Debugging a Function

Introduction

We already know that a function is a section of code that solves one particular problem, and a function has a body delimited by curly brackets. These two characteristics provides some features to a function when it comes to debugging.

Practical Learning: Introducing Function Debugging

1. Start Microsoft Visual Studio
2. Create a new Console App named ObliqueTriangles2
3. Change the document as follows:

   SAS	ASA
   Known Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle between them Unknown Values: 2 angles and the 1 sides between them	Known Values: 2 angles and the 1 side joining them Unknown Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle between them
   AAS	SSS
   Known Values: 2 angles and the 1 side opposite the first angle Unknown Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle oppiste the second side	Known Values: All 3 sides Unknown Values: All 3 angles

   using static System.Console;
   
   void CalculateAAS()
   {
       double angle1 = 0.00;
       double angle2 = 0.00;
       double side1  = 0.00;
   
       WriteLine("AAS Shape");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
       WriteLine("Known Values:  Known Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle between them");
       WriteLine("Sought Values: 2 angles and the 1 sides between them");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
   
       try
       {
           Write("AAS Angle 1: ");
           angle1 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for the lower left angle of the AAS shape.");
       }
   
       try
       {
           Write("AAS Angle 2: ");
           angle2 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for the lower right angle of the AAS shape.");
       }
   
       try
       {
           Write("AAS Side 1:  ");
           side1 = double.Parse(ReadLine()!);
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for the right side of the AAS shape.");
       }
   
       // Here, we use the law of sines
       double angle3 = 180 - (angle1 + angle2);
       double side2 = side1 * Math.Sin(angle2 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(angle1 * Math.PI / 180);
       double side3 = side1 * Math.Sin(angle3 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(angle1 * Math.PI / 180);
   
       WriteLine("======================================================================");
       WriteLine("Results");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
       WriteLine("AAS Angle 3:  " + angle3.ToString());
       WriteLine("AAS Side  2:  " + side2.ToString());
       WriteLine("AAS Side  3:  " + side3.ToString());
   }
   
   void CalculateASA()
   {
       double angle1 = 0.00;
       double angle2 = 0.00;
       double side1  = 0.00;
   
       WriteLine("ASA Shape");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
       WriteLine("Known Values:  2 angles and the 1 side joining them");
       WriteLine("Sought Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle between them");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
   
       try
       {
           Write("ASA Angle 1: ");
           angle1 = double.Parse(ReadLine()!);
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for one of the known angles of the ASA shape.");
       }
   
       try
       {
           Write("ASA Side 1:  ");
           side1 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for the side that is between the angles whose values are about the ASA shape.");
       }
   
       try
       {
           Write("AAS Angle 2: ");
           angle2 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for the other known angle of the ASA oblique triangle.");
       }
   
       // Here, we use the law of sines
       double angle3 = 180 - (angle1 + angle2);
       double side2 = side1 * Math.Sin(angle2 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(angle1 * Math.PI / 180);
       double side3 = side1 * Math.Sin(angle3 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(angle1 * Math.PI / 180);
   
       WriteLine("======================================================================");
       WriteLine("Results");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
       WriteLine("ASA Angle 3: {0}", angle3);
       WriteLine("ASA Side  2:  {0}", side3);
       WriteLine("ASA Side  3:  {0}", side2);
   }
   
   void CalculateSAS()
   {
       WriteLine("SAS Shape");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
       WriteLine("Known Values:  2 sides and 1 angle");
       WriteLine("Sought Values: 1 unknown side and 2 unknown angles");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
   
       double side1  = 0.00;
       double angle1 = 0.00;
       double side2  = 0.00;
   
       WriteLine("Type the known values");
   
       try
       {
           Write("SAS Side  1: ");
           side1 = double.Parse(ReadLine()!);
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for one of the known sides of the SAS shape.");
       }
   
       try
       {
           Write("SAS Angle 1: ");
           angle1 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for the known angle of the SAS shape.");
       }
   
       try
       {
           Write("SAS Side  2: ");
           side2 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for the other known side of the SAS shape.");
       }
   
       // Here, we use the law of cosines
       double side3 = Math.Sqrt((side1 * side1) +
                                (side2 * side2) -
                                (2 * side1 * side2 * Math.Cos(angle1 * Math.PI / 180)));
       double angle2 = Math.Acos(((side3 * side3) +
                                  (side2 * side2) -
                                  (side1 * side1)) /
                                  (2 * side3 * side2)) * 180 / Math.PI;
       double angle3 = 180 - (angle1 + angle2);
   
