Side by side
Black Magic Debug vs Delve
Both stand on debuggers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Black Magic Debug if you need a free JTAG/SWD debugger with automatic target detection and control over your embedded development setup. It supports multiple host systems and useful debugging functions, but you need compatible probe hardware and a suitable toolchain. Consider the desktop-app programming speed and the status of older probe models when choosing hardware.
Visit Black Magic DebugDelve offers broad debugging commands and editor integrations for Go, with a free MIT-licensed project. Check the supported target list and avoid exposing unauthenticated headless connections, especially on public networks.
Visit DelveThe facts
| Black Magic Debug | Delve | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | black-magic.org | github.com |
| On debuggers | #1 of 27 | #5 of 27 |
Black Magic Debug: what it does well
- Automatic target detection avoids target-specific configuration scripts.
- Provides watchpoints, flash breakpoints, memory and register examination, and flash programming.
- Supports semihosting, Serial Wire Output, and USB DFU firmware upgrades.
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Open-source project with guides for PlatformIO and STM32CubeIDE.
What to know first
- Requires a compatible Black Magic Probe and a suitable target toolchain.
- Programming is a little slower in desktop-app mode.
- Several older probe models are legacy and not in production.
Delve: what it does well
- Controls execution and evaluates variables.
- Inspects threads, goroutines, and CPU register state.
- Supports core dump debugging and rr trace replay.
- Lists integrations for several editors.
- MIT-licensed and free.
What to know first
- Other operating systems and architectures lack a planned support ETA.
- Headless connections are unauthenticated and risky for production.
- Go installation requires Go version 1.16 or later.
Alternatives to Black Magic Debug Alternatives to Delve The whole list