DEBUG_MESSAGES Option

Controls whether or not MESSAGE statements that include a DEBUG ONLY clause are executed.

Allowed Values

ON, OFF

Default

OFF

Scope

Option can be set at the database (PUBLIC) or user level. When set at the database level, the value becomes the default for any new user, but has no impact on existing users. When set at the user level, overrides the PUBLIC value for that user only. No system privilege is required to set option for self. System privilege is required to set at database level or at user level for any user other than self.

Requires the SET ANY PUBLIC OPTION system privilege to set this option. Can be set temporary for an individual connection or for the PUBLIC role. Takes effect immediately.

Description

This option allows you to control the behavior of debugging messages in stored procedures that contain a MESSAGE statement with the DEBUG ONLY clause specified. By default, this option is set to OFF and debugging messages do not appear when the MESSAGE statement is executed. By setting DEBUG_MESSAGES to ON, you can enable the debugging messages in all stored procedures.

Note: DEBUG ONLY messages are inexpensive when the DEBUG_MESSAGES option is set to OFF, so these statements can usually be left in stored procedures on a production system. However, they should be used sparingly in locations where they would be executed frequently; otherwise, they might result in a small performance penalty.
Related reference
MESSAGE Statement