       WriteLine("======================================================================");
       WriteLine("Results");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
       WriteLine("SAS Side  3: {0}", side3.ToString());
       WriteLine("SAS Angle 2: {0}", angle2.ToString());
       WriteLine("SAS Angle 3: {0}", angle3.ToString());
   }
   
   void CalculateSSS()
   {
       WriteLine("SSS Shape");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
       WriteLine("Known Values:  All 3 sides");
       WriteLine("Sought Values: All 3 angles");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
   
       double side1 = 0.00;
       double side2 = 0.00;
       double side3 = 0.00;
   
       WriteLine("Type the known values");
   
       try
       {
           Write("SSS Side 1:  ");
           side1 = double.Parse(ReadLine()!);
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for one of the known sides of the SSS shape.");
       }
   
       try
       {
           Write("SSS Side 2:  ");
           side2 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for another side of the SSS triangle.");
       }
   
       try
       {
           Write("SSS Side 3:  ");
           side3 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
       }
       catch (FormatException)
       {
           WriteLine("You must type a value for the remaining known side of the SSS oblique triangle.");
       }
   
       // Here, we use the law of cosines
       double angle1 = Math.Acos(((side3 * side3) +
                                  (side2 * side2) -
                                  (side1 * side1)) /
                                  (2 * side3 * side2)) * 180 / Math.PI;
       double angle2 = Math.Acos(((side3 * side3) +
                                  (side1 * side1) -
                                  (side2 * side2)) /
                                  (2 * side3 * side1)) * 180 / Math.PI;
       double angle3 = 180 - (angle1 + angle2);
   
       WriteLine("======================================================================");
       WriteLine("Results");
       WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
       WriteLine($"SSS Angle 1: {angle1}");
       WriteLine($"SSS Angle 2: {angle2}");
       WriteLine($"SSS Angle 3: {angle3}");
   }
   
   WriteLine("======================================================================");
   WriteLine("This application allows you to make calculations on oblique triangles");
   WriteLine("======================================================================");
   
   Title = "Oblique Triangles";
   
   WriteLine("Available shape options:");
   WriteLine("1 - AAS (Known: Angle - Angle - Side)");
   WriteLine("2 - ASA (Known: Angle - Side - Angle)");
   WriteLine("3 - SAS (Known: Side - Angle - Side)");
   WriteLine("4 - SSS (Known: Side - Side - Side)");
   WriteLine("Q - Quit");
   Write("What type of triangle do you want to process? ");
   string selection = ReadLine()!;
   
   switch (selection)
   {
       case null:
           break;
       case "4":
           CalculateSSS();
           break;
       case "3":
           CalculateSAS();
           break;
       default:
           break;
       case "1":
           CalculateAAS();
           break;
       case "2":
           CalculateASA();
           break;
   }
   
   WriteLine("======================================================================");

Stepping Into a Function

So far, that is in previous lessons, we saw various ways to monitor the variables of a document and their values. All the techniques we studied are also available for variables declared and/or used in a function. It should be a good idea to review the issues.

Practical Learning: Introducing Function Debugging

1. To start debugging, on the main menu, click Debug -> Step Into.
   Notice that the debugging focus jumps to the first line of execution.
   Move the DOS window so you can see both your code and that window
2. To continue debugging, on the main menu, click Debug -> Step Into; do that twelve times. While you are doing that, observe how the debugging proceeds in the Code Editor
3. When the type of triangle is requested in the DOS window, type 4 and press Enter
4. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button .
   Notice that the debugging focus has moved where the CalculateSSS() function is called:

   

Debugging the Variables of a Function

In previous lessons, we saw that the Step Into operation monitors the variables in a document. We also saw that the Locals window shows all the variables declared in a document. When it comes to a function, when debugging a function, the Locals window allows you to monitor all the variables declared in the function that is currently receiving the debugging operation.

