Windows with C++: X64 Debugging With Pseudo Variables and Format Specifiers

My latest Windows with C++ column in the December 2008 issue of MSDN Magazine is now online:

Windows with C++: X64 Debugging With Pseudo Variables and Format Specifiers

For many years, Visual C++ has included a set of pseudo variables and format specifiers for use in debugging. By pseudo variables I mean terms that you can enter into a debugger watch window to have it display some value that doesn't necessarily relate to any C++ variable. Unfortunately, pseudo variables have never been well documented. Although I don't have enough insider information to document them myself, I want to share some of the pseudo variables and format specifiers that I've found most useful. I hope the discussion will inspire you to read up on the subject

Shortly after writing this column I started reading Advanced Windows Debugging, which I mentioned in my latest reading list. You should read this book for one reason: it will open your eyes to the Debugging Tools for Windows. Although I’ve used these debuggers before, mainly for kernel-mode debugging, I’d always found it quite painful and longed to return to the familiar Visual C++ IDE and debugger.

I have to now admit that the Debugging Tools for Windows provide quite a bit more debugging power compared to Visual C++ and in some ways make debugging both native and managed code quite a bit easier. As it relates to this article, the debuggers also include quite a lot more pseudo variables and format specifiers than are available with the debugger included with Visual C++.

So if you’re looking for a bit more debugging power you owe it to yourself to download the free Debugging Tools for Windows and buying a copy of Advanced Windows Debugging to get you started. Obviously this doesn’t replace Visual C++, it is after all only a set of debugging tools, but it is a great tool and skill to have at your disposal.

If you’re looking for one of my previous articles here is a complete list of them for you to browse through.

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