Command Line Debuggers vs IntelliJ Debugger

Developers should learn command line debuggers when working in environments without graphical IDEs, such as remote servers, embedded systems, or for automation in scripts meets developers should use the intellij debugger when building applications in java, kotlin, or other jvm languages within intellij idea, as it streamlines the debugging process with features like smart step-into, inline variable values, and expression evaluation. Here's our take.

Command Line Debuggers

Nice Pick

Developers should learn command line debuggers when working in environments without graphical IDEs, such as remote servers, embedded systems, or for automation in scripts

Pros

• They are essential for debugging low-level code, system utilities, or performance-critical applications where fine-grained control is needed, and they offer advantages in resource-constrained or headless setups compared to GUI-based alternatives
• Related to: gdb, lldb

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

IntelliJ Debugger

Developers should use the IntelliJ Debugger when building applications in Java, Kotlin, or other JVM languages within IntelliJ IDEA, as it streamlines the debugging process with features like smart step-into, inline variable values, and expression evaluation

Pros

• It is particularly useful for complex enterprise applications, multi-threaded programs, and integration with build tools like Maven or Gradle, where traditional print statements are insufficient for diagnosing issues
• Related to: intellij-idea, java

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Command Line Debuggers if: You want they are essential for debugging low-level code, system utilities, or performance-critical applications where fine-grained control is needed, and they offer advantages in resource-constrained or headless setups compared to gui-based alternatives and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use IntelliJ Debugger if: You prioritize it is particularly useful for complex enterprise applications, multi-threaded programs, and integration with build tools like maven or gradle, where traditional print statements are insufficient for diagnosing issues over what Command Line Debuggers offers.

The Bottom Line

Command Line Debuggers wins

Developers should learn command line debuggers when working in environments without graphical IDEs, such as remote servers, embedded systems, or for automation in scripts