Side by side
Erlang Debugger vs Ruby debug
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.
Paid LinuxMacWindows
Choose Erlang Debugger when you need a graphical way to test Erlang programs, inspect processes, or control execution with breakpoints. Look elsewhere if your debugging work depends on normal execution speed, code replacement, or timer behavior remaining unchanged.
Visit Erlang Debugger Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Choose Ruby debug if you work with Ruby MRI 2.7 or later and want a debugger with breakpoints, remote attachment, and backward replay. Look elsewhere if the project’s stated maturity caveat or its remote-access security warnings do not fit your needs.
Visit Ruby debugThe facts
| Erlang Debugger | Ruby debug | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Not published | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | erlang.org | github.com |
| On debuggers | #22 of 27 | #18 of 27 |
Erlang Debugger: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Supports line, conditional, and function breakpoints.
- Process controls include stepping, continuing, finishing, skipping, and stopping.
- Global mode can display processes from known nodes.
What to know first
- Debugged code runs slower than regularly compiled modules.
- Each debugged process adds a meta process.
- Timer behavior can differ during debugging.
- Code replacement does not work for debugged processes.
Ruby debug: what it does well
- Evaluates Ruby expressions and inspects program state.
- Supports conditional and exception breakpoints, plus tracing.
- Records execution for backward replay.
- Offers remote attachment over UNIX sockets or TCP/IP.
- Can use IRB features and editor frontends.
What to know first
- The project describes the debugger as not mature.
- Remote debugger messages are not encrypted.
- `debug/open_nonstop` can expose access without pausing the program.
Alternatives to Erlang Debugger Alternatives to Ruby debug The whole list