초록 ▼

A “diagramming debugger”creates a graphical representation of the sequence of messages sent during operation of an object-oriented program. When one object transmits a message to another object, the diagramming debugger displays representations of the transmitting and receiving objects on a computer

A “diagramming debugger”creates a graphical representation of the sequence of messages sent during operation of an object-oriented program. When one object transmits a message to another object, the diagramming debugger displays representations of the transmitting and receiving objects on a computer screen, each representation comprising a box with labels identifying the represented object. The box representing a sending object includes therewithin a symbol (comprising, for example, one or more characters) identifying the method that sent the message, while the box representing the receiving object includes therewithin a symbol identifying the method invoked by the message. The message is represented by an arrow pointing from the symbol identifying the sending method to the symbol identifying the invoked method.

대표청구항 ▼

An object oriented program employing a plurality of transmitting objects, a plurality of receiving objects, a plurality of messages, wherein said plurality of messages are transmitted to said plurality of receiving objects by said transmitting objects, and an existing debugger routine, wherein said

An object oriented program employing a plurality of transmitting objects, a plurality of receiving objects, a plurality of messages, wherein said plurality of messages are transmitted to said plurality of receiving objects by said transmitting objects, and an existing debugger routine, wherein said existing debugger routine can suspend operation of said program; a diagramming debugger process comprising the steps of: recording transmission of said plurality of messages from said plurality of transmitting objects as the program is running wherein said recording includes examining a next program instruction, recording names of transmitting objects, recording messages sent, recording names of receiving objects, and allowing the existing debugger operation to take place; graphically representing the recorded transmission, wherein said graphic representation includes: a first plurality of area-limited representations of said transmitting objects; a second plurality of area-limited representations of receiving objects; and a third plurality of area-limited representations of said messages.