ShakuraThe art of debugging can be complex — it’s no secret that bugs can wreak havoc on an otherwise lovely bit of code. Luckily, there are several tools that can make debugging easier. Some debuggers allow you to set breakpoints so that your program stops at certain points, letting you peek and poke around and see what’s happening.
Others allow you to record actions and play them back later, which is helpful if you want to test out the steps you took when the bug occurred. One tool even lets you create a virtual machine instance of your program to test it in a safe environment.
The point is that there are plenty of options out there for any taste or preference, so feel free to try out these tools and see which one works best for your project!
In this article on best debugging tools, let’s discuss what is online debugging, the steps involved, and the 20 best debugging tools in 2022. Let’s dive in!
What is Online Debugging?
Online debugging is a unique feature that allows developers and testers to test and debug required components or websites directly using different browsers in real time. It allows you to closely test and evaluate key components online using different browser combinations.
The web landscape is highly fragmented into a wide variety of device-browser combinations. Every browser contains its most recent and older versions, increasing complexity. This means that creating web applications that offer a quality user experience on all devices will be a big task for developers or teams.
This problem can be solved by developers or teams using a cloud-hosted real device cloud that is hosted by any cloud-based testing platform.
Developers that use cloud platforms for testing also have access to DevTools to examine particular web page elements on actual devices. Debugging HTML, CSS, and JavaScript on the target devices is now easy and practical.
Testing and debugging online websites becomes simple as developers and QAs access the proper test infrastructure. Teams can produce robust web applications considerably faster by testing under real user settings.
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Why is Online Debugging Required?
Software developers and engineers use debugging to find and correct program bugs before making them available to the users. It’s an additional step to testing, which entails discovering how a mistake affects a program. Here are some benefits of using online debugging for your application or website:
Streamlines the software development process, which means that you are producing high-quality products for your customers.
It helps to identify potential issues and errors immediately so that these can be fixed before the changes are pushed to the production environment.
It helps to understand and evaluate the overall quality of the built systems.
It allows different teams to identify areas that need improvements. The modules or functionalities that had issues can be tested more thoroughly.
It ensures that the quality of the application or website remains great from a delivery perspective.
Steps Involved in Debugging
The following steps are involved when you are performing debugging:
Identify the error: It is important to identify the actual error so that you can save time and effort.
Identify the Error Location: After the error is identified, you need to evaluate the exact error location where the error is located.
Analyze the Error: After identifying the error and its exact location, you should take time to evaluate the error details. You can check the existing application or website and see if the existing error will not impact the overall system functionality.
Fix and Validate: The final stage is to fix the errors and validate the system functionality.
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Best Debugging Tools for 2022
Let us understand the best debugging tools for the year 2022 that offer unique features. This will help you to decide which tool is the right choice for you based on your budget and project requirements:
Here are the best debugging tools that are used by different brands all around the globe:
1. LT Debug from LambdaTest
LambdaTest is a leading cross browser testing platform that has changed the way organizations define their testing strategies. This is where LT Debug has added a new dimension to your debugging needs.
It is a simple and free developer tool that simplifies the process of debugging. The installation of LT Debug is easier than you can think. You need to navigate to the LT Debug Chrome Extension page and add the required Chrome extension, which means that you are all set to use the required feature without too many hassles.
Here are some reasons why LT Debug from LambdaTest is one of the best debugging tools available:
Add, remove, or modify the header, be it a request or a response header. This allows you to test the header details easily.
Block HTTP requests based on the specific URL filter conditions.
You can perform network throttling, effectively managing the network speed for every request.
Add or remove query parameters.
Use the redirect request tool when you wish to configure a URL to redirect them to your preferred web URL.
Switch between different user-agent strings in a faster manner.
Simulate the web page experience as soon as you inject the CSS or JS script on your own in the console.
If you want to perform cross-domain Ajax requests in websites rapidly and web apps, just add the (Access-Control-Allow-Origin: *) rule to your response header.
Content security policy to remove the content security policy header on any website/web page of your choice.
There are no major disadvantages of using this LT Debug, as per the customers using this functionality.
The below video shows how you can use developer tools provided by LambdaTest to debug mobile browsers:
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2. Airbrake
Airbrake is a cloud-based error and bug reporting solution that suits small and midsize business requirements. It is a developer-centric tool that integrates with your favorite apps as well. You can install this tool in minutes in any of the languages that clearly show how easily you can set it up.
It allows an effortless error monitoring mechanism where you can easily identify all your project errors that are grouped for easy classification. There are flexible pricing options available — Monthly or Yearly based on your requirements.
Here are some reasons Airbrake is one of the best debugging tools available:
Real-time error alerts.
You can discover errors right down to the lines of code.
Easier installation.
Low maintenance.
3. Chrome DevTools
Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers worldwide. The Google Chrome Developer tools, also known as Chrome DevTools, are web authoring and debugging tools built into the browser. You can do a lot of different functions right, from testing a viewport on a mobile device or even testing the performance of an entire website or individual component.
Here are some reasons Chrome DevTools is one of the best debugging tools available:
The user interface is simple and easy to navigate.
