Testing and debugging message flow applications

Use the flow debugger to test and error-check your message flows.

This section includes the following topics:
  • Flow debugger overview

    Read this section to learn about the function provided by the flow debugger, and why you might want to use it.

    To use the flow debugger effectively, see Message flows overview to gain a basic understanding of message flows and their representation in the workbench.

  • Debugging a message flow

    This section describes the tasks that you can follow to start the flow debugger and to set options to test and debug the steps taken by the message flow.

Start of changeThe Redbook WebSphere Message Broker Basics also provides information about using the debugger for your message flows.End of change

Start of changeWhen you debug message flows, choose a broker that is set up for test and not for production, for the following reasons:End of change

Start of change
  1. Debugging might degrade the performance of all message flows that are deployed to the broker. Other flows in the same execution group, and those in other execution groups defined to the same broker could be impacted by potential resource contention.
  2. Debugging is supported by RAC, which you must install on the system on which the broker is running. When you install RAC on the same system as WebSphere Message Broker, you must install it with security disabled because the debugger does not work if security is enabled. When you disable security, restrictions cannot be imposed on which users can debug message flows. This lack of control might represent a security exposure.
End of change

Start of changeDo not debug message flows through the Internet; the security function has not been enabled.End of change

Start of changeIf your broker domain has a firewall between one or more brokers and the workbench, you might have to change the configuration of RAC before you can use it successfully. See Configuring RAC for use with a firewall for instructions about how to complete this task.End of change

Related concepts
Flow debugger overview
Message flows overview
Debug perspective
Related tasks
Installing Rational Agent Controller
Configuring RAC for use with a firewall
Debugging a message flow
Related reference
Flow debugger shortcuts
Flow debugger icons and symbols