Overview
	Viewing Local Variables
	Changing the Value of a Local Variable
	Tips
	See Also

Overview

The Local Variables view displays the names and values of variables and parameters local to the current stack frame. These variables are visible in the Local Variables view when program execution reaches the declaration of the variable. Each time program execution is paused, the values displayed in the view are updated and can then be modified. Global variables are not displayed in the Local Variables view but can be displayed in the Watch view.

Viewing Local Variables

You can display variables in the Local Variables view when your program is paused. It is useful to observe the value of variables in a specific function to verify that the function is behaving as expected.

To view local variables

1. In the main window, click the Local Variables tab. Parameters passed into the current function are listed first, followed by local variables declared within the current function.
2. To expand an expression, click the plus sign (+) to the left of its name or double-click the line. To collapse an expression, click the minus sign (-) or double-click the line.

To see the Local Variables view in a separate window

• Click the right mouse button, then click Open Separate View. The separate window behaves the same as the tabbed Local Variables view.
• To close the separate window, click the right mouse button, then click Close.
  
  See Tips for a shortcut to opening a separate window.

Changing the Value of a Local Variable

When the program is paused at a breakpoint or between steps, you can change the value of a numeric or pointer variable. The modified value replaces the current value in the program. This lets you try changes and see their results in real time or recover from certain logic errors.

To change a variable value

1. In the Local Variables view, double-click the value you want to edit. A cursor appears in the Value field.
2. Edit the variable's value.
3. Press Enter to update the program with the modified variable value.
   
   See Tips in the Local Variables View reference topic for keyboard shortcuts.
   
   

   NOTES: Press the Esc key to cancel the edit. Character string pointers--You cannot change the content of the string, but you can change the address value to point to a string at a different memory address. Character arrays -- You can edit the content of a character array, but there is no safeguard to prevent you from writing past the allocated array size. Also, the value must be entered inside double quotes.

Tips

• The value of a local variable is highlighted in red if it has changed in the current context since the last break in program execution.
• Click the toolbar button to open and close the Local Variables view in a separate window.
• On the View menu, click Local Variables to quickly bring the Local Variables view to the top.
• Keyboard shortcuts are available for moving in the Local Variables view and editing a value. See Tips in the Local Variables View reference topic.

See Also

• Local Variables View
• Using the Watch View
• Using Quick Watch
• Viewing Variables with Dwell