Practical Learning: Debugging the Variables of a Function

1. To continue debugging, on the main menu of Microsoft Visual Studio, click Debug and click Step Into.
   Notice that the debugging focus has moved to the begining of the body of the CalculateSSS() function.
   Notice that the Locals window is showing the variables declared in the CalculateSSS() function:

   

   Click the Autos tab. Notice that it is empty because the variables of the function have not yet been accessed.
   Click the Locals tab to return to its window
2. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button .
   Notice the content of the Locals window where the variables are still showing default values
3. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button twelve times.
   Notice where the debugging focus is currently
4. In the DOS window where SSS Side 1 is requested, type 4.5 and press Enter.
   Notice the Parsed Returned expression in the Code Editor.
   Check the values in the Locals window:

   

   Position the mouse on each variable (side1, side2, and side3) in the CalculateSSS() function
5. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button four times
6. When the value of the AAS Side 2 is requested in the DOS window, type 3.5 and press Enter.
   Notice the ToDouble Returned expression in the Code Editor.
   Check the values in the Locals window.
   Position the mouse on each variable (side1, side2, and side3) in the CalculateSSS() function
7. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button four times
8. When the value of the AAS Side 3 is requested in the DOS window, type 2.9 and press Enter.
   Notice the ToDouble Returned expression in the Code Editor.
   Check the values in the Locals window.
   Position the mouse on each variable (side1, side2, and side3) in the CalculateSSS() function
9. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button ten times.
   While you are clicking, notice the values in the Code Editor, such as Acos Returned.
   Every time you click, check the values in the Locals and the Autos window:

   

10. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button four times

    ======================================================================
    This application allows you to make calculations on oblique triangles
    ======================================================================
    Available shape options:
    1 - AAS (Known: Angle - Angle - Side)
    2 - ASA (Known: Angle - Side - Angle)
    3 - SAS (Known: Side - Angle - Side)
    4 - SSS (Known: Side - Side - Side)
    Q - Quit
    What type of triangle do you want to process? 4
    SSS Shape
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Known Values:  All 3 sides
    Sought Values: All 3 angles
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Type the known values
    SSS Side 1:  4.5
    SSS Side 2:  3.5
    SSS Side 3:  2.9
    ======================================================================
    Results
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    SSS Angle 1: 88.84271591186852
    SSS Angle 2: 51.043098746872104
    SSS Angle 3: 40.11418534125937
    ======================================================================
    
    Press any key to close this window . . .

11. To start debugging again, on the main menu, click Debug -> Step Into
12. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button twelve times until the debugging focus moves to the DOS window.
    As you are clicking, notice the moving focus in the Code Editor and notice the changes in the DOS window
13. When the type of triangle is requested in the DOS window, type 1 and press Enter
14. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button .
    Notice that the debugging focus has moved where the CalculateAAS() function is called
15. To continue debugging, on the main menu of Microsoft Visual Studio, click Debug and click Step Into.
    Notice that the debugging focus has moved to the begining of the body of the CalculateAAS() function.
    Notice that the Locals window is showing the variables declared in the CalculateAAS() function:

    

16. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button .
    Notice the content of the Locals window where the variables are still showing default values
17. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button ten times.
    Notice where the debugging focus is currently
18. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button .
    Notice that the debugging focus has moved to the function that was called
19. In the DOS window where AAS Angle 1 is requested, type 80 and press Enter
20. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button four times.
    As you are clicking, notice the moving focus in the Code Editor and notice the changes in the Locals window. Notice the ToDouble Returned expression in the Code Editor.
    
21. When the value of the AAS Angle 2 is requested in the DOS window, type 75 and press Enter
22. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button four times.
    As you are clicking, notice the moving focus in the Code Editor and notice the changes in the Locals window
23. When the value of the AAS Side 1 is requested in the DOS window, type 14 and press Enter

    

24. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button ten times.
    Every time you click the Step Into button, position the mouse on the variables in the CalculateAAS() function.
    Also check the values in the Locals and the Autos window:

    

25. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button

    ======================================================================
    This application allows you to make calculations on oblique triangles
    ======================================================================
    Available shape options:
    1 - AAS (Known: Angle - Angle - Side)
    2 - ASA (Known: Angle - Side - Angle)
    3 - SAS (Known: Side - Angle - Side)
    4 - SSS (Known: Side - Side - Side)
    Q - Quit
    What type of triangle do you want to process? 1
    AAS Shape
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Known Values:  Known Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle between them
    Sought Values: 2 angles and the 1 sides between them
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    AAS Angle 1: 80
    AAS Angle 2: 75
    AAS Side 1:  14
    ======================================================================
    Results
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    AAS Angle 3:  25
    AAS Side  2:  13.731575047703062
    AAS Side  3:  6.0079296149656205
    ======================================================================
    
    Press any key to close this window . . .

