Execution Control

Overview

The Run Control Bar is the primary interface component for controlling program execution within the TEMU System Debugger. It provides both forward and reverse execution controls, context selection, and connection management all from a single toolbar.

Run Control Bar
Figure 1. The run control bar

Accessing the Run Control Bar

The toolbar normally appears at the top of the main window. It can be docked to any edge of the application window or floated as a separate panel. Drag the bar by its grip to move it.

Context Selection

Context Selection
Figure 2. Context Selection dropdown

  • A labelled dropdown (Context:) lets you choose the CPU or thread context for execution. Only contexts that support execution are listed.

  • When context discovery is in progress, the dropdown is disabled and shows "Discovering contexts…​".

  • Selecting a context updates the entire debugger to operate on that context. The dropdown reflects the current active context when it changes elsewhere in the UI.

  • The minimum width ensures names are readable; long names may be truncated.

Forward Execution Controls

The forward controls are grouped together and separated from other categories by visual separators.

Forward Run
Figure 3. Forward Run Buttons
Continue

Resumes execution from the current location. Shortcut: F5. Icon: ▶.

Pause

Suspends execution at the nearest suspendable point. Shortcut: F6. Icon: ⏸.

Step Over Instruction

Execute the next instruction, treating function calls as a single step. Shortcut: Shift+F10.

Step Into Instruction

Execute the next instruction and enter any called functions. Shortcut: Shift+F11.

Step Over Line

Step to the next source line, skipping over function calls. Shortcut: F10.

Step Into Line

Step to the next source line, entering calls. Shortcut: F11.

Finish Function

Resume until the current function returns. Shortcut: Shift+F5`.

Tooltips appear when hovering over each button, including the shortcut key for quick reference.

Reverse Execution Controls

Reverse debugging buttons mirror the forward controls and allow stepping backwards through execution history. Icons and tooltips make it clear that time is moving in reverse.

Reverse Run
Figure 4. Reverse Run Buttons
Reverse Continue

Resume execution backwards until a breakpoint or user stop.

Reverse Over Instruction

Step backwards one instruction, skipping calls.

Reverse Into Instruction

Step backwards into any called function.

Reverse Over Line

Step backwards one source line, skipping calls.

Reverse Into Line

Step backwards into a line’s function calls.

Reverse To Call

Go backwards until reaching the last call instruction (opposite of Finish).

Active Context Controls

When working with multiple contexts the following buttons help re‑synchronize with the active context state:

Resume Run
Figure 5. Resume/Reverse Run Buttons
Resume Until Active

Run forwards until the context becomes active again.

Reverse Until Active

Run backwards until the context becomes active.

These buttons are useful in multi‑core or multi‑thread scenarios where contexts may be scheduled in and out.

Connection Controls

A connection icon appears at the right-hand end of the bar. Clicking it opens an overflow menu with the following options:

Connection Button
Figure 6. The right is the connection button
Connection Button  Connect.

Open the connection dialog to attach to a TCF agent. This launches a pop‑up that temporarily hides other menus and dialogs.

Connection Button  Disconnect

Detach from the current TCF agent immediately.

Connection Button  Launch TEMU

Start the TEMU emulator instance if supported.

Connection Button  Terminate TEMU

Stop the emulator process.

The menu is accessible via mouse or keyboard and remains the same regardless of whether the bar is docked or floating.

Tooltips, Icons & Shortcuts

Every button has a descriptive icon and a tooltip that appears on hover. Most actions also provide a keyboard shortcut displayed in the tooltip. Familiarity with these shortcuts can greatly speed up debugging.

Mouse/Keyboard Interaction

  • Click a button to invoke its action.

  • Use the keyboard shortcuts for faster operation.

  • The context drop‑down responds to mouse clicks and keyboard navigation (arrow keys, type‑ahead).

  • The bar supports standard Qt drag‑and‑drop docking behavior and can be hidden or shown via the View menu.

Behaviour During Context Discovery

When the debugger is refreshing available contexts, the context dropdown is disabled and a message informs the user. Execution buttons remain functional but will log a message if no valid context is selected.

Guidelines & Tips

  • Always select the correct context before issuing run or step commands. An invalid context will be ignored, and a message appears in the debug log.

  • Reverse debugging requires that the target supports recording execution history (TEMU 5 does). Reverse Execution must also be enabled in TEMU before it can be used in the debugger. Use reverse controls carefully—they may take longer than forward steps.

  • When connecting to remote targets, the connection pop‑up will take focus; ensure other modal dialogs are closed first.

Troubleshooting

  • If the buttons appear greyed out, ensure that a context is selected and the TCF client is connected.