When in Debug mode in Java, is there anything like a Console where I can type commands?

Question

Is it possible in Eclipse to have a Console, where when in Debug mode I can try out things? Like in python, where I can type at any moment for example 1+1 or myVariable.toString(), etc? C# has a similar concept with the F# shell.

I'd like to inspect my variables at run-time and try out some methods, having that kind of console would be of great help.

Thanks

Answer 1

Eclipse has the Display view, where you can enter (almost) arbitrary Java expressions and have them evaluated whenever you are in a breakpoint.

To have any expression evaluated select it (either in the Display view itself, or any open Java source file) and push one of the "inspect", "display" or "evaluate" buttons.

• "inspect" executes the expression and shows the resulting value in a pop-up inspection view (similar to the Variables view).
• "display" executes the expression and prints the resulting value into the Display view
• "evaluate" executes the expression and does nothing else

There some very good help on debugging in Eclipse , specifically about inspecting variables and evaluating expressons .

If you want to test the behavior of some Java code while you're not debugging, then you might want to look into the Scrapbook feature .

Answer 2

Yes. Eclipse scrapbook - little known but very cool

File -> New -> Java -> Java Run/Debug -> Scrapbook

Answer 3

Eclipse也有一个旧的插件，似乎正在寻找你正在寻找的名为Dr. Java的插件。