Advanced .NET Debugging

1
Advanced .NET Debugging

• Auto-expansions
• Attribute Usage for debugging
• MSIL and the CLR
• Tools
• ILDASM
• ILASM
• CORDBG
• Dotfuscator
• SoftIce !!!

2
Auto-expansions

• Expansion files allow you to display more
  information in the Watch window
• MSEE_CS.dat, MSEE_MC.dat and autoexp.dat
• ltVS .NETgt\Common7\Packages\Debugger
• All file documentation is in BNF (Bakus-Naur
  Form)
• Eg. ltSystem.Threading.ThreadgtNameltNamegt

3
Auto-expansions

• Before editing MSEE_CS.dat
• After editing MSEE_CS.dat

4
Auto-expansions

• Microsoft forgot(?) to add Auto-expands for types
  like StringBuilder
• You can add Auto-expands for your custom types
• Auto-Expands are also visible on the tool tip

5
Attribute Usage for debugging

• DebuggerStepThrough attribute
• Can be applied to classes, methods, structures
• VS .NET debugger steps over attributed item even
  if you use Step Into (F11) Command.
• You can still set up break points in the
  attributed item if you want to debug them
• Supported by DBGCLR.EXE, but not by CORDBG.EXE

6
Attribute Usage for debugging

• DebuggerHidden attribute
• Can be applied to classes, methods, structures
• VS .NET debugger steps over attributed item even
  if you use Step Into (F11) Command.
• You CANNOT set up break points in the attributed
  item at all.
• Supported by DBGCLR.EXE, but not by CORDBG.EXE
• Handy tool for hiding internal methods (not
  foolproof)