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.