Integrated Debugger
An integrated debugger is a software tool embedded within an integrated development environment (IDE) or code editor that allows developers to inspect, control, and analyze the execution of their programs in real-time. It provides features like setting breakpoints, stepping through code line-by-line, examining variable values, and evaluating expressions during runtime to identify and fix bugs efficiently. This tool is essential for debugging complex applications by offering a seamless workflow without switching between separate applications.
Developers should learn and use an integrated debugger when building, testing, or maintaining software to quickly diagnose issues, understand program flow, and improve code quality. It is particularly valuable in scenarios involving complex logic, multi-threaded applications, or integration with external systems, as it reduces debugging time and enhances productivity by providing immediate feedback within the development environment. For example, in web development with frameworks like React or backend services in Python, it helps trace errors from user interfaces to server-side code.