Inserting implicit sequence points into computer program code to support debug operations

A method of inserting implicit sequence points into computer program code to support debug operations, the method comprising:

• performing, using a processor, optimization of the computer program code during compilation of the computer program code and, during the optimization, inserting implicit sequence points into the computer program code, wherein the implicit sequence points are configured to provide virtual reads of symbols contained in the computer program code when the implicit sequence points are reached during execution of the computer program code during a debug operation performed on the computer program code after the computer program code is optimized and compiled, wherein a view of a user program remains valid by constraining the optimization using implicitly generated virtual reads of user visible symbols at the implicit sequence points and wherein, when a debugger stops at at least one of the sequence points, user visible symbols hold respective values in a same manner the user visible symbols would hold the respective values without optimization being performed on the computer program code;
• and
• configuring the computer program code to enable user modification of at least one respective value of at least one symbol when the debug operation is performed on the computer program code.