a method , system and computer program product for managing a conditional data watchpoint in a set of instructions being traced is shown in accordance with illustrative embodiments . in one particular embodiment , the method comprises initializing a conditional data watchpoint and determining the watchpoint has been encountered . upon that determination , examining a current instruction context associated with the encountered watchpoint prior to completion of the current instruction execution , further determining a first action responsive to a positive context examination ; otherwise , determining a second action .