watch console output panel in visual studio while running a XNA game

Question

I'm a visual studio newbie, currently developing a game using VS 2010 express, C# and XNA 4.0 .

I'm trying to debug a little game I'm developing, using a Console.WriteLine call when a certain event occur. Unfortunately when I execute the program the visual studio layout changes and the output panel disappear until the program exits (so I can analyze the output only after the program ends).

I would like to know if it possible and how, to keep the output panel visible.

Dyaus

Answer 1

Whilst in Debug mode, simply show it again by going to View->Output

Measurement

I can't find View->Output. Is view referred to the menu entry? – Dyaus

When I hit F5 and am running, View is the 3rd menu along. Output is listed half way down. – Measurement

Answer 2

2 things:

1. I output my debug stuff in xna4.0 with

   System.Diagnostic.Debug.WriteLine("stuff");

2. To view output just go to View -> Output or Alt+2

Huff

as far as placing it permanently, have you tried drag and drop the output to the bottom dock? – Huff

I still see nothing in the Debug output window until the program stops. And I find the output under Debug=>Windows=>Output... – Manageable

Answer 3

If you found this question through a search and you do not see the Output Window under the "View" menu, it is most likely because you are viewing Visual C# 2010 under 'Basic Settings.' Under basic settings, you can find the output menu as follows:

Debug -> Windows -> Output

If you want to get out of basic settings, you can change as well:

Tools > Settings > Expert Settings

And then you will be able to access the Output Window as described in the other answers.

Naominaor