GDB

Versatility: Reviewers have praised GDB's versatility, with several stating that it works on many Unix-like systems and supports a variety of programming languages. This has made the tool convenient for users who work with multiple platforms and programming languages.

Debugging Capabilities: The ability to effectively debug code is one of GDB's standout features, according to reviewers. Several users have appreciated how well the tool can point out bugs in the code, making it easier to identify and fix issues.

Flexibility: GDB offers a range of powerful features that make debugging more flexible and efficient for users. Some reviewers have highlighted specific functionalities such as breaking at a function, checking call stacks, putting read-write watchpoints for variables, dumping memory, etc., which provide ease of use on any platform.

User Interface: Some users have found the user interface of GDB to be confusing and not very appealing. They believe that the lack of a graphical interface can make it harder to use, especially for beginners. Multiple reviewers have mentioned this issue.

Debugging Limitations: Several users have stated that GDB has limitations when it comes to debugging programs that compile with errors. It cannot be used to fix programs that have errors and it does not help in identifying or detecting memory leakages. Many users feel that these limitations hinder their productivity.

Functionality Improvements: While GDB has many useful functionalities, some users feel there is still room for improvement. For example, the usage of breakpoints is not impressive and there is still inconsistency with the line and variables. Additionally, watchpoints can make code execution extremely slow, making it tedious to use for kernel debugging. Some reviewers believe that improving these functionalities could enhance their experience using GDB.

Users of GDB have made several recommendations based on their experience with the debugging tool. The three most common recommendations are:

1. Spend time initially to learn and familiarize oneself with GDB. Many users suggest investing time in understanding and getting comfortable with the functionalities of GDB. They believe that the effort put into learning the tool is worthwhile in the long run.

2. Try alternative interfaces like ugdb/gdbtui if not comfortable with the non-GUI interface of GDB. Some users who prefer a graphical user interface (GUI) for debugging recommend exploring alternative interfaces like ugdb or gdbtui. These interfaces provide a more visual and user-friendly environment for those who are not accustomed to working with the command-line interface.

3. Take advantage of GDB's features for effective debugging. Users find GDB to be a valuable tool for debugging C and C++ files. They appreciate its capabilities to check variable values, examine memory content, and debug without relying on printf statements. Users also suggest making use of conditional breakpoints and gdbserver for remote debugging, which enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the debugging process.

Overall, users consider GDB to be a great debugging tool with excellent capabilities and support for multiple programming languages. They recommend it as a cost-effective option, especially for machines integrated with Linux. It is regarded as a classic tool worth investing time in learning.