26. In the DOS window, press R to close the window and return to your programming environment
27. Change the code in the Program.cs document as follows:

    using static System.Console;
    
    double GetSASAngle1()
    {
        double angle = 0;
        
        try
        {
            Write("SAS Angle 1: ");
            angle = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for the known angle of the SAS shape.");
        }
    
        return angle;
    }
    
    double GetSASSide1()
    {
        double side = 0;
    
        try
        {
            Write("SAS Side  1: ");
            side = double.Parse(ReadLine()!);
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for one of the known sides of the SAS shape.");
        }
    
        return side;
    }
    
    double GetSASSide2()
    {
        double side = 0;
    
        try
        {
            Write("SAS Side  2: ");
            side = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for the other known side of the SAS shape.");
        }
    
        return side;
    }
    
    void CalculateAAS()
    {
        double angle1 = 0.00;
        double angle2 = 0.00;
        double side1  = 0.00;
    
        WriteLine("AAS Shape");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("Known Values:  Known Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle between them");
        WriteLine("Sought Values: 2 angles and the 1 sides between them");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
    
        try
        {
            Write("AAS Angle 1: ");
            angle1 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for the lower left angle of the AAS shape.");
        }
    
        try
        {
            Write("AAS Angle 2: ");
            angle2 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for the lower right angle of the AAS shape.");
        }
    
        try
        {
            Write("AAS Side 1:  ");
            side1 = double.Parse(ReadLine()!);
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for the right side of the AAS shape.");
        }
    
        // Here, we use the law of sines
        double angle3 = 180 - (angle1 + angle2);
        double side2 = side1 * Math.Sin(angle2 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(angle1 * Math.PI / 180);
        double side3 = side1 * Math.Sin(angle3 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(angle1 * Math.PI / 180);
    
        WriteLine("======================================================================");
        WriteLine("Results");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("AAS Angle 3:  " + angle3.ToString());
        WriteLine("AAS Side  2:  " + side2.ToString());
        WriteLine("AAS Side  3:  " + side3.ToString());
    }
    
    void CalculateASA()
    {
        double angle1 = 0.00;
        double angle2 = 0.00;
        double side1  = 0.00;
    
        WriteLine("ASA Shape");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("Known Values:  2 angles and the 1 side joining them");
        WriteLine("Sought Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle between them");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
    
        try
        {
            Write("ASA Angle 1: ");
            angle1 = double.Parse(ReadLine()!);
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for one of the known angles of the ASA shape.");
        }
    
        try
        {
            Write("ASA Side 1:  ");
            side1 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for the side that is between the angles whose values are about the ASA shape.");
        }
    
        try
        {
            Write("AAS Angle 2: ");
            angle2 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for the other known angle of the ASA oblique triangle.");
        }
    
        // Here, we use the law of sines
        double angle3 = 180 - (angle1 + angle2);
        double side2 = side1 * Math.Sin(angle2 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(angle1 * Math.PI / 180);
        double side3 = side1 * Math.Sin(angle3 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(angle1 * Math.PI / 180);
    
        WriteLine("======================================================================");
        WriteLine("Results");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("ASA Angle 3: {0}", angle3);
        WriteLine("ASA Side  2:  {0}", side3);
        WriteLine("ASA Side  3:  {0}", side2);
    }
    
    void CalculateSAS()
    {
        WriteLine("SAS Shape");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("Known Values:  2 sides and 1 angle");
        WriteLine("Sought Values: 1 unknown side and 2 unknown angles");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
    
        WriteLine("Type the known values");
    
        double side1 = GetSASSide1();
    
        double angle1 = GetSASAngle1();
    
        double side2 = GetSASSide2();
    
        // Here, we use the law of cosines
        double side3 = Math.Sqrt((side1 * side1) +
                                 (side2 * side2) -
                                 (2 * side1 * side2 * Math.Cos(angle1 * Math.PI / 180)));
        double angle2 = Math.Acos(((side3 * side3) +
                                   (side2 * side2) -
                                   (side1 * side1)) /
                                   (2 * side3 * side2)) * 180 / Math.PI;
        double angle3 = 180 - (angle1 + angle2);
    
