When we write python programs, we might run into inadvertent errors. In such cases, we need to debug the programs to make sure they execute correctly. This article discusses some of the best python debugging tools for different IDEs in 2023.

In this article, we will discuss the following python debugging tools that you can use to debug python programs.

• PyCharm
• PDB
• Pyshield
• PySnooper
• Pyringe
• PyDev
• Komodo
• Jupyter Visual Debugger
• Visual Studio Code

PyCharm

PyCharm is a very popular and capable integrated development environment (IDE) for Python. It also includes powerful debugging tools. If you write python programs in PyCharm, you can also use it as a debugging tool.

PyCharm provides the following features due to which it is one of the best debugging tools for python programs.

1. Built-in debugging tools: PyCharm comes with a built-in debugger that allows you to step through your code line by line, set breakpoints, inspect variables, and evaluate expressions. The debugger is fully integrated with the IDE, so you can use it to debug code directly from the PyCharm interface.
2. Ease of use: PyCharm’s debugging tools are designed to be easy to use, even for beginners. You can set breakpoints with just a few clicks, and the debugger provides a clear, intuitive interface for stepping through your code.
3. Advanced features: PyCharm includes advanced debugging features like conditional breakpoints.  This allows you to pause execution when a certain condition is met. PyCharm also allows remote debugging which allows you to debug code running on a remote server.
4. Integration with other PyCharm tools: PyCharm’s debugging tools are fully integrated with other features of the IDE, such as the code editor and version control system. This makes it easy to debug complex programs and collaborate with other developers.

Overall, PyCharm is a great choice for debugging Python programs due to its powerful built-in tools, ease of use, and advanced features.

PDB

PDB stands for “Python Debugger”. This is a debugging tool built into the Python programming language that allows developers to step through their code line by line to find and fix errors or bugs. It is similar to other debugging tools found in other programming languages.

• PDB allows you to set breakpoints, inspect variables and data structures, and execute code step by step. You can also use PDB to investigate the state of your program at any point during its execution.
• PDB can be used in several ways. You can launch the Python interpreter with the -m pdb command-line option to run PDB. Alternatively, you can run PDB by importing the pdb module and calling its functions directly within a python script.
• Using PDB can be a powerful way to find and fix errors in your code, but it requires some knowledge of the debugger’s commands and functionality. Some of the most commonly used PDB commands include break, continue, next, step, print, and quit.

Pyshield

Pyshield is a Python IDE that comes with a built-in powerful debugger just like PyCharm. It has the following features due to which it is one of the best python debugging tools.

1. User-friendly interface: Pyshield’s debugger is designed with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect variables.
2. Real-time debugging: Pyshield’s debugger allows you to debug your code in real-time. This makes it easier to identify and fix errors as they occur.
3. Advanced debugging features: Pyshield’s debugger includes advanced features like conditional breakpoints. This allows you to pause execution when a certain condition is met. You can also use the watchpoints which allow you to monitor changes to a particular variable.
4. Integration with other Pyshield tools: Pyshield’s debugger is fully integrated with other features of the IDE, such as the code editor and version control system. This makes it easy to debug complex programs and collaborate with other developers.
5. Compatibility: Pyshield supports both Python 2.x and 3.x, making it a flexible tool for developers who work with both versions of Python.

PySnooper

Pysnooper is a Python debugging tool that provides a unique and powerful way to understand the behavior of your code. 

Here are some reasons why you should use pysnooper as a debugger:

1. Visualize code execution: Pysnooper allows you to see the values of variables and expressions at every step of the program’s execution, making it easy to understand how your code is working.
2. Reduce debugging time: By providing detailed information about how your code is executing, pysnooper can help you pinpoint bugs more quickly and reduce the time it takes to fix them.
3. Easy to use: Pysnooper is easy to use and can be added to your code with just a few lines of code. You can also customize the output to suit your needs.
4. Supports multiple outputs: Pysnooper can output debugging information to the console, a log file, or a web page. This makes it easy to share the information with others.
5. Useful for complex code: Pysnooper is particularly useful for debugging complex code or code that is difficult to understand. By providing detailed information about how your code is executing, pysnooper can help you understand what is happening at each step of the way.

Pyringe

Pyringe is a Python library that provides a way to interact with running Python processes and perform low-level debugging tasks, such as code injection and memory inspection.

Pyringe is typically used for debugging and analyzing Python applications that are running in production environments. It allows developers to attach to a running Python process, inspect its memory, modify its state, and inject new code. This can be useful for diagnosing and fixing issues that are difficult to reproduce in a test environment.

Following are some of the key features of Pyringe:

• Code Injection: Pyringe allows developers to inject code into a running Python process. This can be useful for testing or diagnosing issues.
• Memory Inspection: Pyringe provides a way to inspect the memory of a running Python process, including the values of variables and the call stack.
• Debugging: Pyringe allows developers to attach a debugger to a running Python process, set breakpoints, and step through code.
• Compatibility: Pyringe is compatible with both Python 2 and Python 3, and can be used on a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Pyringe allows you to debug issues in real-time, while the application is running. This can be especially useful for diagnosing and fixing issues that are difficult to reproduce in a test environment. Pyringe provides a way to attach to a running Python process, inspect its memory, modify its state, and inject new code. This can help you identify and fix issues more quickly, without having to stop and restart the application.

