Using trace() to debug

The built-in trace() function introduced in Iguana 5.6 is our recommended method of viewing variables values for debugging. We also mention three previous (historical) methods and explain why using the built-in trace() function is better.

First a basic example:

As you can see trace() is very simple, it just displays its parameters in the annotation block.

Examples of using trace()

• Tracing an HL7 message
• Tracing multiple variables
• Getting the most out of annotations and tracepoints

History: older methods that are no longer recommended

In the past we used three different functions for debugging. Initially we used the built-in print() function and then a debug() method that was very similar to trace(). Then we introduced trace(), which is now a built-in function.

• Before Iguana 5.6 it was necessary to write your own trace() function
• Why not use print() for debugging?
• Why you should not use a debug() function