Visual debugging using gdbgui

The article introduces gdbgui, a browser-based debugging tool built on top of gdb, which enhances the debugging experience for compiled languages like C, C++, Go, and Rust by providing a visual interface. Unlike gdb, gdbgui allows developers to add breakpoints, view stack traces, and modify context and parameter values directly in a web browser, facilitating easier navigation and debugging. It utilizes WebSockets for communication between the browser and backend, creating a seamless connection for real-time debugging. Installation of gdbgui is recommended through pipx for an isolated environment to avoid version conflicts, and the tool offers features such as memory address hyperlinks, variable tracking over time, and a customizable interface with options to adjust themes and command visibility. The guide emphasizes gdbgui’s utility for developers who lack access to a full IDE debugger, providing a quick way to set up a visual debugging interface across various programming languages, although some configuration adjustments might be needed for languages other than C.