Re: [boost] [optional] Making optional more debugger friendly

From: Christopher Woods (cwoods_eol_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-05-23 10:02:37

"Jeffrey Faust" <jefffaust_at_[hidden]> wrote in message 
news:op.tsr4k6sq5emtmi_at_goliath...
> Ulrich Eckhardt wrote:
>> Other than that, I know that at least GDB and MS debugger can be
>> scripted and that it might be a different approach that is non-intrusive.
>
> I have tried to modify autoexp.dat in the past, but have failed.  I'll
> give it another try before looking for another solution.
>

Jeff,
Since you are using the Visual Studio products there is an option might get 
you where you want to be w/out requiring *any* intrusive modification in 
your code (or to boost). It is possible to write custom 'Add-in' DLLs to 
help the debugger display values in the IDE.

I'm attaching a sample that I pieced together from a couple different posts. 
Much of the code comes from Jason Shirk in response to a problem displaying 
std::string in the debugger correctly (search for "autoexp.dat is wrong for 
std:basic_string"). I had to make some changes and piece some information 
together from a few other sources as well but I got the example file 
working. At the bottom of the file you'll find some comments from the 
author(s), a link to the threads that discuss the problem, and some of my 
own comments based on actually trying to use it and see how it works.

With a little elbow grease you should be able to put together one for your 
use with boost::optional.

HTH,

-Chris

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