Detailed and highly comprehensive technical documentation to guide its users.
You can test cutting-edge web platform APIs.
Regular updates are published every week.
4. dbForge SQL Tools
dbForge SQL tools provide a comprehensive toolkit that allows users with different features, including:
Version controlling of databases.
Compare different schemas and data requirements.
Optimize the performance of your database.
Generate test data seamlessly into the integrated environment.
You can easily retrieve the required information from different databases when it contains a lot of details. There are two versions — Free and Advanced which users can opt for based on their requirements.
Here are some reasons dbForge SQL tools are one of the best debugging tools available:
Easily integrated with SQL Server.
Color indicators for different environments so that you know your environment settings.
5. ReSharper
ReSharper is a well-known productivity and debugging tool used as an extension to Visual Studio. Both individual .NET developers and teams rely on ReSharper to write and maintain code that is more manageable and enjoyable code, adopt the best coding practices, and deliver higher quality applications faster. There is a separate pricing model followed for businesses and organizations as well as individual customers. The startup projects can use this tool at discounted prices as well.
Here are some reasons why ReSharper is one of the best debugging tools available:
Provides debugging assistance to its users.
Provides a powerful unit test runner.
Provides support for different code templates.
6. Memfault
Memfault is a cloud-based platform that allows device monitoring, debugging, and updating that helps to streamline software development. The teams can identify and fix bugs before they are noticed by the end-users. It helps companies build IoT products across different industries, such as smart homes, industrial automation, healthcare, etc. Memfault is modular and can work with Android or any real-time operating system.
Here are some reasons why Memfault is one of the best debugging tools available:
Investigate issues remotely.
Updates are rolled out for devices without disrupting the customer functionalities.
You can continuously monitor devices.
Bug fixes are done quickly to ensure customer requirements are met.
7. GDB
GDB, GNU project debugger, is an open-source debugging tool for UNIX systems and many programming languages like C, C++, etc. It allows you to perform different tasks using the command line interface. The user can easily monitor different values of internal variables related to the program and can even call functions independently. GDB provides a feature of remote debugging where remote mode is used for debugging.
Here are some reasons why GDB is one of the best debugging tools available:
There are no costs applicable in setting up the tool.
It can work with other debugging tools, such as memory leak detectors.
8. Progress Telerik Fiddler
It is all about providing a straightforward holistic debugging and troubleshooting approach. This is what can be achieved using Fiddler, which helps to deliver quality outcomes solving the user’s pain points in the long run. This tool can help to debug web applications by capturing the network traffic between the internet and test systems. You can easily monitor incoming and outgoing data to monitor requests and responses.
A free trial of any Fiddler products gives you a fully functional version of the required software, data privacy protection, an easy upgrade to the licensed version, and complete access to the documentation.
Here are some reasons why Progress Telerik Fiddler is one of the best debugging tools available:
A lot of useful features for the end users.
Simple user interface.
Debug the APIs with utmost ease and perfection.
You can save session details when debugging a major issue.
9. SonarLint
SonarLint is an IDE extension that ensures that your coding is clean and best-notch regarding quality. It helps you find and fix bugs and security-related issues from the moment you start with coding. It is similar to a spell checker where the issues are highlighted so that they can be fixed before the code commits. There is another tool known as SonarQube, but SonarLint is preferred as it offers instant feedback.
Here are some reasons why SonarLint is one of the best debugging tools available:
You can get real-time feedback that helps you detect common mistakes and tricky issues.
It can be easily integrated with the existing IDE workflow, so you can easily manage the project requirements.
You can create unified team rules for better collaboration.
10. IBM Rational Software Analyzer
IBM Rational Software Analyzer is a software analysis tool that allows you to review code and identify bugs. It helps to enforce code quality early during the software development process. There is always an advantage when you identify and close defects before the software is delivered. This tool is built on an extensible framework and provides seamless integration with third-party tools.
Here are some reasons why IBM Rational Software Analyzer is one of the best debugging tools available:
Developers can focus more on coding and product development.
It is useful in the domains where the cost of software defects and rework is high.
Code fixes are done during the early stages.
Best notch product delivery to customers.
11. Sourcery CodeBench
CodeBench is developed by Mentor Graphics and is now owned by Siemens. It delivers a complete toolset allowing the software professionals to develop and optimize the software for various targets and domains such as Automotive, Video Applications, Connectivity, and Graphics. It is way beyond a compiler where you can build and debug systems designed using different architecture requirements.
Here are some reasons why Sourcery CodeBench is one of the best debugging tools available:
You can perform hardware debugging on remote targets.
Quickly identify performance issues.
It helps you with advanced insights and analysis for evaluating the system behavior.
12. Xpediter
BMC Compuware Xpediter is a debugging and interactive analysis tool for COBOL, Assembler, PL/I, and C programs that allow the developers to understand the code requirements quickly, make the required changes, and fix the problems in a secure setup. Once the code requirements are executed, you can view the data and results of the executed code line by line.
Here are some reasons why Xpediter is one of the best debugging tools available:
You can control all the aspects of the program execution and data requirements.
