Side by side
Black Magic Debug vs OpenOCD
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 DebugOpenOCD provides debugging, programming, and boundary-scan tools across a range of listed targets and interfaces. Check host setup requirements and verify whether a community binary is appropriate, since those builds are unofficial.
Visit OpenOCDThe facts
| Black Magic Debug | OpenOCD | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | black-magic.org | openocd.org |
| On debuggers | #1 of 27 | #4 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.
OpenOCD: what it does well
- Free open-source software
- Supports JTAG and SWD transports
- Can serve GDB clients
- Lists remote debugging and exception breakpoints
What to know first
- Linux usually needs a udev rule for adapter access
- Windows requires driver configuration for each peripheral
- Community binary builds are unofficial
Alternatives to Black Magic Debug Alternatives to OpenOCD The whole list