System for automatically collecting trace detail and history data

摘要

A tracing mechanism operates at a low level of detail during normal program execution and automatically provides an increased level of detail during exception situations. The tracing mechanism also discloses history information prior to the exception situation. Program activity trace data is used to control action of the configurable trace facility allowing history data of a program's activity to be combined with current trace data into a persistent log. The trace facility may also be configured to recognize specified trigger values from either hardware or software means.