Microsoft patents faster way to pause code during debugging
Microsoft describes a processor feature that saves the original instruction when a software breakpoint is set. This allows the computer to run the saved instruction immediately after the debugger finishes, rather than reloading it from memory.
In the filing’s own words
Efficiently replacing software breakpoint instructions in processor-based devices is disclosed. In this regard, in one exemplary embodiment, a processor-based device is provided. The processor-based device comprises a system memory and a processor. The processor comprises a breakpoint slip register (BSR) configured to store an instruction of a software process that was replaced in the system memory by a software breakpoint instruction, and further comprises a breakpoint slip enable (BSE) indicator. The processor is configured to, during execution of the software process, execute the software breakpoint instruction. The processor is further configured to, responsive to executing the software breakpoint instruction, transfer program control to a debugger. The processor is also configured to, upon program control returning from the debugger, determine that the BSE indicator is set. The processor is additionally configured to, responsive to determining that the BSE indicator is set, execute the instruction stored in the BSR.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A processor-based device, comprising: a system memory; and a processor comprising: a Breakpoint Slip Register (BSR) configured to store an instruction of a software process that was replaced in the system memory by a software breakpoint instruction; and a Breakpoint Slip Enable (BSE) indicator; the processor configured to, during execution of the software process: execute the software breakpoint instruction; responsive to executing the software breakpoint instruction, transfer program control to a debugger; upon program control returning from the debugger, determine that the BSE indicator is set; and responsive to determining that the BSE indicator is set, execute the instruction stored in the BSR.
Facts
- Company
- Microsoft (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)
- Official title
- EFFICIENTLY REPLACING SOFTWARE BREAKPOINT INSTRUCTIONS IN PROCESSOR-BASED DEVICES
- Publication number
- US20260329727A1
- Application number
- 19155426
- Filed
- Feb 20, 2024
- Published
- Oct 22, 2026
- Inventors
- 3
- Claims
- 19
Classified under
G06F 11/3644 Physics & computingG06F 9/30101 Physics & computingMore from Microsoft in AI & software
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.