# GDB (GNU Debugger) Reviews **Vendor:** Free Software Foundation **Category:** [Bug Tracking Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/bug-tracking) **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 16 ## About GDB (GNU Debugger) GDB, the GNU Project debugger, allows you to see what is going on `inside' another program while it executes -- or what another program was doing at the moment it crashed. ## GDB (GNU Debugger) Reviews ### 1. GDB and its utility **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** bismeet m. | Business Technology Analyst, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 10, 2022 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** It allows you to step through line by line. It works on many Unix-like systems and works for a wide variety of languages. **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** much better debuggers , or atleast frontend interfaces exist, although a lot of them improve upon gdb in any ways **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** Ides have much better debugging capabilities now than the old horse. **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** Helps to find bugs in code and solve them by setting breakpoints appropriately ### 2. Quick debugger tool **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Wireless | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 20, 2022 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** It is very useful for debugging with proper pointing to where is bug. **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Nothing much to dislike about this tool only that it could have more functionalities. **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am using this tool for my software development activity and It us really useful for us. ### 3. GNU Project Debugger. **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Manuel P. | PC software, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2021 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Specify system problems and fix application performance, compatible with C ++ and Pascal. Debug and dump on different platforms available. **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Debugging in Kernel and different Linux distributions is difficult. **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** N/A **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** Correction and evaluate the famous NULL, identify BFG. ### 4. Best debugger and IDE **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 24, 2021 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** It is one of the best IDE available and very optimized to run high memory programs. It is platform independent and work on all OS. Free to use. **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** GDB cannot be used to fix programs that compile with errors. **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use GDB to write fragments of big program individually in a team, then we combine all snippets to make final and bigger product. Its simple and intuitive interface helps us understand source code easily. ### 5. End of search for debugger **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 10, 2021 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** GDB can do wonder like it can, At the onset of program, specifying something that could have an effect on its behavior. Make our code stop at specific condition and many more **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** GUI is not so appealing but it does not make it less useful. **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** Wring long snippets of code in GDB to form a bigger product. ### 6. REGARDLESS OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE PLATFORM **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 07, 2021 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** IT CAN DEBUG IN MULTIPLE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE PLATFORM **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** IT CAN BE OPERATED IN UNIX OPERATING SYSTEM ONLY **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** IT IS A GREAT DEBUGGING TOOL BASED ON MULTI PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE INTERFACING **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** SIMULTANEOUSLY DEBUGGED C++ AND JAVA PROGRAMMING INTERFACE ### 7. A Developer's (almost) best friend **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Semiconductors | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 01, 2020 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Breaking at a function (break points) Check the call stack of a function (backtrace) Put a read/write watchpoint for a variable/object (memory corruption) Dumping memory **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Live display of code (l command) , there is still inconsistency with the line and variables. TUI extensions help though. Watchpoints make the code execution extremely slow. Can't even think about putting a watch point while kernel debug. Kernel debugging with GDB (kgdb) is tedious and needs a lot of setup efforts. Also has lack of support here. **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** - It's one of the best debuggers available. Very powerful and handy. - It's available for wide range of platforms and architectures. - Do spend some time with it initially, its worth every penny. - If you are not comfortable with non-gui interface try ugdb/gdbtui etc **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** Day to day programming bugs, crashes, NULL pointers related errors. I also use GDB to print variables (instead of adding prints and recompiling) and inspect the stack. I also enjoy tracking a unknown code with backtrace, the call stack dump helps me to understand the code flow faster. ### 8. What is GNU Debugger **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Hospitality | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 24, 2020 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** GNU Debugger, which is also called gdb, is the most popular debugger for UNIX systems to debug C and C++ programs. GNU Debugger helps you in getting information about the following: If a core dump happened, then what statement or expression did the program crash on? If an error occurs while executing a function, what line of the program contains the call to that function, and what are the parameters? What are the values of program variables at a particular point during execution of the program? What is the result of a particular expression in a program? GDB allows you to run the program up to a certain point, then stop and print out the values of certain variables at that point, or step through the program one line at a time and print out the values of each variable after executing each line. GDB uses a simple command line interface **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Even though GDB can help you in finding out memory leakage related bugs, but it is not a tool to detect memory leakages. GDB cannot be used for programs that compile with errors and it does not help in fixing those errors. **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** its a great source of debugging. **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** Benefits: GDB allows you to run the program up to a certain point, then stop and print out the values of certain variables at that point, or step through the program one line at a time and print out the values of each variable after executing each line. GDB uses a simple command line interface Problems: Even though GDB can help you in finding out memory leakage related bugs, but it is not a tool to detect memory leakages. GDB cannot be used for programs that compile with errors and it does not help in fixing those errors. ### 9. The best remote mode debugger. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Bill C. | Group Operations Manager, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 24, 2020 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** I should start my comment saying how much I like the debugger in "distance" mode and it communicates with the Stub and while I have the program on one machine, another is being debugged. For an old bantante program it is very well created. And if it is used to debug Linux the feeling is very good with GDB the program is very easy to use when you know the commands #include #include #include **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** As I mentioned in the first comment, the program is very useful for GDB debugging and for Linux and hakers I have not seen anything better in terms of programming but I feel that it has fallen a little behind with respect to time and should renew **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** If you want to achieve good debugging in your machines integrated with Linux, I recommend GDB (GNU Debugger) with all the security in the world since it is the best and quite economical and easy to use and integrate the commands you want as long as you have knowledge **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** It helps us a lot when creating and debugging various computers in Distance Mode, which is one of the GDB (GNU Debugger) functions that I and our company like too much. We use the Linux compiler a lot to include more information in our debugging. ### 10. Open source debugger **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mervin M. | Embedded Specialist, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 30, 2020 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** One of the best thing is licence free, sw debugger, no additional hw or license is needed. Easy to use, man is there to help **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** No much graphical interface, so while started using, it will be harder. Usage of breakpoints is not that much impressive **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** It's free of cost. So make use of it and learn. **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** Software logical problems can be resolved by debugging the sw. We can use the GDB to identify is sw logical issue or hw problems. It helps us to understand the code logic and walkthrough ### 11. GDB is exelent tool **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dragan C. | Embedded Software Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 26, 2020 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Flexibility, easy to use on any platform, fast. **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** The exiting should be on one click, multitasking debug **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** Usually bug debugging on unit test on host or embedded code on target. ### 12. There is a large learning curve, but it is worth the investment **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Collin B. | Cyberneticist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 11, 2019 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** GDB is essential to a hacker. It works for many languages. It also allows a user to connect via network sockets so GUI applications can be debugged. Also, because the tool is so old, it has a lot of shortcuts, hotkeys, and tricks to learn, meaning that its power grows as you learn it better. **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** The tool is a bit arcane. It is a tool that was built for the era of unix hacking, not for the era of web development. The documentation reflects its age by being a bit crusty looking. I personally know that old tools are well worn and well formed tools, but the neophyte in me is always looking for a new (and probably worse) technology. **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** It is a classic tool that is worth learning. **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** I use GDB primarily when I write C and C++ code. In the majority of cases, I use it to print a backtrace when I hit a fatal error like a segfault. ### 13. GDB for debugging on linux and core dump analysis **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Services | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 16, 2019 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** GDB help user to debug the program on linux platform.GDB can used for core dump analysis also.We can use core file to debug the application after the crash.User must enable the creation of core file using ulimit.Multi thread application can also debugged using gdb.User can select the thread todubug using "thread" command in the gdb.using thread command we can switch to thread by specifying thread number.Info comamnd can be used to find the number of thread and thread number for each thread.When crash occur we can check the back trace using "bt" command.Value of variable can also printed using print command..Core dump analysis is the one of the useful thing a developer can perfrom to find real reason of crash.Core file can be used to find the core dump analysis.use need to enable corefile using ulimit command. **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Debugging using gdb will slow the program execution.Since high performance issues can not debugged using gdb.Since program execution slowed down user can not get any idea about high performance issue Addrres sanitizer flag must be used while compiling otherwise memory corruption issue can not be identified using gdb.. **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** gdb help to debug without using printf .Use can check any value of variable while debugging using print command o riser can examine the memory content using x .Conditional break can be used within the gdb it is very help full.Using gdbserver user can debug remote target aso **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** Using gdb we can identify the crash issue.Core dump analysis is very helpful after program crashed .Core file can be used to identify the actual issue of crash. ### 14. Best debugger for C and C++ **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 10, 2019 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** I love how portable this debugger is. Once you find your way around the common debugging commands, you can easily debug from the command line and examine memory. **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** There is a learning curve for picking up this debugger effectively. The 'print' command is your friend. **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** I have used GDB for debugging school projects in C and C++. I have been able to step through code effectively and work out synchronization issues for multithreaded applications. ### 15. Debugging tool for .exe file **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Automotive | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 01, 2019 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Best part of Gnu debugger is Very use to use and trace the fault within small time. Code dumped and unexpected behavior you can get to know easily. Break point, display and read command enhance its features. **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Taking little more time to execute the larger .exe file Highlight option is not there. **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** Good for .C and .Cpp file to debug. **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** C and c++ code to debugging is very easy and easy to find the segmentation fault or code dumped. ### 16. GDB **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chitvan G. | Assistant Professor, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 18, 2019 **What do you like best about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Perfect debugger for all developers ... way to make your software qualified **What do you dislike about GDB (GNU Debugger)?** Need to learn about tool before using but still easy **Recommendations to others considering GDB (GNU Debugger):** Useful must use it **What problems is GDB (GNU Debugger) solving and how is that benefiting you?** Testing ## GDB (GNU Debugger) Discussions - [What is GNU Debugger in Linux?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-gnu-debugger-in-linux) - [Is GDB a good debugger?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-gdb-a-good-debugger) - [What is GNU project debugger?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-gnu-project-debugger) - [What is GDB debugging tool?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-gdb-debugging-tool) - [How to check back trace when gdb shows crash on libs(glibc)?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-check-back-trace-when-gdb-shows-crash-on-libs-glibc) - 1 upvote - [View GDB (GNU Debugger) pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/gdb-gnu-debugger/reviews?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-05-16+04%3A13%3A03+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=e05f27f2-b4f6-44f0-9fa0-c081d1caf331&secure%5Btoken%5D=8298546db6cff618a424a4cacd4dd6508ac8fa6d13f41ee246e89cbc9da03451&format=llm_user) ## GDB (GNU Debugger) Features **Bug Reporting** - User Reports & Feedback - Tester Reports & Feedback - Team Reports & Comments **Bug Monitoring** - Analytics - Bug History - Data Retention **Agentic AI - Bug Tracking** - Adaptive Learning - Natural Language Interaction - Proactive Assistance ## Top GDB (GNU Debugger) Alternatives - [Jira](https://www.g2.com/products/jira/reviews) - 4.3/5.0 (7,433 reviews) - [GitLab](https://www.g2.com/products/gitlab/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (874 reviews) - [GitHub](https://www.g2.com/products/github/reviews) - 4.7/5.0 (2,279 reviews)