Method and apparatus for a fast debugger fix and continue operation

This Continuation-In-Part describes a part of this run-time debugger operation which is designated the "Fix-and-Continue" invention. This invention permits a user to begin a debugging session wherein if an error in the code is encountered, the user can edit the corresponding source code to correct the error and then execute a "Fix and Continue" command all without leaving the debugging session. The Fix and Continue code calls the compiler to recompile the source code file with the edited text in it, receives the resulting recompiled object code file from the compiler, uses the dynamic linker to link the recompiled object code into the target application program process, patches the previous version of this same object code fie to refer to the newly recompiled code, resets any required variables and registers, resets the program counter to the line of code being executed when the error was discovered. The debugger then continues in the debug session thereby saving the time it would ordinarily take to quit the debug session, relink and reload the target program and start the debug session once again.