11.4 Software Debugging on the Host
11.4.1 Host System Debugging – a Broad Overview
The main components of a modern host-based IDE are fourfold, as in Figure 11.21:
- GUI
- Development toolchain (the set of programming tools: editor, compiler, linker, locator, and disassembler)
- Debugger
- Emulator or simulator of chips and/or boards:
Figure 11.21: General-purpose host-based IDE
The GUI is a key part of the environment, enabling the user to access all the IDE features of the development toolchain, debugger, and emulator or simulator. Debuggers may be included within the toolchain (the usual practice with commercial tools), though, in some cases, they come as an add-on piece. Modern debuggers are quite powerful, having comprehensive control and monitoring of the software during debug sessions. Breakpoint settings can be extended well beyond the basic methods shown earlier. Conditional breakpoints can be incorporated, triggered by:
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