Development Environment

Running an M-File

After setting breakpoints, run the M-file from the Command Window or the Editor/Debugger.

For the example, run collatzplot for the simple input value, 3, by typing in the Command Window

collatzplot(3)

Running an M-File from the Editor/Debugger.   You can run a script, that is, an M-file that doesn't require an input argument, directory from the Editor/Debugger by clicking the run button on the toolbar. You can also run it by selecting Run or Save and Run (if the file has unsaved changes) from the Debug menu. The example, collatzplot, requires an input argument and therefore runs only from the Command Window and not from the Editor/Debugger.

Running the M-file results in the following:

• The prompt in the Command Window changes to K>>, indicating that MATLAB is in debug mode.
• The program is paused at the first breakpoint, which in the example is line 10. This means that line 10 will be executed when you continue. The pause is indicated in the Editor/Debugger by the green arrow just to the right of the breakpoint as shown here.
  
  

If you use debugging functions and have the Debugger options preference for Command Window debugging checked, the line at which you are paused is displayed in the Command Window. For the example, it would show

10  plot_seq = collatz(m);

• The function displayed in the Stack field on the toolbar changes to reflect the current function. If you use debugging functions, use dbstack to view the current call stack. The call stack includes subfunctions as well as called functions.
• Changes the current directory to the directory containing the file you're running.

Setting Breakpoints

Stepping Through an M-File