When debugging your code, consider the following issues:
You need to be in a debug session (debug mode) to activate many
debugging features – for example, to view variable values in the watch or memory
windows.
MPLAB X IDE operation is always connected to the hardware tool. To
connect only at runtime, see Tools>Options (MPLAB X
IDE>Preferences for macOS), Embedded button, Generic
Settings tab, and uncheck “Maintain active connection to hardware tool.”
When unchecked, settings made in MPLAB X IDE will be passed to the
tool only at runtime. Settings changed during a halt are updated only when
runtime is initiated again.
For some applications you may need to break down the debug steps
for independent execution. To do this, use the steps under Debug>Discrete
Debugger Operation.
Disable compiler optimizations when debugging or use a ‘debug’
optimization if available for your compiler. In the Project Properties window,
select the language tool executable under “Categories.” Then select “Optimizations”
from “Options categories” and choose the lowest level, i.e., “0” if available.