What method is used in software debugging to temporarily stop program execution for examination?

The method used in software debugging to temporarily halt program execution for examination is known as a breakpoint. A breakpoint allows developers to pause the execution of a program at a specific line of code, enabling them to inspect the current state of the application, including variable values, memory usage, and flow of control. This feature is essential for diagnosing issues, understanding program behavior, and verifying that parts of the code are functioning as expected.

By using breakpoints, developers can step through their code line by line, which aids significantly in identifying logical errors or incorrect assumptions present in the code. This process of interception is essential for effective debugging, as it provides granular control over program execution and immediate feedback on the current state of the application at distinct points of interest.

In contrast, watchpoints, logpoints, and breakpoint clear have different functionalities. Watchpoints are typically used to pause execution when a specific variable changes, while logpoints allow developers to log messages without stopping execution. Breakpoint clear, on the other hand, refers to the action of removing or disabling breakpoints rather than using them to debug actively.