        WriteLine("======================================================================");
        WriteLine("Results");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("SAS Side  3: {0}", side3.ToString());
        WriteLine("SAS Angle 2: {0}", angle2.ToString());
        WriteLine("SAS Angle 3: {0}", angle3.ToString());
    }
    
    void CalculateSSS()
    {
        WriteLine("SSS Shape");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("Known Values:  All 3 sides");
        WriteLine("Sought Values: All 3 angles");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
    
        double side1 = 0.00;
        double side2 = 0.00;
        double side3 = 0.00;
    
        WriteLine("Type the known values");
    
        try
        {
            Write("SSS Side 1:  ");
            side1 = double.Parse(ReadLine()!);
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for one of the known sides of the SSS shape.");
        }
    
        try
        {
            Write("SSS Side 2:  ");
            side2 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for another side of the SSS triangle.");
        }
    
        try
        {
            Write("SSS Side 3:  ");
            side3 = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine());
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine("You must type a value for the remaining known side of the SSS oblique triangle.");
        }
    
        // Here, we use the law of cosines
        double angle1 = Math.Acos(((side3 * side3) +
                                   (side2 * side2) -
                                   (side1 * side1)) /
                                   (2 * side3 * side2)) * 180 / Math.PI;
        double angle2 = Math.Acos(((side3 * side3) +
                                   (side1 * side1) -
                                   (side2 * side2)) /
                                   (2 * side3 * side1)) * 180 / Math.PI;
        double angle3 = 180 - (angle1 + angle2);
    
        WriteLine("======================================================================");
        WriteLine("Results");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine($"SSS Angle 1: {angle1}");
        WriteLine($"SSS Angle 2: {angle2}");
        WriteLine($"SSS Angle 3: {angle3}");
    }
    
    WriteLine("======================================================================");
    WriteLine("This application allows you to make calculations on oblique triangles");
    WriteLine("======================================================================");
    
    Title = "Oblique Triangles";
    
    WriteLine("Available shape options:");
    WriteLine("1 - AAS (Known: Angle - Angle - Side)");
    WriteLine("2 - ASA (Known: Angle - Side - Angle)");
    WriteLine("3 - SAS (Known: Side - Angle - Side)");
    WriteLine("4 - SSS (Known: Side - Side - Side)");
    WriteLine("Q - Quit");
    Write("What type of triangle do you want to process? ");
    string selection = ReadLine()!;
    
    switch (selection)
    {
        case null:
            break;
        case "4":
            CalculateSSS();
            break;
        case "3":
            CalculateSAS();
            break;
        default:
            break;
        case "1":
            CalculateAAS();
            break;
        case "2":
            CalculateASA();
            break;
    }
    
    WriteLine("======================================================================");

28. To start debugging, in the Solution Explorer, right-click the name of the project -> Debug -> Step Into New Instance.
    Move the DOS window so you can see both your code and that window
29. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button twelve times
30. When the type of triangle is requested in the DOS window, type 3 and press Enter
31. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button .
    Notice that the debugging focus has moved where the CalculateSAS() function is called
32. To continue debugging, on the main menu of Microsoft Visual Studio, click Debug and click Step Into.
    Notice that the debugging focus has moved to the beginning of the body of the CalculateSAS() function

Options on Debugging a Function

The Return Value of a Function

When going through a debugging session, if your code includes a function that returns a value, you can monitor the return value of a function. You can check such a value before the function is called, while the function has the debugging focus, or after the function has been called.

Practical Learning: Checking the Return Value of a Function

1. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button .
   Notice the content of the Locals window where the variables are still showing default values
2. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button six times.
   Notice that the debugging focus is where the GetSASSide1() function is called.
   Position the mouse on the side1 variable of the "double side1 = GetSASSide1();" line to see its value
3. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button .
   Notice that the debugging focus has moved to the begining of the body of the GetSASSide1() function.
   Inside that GetSASSide1() function, position the mouse on the "side" variable to see its value
4. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button five times
5. In the DOS window where the SAS Side 1 value is requested, type 15 and press Enter
6. Inside that GetSASSide1() function, position the mouse on the "side" variable to see its value.
   Notice the Parsed Returned expression in the Code Editor.
   Also check the contents of both the Autos and the Locals windows
7. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button twice.
   Notice the value in the closing curly bracket of the function:

   

8. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button eight times
9. When the SAS Angle 1 value is requested in the DOS window, type 28 and press Enter
10. Inside that GetSASAngle1() function, position the mouse on the "angle" variable to see its value.
    Notice the Parsed Returned expression in the Code Editor.
    Also check the contents of both the Autos and the Locals windows
11. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button twice.
    Notice the value in the closing curly bracket of the function:

    

12. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button eight times
13. When the SAS Side 2 value is requested in the DOS window, type 43.6 and press Enter
14. Inside that GetSASSide2() function, position the mouse on the "side" variable to see its value.
    Notice the Parsed Returned expression in the Code Editor.
    Also check the contents of both the Autos and the Locals windows
15. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button twice.
    Notice the value in the closing curly bracket of the function
16. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button eleven times.
    Every time you activate the Step Into button, position the mouse on the "side" variable.
    Also check the contents of both the Autos and the Locals windows:

    

    ======================================================================
    This application allows you to make calculations on oblique triangles
    ======================================================================
    Available shape options:
    1 - AAS (Known: Angle - Angle - Side)
    2 - ASA (Known: Angle - Side - Angle)
    3 - SAS (Known: Side - Angle - Side)
    4 - SSS (Known: Side - Side - Side)
    Q - Quit
    What type of triangle do you want to process? 3
    SAS Shape
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Known Values:  2 sides and 1 angle
    Sought Values: 1 unknown side and 2 unknown angles
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Type the known values
    SAS Side  1: 15
    SAS Angle 1: 28
    SAS Side  2: 43.6
    ======================================================================
    Results
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    SAS Side  3: 31.16190861517509
    SAS Angle 2: 13.06071118397518
    SAS Angle 3: 138.93928881602483
    ======================================================================
    
    Press any key to close this window . . .

17. In Microsoft Visual Studio, change the Program.cs document as follows:

    using static System.Console;
    
    double GetValue(string identity, string msg)
    {
        double value = default;
    
        try
        {
            Write(identity);
            value = Convert.ToDouble(ReadLine()!);
        }
        catch (FormatException)
        {
            WriteLine(msg);
        }
    
        return value;
    }
    
    (double first, double second, double third) Calculate(TriangleType category, double known1, double known2, double known3)
    {
        double value1 = 0.00;
        double value2 = 0.00;
        double value3 = 0.00;
    
        switch (category)
        {
            case TriangleType.AngleAngleSide:
                // Here, we use the law of sines
                value1 = 180 - (known1 + known2);
                value2 = known3 * Math.Sin(known2 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(known1 * Math.PI / 180);
                value3 = known3 * Math.Sin(value1 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(known1 * Math.PI / 180);
    
                return (value1, value2, value3);
    
            case TriangleType.AngleSideAngle:
                // Here, we use the law of sines
                value1 = 180 - (known1 + known3);
                value2 = known2 * Math.Sin(known3 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(known1 * Math.PI / 180);
                value3 = known2 * Math.Sin(value1 * Math.PI / 180) / Math.Sin(known1 * Math.PI / 180);
    
                return (value1, value2, value3);
    
            case TriangleType.Unknown:
                return (0.00, 0.00, 0.00);
    
            case TriangleType.SideAngleSide:
                // Here, we use the law of cosines
                value1 = Math.Sqrt( (known1 * known1) +
                                    (known3 * known3) -
                                    (2 * known1 * known3 * Math.Cos(known2 * Math.PI / 180)));
                value2 = Math.Acos(((value1 * value1) +
                                    (known3 * known3) -
                                    (known1 * known1)) /
                                    (2 * value1 * known3)) * 180 / Math.PI;
                value3 = 180 - (known2 + value2);
                
                return (value1, value2, value3);
                
            default:
                return (0.00, 0.00, 0.00);
    
            case TriangleType.SideSideSide:
                // Here, we use the law of cosines
                value1 = Math.Acos(((known3 * known3) +
                                    (known2 * known2) -
                                    (known1 * known1)) /
                                    (2 * known3 * known2)) * 180 / Math.PI;
                value2 = Math.Acos(((known3 * known3) +
                                    (known1 * known1) -
                                    (known2 * known2)) /
                                    (2 * known3 * known1)) * 180 / Math.PI;
                value3 = 180 - (value1 + value2);
    
                return (value1, value2, value3);
        }
    }
    
    void CalculateAAS()
    {
        double angle1 = 0.00;
        double angle2 = 0.00;
        double side1  = 0.00;
    
