pyOCD vs TRACE32
pyOCD
pyocd.io
TRACE32
lauterbach.comSide by side
| Figure | pyOCD | TRACE32 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Debuggers | 8.6 (#3) | 7.1 (#23) |
| Purpose | pyOCD is a Python based tool and API for debugging, programming, and exploring Arm Cortex microcontrollers. | TRACE32 connects to embedded processor debug ports to control cores, inspect data, set breakpoints, and diagnose software failures and memory corruption. |
| Support | The project directs users to GitHub issues and discussions, a public Slack workspace, and a Google Groups mailing list. | Lauterbach provides a technical help desk, knowledge base, worldwide sales and support engineers, and an engineering support team. |
Plans
In their own words
pyOCD
pyOCD is a Python tool and API for debugging, programming, and exploring Arm Cortex microcontrollers. Its GDB server supports command-line debugging and IDE workflows, including Arm CMSIS Debugger, Cortex-Debug, and Eclipse Embedded CDT. It can program firmware and data images into internal or external flash, or load images into RAM. The Python API controls target devices and can support CI setups and custom test or debug tools. More than 70 common Arm Cortex-M devices have built-in support, with CMSIS Device Family Packs available for additional devices. Features include semihosting, SWV, and CMSIS-Pack support. Built-in probe plug-ins include CMSIS-DAP, Raspberry Pi Picoprobe, SEGGER J-Link, STLink, and pyOCD remote; PE Micro Cyclone and Multilink require a separate plug-in. A server and client can share probes over TCP/IP. pyOCD requires Python 3.9 or later and runs on macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, and Windows. It is free, with code licensed under Apache 2.0. Unlocking a supported locked device can require a mass erase, which erases its data.