Single-Stepping Through Code
At any breakpoint, you can click the Debug toolbar's Step Into button to execute the
next statement in the program. Whatever statement normally executes next (even if that
statement is a call to another procedure) executes when you click Step Into.
The Debug toolbar contains three Step-related buttons; Table 36.1 describes how to use
them. You might not want to single-step through every statement in an application;
the Step buttons give you some options on how you want the program to continue.
Table 36.1 The Possible Step Modes
Step Mode |
Description |
Step Into |
Executes only the next statement. Even if the statement is in another procedure or a
return to a previous procedure, the next statement executes and you're placed at that next
statement. Therefore, you can single-step through an entire application by pressing F8
continually. |
Step Over |
Executes the next statement unless the next statement is the call to a different
procedure. The new procedure executes in its entirety and execution halts at the statement
following the procedure call. |
Step Out |
Finishes executing the current procedure and then, at the next statement outside the
procedure, execution halts again. |

Of course, at any breakpoint, you can click the Start button to continue the execution
in its normal manner. If subsequent breakpoints are set, the execution halts at those
breakpoints. Otherwise, the program behaves normally as if you'd never stopped it.


You can terminate debug mode at any time by clicking the Visual Basic Toolbar's End
button or by choosing End from theRun menu.
