Python: How to use the debug information files in Visual Studio?

Question

I am writing Python code in Visual Studio 2010 using the excellent Python Tools for Visual Studio. I can set a breakpoint and step through my Python code. However, I cannot step into any standard library code of Python (step into print() for example).

I noticed that Python.org also provides Visual Studio debug information files for every Python release. This is a ZIP files containing .pdb files for the Python release. What do I need to configure in Visual Studio 2010 to be able to use these .pdb files to step into standard library code of Python?

Answer 1

We don't currently support mixed mode debugging (stepping from Python to C++). There's a feature you can vote on to express your support: http://pytools.codeplex.com/workitem/210

I experimented with letting VS do the debugging multiplexing early during 1.1 development but there were some issues with that. If someone wanted to implemented the feature "all" they have to do is create the native VS debugger and coordinate between the Python and native debuggers in a "reasonable" way. We don't have any immediate plans to do this feature, but it is something that I'm sure we'll eventually tackle if no one else beats us to it.