Debugger

What Does Debugger Mean?

A debugger is a software program used to test and find bugs (errors) in other programs.

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A debugger is also known as a debugging tool.

Techopedia Explains Debugger

A debugger is a computer program used by programmers to test and debug a target program. Debuggers may use instruction-set simulators, rather than running a program directly on the processor to achieve a higher level of control over its execution. This allows debuggers to stop or halt the program according to specific conditions. However, use of simulators decreases execution speed.

When a program crashes, debuggers show the position of the error in the target program. Most debuggers also are capable of running programs in a step-by-step mode, besides stopping on specific points. They also can often modify the state of programs while they are running.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…