How to visualize the value of a pointer while debugging in Delphi?

Question

So, I have a variable buffPtr: TPointer It has a size of 16 and contains a series of numbers, mostly starting with 0, say something like 013854351387365. I'm sure it contains values, because the application does what it does fine.

I want to see this value while I'm debugging.

If I add "PAnsiChar(buffPtr)^" to the watches I only see the first byte.

Did you tried to put PAnsiChar(BufPtr) (without the ^)?

jachguate
– jachguate

2013-01-08 16:57:33 +00:00
Commented Jan 8, 2013 at 16:57 — jachguate
– jachguate, Commented Jan 8, 2013 at 16:57

Arnaud Bouchez · Accepted Answer · 2013-01-08 19:05:48Z

11

Just type in the watch expression PAnsiChar(buffPtr)^,16 or PByte(buffPtr)^,16 if you want the ordinal/byte values.

The trick here is to add the number of pattern repeat after a comma, like ,16.

It is IMHO more convenient than changing the Watch Properties, and it works with the F7 evaluation command of the IDE.

edited Jan 8, 2013 at 19:05

answered Jan 8, 2013 at 18:04

Arnaud Bouchez

43.1k3 gold badges78 silver badges165 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

Craig Stevensson · Accepted Answer · 2013-01-08 17:26:19Z

9

I added a watch to PAnsiChar(buffPtr)^

with the Watch Properties as

Repeat Count = 16 Decimal

enter image description here

answered Jan 8, 2013 at 17:26

Craig Stevensson

1,3364 gold badges22 silver badges43 bronze badges

2 Comments

David Heffernan Over a year ago

I don't understand the question or the answer. Could you elaborate?

Rob Kennedy Over a year ago

It would be nice if you also included a picture of the output from this configuration, instead of just the input of the dialog.

Jeroen Wiert Pluimers · Accepted Answer · 2013-01-08 17:26:33Z

3

Did you set the watch do dump a region of memory? For some structures that helps.

If you can recompile your application, then define this:

type
  T16Values = array[0..15] of Byte;
  P16Values = ^T16Values;

Then cast your pointer into a P16Values, and view that.

If it is another data type than Byte, change the above code accordingly.

answered Jan 8, 2013 at 17:26

Jeroen Wiert Pluimers

24.6k10 gold badges83 silver badges165 bronze badges

3 Comments

Arnaud Bouchez Over a year ago

IMHO you don't need that, since the debugger handle custom repetition directly.

Jeroen Wiert Pluimers Over a year ago

Sometimes it is more convenient to do this at code time, as saving debugger settings requires you to save the whole .DSK, which often results in pain.

Arnaud Bouchez Over a year ago

... or just add ,16 to the expression. No need to change the settings. ;)

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How to visualize the value of a pointer while debugging in Delphi?

3 Answers 3

Comments

2 Comments

3 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

Comments

2 Comments

3 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related