---
title: dbx / gdb
description: A process debugger provides the ability to examine a process in detail. Like pstack, a debugger can obtain a stack trace for all threads in the process, but it also provides the ability to examine a process (or core file) in much greater detail, including observing the contents of memory at a specified address and the values of CPU registers in different frames of execution. The GNU debugger gdb is widely-used on Linux systems.
component: pingauthorize
version: 10.1
page_id: pingauthorize:troubleshooting_pingauthorize_server:paz_dbx_gdb_process_debug
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingauthorize/10.1/troubleshooting_pingauthorize_server/paz_dbx_gdb_process_debug.html
revdate: August 21, 2023
---

# dbx / gdb

A process debugger provides the ability to examine a process in detail. Like `pstack`, a debugger can obtain a stack trace for all threads in the process, but it also provides the ability to examine a process (or core file) in much greater detail, including observing the contents of memory at a specified address and the values of CPU registers in different frames of execution. The GNU debugger `gdb` is widely-used on Linux systems.

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|   | Using a debugger against a live process interrupts that process and suspends its execution until it detaches from the process. In addition, when running against a live process, a debugger has the ability to actually alter the contents of the memory associated with that process, which can have adverse effects. As a result, it is recommended that the use of a process debugger be restricted to core files and only used to examine live processes under the direction of your authorized support provider. |