Tracing execution
You can trace execution of an executable file built with
PowerBuilder. By tracing execution, you can troubleshoot your
application if it does not behave the same way when run as an executable
file as it does when run in the PowerBuilder development environment.
You can also use the trace output to profile your application: for
example, you can see how many times particular scripts and functions are
being executed.
Two kinds of trace files
You can generate two kinds of trace files:
-
With timing
informationYou collect trace information by adding code to the scripts in
the application or adding a window that lets users turn tracing on
and off. PowerBuilder generates a binary trace file that you analyze
using a comprehensive set of objects and functions or the Profiling
tools. For more information about tracing and profiling, see About tracing and profiling an
application. -
Without timing
informationYou collect information by running the application with the
/pbdebug command-line switch. PowerBuilder generates a text file
that logs the creation and destruction of objects and the execution
of scripts and functions.
Tracing execution using
/pbdebug
You generate PBDebug trace information for an executable file by
invoking the executable with a command-line switch.
To generate PBDebug trace information:
-
Invoke the executable file using the /pbdebug command-line
switch:1EXEFILE /pbdebugAs the application executes, PowerBuilder records the trace
output in a file called exefile.dbg, which is a text file that you
can read in any editor. For information about PBDebug tracing in the
development environment, see Generating a
trace file without timing information.
Enabling tracing
If you are compiling machine code, you must enable tracing at
compile time by selecting Trace Information in the Project painter
Compile Options group. If you have not enabled tracing when you
compile for machine code, no trace information is generated and the
/pbdebug switch has no effect.
If you compile your project in Pcode, the compiler automatically
adds the information needed to enable tracing.