# Debug preferences

The following preferences can be set using the Debug Preferences page.

Option | Description | Default
--- | --- | ---
Build (if required) before launching | If the workspace requires building, an incremental build will be performed prior to launching an application. | On
Remove terminated launches when a new launch is created | When an application is launched, all terminated applications in the Debug view are automatically cleared. | On
Reuse editor when displaying source code | The debugger displays source code in an editor when stepping through an application. When this option is on, the debugger will reuse the editor that it opened to display source from different source files. This prevents the debugger from opening an excessive number of editors. When this option is off, the debugger will open a new editor for each source file that needs to be displayed. | On
Activate the workbench when when a breakpoint is hit | This option brings attention to the debugger when a breakpoint is encountered, by activating the associated window. The visual result varies from platform to platform. For example, on Windows, the associated window's title bar will flash. | On
Save dirty editors before launching | This option controls whether the user will be prompted to save any dirty editors before an application is launched. The allowable settings are: Never - when this option is selected, the user is never prompted to save dirty editors, and editors are not automatically saved. Prompt - when this option is selected, the user is prompted to save dirty editors before launching an application. Auto-save - when this option is selected, any dirty editors are automatically saved before launching (and the user is not prompted). | Prompt

Debugger
Local Debugging
Remote Debugging

Changing Debugger Launch Options
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Running and Debugging

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