LLDB
LLDB: A capable, free debugger for C/C++ and Apple-platform development. Ranked #2 of 27 in Debuggers by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for C/C++ and Apple-platform debugging.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forC/C++ and Apple-platform debugging
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported languagesC, C++, Objective-C, Objective-C++
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Native debugging for C, C++, Objective-C and Objective-C++
- Remote, core-file and conditional-breakpoint support
- Integrates with Xcode, LLVM, Clang and VS Code via lldb-dap
Where it doesn't
- Narrower language coverage than multi-language debuggers
- No time travel debugging
- Distributed through toolchains and IDEs rather than as a standalone commercial product
Our verdict on LLDB
LLDB is an open-source debugger from the LLVM Project for developers working with C, C++, Objective-C and Objective-C++. It supports macOS, iOS, tvOS, watchOS, Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, Windows and Android targets, with distributions available through LLVM toolchains and operating-system or IDE packages. Its strongest fit is native development, particularly Apple-platform work through Xcode and LLVM-based workflows. LLDB is free and distributed under the Apache 2.0 License with LLVM exceptions.
Its debugging depth covers expression evaluation through Clang types and parsing, conditional and hit-count breakpoints, exception breakpoint filters, disassembly, symbolication and object-file introspection. Remote debugging is supported through lldb-server, debugserver and the gdb-remote protocol, while core-file debugging helps investigate captured program states. C++ and Python scripting APIs add room for workflow customization. These capabilities make LLDB suitable for developers who need native inspection across local, remote and post-crash scenarios rather than a narrowly graphical breakpoint tool.
The ecosystem fit is a central strength: LLDB integrates with Xcode, Clang and LLVM, and connects with Visual Studio Code through lldb-dap. The trade-off is focus. Its supported language set centers on the C family, and the published category specifications do not include time travel debugging. Teams seeking broad language coverage or time-based execution analysis should consider a different debugger. Choose LLDB for free, open-source native debugging with Apple and LLVM integration; avoid it when those C-family and ecosystem priorities do not match.
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LLDB pricing
LLDB fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported languages | C, C++, Objective-C, Objective-C++ |
| Target platforms | macOS, iOS, tvOS, watchOS, Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, Windows, Android |
| Remote debugging | Yes |
| Conditional breakpoints | Yes |
| Exception breakpoints | Yes |
| Time-travel debugging | No |
| Core dump debugging | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Xcode, Clang, LLVM, Visual Studio Code via lldb-dap |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | lldb.llvm.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
LLDB integrations
LLDB lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Xcode
- Clang
- LLVM
- Visual Studio Code via lldb-dap
Alternatives to LLDB
- GDBA free, open-source debugger with unusually broad language, target, and remote-debugging coverage.9.4
- WinDbgA free, deeply capable debugger for Windows applications, drivers, and crash analysis.9.0
- DelveA deep, free Go debugger for developers who need process and runtime control.8.8
LLDB vs the competition
Compare LLDB with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
LLDB is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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