Debug Goto Statement Visual Studio

Question

Using Visual Studio, C++ with the debugger, how does one "branch" to a particular statement in the code? Sid Kraft

Answer 1

Have a look at the VS Debugger's ability to set the next statement to be executed Move the execution pointer to change the execution flow in the debugger

Answer 2

In C++ code running under the Visual Studio debugger, execution cannot be arbitrarily “branched” to an arbitrary source line from the debugger UI. The debugger supports:

• Setting breakpoints on the line where execution should pause, then continuing with F5 so the program runs normally until that point.
• Using step commands (F10, F11) to move through code one statement at a time.

To transfer control inside the program logic itself, the C++ language provides the goto statement:

void func()
{
    // ... some code ...

    goto target;  // unconditional branch

    // code skipped by goto

target:
    // execution continues here
}

Rules for goto in C++:

• The label must be in the same function as the goto.
• goto cannot jump forward over the initialization of a variable that would be in scope at the destination.
• It is generally recommended to use break, continue, and return instead of goto when possible.

So, to “branch” while debugging:

• Use breakpoints and stepping in the debugger to control where execution stops and how it advances.
• Use goto labels in the C++ code itself if an unconditional jump within a function is required by the program logic.

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References:

• Quickstart: Debug with C++ using the Visual Studio debugger
• Navigate through code by using the Visual Studio debugger
• Tutorial: Debug C++ code with Visual Studio
• goto Statement (C++)
• C and C++ in Visual Studio
• Learn productivity tips and tricks for the debugger in Visual Studio

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