Debugging in Oracle SQL Developer

Question

I would like to know how to debug my PL / SQL programs in the Oracle SQL Developer program using breakpoints and such. I've never known how to use debugging tools like this and since this program provides this kind of feature, I was wondering if anyone on here might be able to shine some light on this for me. How are these used? How could I use them to say, figure out what the value of a given variable might be on line whatever? Etc.
One reason I'm setting out to learn this is because I'm tired of typing DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE all the time. I would think that there must be a better way than this.
Lastly (and while we're on that subject), what would cause SQL Developer to not output a DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE line? I've given this a string of text to output to the monitor and it's not working. It's in the DECLARE section (thinking I could place these almost anywhere my tiny little heart desired, but apparently, I'm wrong?)
Again, any insight is appreciated.

Answer 1

- K - :
Oh, I get it... We had another pesky drop-out fishing for homework cheats again, right?
Here's a suggestion to make this forum (you know, a place where people come together who all think differently about things both deep and shallow) somewhat more accepting and useful a place for idiots like me who might happen to overlook an apparently obvious "Help" menu item with the glowing neon-colored label heading of "Table of Contents": instead of wasting your own time (let alone, others) by posting silly responses that serve arbitrary agendas for the sake of inflating one's ego and online rep points due to having a bad high school experience, why not just instead take a high road (all the real Oracle kings around here hopefully take) and either ignore the response altogether or post something at least 1% useful. Sound like a plan? Great! For instance, why not inquire about why someone posted something that might not make sense to you? It's an amazing concept...
Because after all...
"+I'm often perplexed about the "answers" we get. Seems like you never posted your suggestions.+"
...doesn't do a lot for people who come across this thread in similar straights or perspective I was in at the time of creating it.
That said, something like...
"+Since you're using Oracle SQL Developer, you should have a 'Help' menu item near the top of the window. Click on it and then click on 'Table of Contents'. Proceed to do as Jim suggested by locating the topic 'Running and Debugging Functions and Procedures'. In that section of the contents, you will find more information about debugging your program, tips and tricks, etc. If this doesn't help you or if you're unsure about something in general, feel free to post back and we'll try to help you further.+"
...is much more helpful and succinct. It's welcoming, objective, and very informative (not that Jim's response wasn't).
On that note, Jim, I do appreciate your response. When I first read your suggestion, I had misinterpreted what you proposed in the heat of the moment. Above all else, I also had some things going on around me that were distracting me. Thanks again. I'm reading the topic right now...