Debug

If this option is available for the project device, you can select to use software breakpoints.

Table 1. Debug Option Category
Use Software Breakpoints	Check to use software breakpoints. Uncheck to use hardware breakpoints. See the following table to determine which type is best for your application.

Table 2. Software vs. Hardware Breakpoints
Features	Software Breakpoints	Hardware Breakpoints
Number of breakpoints	Unlimited	Limited
Breakpoints are written to	Program Memory	Debug Registers
Time to set breakpoints	Oscillator Speed Dependent – can take minutes	Minimal
Skidding	No	Yes
Note: Using software breakpoints for debugging impacts device endurance. Therefore, it is recommended that devices used in this manner not be used as production parts.