Set-PSDebug

Module:: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core

Turns script debugging features on and off, sets the trace level, and toggles strict mode.

Syntax

Set-PSDebug
   [-Trace <Int32>]
   [-Step]
   [-Strict]
   [<CommonParameters>]

Set-PSDebug
   [-Off]
   [<CommonParameters>]

Description

The Set-PSDebug cmdlet turns script debugging features on and off, sets the trace level, and toggles strict mode.

When the Trace parameter has a value of 1, each line of script is traced as it runs. When the parameter has a value of 2, variable assignments, function calls, and script calls are also traced. If the Step parameter is specified, you are prompted before each line of the script runs.

Examples

Example 1: Set the trace level to 2

PS C:\> Set-PSDebug -Trace 2; foreach ($i in 1..3) {$i}



DEBUG:    1+ Set-PsDebug -Trace 2; foreach ($i in 1..3) {$i}

DEBUG:    1+ Set-PsDebug -Trace 2; foreach ($i in 1..3) {$i}

1

DEBUG:    1+ Set-PsDebug -Trace 2; foreach ($i in 1..3) {$i}

2

DEBUG:    1+ Set-PsDebug -Trace 2; foreach ($i in 1..3) {$i}

3

This command sets the trace level to 2, and then runs a script that displays the numbers 1, 2, and 3.

Example 2: Turn on stepping

PS C:\> Set-PSDebug -Step; foreach ($i in 1..3) {$i}



DEBUG:    1+ Set-PsDebug -Step; foreach ($i in 1..3) {$i}

Continue with this operation?

1+ Set-PsDebug -Step; foreach ($i in 1..3) {$i}

[Y] Yes  [A] Yes to All  [N] No  [L] No to All  [S] Suspend  [?] Help

(default is "Y"):a

DEBUG:    1+ Set-PsDebug -Step; foreach ($i in 1..3) {$i}

1

2

3

This command turns on stepping, and then runs a script that displays the numbers 1, 2, and 3.

Example 3: Turn off debug features

PS C:\> Set-PSDebug -Off; foreach ($i in 1..3) {$i}

1

2

3

This command turns off all debugging features, and then runs a script that displays the numbers 1, 2, and 3.

Example 4: Use strict mode

PS C:\> set-psdebug -Strict; $NewVar

The variable $NewVar cannot be retrieved because it has not been set yet.

At line:1 char:28

+ Set-PsDebug -strict;$NewVar <<<<

This command puts Windows PowerShell in strict mode, and then attempts to access a variable that has not yet been set.

Optional Parameters

-Off

Indicates that this cmdlet turns off all script debugging features.

A Set-StrictMode -Off command disables the verification set by a Set-PSDebug -Strict command. For more information, see Set-StrictMode.

Type:	SwitchParameter
Position:	Named
Default value:	None
Accept pipeline input:	False
Accept wildcard characters:	False

-Step

Indicates that this cmdlet turns on script stepping. Before each line runs, Windows PowerShell prompts you to stop, continue, or enter a new interpreter level to inspect the state of the script.

Specifying the Step parameter automatically sets a trace level of 1.

Type:	SwitchParameter
Position:	Named
Default value:	None
Accept pipeline input:	False
Accept wildcard characters:	False

-Strict

Indicates that Windows PowerShell returns an exception if a variable is referenced before a value is assigned to the variable.

A Set-StrictMode -Off command disables the verification set by a Set-PSDebug -Strict command. For more information, see Set-StrictMode .

Type:	SwitchParameter
Position:	Named
Default value:	None
Accept pipeline input:	False
Accept wildcard characters:	False

-Trace

Specifies the trace level. The acceptable values for this parameter are:

1: Trace script lines as they run.
0: Turn script tracing off.
2: Trace script lines, variable assignments, function calls, and scripts.

Type:	Int32
Position:	Named
Default value:	None
Accept pipeline input:	False
Accept wildcard characters:	False

Inputs

None

You cannot pipe input to this cmdlet.

Outputs