Java method watchpoints in Eclipse

Question

I would like to log something to some Eclipse view after/before specific methods are entered in my Java project.

Is this possible?

• I don't want it to break to the Debugger, so no breakpoints
• AspectJ might be a last resort, but can you provide some quick'n'dirty tutorial with it, as it is quite foreign to me

ADDITIONAL INFO 1: I am using Eclipse 4.2

Answer 1

Create a normal breakpoint in the method, add a condition like

System.out.println("hit the method"); return false;

That breakpoint will always be evaluated, but it will not stop the debugger. You can use the same technique also with a method breakpoint (instead of line breakpoint) and there you can additionally specify whether it shall be evaluated on entering or leaving the method.