You can view the graphical view of the source code.
You can set up an interactive test session with minimal hassles.
You can improve the code quality and key performance metrics in the long run.
13. Siemens Questa
The Siemens Questa is part of the Questa verification solution. It is a simulation and debugging engine that helps reduce the risks when it comes to validating complex FPGA and SoC designs. The industry-leading performance is achieved using simulation optimization and global compile algorithms.
Here are some reasons why Siemens Questa is one of the best debugging tools available:
High performance and capacity.
Code analysis is done early during the design stage.
Helps to manage teams and deliver exceptional results effectively.
It automates the verification and debugging processes.
14. IDA Pro
IDA Pro, one of the best debugging tools, has the ability to create maps of their execution (assembly language) in order to display the binary instructions that the processor really carries out in a symbolic representation. To generate assembly language source code from machine executable code and make this complex code more legible, advanced techniques have been incorporated into IDA Pro.
Here are some reasons why IDA Pro is one of the best debugging tools available:
The dynamic analysis is an addition to IDA’s debugging feature.
It is capable of handling remote applications and offers a variety of debugging targets.
Instant debugging, connection to both local and distant processes, compatibility for 64-bit systems, and new connection possibilities are all made possible by its cross-platform debugging capability.
15. Rookout
Rookout allows engineers to solve customer issues at a 5x pace. It makes debugging easy and accessible in any environment, from cloud-native to on-premises and from development to production. You can handle the complexities with utmost ease. You can also capture live debugging data across your tech stack.
Here are some reasons why Rookout is one of the best debugging tools available:
You can debug complex flows with ease.
It is built for hybrid cloud architectures and large-scale deployments, so complex infrastructure requirements can be well understood and maintained.
You can get real-time data without testing your application.
There are no costs involved in setting up the requirements.
16. SmartBear AQTime Pro
AQTime Pro from SmartBear is a debugger that uses complex memory and performance information. It transforms into actionable insights so developers can easily find bugs and evaluate their root causes. AQTime Pro has allowed 1000s of developers across different domains to deliver best-notch software quality, which means that your code quality is not compromised at any cost.
Here are some reasons why AQTime Pro is one of the best debugging tools available:
You can detect memory leaks, performance issues, and code coverage gaps
Provides support with C/C++, .Net, Java, and more
It helps to create valuable insights that have great business value in the long run.
17. DevPartner
DevPartner is a set of software development and testing tools developed by NuMega, which is acquired by Micro Focus. There are two different versions — One is for .Net applications, and another one is for Java applications. The DevPartner Studio is a suite of tools that allows developers to manage the code requirements effectively.
Here are some reasons why DevPartner is one of the best debugging tools available:
Detection of memory leaks.
Performance analysis.
Error and deadlock detection.
Memory profiling and optimization.
18. PlatformIO
The PlatformIO is supported by PlatformIO labs and is a collaborative platform for embedded development. This allows developers and global teams to develop projects in their favorite environments and compile the same code using different development platforms.
Here are some reasons why PlatformIO is one of the best debugging tools available:
PlatformIO is not dependent on additional libraries or tools, which means that you can easily execute your code requirements.
Provides a cross-platform source code editor.
You can easily manage multiple projects workflow with easy navigation
Built-in support for PlatformIO Core CLI
19. Bugfender
Bugfender is a cloud-hosted remote logging tool that helps you to identify bugs before your end users do. You can easily access any user’s mobile or web application logs in real time. Bugfender offers a free account for new users and is available across three pricing tiers, so flexibility is provided, which is great for an end user.
Here are some reasons Bugfender is one of the best debugging tools available:
Faster bug fixes.
You can quickly see the logs on the server side, which helps you find the root cause.
There have been significant improvements in performance and UI over the past few years.
Allows seamless integration with different apps.
20. Honeycomb.io
Honeycomb.io is an excellent option for Enterprises and computer software industries trying to understand and debug production software. It works on fast analysis, where you can evaluate user expectations in complex and unpredictable environments. You can find patterns and insights very quickly so that you can solve problems without too many hassles.
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Here are some of the reasons why Honeycomb.io is one of the best debugging tools available:
Use Service Level Objectives (SLO) to evaluate user experiences that are not very pleasant. This allows you to debug those issues impacting the end-user experience adversely.
You can have high-performing teams as they can safely identify potential issues and eliminate them.
You can provide great experiences to customers using products in the long run.
You can release features much faster and meet stipulated timelines.
Wrap UP
We discussed the best debugging tools that are making an impact in the year 2022. There are a host of different options available in the market that you can choose from. The debugging tools contain many features, from reporting and third-party integrations to interactive dashboards. But you must evaluate the following factors before making your final choice:
Pricing.
Complex business and project requirements.
Ease of usage.
Features and capabilities offered.
It is all about making decisions based on what you are looking for. But if you have to prefer one tool, which is a complete package for pricing and overall functionalities, then LT Debug from LambdaTest is a clear favorite. LambdaTest has changed the entire dynamics regarding smart testing and debugging. There are other great tools, but LT Debug has ensured that debugging the required component is seamless without too many hassles.
