Gold mine of Visual C++ tricks!
How to Watch this Pointer – The Wizards Way!
How to watch the this pointer? Just add ‘this’ to watch window. Everyone does like that. Isn’t it? But how Visual C++ wizards watch ‘this’ pointer? 
The secret is, visual C++ compiler passes this pointer via ECX register. So add (ClassName*)(@ECX) to watch window will give you this pointer. Have a look at the screenshot.
Interesting, the internals of Visual C++. Isn’t it?
Targeted Audiance – Intermediate.
| Print article | This entry was posted by Jijo Raj on July 30, 2009 at 3:39 pm, and is filed under VC++ Debugging Tips, Visual C++, Visual Studio. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
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about 7 months ago
Another way open the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\Packages\Debugger\autoexp.dat file and put those string inside.
about 6 months ago
Wow, cool site. Thanks for posting. Really like reading sites like this.
about 6 months ago
Excellent observations and you have a great way of expressing things. Thanks for this.
about 6 months ago
No posts after July? Where are you?
about 3 months ago
What about adding ‘this’ into watch window?
It works as well
about 3 months ago
Hi Glaz,
Thanks for the comment. The intention of this article is about – how ‘this’ pointer is passed underneath.
A candle can be lighted by using a magic wand or by using a matchbox. Using matchbox is easy but magic wand need skills.
Best Regards,
Jijo.