How do I "run until this variable changes" when debugging?

Question

When debugging my C#, I often want to know when a variable's value changes and then investigate the state of the program.

Currently, I do it like this:

1. Watch-list the offending variable.
2. Physically spam F10 (shortcut for Step Over) until I see the value change.

However, the number of F10s required is annoying.

Surely this has been automated, I thought. But I cannot find this feature in my Microsoft Visual C# Express, which surprises me. After all, the Watch-list does automatically highlight changed values in bright red.

Am I missing something?

Answer 1

Simple trick for Express edition:

private string myValue; public string MyValue {   set   {     if (this.myValue != value) Debugger.Break();     this.myValue = value;   } } 

Answer 2

Conditional breakpoints are what you're after, but it appears they are not available in Visual Studio Express.

In Visual Studio (non-Express), the way it works is that you create a conditional breakpoint with an expression equal to your watch value and "Has changed" as your breakpoint condition.