Transact-SQL Debugger - Watch Window

Applies to: SQL Server

The Watch window displays information about the expressions that you have selected. There can be up to four watch windows: Watch 1, Watch 2, Watch 3, and Watch 4. The expressions are evaluated within the scope of the current call stack frame that is selected in the Call Stack window. You must be in debug mode to watch variables and expressions.

This feature works with SSMS version 17.9.1 and earlier.

Task List

To access the Watch windows

• On the Debug menu, click Windows, click Watch, and then click Watch 1, Watch 2, Watch 3, or Watch 4.

To change the value of an expression

• Right-click the expression, and then select Edit Value.

Columns

Name
Are the expressions that are listed by the Transact-SQL debugger. The following expressions are supported:

• Variables.

• Parameters.

• System functions whose name starts with @@.

• Expressions built by applying operators to one or more variables, parameters, or system functions, such as @IntegerCounter + 1, or FirstName + LastName.

• Transact-SQL statements that return a single value, such as: SELECT CharacterCol FROM MyTable WHERE PrimaryKey = 1.

Value
Displays the value that is returned after the Transact-SQL debugger evaluates the expression specified in Name.

If the length of an expression is larger than the width of the Value column, a tooltip displays the full value when you move the pointer over the Value cell for that expression.

A magnifying glass icon in a Value cell indicates that the Transact-SQL debugger visualizer is available. In the list, you can specify Text Visualizer, XML Visualizer, or HTML Visualizer. To start a debugger visualizer, click the magnifying glass icon. The Transact-SQL debugger opens a dialog that displays the data in a format appropriate to the data type.

Type
Displays the data type of the expression.

See Also

Transact-SQL Debugger
Transact-SQL Debugger Information
Locals Window
Call Stack Window
QuickWatch Dialog Box
Expressions (Transact-SQL)