Pyringe also provides a more low-level view of the Python process than other debugging tools like PyCharm. Pyringe allows you to inspect the memory of the process, including the values of variables and the call stack. This can be especially useful for diagnosing memory-related issues, such as memory leaks or buffer overflows.

PyDev

PyDev is a plugin for the Eclipse Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that provides support for developing Python code. PyDev provides a range of features for Python development, including syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging, and integrated unit testing. PyDev provides a powerful debugger for Python code that makes it easier to identify and fix issues in your code. The PyDev debugger is integrated with the Eclipse IDE, providing a range of features that can help you debug your Python code more efficiently.

• PyDev provides a range of debugging tools that can help you identify and fix issues in your code more quickly. The PyDev debugger allows you to set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect variables and objects as your code is executing. This can help you identify issues with your code more quickly and fix them before they become more serious.
• PyDev also provides integration with other Eclipse features, such as the PyDev unit testing framework. This allows you to write and run unit tests for your Python code within the Eclipse environment, making it easier to test your code as you develop it.
• PyDev is a free and open-source tool. This makes it an attractive option for developers who are looking for a powerful debugger without having to pay for expensive commercial tools. 
• PyDev is actively maintained and has a large user community. This means that there is plenty of support and documentation available to help you get started with using PyDev as a debugger.

Suggested Reading: How NetFlix is Using Python?

Komodo: A Cross-Platform Python Debugging Tool

Komodo is a cross-platform integrated development environment (IDE) for several programming languages including Python. It provides a range of features for developing, debugging, and testing Python code, making it a popular choice among Python developers.

Komodo provides a range of powerful features that make it a great choice as a debugger for Python code. Here are some reasons why you might choose to use Komodo as a debugger:

1. Powerful debugging tools: Komodo’s debugger provides a range of tools for identifying and fixing issues in your Python code. You can set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect variables and objects to get a better understanding of how your code is executing.
2. Cross-platform support: Komodo is a cross-platform IDE, which means you can use it on Windows, Mac, or Linux. This makes it a great choice for developers who work on multiple platforms.
3. Integration with other tools: Komodo integrates with a range of other tools, including version control systems and virtual environments. This makes it easier to manage your development environment and collaborate with other developers.
4. Code profiling: Komodo includes a code profiler that allows you to measure the performance of your Python code and identify bottlenecks. This can help you optimize your code for faster execution.
5. Support for multiple languages: Komodo supports several programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. This makes it a great choice if you work on projects that use multiple programming languages.

Python Debugging Tool For Jupyter Notebook: Jupyter Visual Debugger

Jupyter Visual Debugger is a debugging tool integrated with the Jupyter Notebook environment. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows you to interactively debug your Python code, making it easier to identify and fix issues in your code.

Jupyter Visual Debugger provides several benefits that make it a useful tool for debugging Python code:

1. Interactive debugging: Jupyter Visual Debugger allows you to interactively debug your Python code by setting breakpoints, stepping through code, and inspecting variables and objects. This can help you quickly identify and fix issues in your code.
2. Visualizations: Jupyter Visual Debugger provides a range of visualizations, including a call stack view, a variable inspector, and a debugger console. These visualizations can help you understand how your code is executing and identify issues more easily.
3. Integration with Jupyter Notebook: Jupyter Visual Debugger is integrated with the Jupyter Notebook environment. This means you can use it directly within your notebooks. This can help you debug your code more efficiently and effectively as you develop it.
4. Easy to use: Jupyter Visual Debugger has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even if you are new to debugging Python code.
5. Flexibility: Jupyter Visual Debugger is a flexible tool that can be used to debug a range of Python code, including code that uses external libraries and frameworks.

Python Debugging in Visual Studio Code 

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a popular and powerful text editor that provides a range of features and extensions for debugging Python code. Here are some reasons why you might use Visual Studio Code for debugging Python code:

1. Cross-platform support: Visual Studio Code is a cross-platform text editor, which means you can use it on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes it a great choice for developers who work on multiple platforms.
2. Integrated debugging tools: VS Code provides integrated debugging tools that allow you to set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect variables and objects. This can help you identify and fix issues in your Python code more efficiently and effectively.
3. Python extensions: Visual Studio Code has a range of extensions for Python development, including code completion, linting, and debugging. These extensions make it easier to write, test, and debug Python code within the VS Code environment.
4. Customization: VS Code is highly customizable. You can configure it to meet your specific needs. You can install and configure extensions, customize keyboard shortcuts, and create custom themes and color schemes.
5. Integration with Git: VS Code integrates with Git. This makes it easier to manage version control for your Python code. You can commit changes, create branches, and merge changes within the VS Code environment.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed some of the useful python debugging tools that you can use to debug your code in 2023 and beyond. To learn more about coding, you can read this article on why pyston is blowing past python performance. You might also like this article on Java for Data Science.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article. Stay tuned for more informative articles.

Happy Learning!

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