How to debug API?

[fittan]

Hi,
I am using Microsoft Visual Studio (NT) for developing my API. I will like to know how I can setup the environment to debug the API (e.g. set break points, step through the code). What I am doing now is to go back and forth Maya and Visual Studio which is very tedious. I believe there's a better way to develop API. Appreciate if anyone can help out. Thanks.

[hohehohe2]

Hi. I hope you are still listning
You can try starting Maya from VC++.

1. Choose Project > Settings... (ALT + F7)
2. In the General category, specify the full path
   of the maya executable (.....maya.exe)
   in the Executable for debug session field
3. In the Additional DLLs category,
   specify the full path of your .mll file

4. Set breakpoints and start debugging
   .....Maya will be started....

5. load your plug-in in the Plug-in manager

[brunobowden]

Thanks for the post hohehohe2. Do you know a similar procedure for VS .NET?

[hohehohe2]

Hi,
No, I don't know anything about .NET.

[brunobowden]

I tried using the instructions for M$ VC above and it worked like a charm. You set the break points, start off Maya from within visual studio, use Maya as per normal and then eventually it will halt on the break point. You get all the studio debug facilities and local data information. The only problem is that you have to restart Maya every time. I didn't try the edit and recompile option but I don't think it would work.

[blackpawn]

Another way to debug Maya when using VC.NET is to attach to Maya once it is running.

• run maya
• in vc.net go to Debug | Processes
• find maya.exe in the list and click Attach
• now have maya load up your dll set break points etc.

[hohehohe2]

Thank you blackpawn.
I wonder if I can detach a process once attached.
If I can, I can recompile the plug-in and debug it again
without finishing maya.
I don't think VC++ 6.0 has the function.
Is there a similar one in VC.NET?

[blackpawn]

well, yeah. in vc.net you can detach from a process. i've used that feature on my own programs but haven't been able to get it to work on maya.