This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Daniel Jonathan
The Auto-Capture feature in the XSLT Debugger automatically records variables, parameters, loops, and inline C# calls during XSLT execution — without any manual logging or code changes.
🔍 What It Does
- Automatically captures all variable values and expressions during runtime.
- Logs every inline C# (
msxsl:script) method call with both arguments and return values. - Displays real-time values in the Variables panel and traces them in the Debug Console.
- Provides a synchronized timeline between XSLT and inline C# execution.
🧩 Behavior Overview
| Capture Type | Description | Where It Appears |
|---|---|---|
| XSLT Variables | Automatically displayed as execution flows past variable declarations. | Variables panel |
| Loop Positions | Current for-each and iteration info (position, size, context node). |
Variables panel |
| Inline C# Args/Returns | Arguments passed and values returned from msxsl:script functions. |
Debug Console |
| Messages & Logs |
[DBG] and [inline] logs showing real-time execution data. |
Debug Console |
⚙️ How It Feels to Use
- Variables appear automatically as you step through the stylesheet.
- You can see every computed value without adding extra
xsl:messagelines. - Inline C# methods log their input and output seamlessly alongside XSLT execution.
- The debugger captures both languages together — XSLT + C# — on the same timeline.
Example Debug Output:
[DBG] Captured variable: $dateList = 2025-07-14T12:00:00,2025-07-13T09:00:00
[inline] MinDate args = { input = 2025-07-14T12:00:00,2025-07-13T09:00:00 }
[inline] MinDate return = 15.06.2025
🧠 Benefits
- Zero setup — automatically activates in debug sessions.
- Cross-language visibility — view both XSLT and inline C# behavior in one place.
- Less guesswork — instantly see how your data is being transformed.
- Accurate correlation — trace data from variable creation to final output.
💡 In Short
Auto-Capture turns your XSLT debugger into a live execution viewer.
No manual logging. No print statements. Just instant visibility into variables, loops, and inline C# calls.
Available in:
- Compiled Engine (XSLT 1.0 + inline C#)
- Saxon Engine (XSLT 1.0/2.0/3.0 without inline C#)
Learn More:
- W3C XSLT Specification: xsl:message
- Microsoft Docs: XsltMessageEncounteredEventArgs
- Saxonica: MessageListener
Try It:
👉 XSLT Debugger for Windows
👉 XSLT Debugger for macOS
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Daniel Jonathan
Daniel Jonathan | Sciencx (2025-11-01T14:52:54+00:00) ⚡Auto-Capture in XSLT Debugger. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/11/01/%e2%9a%a1auto-capture-in-xslt-debugger/
Please log in to upload a file.
There are no updates yet.
Click the Upload button above to add an update.