Translations:Python Development Environment/20/en

Breakpoints are 'traps' that are placed in the code, if the execution path through the code encounters one of these breakpoints, then execution is halted or suspended. Note that execution is not stopped as when a program is stopped all memory resident information such as variables is lost. While the program is suspended the contents of variables can be inspected and sometimes altered (which depends on the ability of the debugger). Generally the source code can not be changed although some environments do support this. When ready, the execution of the source code can be resumed. Numerous breakpoints can be placed in the code and numerous suspensions through the breakpoints may occur. The purpose of the debugger is to make sure that the execution with the breakpoints and suspensions is functionally identical to execution without breakpoints.