The IDE provides a set of debuggers that suit most debugging tasks. The IDE includes implementations of java debuggers: the Java Platform Debugger Architecture (JPDA) and the JDK 1.1 debugger. Each implementation uses a different mechanism for communicating between the debugger and the application being debugged. The following table describes when you can use each debugger implementation.
JDK on which the application being debugged is run | JDK 1.1 Debugger | JPDA |
---|---|---|
JDK 1.1.x | Yes | No |
JDK 1.2.x | Yes | Yes. You have to download and use a separate JPDA extension (library). To use the library, add it to the boot class path when starting the application. |
JDK 1.3.x | Yes | Yes |
JDK 1.4.x | No | Yes |
You can view the available debuggers and configure their properties in the Options window. The debugger implementations are listed under the Debugger Types subnode of the Debugging and Executing node.
The JPDA is the default debugger for most projects and source files. You can view the default debugger by opening the Options window, expanding the Editing node and selecting the Java Sources node.
For information on the debugger types and their properties, see:
Default Debugger
Applet Debugger
JDK 1.1 Debugger
For information on debugger options for the environment and on adding and removing debugger types, see:
Setting Debugger Options for the Environment
Specifying the Default Debugger
Defining a New Debugger Type
Setting a Debugger Type in a Template
Removing a Debugger Type