pudb vs debugpy
Python debugging tools compared
pudb provides a full-screen, keyboard-driven debugger inside a terminal. debugpy implements the Debug Adapter Protocol, connecting Python programs to compatible debugger clients. The main difference is that pudb supplies its own terminal interface, while debugpy works through a DAP client.
pudb: Debug Python in a Visual Terminal Interface
PuDB is a full-screen, console-based visual debugger for Python, designed for keyboard-friendly debugging where you write and test code. It brings source, stack, breakpoints, and variables together in a terminal, with support for Python 3.10 and newer.
debugpy: Debug Python Programs with DAP Clients
debugpy connects Python 3 programs to debuggers that speak the Debug Adapter Protocol. Use it to launch or attach to a process, pause execution, and inspect code through a compatible debugging client.
| pudb | debugpy | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Python | Python |
| Stars | 3.3k | 2.5k |
| Forks | 246 | 208 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 16, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 |
Key differences
- pudb presents source, variables, stack frames, and breakpoints together in a terminal interface; debugpy provides a protocol adapter for DAP-compatible clients.
- pudb supports keyboard navigation, source search, a module browser, and an interactive Python shell; debugpy supports launching or attaching to processes and listening for client connections.
- pudb offers post-mortem debugging after an exception; debugpy can trigger post-mortem debugging for caught exceptions.
- pudb is aimed at developers who prefer terminal-based interactive debugging; debugpy also serves tool and editor developers implementing DAP support.
- Both projects list Python as their language and NOASSERTION as their license. debugpy's README includes an MIT license badge, while pudb's supplied considerations advise reviewing its licensing information.
- Both repositories are listed as not archived. pudb has 3.2k stars and 245 forks, while debugpy has 2.5k stars and 205 forks.
Choose pudb if you…
- want a full-screen, keyboard-driven debugger in your terminal.
- need source, variables, stack frames, and breakpoints visible together.
- want to inspect or reload modules and use an interactive shell while debugging.
Choose debugpy if you…
- need to debug through a DAP-compatible client.
- want to attach to a running Python process or wait for a client before execution.
- are building tools or editors that need a Python implementation of DAP.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.