Java Remote Debugging: What It Is? Types, Benefits, And Use Cases

Java Remote Debugging: What It Is? Types, Benefits, And Use Cases

Java remote debugging is a skill that every Java developer must keep in their arsenal to upscale their Java app development services. Writing perfect code is a very challenging skill to accomplish. As a result, every developer spends a good amount of time debugging their written codes. To debug, you must identify the errors, determine their root cause, and resolve the issue in your codebase. This part of programming is very crucial to build a high-quality, unique software product.   

Also, developers can use numerous logical, rational, and analytical approaches to understand the debugging process. There are multiple new resources available in the market, which can help you learn the most effective debugging tricks. One such popular method is remote debugging, which every Java developer must learn to optimize their coding skills.   

In this blog, we shall find out everything about remote debugging, and how to debug remotely while availing Java application testing services. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Java remote debugging: Introduction

Java remote debugging is the process of debugging a Java program, which runs on a different server, network, or device. To avail this service, establishing a connection between both the debugger and the target device is evident.   

To help you understand this process in detail, here is an example of JPDA (Java Platform Debugger Architecture) developed by Sun Microsystems. A multi-tier architecture, JPDA help debug Java applications and consists of three crucial interfaces, namely:  

• Java Debug Interface (JDI)  
• Java Virtual Machine Tool Interface (JVMTI)  
• Java Debug Wire Protocol (JDWP)

The JDWP is a protocol containing information meant to get sent from JVMTI to JDI. Once the connection gets established, JDWP help communicate the debugging instructions between both the debugger and the application program getting debugged. The entire monitoring takes place in a remote setup.    

What are the various types of errors that require Java remote debugging?  

The entire Java debugging technique consists of troubleshooting the following errors:  

• Run-time errors: These errors occur while the Java program gets executed and throws exceptions in real time.  
• Logic errors: It doesn’t create any exceptions but displays wrong or invalid outputs due to incorrect code implementation. The logic errors often comprise memory leaks and irregular program behavior.  
• Compilation & integration errors: Also termed syntactical errors, these compilation errors are very common in Java programming. They mostly occur due to typing mistakes or human errors.  
• Concurrent errors: It is the most challenging error, difficult to detect on time. It consists of a group of errors including deadlocks, synchronization mistakes, access violations, and more.

What is the importance of Java remote debugging?  

Java remote debugging allows developers to debug Java applications running on a remote server or device, by attaching a debugger to the remote JVM (Java Virtual Machine) process. It allows developers to troubleshoot issues in a production environment, where they may not have direct access to the underlying system or permission to run the application locally.  

Remote debugging enables developers to step through code, inspect variables, and set breakpoints, all from the comfort of their local development environment. It helps to speed up the debugging process and reduces the time required to identify and fix the errors.

If you have recently taken assistance from a professional Java app development company, or planning to hire Java developers, and they have suggested Java remote debugging, there are a few reasons why so.  

Why do you need Java remote debugging for your application?

Java remote debugging can help to improve the reliability and stability of your application and can save you time and effort when dealing with complex or hard-to-diagnose issues.  

Additionally, remote debugging allows you to inspect the state of your application at runtime and understand what is causing the issue. This can be more efficient than trying to recreate the issue in a local environment and can help you quickly identify and fix problems.  

Here are a few more reasons why your hired Java app development company has recommended Java remote debugging:

Your system cannot run a local debugger  

Java remote debugging allows you to debug the application in the live environment where the issue is occurring. This can help you to understand what is causing the problem and quickly identify and fix it.  

From configuration issues and complex interactions to limited access and performance issues, there are many reasons why your Java app developer suggests remote debugging. For instance, if you own an embedded system or a distributed application where the logging facility is decentralized, developers find it challenging to replicate the bug. Thus, they suggest remote debugging.   

In another scenario, if your system lacks a few features like CPU or memory support to run an app and a debugger without any disturbance, developers will prefer remote debugging for an effective solution.   

The local debugging sessions interrupt the other apps running on your system  

In a few circumstances, while initiating a local debugging session, the target system fails to perform smoothly and disrupts the other applications running on it. With the help of a remote debugger, developers create a remote environment, without disturbing your other applications. This solution is often suggested to enterprises that cannot shut down their web servers to fix the bugs.   

Your developer cannot access the app’s source file from your system   

This situation arrives when your developer cannot locally access the source file of your application getting debugged. Also, if your app consists of a lot of live data, remote debugging is highly recommended to save the entire data flow. It often happens in a production environment or a running system. In some situations, the code gets obfuscated, which makes it difficult for professionals to understand or debug. Therefore, to resolve such challenges, developers ask for remote access to code at their convenience, diligently.  

Summary  

You’ve now seen the multiple scenarios in which your Java developer may request you remote debugging, where they can identify the bugs, fix them, and smoothen the app’s workflow in the comfort of their physical location. Also, Java remote debugging process saves you the time, money, and effort of hiring a full-time Java developer. Thus, creating an infrastructure for them, and investing your crucial resources in them.   

At JavaIndia, you can hire Java developers who are well-renowned, proficient in their skills, and have hands-on experience in both local and remote debugging services. We aim to enhance your collaboration with our development team and troubleshoot your coding challenges in an advanced architectural setup.   

FAQs  

How can a Java developer debug my application remotely?  

When you hire a Java developer for your Java remote debugging, here are a few things our team shall do:  

• Go to your app’s eclipse menu   
• Select Run->Debug Configuration  
• Open Debug Configuration setup  
• Create a new “Remote Java Application” on your Debug configuration window  
• Select the project getting debugged and name it  
• Select the type of connection – Socket Attach or Socket Listen  
• Get started with the remote debugging procedure  

What are the best debugging tools available for Java applications?  

Firstly, you need to hire a Java developer or a Java app development company that is well-versed in the ins and outs of Java app development services. A professional development team, depending on the complexity of your bugs will recommend one of the following Java debugging tools:  

• NetBeans  
• Rookout  
• Eclipse   
• IntelliJ IDEA  
• JDeveloper  
• Raygun Crash Reporting tools  
• Visual Studio Code  

What are the disadvantages of choosing remote debugging?  

Although it is the most challenging process to configure, opening your entire server to a remote connection may raise security concerns, especially if your system deals with a lot of sensitive data like user passwords, payment details, and so on. Therefore, do not compromise on hiring the best Java app development company that can handle your project will utmost dedication and trust.