pyavrocd 1.1.2

A cross-platform GDB server for AVR MCUs

PyAvrOCD

PyAvrOCD is a GDB server for 8-bit AVR MCUs (see list of supported MCUs and supported boards), enabling you to debug programs running on these MCUs using the GNU Project Debugger GDB. PyAvrOCD communicates with Microchip's debug probes, such as the very affordable MPLAB Snap, and it provides a pass-through service for the UNO-based debug probe dw-link and the simulation tool simavr (see list of supported debug probes).

So, why another open-source GDB server for AVR MCUs? The main intention is to provide a cross-platform AVR GDB server. In other words, it is the missing AVR debugging solution for the Arduino IDE 2 and PlatformIO. In particular, the integration with Arduino IDE 2 is pretty tight, allowing one to start debugging without much hassle (see quickstart guides). Additionally, PyAvrOCD excels in minimizing flash wear and protects single-stepping against interrupts.

When you want to install PyAvrOCD, you can install it as part of an Arduino core, so that it can be used in the Arduino IDE 2. Furthermore, you can download binaries, you can install PyAvrOCD using PyPI, or you can, of course, clone or download the GitHub repo.

Read the docs for more information.

What has been done so far, and what to expect in the future

When moving from the earlier version of the GDBserver, called dw-gdbserver, to PyAvrOCD, support for JTAG Mega chips has been added. This was more work than anticipated.

If you would like to give PyAvrOCD a try, you are welcome. The integration into Arduino IDE 2 has been tested, but some cores still have to be extended. Any feedback, be it bug reports, crazy ideas, or praise, is welcome.

UPDI MCUs will follow next. I am unsure about Xmegas.