The runtime system for ACUCOBOL-GT contains a built-in source-level debugger. This debugger runs in a window that overlays the screen so that the active program is not disturbed. The debugger can be run at any time, but you'll be able to view the source code or use the program's symbols only if the program was compiled with special options.
The end user may cooperate with the application developer to use some of the ACUCOBOL-GT debugging capabilities.
The runtime debugger supports three modes of operation: source debugging, symbolic debugging, and low-level debugging.
Source debugging offers the ability to view source code. Application developers usually do not deliver programs compiled in this mode to end users.
Symbolic debugging allows you to reference paragraphs and variables by their COBOL identifiers. The application developer may deliver code compiled in this mode in order to facilitate resolution of client questions over the phone.
Low-level debugging is available at any time even if the program was not compiled with any debugging options, but you must use absolute addresses to access variables.
The Trace Files (TF) command is operational in all modes and is particularly useful for tracking data-specific problems in complex applications.
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