Simplify Debugging with the [DebuggerDisplay] Attribute in C#

When working with complex classes in C#, the default debugger view can often overwhelm you with unnecessary details. Enter the [DebuggerDisplay] attribute—a simple yet powerful tool to make debugging more intuitive.

What Is [DebuggerDisplay]?

The [DebuggerDisplay] attribute allows you to customize how your classes and properties appear in the debugger. By overriding the default representation, you can display only the most relevant information at a glance.

Basic Usage

Here’s how you can use the [DebuggerDisplay] attribute:

[DebuggerDisplay("Id = {Id}, Name = {Name}")]
public class Person
{
    public int Id { get; set; }
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public string Email { get; set; }
}

In this example:

• The debugger will display: Id = 1, Name = John Doe when inspecting a Person object.
• Unnecessary details like Email are omitted.

Dynamic Expressions

You can use expressions within the curly braces {} for dynamic values. For example:

[DebuggerDisplay("FullName = {FirstName + \" \" + LastName}")]
public class Employee
{
    public string FirstName { get; set; }
    public string LastName { get; set; }
}

Best Practices

• Keep it simple: Include only the most relevant fields or properties.
• Avoid heavy logic: Expressions in [DebuggerDisplay] are evaluated during debugging, which can affect performance.
• Fallback to ToString(): If more customization is needed, override ToString() and use [DebuggerDisplay("{ToString()}")].

Why Use It?

By streamlining what you see during debugging, [DebuggerDisplay] saves you time, reduces clutter, and helps focus on what matters most. It’s an essential attribute for any developer aiming to improve debugging efficiency.

Here is a view, how it looks in action:

Try adding [DebuggerDisplay] to your classes and experience the difference in your next debugging session!