How can I modify a variable value while debugging in IntelliJ, so that respective watches are automatically updated?

Question

I have the following piece of code:

Matcher matchDays = m_daysRegex.matcher(e.getKey());
if (matchDays.matches()){
...
}

Where e.getKey() is "Mon-Fri".

Now, I have already executed the first line and stand on the if expression. Using the watch window I evaluate the matchDays.matches() expression and then add some watches on the various methods of matchDays. Then using the same watch window I evaluate the matchDays = m_daysRegex.matcher("Mon,Fri") and matchDays.matches() expressions to see what happens. Unfortunately, the watch window does not refresh itself and it does not have an explicit button to do so:

On the image above, notice how matchDays.group(0) displays "Mon,Fri", but matchDays.group(1) displays "Mon-Fri". This is because I manually refreshed the former, but all the rest still show the old values. I have to manually refresh them all, which is annoying.

Am I doing something wrong? Is there the right way to do it, so the watch expressions are refreshed automatically? Or is there a way to refresh the whole watch window?

Thanks.

Answer 1

To change the value of a variable in runtime in IntelliJ:

1. Locate the variable in the Variables window.
2. Right click and select "Set Value…".
3. Update the value and then hit Enter.