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?