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Using Object Sets and Layer Profiles in the ABAP DebuggerLocate this document in the navigation structure

Use

In the new ABAP Debugger you can configure, activate, and deactivate Layer Aware Debugging.

Caution

You can use Layer Aware Debugging only in the new ABAP Debugger.

Procedure

  1. Start the new ABAP Debugger. See Starting New ABAP Debugger

  2. To configure and activate Layer Aware Debugging, edit the Settings of the ABAP Debugger. You can also select the Configure Debugger Layer button directly.

    A dialog box appears.

  3. Select the Layer Aware Debugging Active indicator.

Now define the related layer profile or object set. You have several options:

  • You can use a profile previously saved in transaction SLAD ( persistent profile).

  • You can define a temporary profile directly.

  • You can define a visible object set directly.

Follow the procedure below:

Using Persistent Profiles

You can use a profile previously saved in transaction SLAD (persistent profile). Follow the procedure below:

  1. Select Using Pre-Defined Object Sets (Layer) Using Debugger Profile

    You can now enter a profile in the Profile field.

  2. Select the debugger profile.

    To do this, use the F4 help or choose with the quick info text Overview to browse through the profile navigation tree.

  3. Activate the profile.

    • If you choose with the quick info text Continue, the profile is activated for the current session only.

    • If you choose with the quick info text Save Settings, the profile is activated each time the debugger starts.

      Note

      You cannot change a persistent profile in the ABAP debugger.

Using Temporary Profiles

You can define a temporary profile and use an existing profile as a template for it.

Note

The temporary profiles can be changed. The system allows you to add object sets, delete object sets, and to change the debugger behavior for the different object sets. However, the definition of an object set cannot be changed in the debugger.

To create a temporary profile, perform the following:

  1. Select Temp. Profile.

    A dialog box appears.

  2. Select the type of the template by selecting the appropriate radio button.

  3. Choose with the quick info text Continue.

  4. Specify the object sets and the debugger behavior.

  5. Choose Continue. The profile is activated for the current session.

Defining Visible Object Sets Directly

You can define a visible object set directly. It is then necessary to create a profile:

  • Choose Defining Visible Object Set (Layer) Directly.

  • Define the object set.

  • Choose Continue. The visible object set is activated for the current session.

Result

Additional buttons appear on the Debugger UI: A further execution function Next Object Set and button Deactivate Layer Aware Debugging with which you can activate and deactivate Layer Aware Debugging at any time.

The profile (or visible object set) is now active and affects the execution options (steps) of the Debugger.

Debugger Steps and Layer Aware Debugging

  • The Debugger step Single Step (F5) first stops in the ABAP source code that is contained in visible object sets.

  • Debugger steps Execute (F6) and Return (F7) run through the current procedure without stopping even if it includes the source text that is contained in visible object sets. Next the program is executed until the ABAP source text contained in visible object sets is reached.

  • Profile-controlled debugging is ineffective for the Debugger step Continue (F8). Source text sections that belong to visible object sets are run through as required without the program execution being interrupted.

  • To jump to the next object set that the Entry Point or Exit Point flag has been set for, select Next Object Set in the special Debugger step.

Breakpoints and Layer Aware Debugging

All breakpoints that are source line-related (such as breakpoints that explicitly specify a source location), stop the execution of the program independently of the active profile. Breakpoints that are related to ABAP statements (such as breakpoints at statements and watchpoints) are directly influenced by the profile settings.

Source line related breakpoints are:

  • Breakpoint at source line (ABAP, Dynpro or Simple Transformation)

  • Breakpoint at method

  • Breakpoint at function module

  • Breakpoint at form

  • Breakpoint at ST template

Statement-related breakpoints are:

  • Breakpoint at statement

  • Breakpoint at exception (system or class-based exception)

  • Breakpoint at inexactness

Deactivating and Reactivating Layer Aware Debugging

You can deactivate and reactive Layer Aware Debugging at any time during a debugging session. To do this, change the Settings of the ABAP Debugger or select Deactivate Layer Aware Debugging or Activate Layer Aware Debuging.