Debugging a LabWindows/CVI DLL from TestStand™

To debug a LabWindows/CVI DLL directly from TestStand, you must build the DLL in a debug configuration and configure the LabWindows/CVI Adapter to execute code modules in an external instance of LabWindows/CVI. This allows you to use LabWindows/CVI debugging features, such as breakpoints and step-through execution, when calling the DLL from a TestStand sequence.

Before proceeding, ensure that the LabWindows/CVI project used to build the DLL is available on the development system and that the LabWindows/CVI Adapter is configured in TestStand.

1. Build a debuggable DLL in LabWindows/CVI.
   1. Open the LabWindows/CVI project associated with the DLL.
      1. Alternatively, in TestStand, select the step that calls the DLL and click Edit Code on the Module tab to open the project in LabWindows/CVI.
   2. Select Build>>Configuration>>Debug to build the DLL using the debug configuration. 
   3. Build the DLL:
      • In LabWindows/CVI 2013 and later, select Build>>Build.
      • In LabWindows/CVI 2012 and earlier, select Build>>Create [Debuggable] Dynamic Link Library.

2. Configure the LabWindows/CVI Adapter in TestStand.
   1. Select Configure>>Adapters>>LabWindows/CVI Adapter>>Configure.
   2. Enable Execute Steps in an External Instance of CVI. This option causes TestStand to execute the code module in an external LabWindows/CVI instance, allowing you to debug the DLL within the LabWindows/CVI development environment. 
      
      Ensure that all source files, project dependencies, and required support files are included in the LabWindows/CVI project before debugging. For additional information, refer to Out-of-Process LabWindows/CVI Code Module Execution - TestStand User Manual.

3. Set a breakpoint on the TestStand step that calls the DLL.
4. Execute the sequence.
5. When the execution pauses at the breakpoint, select Step Into in TestStand to enter the DLL source code and begin debugging in LabWindows/CVI.