        WriteLine("AAS Shape");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("Known Values:  Known Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle between them");
        WriteLine("Sought Values: 2 angles and the 1 sides between them");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
    
        angle1 = GetValue("AAS Angle 1: ", "You must type a value for the lower left angle of the AAS shape.");
        angle2 = GetValue("AAS Angle 2: ", "You must type a value for the lower right angle of the AAS shape.");
        side1  = GetValue("AAS Side 1:  ", "You must type a value for the right side of the AAS shape.");
    
        (double angle3, double side2, double side3) results = Calculate(TriangleType.AngleAngleSide, angle1, angle2, side1);
    
        WriteLine("======================================================================");
        WriteLine("Results");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("AAS Angle 3:  " + results.angle3.ToString());
        WriteLine("AAS Side  2:  " + results.side2.ToString());
        WriteLine("AAS Side  3:  " + results.side3.ToString());
    }
    
    void CalculateASA()
    {
        double angle1 = 0.00;
        double angle2 = 0.00;
        double side1  = 0.00;
    
        WriteLine("ASA Shape");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("Known Values:  2 angles and the 1 side joining them");
        WriteLine("Sought Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle between them");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
    
        angle1 = GetValue("ASA Angle 1: ", "You must type a value for one of the known angles of the ASA shape.");
        side1  = GetValue("ASA Side 1:  ", "You must type a value for the side that is between the angles whose values are about the ASA shape.");
        angle2 = GetValue("ASA Angle 2: ", "You must type a value for the other known angle of the ASA oblique triangle.");
    
        (double angle3, double side2, double side3) results = Calculate(TriangleType.AngleSideAngle, angle1, side1, angle2);
    
        WriteLine("======================================================================");
        WriteLine("Results");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("ASA Angle 3:  {0}", results.angle3);
        WriteLine("ASA Side  2:  {0}", results.side2);
        WriteLine("ASA Side  3:  {0}", results.side3);
    }
    
    void CalculateSAS()
    {
        WriteLine("SAS Shape");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("Known Values:  2 sides and 1 angle");
        WriteLine("Sought Values: 1 unknown side and 2 unknown angles");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
    
        WriteLine("Type the known values");
    
        double side1  = GetValue("SAS Side  1: ", "You must type a value for one of the known sides of the SAS shape.");
        double angle1 = GetValue("SAS Angle 1: ", "You must type a value for the known angle of the SAS shape.");
        double side2  = GetValue("SAS Side  2: ", "You must type a value for the other known side of the SAS shape.");
    
        (double side3, double angle2, double angle3) results = Calculate(TriangleType.SideAngleSide, side1, angle1, side2);
    
        WriteLine("======================================================================");
        WriteLine("Results");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("SAS Side  3: {0}", results.side3);
        WriteLine("SAS Angle 2: {0}", results.angle2);
        WriteLine("SAS Angle 3: {0}", results.angle3);
    }
    
    void CalculateSSS()
    {
        WriteLine("SSS Shape");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine("Known Values:  All 3 sides");
        WriteLine("Sought Values: All 3 angles");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
    
        double side1 = 0.00;
        double side2 = 0.00;
        double side3 = 0.00;
    
        WriteLine("Type the known values");
    
        side1 = GetValue("SSS Side 1:  ", "You must type a value for one of the known sides of the SSS shape.");
        side2 = GetValue("SSS Side 2:  ", "You must type a value for another side of the SSS triangle.");
        side3 = GetValue("SSS Side 3:  ", "You must type a value for the remaining known side of the SSS oblique triangle.");
    
        (double angle1, double angle2, double angle3) results = Calculate(TriangleType.SideSideSide, side1, side2, side3);
    
        WriteLine("======================================================================");
        WriteLine("Results");
        WriteLine("----------------------------------------------------------------------");
        WriteLine($"SSS Angle 1: {results.angle1}");
        WriteLine($"SSS Angle 2: {results.angle2}");
        WriteLine($"SSS Angle 3: {results.angle3}");
    }
    
    WriteLine("======================================================================");
    WriteLine("This application allows you to make calculations on oblique triangles");
    WriteLine("======================================================================");
    
    Title = "Oblique Triangles";
    
