variable's value changes


Usage
Inspect program state at certain points
Track variable modifications


Setup Complexity
Simple to set up by clicking the gutter
Requires identifying variables to watch


Execution Impact
Halts execution regardless of conditions
Only halts when the watched variable meets conditions


Common Use Cases
Debugging control flow, inspecting variable states
Monitoring critical variables, debugging state changes


9.2 Sample Program Code
Program: Debugging Demonstration


		
		
			
			
Java
			
			public class DebuggerDemo {
    static int x = 50;

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Starting Debugger Demo");
        displayValue();
        modifyValue();
        System.out.println("Final Value of x: " + x);
    }

    public static void displayValue() {
        System.out.println("Value of x: " + x);
    }

    public static void modifyValue() {
        x = 10; // Watchpoint on 'x'
        System.out.println("Value of x modified to: " + x);
    }
}
			
				
					
				
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						public class DebuggerDemo {
    static int x = 50;
 
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Starting Debugger Demo");
        displayValue();
        modifyValue();
        System.out.println("Final Value of x: " + x);
    }
 
    public static void displayValue() {
        System.out.println("Value of x: " + x);
    }
 
    public static void modifyValue() {
        x = 10; // Watchpoint on 'x'
        System.out.println("Value of x modified to: " + x);
    }
}
					
				
			
		


Explanation:

Breakpoints: Set on the main method's lines to observe the flow.
Watchpoints: Set on the static variable x to monitor its changes during execution.

Debugger Interaction:

Initial Run: Observe the starting message and initial value of x.
Breakpoint at modifyValue(): Step into the method to see x changing from 50 to 10.
Watchpoint on x: Automatically pause when x is modified, allowing inspection before and after the change.
Final Output: Verify the final value of x after modifications.

Output:


		
		
			
			
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			Starting Debugger Demo
Value of x: 50
Value of x modified to: 10
Final Value of x: 10
			
				
					
				
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						Starting Debugger Demo
Value of x: 50
Value of x modified to: 10
Final Value of x: 10
					
				
			
		


9.3 Additional Resources
To further enhance your debugging skills in IntelliJ IDEA and Java development, consider exploring the following resources:

IntelliJ IDEA Documentation: Official Guide
Java Tutorials by Oracle: Java Debugging Techniques
Effective Java by Joshua Bloch: A comprehensive guide on best practices in Java.
Online Courses:

Udemy: Mastering Java Debugging with IntelliJ IDEA
Coursera: Java Programming and Debugging


Community Forums:

Stack Overflow: Engage with the developer community for specific debugging queries.
JetBrains Community: Participate in discussions and seek support related to IntelliJ IDEA.



Engaging with these resources will provide deeper insights and practical knowledge to complement the concepts covered in this eBook.
Output:

Note: This article is AI generated.
Topic	When to Use	Where to Apply
Breakpoints	Pausing execution to inspect code at specific points	Any critical section of the code
Watchpoints	Monitoring changes to specific variables	Variables that influence key outcomes
Conditional Breakpoints	Pausing execution based on specific conditions	Scenarios requiring context-specific inspections
Feature	Breakpoints	Watchpoints
Purpose	Pause execution at specific lines of code	Monitor and pause when a variable's value changes
Usage	Inspect program state at certain points	Track variable modifications
Setup Complexity	Simple to set up by clicking the gutter	Requires identifying variables to watch
Execution Impact	Halts execution regardless of conditions	Only halts when the watched variable meets conditions
Common Use Cases	Debugging control flow, inspecting variable states	Monitoring critical variables, debugging state changes