The n command lets you step over function calls in your scripts. This command saves you time because you won't need to single-step through every line of every function. The program below has three functions defined and three function calls and is used to demonstrate the n command.
1: sub a {
2: print("This is function a\n");
3: }
4:
5: sub b {
6: print("This is function b\n");
7: }
8:
9: sub c {
10: print("This is function c\n");
11: }
12:
13: a();
14: b();
15: c();
First, let's see the regular path of execution that takes place using the s command:
13: a();
2: print("This is function a\n");
This is function a
14: b();
6: print("This is function b\n");
This is function b
15: c();
10: print("This is function c\n");
This is function c
If the n command is used instead of the s command, the path of execution stays the same. However, you are prompted after each function call. The lines inside the function are still executed, however.
13: a(); This is function a 14: b(); This is function b 15: c(); This is function c
By switching between the s and n commands, you can decide which functions to step into and which to step over.