Which debugging tools are the best for embedded system development in 2024? In our opinion: the GDB (GNU Debugger), Lauterbach TRACE32, GProf, LLDB, and OpenOCD. Why? Read this article to find out the answer.

Our List of the Best Debugging Tools in 2024

Code debugging is a crucial step in embedded system development (or any digital development). Coding errors lead to lower performance and even some features working inappropriately (or not working at all)—something that should never happen in embedded systems found in cars or aircraft.

Naturally, debugging in embedded systems development requires tools that are different from traditional ones, as they need to match the technologies in which such devices are created. What software can you use for debugging in this case? Which is the best and why? Here’s our subjective ranking for 2024!

GDB (GNU Debugger)

GDB remains one of the most widely used debugging tools for embedded system development. Its powerful feature set allows developers to control program execution, inspect memory and register values, and analyze complex runtime behaviors.

The key features that make GDB one of the best debugging tools are:

  • Step-by-step code execution—GDB allows precise control over how the code is executed, enabling developers to step through the code one instruction at a time. This is particularly helpful for identifying errors in timing or logic in embedded systems.
  • Watchpoints and breakpoints—It supports hardware and software breakpoints, which are vital when dealing with embedded systems with limited resources.
  • Cross-platform support—GDB supports a wide range of processor architectures, including ARM, RISC-V, and MIPS, commonly used in embedded systems.
  • Remote debugging—GDB can be configured for remote debugging via a serial connection or network interface, making it useful for systems with limited direct access.

Lauterbach TRACE32

Lauterbach TRACE32 is also a popular debugging tool in the embedded systems industry. What makes it stand out is its capability to handle complex, multi-core, and real-time applications with high performance, making it perfect for slightly more advanced embedded systems.

Why do we use this debugging software?

  • Real-time tracing—As the name suggests, TRACE32 provides real-time trace functionality that captures system behavior during operation. This feature is invaluable in time-sensitive embedded applications where real-time behavior needs to be analyzed.
  • Multi-core debugging—Many modern embedded systems run on multi-core processors, and TRACE32 supports simultaneous debugging of all cores, providing insights into inter-core communications and synchronization issues.
  • Performance analysis—TRACE32 may also be used for code profiling, as its performance analysis feature enables developers to locate and fix bottlenecks.

GProf

GProf is primarily a performance analysis tool, but you shouldn’t underestimate its value in code debugging. This tool helps identify bottlenecks in the code by profiling applications' runtime performance and tracks, among others:

  • function call frequencies
  • execution times.

In embedded systems, where resource efficiency is crucial, GProf is invaluable for optimizing the code. When combined with other tools from our list, like GDB, GProf helps detect bugs and enhance the overall system performance. It might not be a tool that will help you on its own, but you should definitely add it to your debugging tech stack.

Discover our debugging and code profiling services!

LLDB

Known for its exceptionally fast startup time and fine memory consumption, LLDB is a popular choice for embedded system code debugging, which makes it a worthy inclusion on the list of the best tools available for this purpose. Similarly to GDB, LLDB supports a plethora of microprocessor architecture types and coding languages.

We mostly recommend this tool for C and C++ coding languages, though it is excellent for other low-level languages as well. This makes it ideal for firmware development, where proper debugging and optimization must occur before the code is deployed since later updates are highly unlikely.

At Conclusive, we offer high-quality, reliable, secure firmware development services. With us, your hardware will run on clean, error-free code.

OpenOCD

Last but not least, OpenOCD is on our list of the best debugging tools for embedded systems. This software has multiple features that make it an excellent choice, namely:

  • Cross-platform debugging support—Like the other software mentioned above, OpenOCD supports a wide range of hardware, microcontroller architectures, and probes. This is especially useful if you frequently work on different platforms.
  • JTAG interface—The core feature of OpenOCD is its robust support for the JTAG interface, allowing deep-level debugging of microcontrollers and processors directly at the hardware level, with real-time control over your embedded system.
  • GDB integration—You may also integrate OpenOCD with GDB to get real insights into a system's execution under real conditions, especially if you wish to evaluate already deployed firmware.
  • ISP—Beyond debugging, OpenOCD supports in-system programming, which allows users to write firmware directly to the target device's flash memory without removing it from the system. This feature accelerates development cycles by simplifying the deployment and testing of new firmware versions on actual hardware. It might not help you debug your code, but it is a helpful addition.

Conclusion

The 5 tools above are, in our opinion, the best for code debugging in 2024. Different developers may have their own insights and preferences, so treat this ranking like recommendations, not strict guidelines. And, if you need help debugging your embedded software or firmware, do not hesitate to contact us at Conclusive—we will help you polish your product.

You might also read: How to Choose A Code Profiling Tool?

FAQ

1. What are the best debugging tools for embedded system development

The top debugging tools for embedded system development include GDB (GNU Debugger), Lauterbach TRACE32, GProf, LLDB, and OpenOCD. These tools provide essential features such as real-time tracing, cross-platform support, performance analysis, and hardware-level debugging, making them ideal for optimizing embedded software and firmware.

2. Why is GDB (GNU Debugger) a popular choice for embedded system debugging?

GDB is widely used because of its powerful debugging capabilities, including:

  • Step-by-step execution to analyze program flow
  • Breakpoints and watchpoints to monitor specific variables and functions
  • Cross-platform compatibility, supporting ARM, RISC-V, and MIPS architectures
  • Remote debugging, allowing developers to debug systems via a serial connection or network

These features make GDB a versatile and essential tool for embedded development.

3. What makes Lauterbach TRACE32 a preferred debugging tool for embedded applications?

Lauterbach TRACE32 excels in real-time debugging and multi-core processing, making it ideal for complex embedded systems. Key advantages include:

  • Real-time tracing to analyze system behavior during execution
  • Multi-core debugging for simultaneous monitoring of multiple processor cores
  • Performance profiling to detect bottlenecks and optimize resource efficiency

These capabilities are especially useful for advanced embedded applications requiring precise execution analysis.

4. How does GProf contribute to debugging in embedded systems?

GProf is primarily a performance analysis tool that helps identify inefficiencies in code execution. It tracks:

  • Function call frequencies to identify bottlenecks
  • Execution times to optimize resource usage

By combining GProf with other debugging tools like GDB, developers can enhance system performance and detect inefficiencies in embedded software.

6. How does OpenOCD assist in hardware-level debugging?

OpenOCD is a powerful open-source debugging tool that supports hardware debugging via JTAG. It offers:

  • Cross-platform debugging support for various microcontrollers
  • JTAG and SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interface for real-time hardware monitoring
  • Integration with GDB for in-depth system execution analysis
  • ISP (In-System Programming) to simplify firmware deployment and testing
     

These features make OpenOCD essential for low-level debugging and embedded firmware development.