Side by side
FLEX vs Xdebug
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 LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
Xdebug combines step debugging with tracing, profiling, and code coverage for PHP projects. Direct debugger connections may be blocked by network or firewall conditions; Xdebug Cloud is described as a relay for those cases.
Visit XdebugThe facts
| FLEX | Xdebug | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Pro: £200 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | engineering.flipboard.com | xdebug.org |
| On debuggers | #13 of 27 | #17 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.
Xdebug: what it does well
- Free PHP extension.
- Step debugger supports interactive code inspection.
- Profiler outputs Cachegrind-compatible files.
- DBGp is supported by nearly every PHP IDE.
- Browser helper extensions are listed for major browsers.
What to know first
- Paid Pro costs £200 per year.
- Business costs £1,000 per year.
- Community support has low issue priority.