A first stream operator in a stream computing application receives and processes a first stream of tuples. The processing at the first stream operator is paused in response to receiving a first one of the tuples in the first stream that triggers a breakpoint in the first stream operator. A determination of whether a condition to release the breakpoint is met is made, and the breakpoint is released in response to determining that the condition is met. The condition to release the breakpoint may be that a count of tuples of the first stream is outside of a threshold. A second stream of tuples may be received for processing at a second stream operator. The condition to release the breakpoint may be that a count of tuples of the second stream is outside of a threshold.