Top 7 Best Debuggers/Decompilers/Disassemblers for Windows OS
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CMDebug
A debugger for batch scripts that comes with syntax highlighting, line numbering, breakpoints, and other handy features to help you develop faster and more efficiently.
CMDebug provides developers with a standalone edition of the batch debugger in the Take Command IDE, allowing them to build and run batch files. Aiming to match the syntax of the CMD.EXE in Windows, this application can be used together with the Take Command runtime to write scripts in the TCC language.
Familiar layout and a full-featured IDE
The layout of the interface might seem familiar, as it resembles other debugging and IDEs. The main window is split into two sections, one dedicated to the editor and the other designed to help users browse the environment variables, the breakpoints, the parameters, and so on.
The editor comes with the standard set of traits to ensure a comfortable working environment for a programmer. To be more specific, it features syntax highlighting for the TCC language, line numbering, tab-based display of multiple individual files.
Code manipulation and editing tools
There are a few handy features designed to allow quick code editing and manipulation. For instance, users can toggle comments on a section of text, remove blank lines and compress spaces with just a few clicks. CMDebug also enables one to tabify a selection and change the text case just as easily.
CMDebug also comes with searching and in-code navigation options and bookmark support. The editor enables users to change the font, change indentation, and manage tabs with ease.
The debugger can detect bugs in the code, allowing users to set breakpoints to closely monitor the code execution. It can lookup errors and help the developer find its source, evaluate expressions, and monitor code sections.
A debugger for batch files that matches the CMD syntax
The advantage of the CMDebug application is that it tries to closely follow the behavior of the CMD. It works with CMD-compatible batch files (.BAT or .CMD), as well as BTM files, which are TCC-RT-compatible scripts. When used with the latter, it toggles the TCC Syntax active, providing the complete command set of the Take Command runtime.
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Java SE Development Kit (JDK)
The basic resources you need in order to create apps in Java, including the Java runtime environment, libraries, code samples and demo apps.
The Java programming language is, according to the TIOBE programming community index, one of the top choices of software developers, battling for supremacy with the C and C-based languages. Its features are utilized on most of the electronic equipment worldwide, from PCs, mobile terminals or media players to more sophisticated medical devices.
The Java platform provides one environment to develop software for multiple operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X or Linux distributions. While theJava Runtime Environment (JRE) allows you to execute Java applications, components and applets, the Java Development Kit (JDK) delivers a comprehensive set of tools for programmers to build, run, debug and even document the Java code.
You are also given access to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) component of JRE alongside class libraries and support files in order to implement your applications. JDK comes packing demonstrative source codes and particular APIs using Java Foundation Classes including Swing as well as the Java Platform Debugger Architecture. It also sports learning material for Java programming language beginners in the form of various Java core API source files.
Being the most commonly used Java Software Development Kit (SDK), JDK's firsthand components comprise the loader for Java application (simply called `java`) - the interpreter of class files created by the compiler (javac), the compiler itself that takes the source code from its raw form to Java bytecode and the `appletviewer` for executing and debugging java applets.
In addition to these tools, the JDK also brings the annotation-processing tool, the `extcheck` for JAR-file conflict detection, the `idlj` IDL to Java compiler, the `javadoc` documentation generator that utilizes source code comments or the `jar` archiver that sums up the related class libraries within a single JAR file. Other tools include a disassembler, a launcher, a debugger, a Java command-line script shell or a policy creation and management utility.
Bottomline is that Java Development Kit ensembles a powerful set of tools and everything that comes to aid programmers no matter their knowledge-level in fulfilling their Java applications. Nevertheless, JDK is the bread and butter of any Java developer out there.
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JustDecompile
Quickly reconstruct LINQ queries, as well as decompile referenced assemblies in a Visual Studio project using this intuitive and versatile utility.
JustDecompile is a robust and complete software solution that comes in handy for .NET software developers who need to decompile their assemblies with ease. Since it is able to reconstruct LINQ queries and decompile referenced methods and parameters in a Visual Studio project using a context command, the application enables you to create and build projects out of VB.NET code as well.
