Debugging Tools

Debugging Tools – A Variety of Options and Uses

Debugging Tools

The process of debugging is enhanced by and normally involves the use of debugging tools (also known as debuggers). These debugging tools are basically certain computer programs that can test, analyze and debug certain other targeted computer programs and thus facilitate a more efficient function of computer systems or electronic hardware. But debugging tools are not always homogenous or consistent in their efficiency and capabilities. Therefore it is important to choose the right options from among the variety of debugging tools available.

Some of the most widely used debugging tools include, but are not confined to – GDB (which is a GNU Debugger), IDB (which is an Intel Debugger), LLDB (which is an LLVM Debugger), Microsoft Visual Studio Debugger (which is usually shipped along with Microsoft Visual Studio), and many others. Most of these debugging tools can be used with any language that is compiled to machine code and may be used on any operating system, although some specifically run on either Windows or Linux only (such as the Intel Debugger). However the Python Debugger (known as PDB) only functions with the Python programming language.

The uses of debugging tools vary from the primary function of tracking bugs and defects in the target computer programs to other functions ranging from performance related analysis to software protection features. The very processes which allow debugging tools to detect and debug, also allow these tools to function as cracking tools for software which basically implies that these tools can be used to evade copyright protections and other such restrictions related to digital rights. The same functions also allow these tools to be used as performance analyzers for software and computer systems as it assists and facilitates processes related to test coverage and verification. Thus these debugging tools have a variety of uses and comprise of various types of tools that can be chosen according to needs and suitability.