How do you debug software that runs on a custom or proprietary hardware platform?

2 Use a debugger

A debugger is a software tool that allows you to control, monitor, and manipulate the execution of your software on the hardware platform. Depending on the hardware vendor and the software environment, you may have different options for debuggers, such as integrated development environments (IDEs), command-line interfaces (CLIs), or graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Some debuggers may require a physical connection to the hardware platform, such as a serial port, a USB port, or a JTAG port, while others may use a wireless or network connection. A debugger can help you perform various debugging tasks, such as setting breakpoints, stepping through code, inspecting variables, modifying registers, and viewing memory contents.

3 Use a logic analyzer

A logic analyzer is a hardware tool that captures and analyzes the digital signals of your hardware platform, such as the data, address, and control lines. A logic analyzer can help you verify the functionality and timing of your hardware platform, and detect any errors or glitches in the communication between the software and the hardware components. A logic analyzer can also help you decode and interpret the data transmitted or received by your hardware platform, such as the serial, SPI, I2C, or CAN protocols.

4 Use a simulator or emulator

A simulator or emulator is a software tool that mimics the behavior and characteristics of your hardware platform, without requiring the actual physical device. A simulator or emulator can help you test and debug your software in a controlled and isolated environment, where you can easily change the parameters and conditions of your hardware platform, such as the clock frequency, voltage levels, or sensor inputs. A simulator or emulator can also help you debug your software faster and cheaper, as you don't need to purchase, assemble, or connect your hardware platform.

5 Use print statements

Print statements are simple commands that output messages or data to a console or a file, such as the standard output, the serial port, or the SD card. Print statements can help you debug your software by providing feedback and information about the status and progress of your software execution, such as the values of variables, the results of calculations, or the occurrence of events. Print statements can also help you locate and isolate the source of software bugs, by tracing the execution flow and checking the logic of your code.

6 Use unit testing and code review

Unit testing and code review are software development practices that aim to improve the quality and reliability of your software by detecting and preventing software bugs before they reach the hardware platform. Unit testing is the process of testing individual units or components of your software, such as functions, classes, or modules, using predefined inputs and outputs. Code review is the process of examining and evaluating your software code, either by yourself or by other developers, using standards and guidelines. Unit testing and code review can help you debug your software by ensuring that your code is correct, consistent, readable, and maintainable.