Since it comes with drag and drop support, you can easily add as many assemblies as you want in the left panel. Additionally, you can access the ‘Load Framework’ option from the Open menu in case you want to load .NET 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 assemblies or WinRT metadata. The right panel displays all of the available information and imported resources. Also, you are able to modify the perspective to Visual Basic, C# or IL.
By accessing the ‘Assembly List’ menu you can load all the existing assemblies, as well as create new ones by specifying the name.
One important function of JustDecompile is that, when you need to preview the available code for each assembly, along with the used resources, values and objects, the left-click will open a new tab in the main window. From here, you can preview the entire script while the left panel will change accordingly.
The Tools menu allows you to create a new project, or simply debug the selected assemblies right into Visual Studio, using a proper plugin. Features like ‘Code Analysis’, ‘Error Checking’, ‘Unit Test Runner’, ‘Code Formatting’ and ‘Code Cleaning’ will also become available.
For users who need to extend the functionality of the application, they can access the ‘Plugin Manager’ from where they can organize all of the available plugins, as well as install new ones. In case you are an advanced developer who need to enhance the debugging process, a ‘Create your own plugin’ hyperlink is also available.
Moreover, the application enables you to preview the XML documentation each time you open a new tab, replace invalid characters in identifiers and configure the look of the program with ease.
To conclude, JustDecompile enables you to switch between different methods and assemblies, decompile referenced assemblies in a Visual Studio project, as well as export code directly from the command prompt.
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PE Anatomist
Nifty little, lightweight application that allows users to view almost all known data structures inside a PE file and makes some analytics.
PE Anatomist is a lightweight and incredibly well-designed software that allows users and developers to glimpse into all the known structures inside PE files (Portable Executable format used for executables, object code, DLLs, in both 32- and 64-bit Windows OSes).
These structures include headers, sections, coff symbols, imports, exports, resources, bound imports, delayed imports, base relocations, PE authenticode signatures, load config directory, debug, TLS, exceptions data, .NET, and rich signatures.
Remarkably user-friendly PE file structure analyzer
The application is remarkably easy to use, as it does not have any third-party dependencies and doesn’t even require installation. Any user can download the archive, unzip it, run the app via its designated executable file, load any PE file, and view all the relevant data structures within it with the least amount of effort.
The app is designed and focused more on the pragmatic side of things packing all its unique features within tabs, neatly stacked in the upper part of the main window. Once a PE file is loaded, the first section users will come in contact with is the Headers tab. Within it, PE Anatomist displays various structure fields such as IMAGE_DOS_HEADER, IMAGE_NT_HEADERS, IMAGE_OPTIONAL_HEADER32, as well as their adjacent field values and descriptions.
The Sections tab is where the long section names are and their entropy calculations, the Resources tab is packed with additional info about the different types of resources and a detailed view of their structure, and so forth. In short, everything with this app is based on a simple yet effective WYSIWYG philosophy.
Just load PE files and instantly see their data structures
Taking everything into account, it’s safe to say that PE Anatomist is a very useful and practical tool that should come in hand to any user or developer who desires to quickly analyze the potentially complex structure of PE files.
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VB Decompiler Lite
Decompiler of Visual Basic programs. Decompiling forms, p-code, native code rapidly in order to provide the perfect environment for debugging.
VB Decompiler Lite is a Visual Basic decompiler and .NET disassembler aimed at analyzing code at fast speed. It includes a powerful engine that decodes instructions to possible Visual Basic commands, allowing you to reconstruct your projects.
There are many situations that require the use of such a tool, ranging from misplaced source code to attempts of improving the performance of your code. No matter the circumstances, you can rest assured that you’ll find great assistance in VB Decompiler Lite, a tool especially built for developers in need of a strong disassembler.
VB Decompiler Lite is able to handle EXE, DLL and OCX files built with Visual Basic 5 and 6, as well as projects compiled in .NET technology. Please note that the decompilation process can be performed on x32 machines only, even though the application runs on x64 versions.
