Eclipse 2.1 - New and Noteworthy

Java Development Tools

Java Debugger


Threads and Monitors view

The debugger's new Threads and Monitors view shows which threads are holding locks and which are waiting to acquire locks.

Monitors view showing deadlock cycles

 


Instance breakpoints and watchpoints You can now set breakpoints & watch points specific to a particular object instance. In the Variables view, choose Instance Breakpoints... from the variables context menu.

Instance filter dialog


Improved conditional breakpoints A traditional conditional breakpoint is triggered by a boolean expression evaluating to "true". It is now possible to declare conditional breakpoints that are triggered whenever the value of an expression changes. In addition, code assist is now available when typing the in the conditional expression.

Breakpoint properties dialog


Stepping into selections

The Java debugger now allows you to step into a single method within a series of chained or nested method calls. Simply highlight the method you wish to step into and select Step into Selection from the Java editor context menu.

Stepping into selection


Watch items You can create watch item by selecting an expression in the Java editor and using the Watch action (available in the context menu, and in the Run menu). As well, a watch item can be created by selecting a variable and using the Watch action.

Step filters Step filters are more convenient to use now that a Step With Filters action has been added to the debug toolbar and menu. As well, actions have been added to the debug context menu to streamline the creation of step filters for the type or package associated with the selected stack frame.

Word wrap in Variables view The details area of the debugger's Variables and Expressions views now supports word wrap, available from the view drop-down menu.

Word wrap action in Variables view drop-down menu


Stack trace hyperlinks

Java stack traces in the console now appear with hyperlinks. When you place the mouse over a line in a stack trace, the pointer changes to the hand and the stack trace is underlined. Pressing the mouse button opens the associated Java source file and positions the cursor at the corresponding line.

Stack trace with hyperlinks in Console view


Console buffer size The Console view retains only the most recent N characters of output (default is 80K). The console buffer size can be configured via the Debug > Console preference page.

Filtering constants & statics

Two new actions are available in the pull-down menu of the Variables view - Show Constants & Show Static Variables. These actions toggle the visibility of static final and static variables.

Variable filter actions in Variables view drop-down menu


Faster stepping

The performance of the debugger's Run > Step over (F6) action has been improved. You should notice the difference when holding down the F6 key or rapidly clicking the Step Over button.


Instruction pointer

When debugging, the Java editor now indicates the currently executing line with an arrow in the left margin. This arrow is solid for the top stack frame and hollow for non-top stack frames.

Instruction pointer appears in editor ruler


 

Previous Index Next

Copyright IBM Corporation and others 2000, 2003