    WriteLine("Available shape options:");
    WriteLine("1 - AAS (Known: Angle - Angle - Side)");
    WriteLine("2 - ASA (Known: Angle - Side - Angle)");
    WriteLine("3 - SAS (Known: Side - Angle - Side)");
    WriteLine("4 - SSS (Known: Side - Side - Side)");
    WriteLine("Q - Quit");
    Write("What type of triangle do you want to process? ");
    string selection = ReadLine()!;
    
    switch (selection)
    {
        case null:
            break;
        case "4":
            CalculateSSS();
            break;
        case "3":
            CalculateSAS();
            break;
        default:
            break;
        case "1":
            CalculateAAS();
            break;
        case "2":
            CalculateASA();
            break;
    }
    
    WriteLine("======================================================================");
    
    public enum TriangleType
    {
        Unknown        = 0,
        AngleAngleSide = 100,
        AngleSideAngle = 200,
        SideAngleSide  = 500,
        SideSideSide   = 700
    }

18. To start debugging, in the Solution Explorer, right-click the name of the project -> Debug -> Step Into New Instance
19. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button twelve times
20. When the type of triangle is requested in the DOS window, type 2 and press Enter
21. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button .
    Notice that the debugging focus has moved where the CalculateASA() function is called
22. To continue debugging, on the main menu of Microsoft Visual Studio, click Debug and click Step Into.
    Notice that the debugging focus has moved to the beginning of the body of the CalculateASA() function

The Parameters of a Function

As you know already, you can create a function that uses one or more parameters. When degugging a document that has a function that uses at least one parameter, the debugger can give you information about the value of the parameter. you can get such information before the function is called, while a function is being accessed, and after the function has been called.

Practical Learning: Debugging the Parameters of a Function

1. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button ten times.
   Notice that the debugging focus is on the beginning of the body of the GetValue(string identity, string msg) function.
   Notice the expressions that appear on the right side of the closing parenthesis of the function.
   Also notice the values in the Locals window:

   

2. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button five times
3. When the ASA Angle 1 value is requested in the DOS window, type 75 and press Enter

   

4. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button twice.
   Notice the value on the closing curly bracket of the GetValue() function:

   

5. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button three times
   Notice that the debugging focus moved again to the beginning of the body of the GetValue(string identity, string msg) function.
   Notice the expressions that appear on the right side of the closing parenthesis of the function (ASA Side 1: ...).
   Also notice the values in the Locals window
6. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button five times
7. When the ASA Side 1 value is requested in the DOS window, type 50 and press Enter:

   

8. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button twice.
   Notice the value on the closing curly bracket of the GetValue() function:

   

9. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button three times.
   Notice that the debugging focus moved again the beginning of the body of the GetValue(string identity, string msg) function.
   Notice the expressions that appear on the right side of the closing parenthesis of the function (ASA Angle 2: ...).
   Also notice the values in the Locals window
10. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button five times
11. When the ASA Angle 2 value is requested in the DOS window, type 6 and press Enter:

    

12. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button twice.
    Notice the value on the closing curly bracket of the GetValue() function:

    

13. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button three times.
    Notice that the debugging focus moved again to the beginning of the body of the (double first, double second, double third) Calculate(TriangleType category, double known1, double known2, double known3) function.
    Notice the expressions that appear on the right side of the closing parenthesis of the function.
    Also notice the values in the Locals window:

    

14. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button seventeen times.
    Every time you click the Step Into button, position the mouse on various variables in the Calculate() function.
    Also, observe the variables and and their values in the Locals window
15. To continue debugging, on the Debug toolbar, click the Step Into button three times:

    ======================================================================
    This application allows you to make calculations on oblique triangles
    ======================================================================
    Available shape options:
    1 - AAS (Known: Angle - Angle - Side)
    2 - ASA (Known: Angle - Side - Angle)
    3 - SAS (Known: Side - Angle - Side)
    4 - SSS (Known: Side - Side - Side)
    Q - Quit
    What type of triangle do you want to process? 2
    ASA Shape
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Known Values:  2 angles and the 1 side joining them
    Sought Values: 2 sides and the 1 angle between them
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASA Angle 1: 75
    ASA Side 1:  50
    ASA Angle 2: 6
    ======================================================================
    Results
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASA Angle 3:  99
    ASA Side  2:  5.410791409793597
    ASA Side  3:  51.126510634345365
    ======================================================================
    
    Press any key to close this window . . .

16. In the DOS window, press Y to close the window and return to your programming environment
17. Close your programming environment

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