As soon as you add a file (using the dedicated menu or by drag and drop), VB Decompiler Lite instantly analyzes the code and displays it in a tree-view before you know it. You can view the code, but you cannot edit it on spot; an alternative is to export it and then modify it.
Export options include saving the procedure list, saving all the code in one module or the decompiled project only. Other highlights include an advanced search string feature, the possibility to patch data or to obfuscate the project.
The functionality of the application is extended by the built-in plugins that allow you to create a MAP file, to show references or to set the decompiler priority.
On an ending note, VB Decompiler Lite can make the day of any programmer, by offering advanced features to disassemble, analyze and export code in an attempt to recover old projects that you lost the source code to.
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Download Hubs
VB Decompiler Lite is part of these download collections: File Decompilers
Dolphin Smalltalk
Quickly build, test, debug and deploy executable files or COM components using this object-oriented development environment at the front end.
Dolphin Smalltalk is a comprehensive, yet lightweight piece of software that packs an advanced set of tools for developers who want to create, test, debug and even deploy code for both applications and COM components.
Enables you to create and test code, COM components and executables
The application comes with a user-friendly and clean interface designed as a menu from where you can access a wide variety of tools you are likely to need during the development phase. Simply put, from this GUI you can access tools, such as Source Tracking, System Transcript, Process Monitor, Visual Inspector and many others, for instance.
It is worth mentioning that the app includes several browser tools that allow you to access the classes, packages, source or protocols. Considering that developers tend to spend a lot of time going through their code, these clear windows can save you a lot of time and perhaps, make your workflow smoother.
In addition to browsing code, the tool enables supports editing and packs dynamic syntax highlight as well as Intelli-Senso completion functions to make things more convenient for you.
It shrinks the code so you can deploy the Windows executables
You will be happy to learn that the tool can cater for various testing methodologies, so you are unlikely to encounter any issues even if you do not prefer the more traditional edit, test and debug cycle. Speaking of debugging, the developers guarantee that you can inspect and edit anything without having to restart anything.
Since you are likely to want to deploy the tool and check out how it would behave as a true Windows executable, then the app enables you to launch the app without the redundant components. In fact, you can compose your program afterwards by building it up from the raw boot image.
A comprehensive IDE for testing, debugging and deploying your code
All things considered, Dolphin Smalltalk is a complete IDE that provides a flexible and versatile development environment regardless of the type of coding projects you have in mind.
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Jadx
A simple and lightweight DEX to Java decompiler that lets you import DEX, APK, JAR or CLASS files and export them to DEX format quickly.
If you are an Android developer, you probably understand that building, testing or debugging applications would be impossible without appropriate software assistance.
Fortunately, nowadays there is a huge selection of products that can help you achieve quick, convenient results. One of these programs is Jadx.
Portable tool
Since it is portable, this application does not require you to install it on the target computer, as simply unpacking the archive it comes in and launching the executable grants you full access to its controls.
More so, that means it won't tamper with any of your Windows registry entries, nor will it create additional files or folders on your computer without your explicit permission.
Graphic and Command Line Interface
This application can be used in CMD and GUI modes, depending on the user's preferences. After you decompress the archive, you will find two executables in the Bin folder. A "jadx" file that can be used to run the CMD version and a "jadx-gui" one if you'd prefer using the application with a Graphic User Interface.
However, you should keep in mind that for the GUI version, Java Runtime Environment needs to be installed on your computer so that it can be run as intended.
Converts various files to DEX
You can turn to Jadx if you need a quick way to convert various files to DEX format. Among the supported formats you can find APK, DEX, JAR, CLASS and ZIP. After you import a file, you can view its source code, resources and corresponding packs by using the tree view in the left part of the window.
It is possible to interact with the opened contents from the central section of the window. The code can be selected,copied, cut, pasted or deleted, according to your needs.
Portable DEX converter that comes with a GUI and a CMD component
All things considered, Jadx is a lightweight application that lets you convert various files to DEX format easily. It doesn't require installation, features a GUI and a CMD component and enables you to interact with the source codes of your apps.
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