A method, apparatus and article of manufacture is provided for SQL debugging within a computer system network. The method uses stored procedures via a console for debugging of SQL instructions located in a server, wherein preferably only one database communication line exists between the server and the console. The server has a database management system for retrieving data from a database stored in an electronic storage device coupled to the server. The method uses a debugger manager at the console for commanding and monitoring debugging operations of the server-side SQL instructions performed by a debugger engine, and uses stored procedures of a debugger router as a database communication interface for receiving commands and sending status reports between the debugger manager and the debugger engine.