Disable comments in the debugger

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 137 views

Debugging Java Code: A Solution to Missing Inline Values in Methods with Comments

When debugging Java code, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the variables and their values at each step. However, in some cases, the inline values of variables may not appear in methods that have a comment above their definition. This issue can be frustrating, especially when trying to diagnose complex problems. In this article, we'll explore the problem, its causes, and a solution to display inline values in methods with comments.

While debugging any Java code, with "Debug: Inline Values" set to "Auto" or even to "On", the inline cues with the values of variables won't appear in any methods which have a comment above their definition. This issue can be reproduced by debugging the attached program with a breakpoint for example in line 15.

Reproducing the Problem

To reproduce the problem, you can use the attached program, DebugInline.zip, which contains a simple Java class with a method that has a comment above its definition. When you debug this program with a breakpoint in line 15, you'll notice that the inline values of variables are not displayed.

Causes of the Problem

After investigating the issue, we found that the problem is caused by the way the Java debugger handles comments in methods. When a method has a comment above its definition, the debugger may not be able to display the inline values of variables because it considers the comment as part of the method's code.

To display inline values in methods with comments, you can try the following solution:

Disable comments in the debugger: You can disable comments in the debugger by going to Run > Debug Configurations > Debugger > Comment Handling and selecting None.
Use a different debugger: If disabling comments doesn't work, you can try using a different debugger, such as the Eclipse Debugger or the IntelliJ IDEA Debugger.
Remove the comment: If you don't need the comment in your method, you can simply remove it.

Example Code

Here's an example code that demonstrates the problem:

public class DebugInline {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int x = 10;
        System.out.println("x = " + x);
        debugMethod();
    }

    /**
     * This method has a comment above its definition.
     */
    public static void debugMethod() {
        int y = 20;
        System.out.println("y = " + y);
    }
}

In this example, the debugMethod() has a comment above its definition, which causes the inline values of variables to not appear in the debugger.

In conclusion, the issue of missing inline values in methods with comments is a known problem in Java debugging. However, by disabling comments in the debugger, using a different debugger, or removing the comment, you can display inline values in methods with comments. We hope this article has provided a helpful solution to this problem.

Additional Resources

For more information on Java debugging, you can refer to the following resources:

Troubleshooting Tips

If you're still experiencing issues with missing inline values in methods with comments, try the following troubleshooting tips:

Check that you're using the correct debugger settings.
Make sure that the comment is not causing any syntax errors.
Try debugging a different method or class to see if the issue is specific to this code.
If you're using an IDE, try updating to the latest version or using a different IDE.
Debugging Java Code: A Q&A Guide to Missing Inline Values in Methods with Comments

In our previous article, we explored the issue of missing inline values in methods with comments while debugging Java code. We provided a solution to this problem and offered some troubleshooting tips. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this issue.

Q: What causes missing inline values in methods with comments? A: The issue is caused by the way the Java debugger handles comments in methods. When a method has a comment above its definition, the debugger may not be able to display the inline values of variables because it considers the comment as part of the method's code.

Q: How can I disable comments in the debugger? A: To disable comments in the debugger, go to Run > Debug Configurations > Debugger > Comment Handling and select None.

Q: Can I use a different debugger to solve this issue? A: Yes, you can try using a different debugger, such as the Eclipse Debugger or the IntelliJ IDEA Debugger. These debuggers may handle comments differently and provide a solution to this issue.

Q: Do I need to remove the comment from my method? A: If you don't need the comment in your method, you can simply remove it. However, if the comment is necessary for your code, you can try the other solutions mentioned above.

Q: Why is this issue specific to methods with comments? A: The issue is specific to methods with comments because the Java debugger considers the comment as part of the method's code. This can cause the debugger to fail to display the inline values of variables.

Q: Can I use a workaround to display inline values in methods with comments? A: Yes, you can use a workaround to display inline values in methods with comments. For example, you can add a breakpoint before the method call and inspect the variables before the method is called.

Q: Is this issue specific to Java or can it occur in other programming languages? A: This issue is specific to Java and may not occur in other programming languages. However, other programming languages may have similar issues related to comments and debugging.

Q: Can I report this issue to the Java development team? A: Yes, you can report this issue to the Java development team. You can submit a bug report to the Java Bug Database or contact the Java development team directly.

In conclusion, the issue of missing inline values in methods with comments is a known problem in Java debugging. By understanding the causes of this issue and using the solutions and workarounds mentioned above, you can display inline values in methods with comments. We hope this Q&A guide has provided a helpful resource for debugging Java code.