Execution modes

Object Level Trace (OLT) is a graphical tracing tool that you can use with the IBM Distributed Debugger. You can run the trace facility and the Debugger separately or together, by choosing one of four execution modes on the OLT Client Controller page.

No trace and debug
Use this mode when you do not want to trace or debug your application.

Trace only (default)
As your application runs, OLT monitors events and creates a trace. Trace only mode has a lesser impact on memory and performance than any of the debugging modes. Once you have a trace to analyze, you can set method breakpoints on selected events, then change to Trace and debug mode and rerun your application.

Debug only
This mode enables you to debug your application without producing a trace. In this mode, the Debugger steps into every debuggable method without first prompting you.

While you are debugging, no other users can trace or debug using the same application server you are.

Trace and debug
This mode provides access to both the trace facility and the Distributed Debugger. It also gives you the greatest control over the debugging process. If Options > Step-by-step debug mode is selected in the OLT viewer (it is selected by default), OLT stops your application at each debuggable method. At that point, you can choose to step into or over the debuggable code. You can set your own method breakpoints on the trace, by clicking on filled circles, and selecting Add to method breakpoint list from the circle's pop-up menu. When you deactivate the step-by-step debug mode and run your application again, the Debugger opens on every occurrence of created method breakpoints.

While you are tracing, other users can trace using the same application server that you are using. However, only one user can debug application objects on a particular application server at a time, since the debugger takes control of all threads running in the application server. While you are debugging application objects on an application server, other users who are tracing on the application server will be suspended and new users will not be able to connect to the application server.

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Object Level Trace
Multi-programmer support
Supported platforms and languages


Tracing a distributed application