Watching variables in SSIS during debug
Use Breakpoints for Control Flow and Data Viewers for Data Flow to inspect variables in SSIS:
Once hit the breakpoint, check the Locals window:
For a more direct look into Data Flow, use Data Viewer:
If this doesn't work as expected, switch Run64BitRuntime to False.
The aforementioned debugging tools will let you dive into your variables' souls (or in this case, values).
Suited-up for success: Optimized Debugging
Intellisense: The Watch Window's Autocorrect
In the Watch window, you can utilize Intellisense to speed up the process of entering variable names. Think of it as the autocorrect feature, but for code!
Drag-and-Drop: Ease of Monitoring
Debugging can be as easy as drag and drop! Simply drag variables from the Variables pane to the Watch or Locals panes during the debug pause and watch as their values magically appear.
Switching Modes - Unleashing Debugging Potential
If you're stumbling upon limitations while using debug tools, switch to Managed Compatibility Mode. A small tweak can sometimes unlock a new world of potentials.
Breakpoints & Watch Window Coordination
Setting strategic breakpoints is a debugging strategy as old as time itself. Complement this by adding watch variables at each breakpoint for a more efficient debugging experience.
Marching to the beat of Debugging Guidelines
The Visual Studio 2015 debugging guide is your best friend when dealing with complex variable situations. Use it to fully understand expanding and watching local variables.
Refresh Debugging after Major Changes
If settings changes or watch configurations updates are made, remember to restart debugging. Nothing beats starting fresh!
Climbing the Watch Efficiency Ladder
Adding Variables at Opportune Breakpoints
View breakpoints as not just pause points, but opportunities. They're like pit stops where you can evaluate and add crucial variables to the Watch window for focused inspection.
Version-specific nuances in Visual Studio
If you're using Visual Studio 2013, remember that the "user::" prefix might be optional when adding variables. But as a best practice, always double-check the variable watch list for accuracy.
Locals Window - the Ready-Made Watch
Going back to the basics, lean on the Locals window for ready-made variable displays in the context. It's an autoloader for variable values during a debugging session.
Overcoming Watch Window Limitations
Validating Variable Watch Accuracy
As a responsible debugger, always double-check that all variables you want to watch are being tracked. Monitoring with accuracy is key for successful debugging.
Keeping up with Debugging Features Availability
Learn to stay ahead of the curve by staying informed about the availability of debugging features. Access to official documentation periodically ensures you're not missing out on important updates.
Tackling impossible-seeming barriers
Rarely, you might encounter constraints or conditions while adding variables to the Watch window. In times like these, leverage the wider community-responsive forums or official documentation to navigate through.
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