- Programming tools often contain a debugging feature.ANSI image by DBX60 from Fotolia.com
Computer debugging tools are used by professional users to figure out why a computer program or an operating system has crashed. Program designers usually use debugger tools to sort out conflicts between their programs and Microsoft operating systems. Microsoft offers five debugging tools for Windows x64 systems --- all of them free except for Microsoft Visual Studio Debugger. - Microsoft Console Debugger (CDB) offers a low level analysis of Windows memory, which is useful for resolving memory conflicts between two different computer applications. If a particular program has crashed, CDB can be used to investigate which parameters of the program caused the crash. Some programmers use Microsoft Console Debugger to scan disassembled machine code for errors. CBD can read and write both paged (memory currently used by programs) and non-paged (free memory not utilized) memory.
- Microsoft NT Symbolic Debugger (NTSD) offers the exact same debugging features to CDB, except for the fact that NTSD opens up in a new window with a Windows interface instead of DOS. CDB runs from the Command Prompt. One advantage of NTSD is that it comes standard in the system32 directory of Windows x64 operating systems, as opposed to Microsoft Console Debugger which must be downloaded.
- Kernels are compilations of code that govern the relationship between hardware and software components. Programmers use Kernel Debugger (KD) to develop device drivers which will bridge the gap between hardware, such as a modem or graphics card, and the Windows operating system. The KD may be used to address more serious operating system programs like blue screens. Blue screens pop up after a critical system error, after which point the computer must be restarted.
- Windows Debugger (WinDbg) combines Kernel Debugger and NTSD with a friendly user interface. WinDbg features two modes. The program can be used to debug kernels or may be utilized to debug regular program errors.
- Microsoft Visual Studio Debugger (MVSB) is a popular choice for web designers, code editors, and software creators. This debugging tool comes with Microsoft Visual Studio, a development application that aids users in the creation of web applications, websites, and other types of software. MVSB offers support for most programming languages and a user-friendly graphical interface that is simple to use. MVSB can offer suggestions to help developers find and avoid programming errors. Users will still have to use WinDbg or Kernel Debugger if they are working on kernel code.
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