# Adding watchpoints

A watchpoint is a special breakpoint that stops the execution of an application whenever the value of a given expression changes, without specifying where it might occur. Unlike breakpoints (which are line-specific), watchpoints are associated with files. They take effect whenever a specified condition is true, regardless of when or where it occurred. You can set a watchpoint on a global variable by highlighting the variable in the editor, or by selecting it in the Outline view.

To set a watchpoint on a global variable:

1. Highlight the variable in the editor, or select it in the Outline view.
2. Click Run > Toggle Watchpoint.
3. Do any of the following:
   - To stop execution when the watch expression is read, select the Read check box.
   - To stop execution when the watch expression is written to, select the Write check box.
4. The watchpoint appears in the Breakpoints view list.

C/C++ Development perspective

Using breakpoints and watchpoints

Run and Debug dialog box