Stop TestStand Execution Flow Using Watch View Variables

Issue Details

• I have a TestStand sequence that runs in an infinite loop until a specific condition is met. Unfortunately, it has been running for several days, and I now need to stop it. However, pressing Terminate Execution does not stop the execution. I also need to ensure that I can still retrieve the test report after stopping it. What should I do?
• At the moment, the execution appears to be stuck, and pressing the Terminate button does not end it. What is the recommended way to stop the execution while still ensuring that the report is generated?

Solution

1. During TestStand execution, press the Break or keyboard shortcut <Ctrl-F9> to pause the process.

2. Open the Watch View pane in the bottom-right corner while the execution is paused, as expressions can only be added in this state.
    
   If the Watch View pane is not visible, navigate to View >> Debug >> Watch View to launch the Watch View pane.
    

3. Locate the variable controlling the while loop condition (for example, a StationGlobals Boolean variable).

4. Manually modify the variable value:

   • Change the condition from True to False (or the equivalent condition used in the loop. For example, if the variable is numeric, set it to a value that causes the execution to exit the loop).

5. Confirm the change in the Watch View.

6. Allow the execution to proceed; the loop will evaluate the updated condition and exit.

7. Verify that execution stops or transitions as expected.

Additional Information

• This method is useful during debugging, especially when loops depend on changing conditions.
• Ensure the variable can be modified (not read-only or constant) and is within scope so it can be accessed in the Watch View pane.
• Use caution when modifying variables, as changes may affect other parts of the sequence that depend on them.
• Using StationGlobals allows management of a shared variable that can be monitored and adjusted across multiple sequences.