Nnd is a terminal-based debugger presented as a modern alternative to GDB and LLDB. It aims for a simpler, more intuitive user experience with a focus on speed and ease of use. Key features include a built-in disassembler, register view, memory viewer, and expression evaluator. Nnd emphasizes its clean and responsive interface, striving to minimize distractions and improve the overall debugging workflow. The project is open-source and written in Rust, currently supporting debugging on Linux for x86_64, aarch64, and RISC-V architectures.
The GitHub repository for nnd introduces it as a terminal user interface (TUI) debugger, positioned as a modern alternative to established debuggers like GDB and LLDB. It aims to provide a more streamlined and intuitive debugging experience within the terminal environment, leveraging the capabilities of modern terminal emulators.
nnd is written in Rust, which contributes to its performance and memory safety. The project emphasizes a focus on speed and efficiency, aiming to minimize overhead and provide a responsive debugging workflow. This performance focus is particularly highlighted in the context of reverse engineering and working with large binaries.
The user interface is designed to be clean and user-friendly, presenting information in a clear and organized manner. It leverages the capabilities of modern terminals to offer features like syntax highlighting and mouse support. The project's README showcases several screenshots demonstrating the interface, highlighting features such as register views, disassembly views, memory inspection, and breakpoint management.
The debugger supports a variety of architectures, including x86_64, aarch64, and RISC-V. It provides basic debugging functionalities like setting breakpoints, stepping through code, inspecting registers and memory, and evaluating expressions. Furthermore, nnd supports remote debugging.
While still under active development, nnd aspires to be a powerful and efficient debugging tool that offers a more modern and user-friendly experience compared to traditional TUI debuggers. The project explicitly states its goal to be a viable daily driver for debugging tasks. The README encourages contributions and feedback from the community to further enhance the debugger’s capabilities and usability. It also notes some planned features, signaling ongoing development and expansion of the debugger's feature set.
Summary of Comments ( 23 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43905185
Hacker News users generally praised
nndfor its speed and simplicity compared to GDB and LLDB, particularly appreciating its intuitive TUI interface. Some commenters noted its current limitations, such as a lack of support for certain features like conditional breakpoints and shared libraries, but acknowledged its potential given it's a relatively new project. Several expressed interest in trying it out or contributing to its development. The focus on Rust debugging was also highlighted, with some suggesting its specialized nature in this area could be a significant advantage. A few users compared it favorably to other debugging tools likegdb -tuiand even IDE debuggers, suggesting its speed and simplicity could make it a preferred choice for certain tasks.The Hacker News post discussing "Nnd – a TUI debugger alternative to GDB, LLDB" has generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters sharing their perspectives and experiences.
A recurring theme is the desire for a modern, user-friendly debugger. Many commenters express frustration with GDB's perceived complexity and outdated interface. Nnd's TUI approach is seen as a potential solution, offering a more visually appealing and intuitive debugging experience. One commenter specifically praises the project's "slick" UI and expresses hope for its continued development.
Several users mention their preference for other debugging tools. One commenter highlights their satisfaction with the debugger integrated into VS Code, appreciating its seamless integration with the IDE. Another mentions a fondness for the debugger in IntelliJ. These comments underscore the diverse range of debugger preferences within the developer community.
Some commenters discuss the specific features and limitations of Nnd. One points out the debugger's current lack of support for certain architectures, expressing a desire for broader compatibility. Another raises a question about the project's stability and long-term viability.
There's also a brief discussion about the challenges inherent in debugger development. One experienced developer acknowledges the complexity of creating and maintaining a robust debugger, expressing admiration for anyone undertaking such a project.
Finally, a few commenters offer constructive feedback and suggestions for the Nnd project. One proposes the addition of specific features, such as reverse debugging capabilities. Another recommends focusing on a smaller set of features to ensure stability and polish. These comments illustrate the collaborative nature of the Hacker News community and the potential for user feedback to shape the development of open-source projects.