Side by side
FLEX vs PonyDebugger
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.
Free plan iPhone
FLEX provides in-app inspection for a wide range of iOS development tasks, without a remote debugging connection. Its iOS target requirement and Release-build caution matter when deciding where to include it.
Visit FLEX Free plan iPhoneMacSelf-hosted+1
PonyDebugger offers Chrome Developer Tools views for native iOS app debugging, including network and interface inspection. Its setup involves an app client and gateway, and its README warns against using automatic network forwarding outside debug builds.
Visit PonyDebuggerThe facts
| FLEX | PonyDebugger | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone | iPhone, Mac, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | engineering.flipboard.com | github.com |
| On debuggers | #13 of 27 | #9 of 27 |
FLEX: what it does well
- Inspects and modifies views and live objects.
- Shows network timing, headers, and responses.
- Browses SQLite and Realm databases.
- Works on simulators and physical iOS devices.
- No LLDB, Xcode, or remote server connection required.
What to know first
- Requires an app targeting iOS 9 or later.
- Does not support tvOS out of the box.
- Project advises excluding it from Release builds.
PonyDebugger: what it does well
- Inspects HTTPS traffic through a proxy
- Browses Core Data entities and managed objects
- Shows and edits displayed view attributes
- Free under Apache License 2.0
What to know first
- Requires integrating the client and connecting a gateway
- Quick start requires Xcode Command Line Tools
- Automatic network forwarding should be limited to debug builds
- CoreData.framework must be linked even if unused
Alternatives to FLEX Alternatives to PonyDebugger The whole list