DBGp

From HandWiki

Common DeBugGer Protocol as used by Xdebug[1] and potentially other implementations. DBGp is a simple protocol for use with language tools and engines for the purpose of debugging applications.[2] The protocol provides a means of communication between a debugger engine (scripting engine, Virtual Machine, etc.) and a debugger IDE.

Criticisms

DBGp has not received widespread adoption as a server protocol. Most implementations are client-side so that IDEs may be compatible specifically with Xdebug, which remains popular.

Criticisms have included:[3][4]

  • Performance (DBGp is a text-mode protocol)
  • Security (DBGp has a complex connection mechanism that could lead to buggy vulnerable implementations)
  • Generality (DBGp is designed to be compatible with multiple programming languages rather than being optimized for PHP)

A primary author of the DBGp specification has defended the design.[5]

References