drgn is a programmable debugger that puts scripting at the centre of the debugging workflow.
It exposes program types and variables directly to Python, which makes it well suited to exploring complex state in large programs. The project was developed for Linux kernel debugging, can also debug userspace C programs, and can be used both as a debugger and as a library for building debugging and introspection tools.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Exposes program types, variables, and memory to Python for expressive debugging scripts.
- Can debug the running Linux kernel, live processes, and kernel or userspace core dumps.
- Includes predefined helpers for common Linux inspection tasks.
- Can be used as a library for building custom debugging and introspection tools.
- Available through several Linux distribution package managers as well as pip.
Website: github.com/osandov/drgn
Support:
Developer: Omar Sandoval
License: GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1

drgn is written in Python and C. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Debuggers | |
|---|---|
| LLDB | Next generation, high-performance debugger |
| Ghidra | Software reverse engineering framework |
| Delve | Source level debugger for the Go programming language |
| GDB | The GNU Debugger |
| Valgrind | A memory debugger and profiler |
| Radare2 | Portable reversing framework |
| BugStalker | Rust debugger |
| Xdebug | Extension for PHP to aid debugging and development |
| Seer | GUI frontend to GDB |
| iaito | Graphical interface for radare2 |
| React Native Debugger | Standalone app for debugging React Native apps |
| KDbg | Graphical user interface to GDB |
| strace | Diagnostic, debugging and instructional userspace utility |
| rr | Record-and-replay debugger |
| drgn | Programmable debugger that puts scripting at the centre |
| cgdb | Lightweight console frontend to the GNU debugger |
| PuDB | Console-based visual debugger for Python |
| nnd | Partially inspired by RemedyBG |
| bashdb | Source-code debugger for bash; follows the GDB command syntax |
| Sysprof | Profile an application or entire system |
| crash | Linux kernel crash analysis utility |
| Nemiver | Standalone graphical debugger for GNOME |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
Explore our carefully curated directory of recommended free and open source software, covering every major software category.The directory forms part of our extensive collection of articles for Linux enthusiasts. It includes hundreds of detailed reviews, together with free and open source alternatives to proprietary software from companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. LinuxLinks also covers interesting projects worth exploring, Linux-compatible hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application that we haven’t covered? Tell us about it using our submission form. |


Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.