Debugging Max Patchers

Data flow in a Max patcher can sometimes get extremely complex and confusing. When that happens, one way you can examine data flow is by using the built-in debugging tools in Max. These tools, which are available via the Debug Menu and also from within the contextual menu in Max, allow a programmer to "Step through" code and observe data flow using breakpoints and monitors.

Tools for Monitoring Activity

• Monitor Watchpoints permit you to monitor data flowing through patch cords
• Print Watchpoints permit you to monitor data flowing through patch cords and display them in the Max Console
• The signal probe shows signal values flowing through audio patch cords
• The matrix probe shows different aspects of matrix data in Jitter matrix patch cords
• You can add data monitoring objects to a patch to observe or capture data

Tools for Observing Patch Execution

• Break Watchpoints stop the execution of a patch at a specific place, permitting you to step through it
• The debug window provides information about the current execution "stack"

See Also

Name	Description
Max Basic Tutorial 5: Message Order and Debugging	Max Basic Tutorial 5: Message Order and Debugging
Error Messages	Error Messages