edb — authorized cross-platform debugger orientation

Last updated: · By the BinBench editorial team · Stars and releases checked via the GitHub API
For legal, authorized and educational use only. Only analyze software you own or have written permission to examine.
Quick answer

edb (eteran/edb-debugger) is a Qt-based cross-platform debugger. Release 1.5.0 (2024-03-22 UTC) remained the latest GitHub Release on 2026-10-24. License is GPL-2.0. Debug only processes and binaries you are authorized to examine.

On this page

Snapshot

FieldValue
LicenseGPL-2.0
Latest checked1.5.0 (2024-03-22 UTC; still latest Release object 2026-10-24)
JobQt GUI debugger (Olly-inspired workflows)
Stars (order of magnitude)~3k on GitHub (counts change daily)
Peersx64dbg, GDB/LLDB, Cutter

Allowed framing

  • Debugging your Linux/desktop builds.
  • CTF / classroom labs with owned targets.
  • Comparing GUI debugger UX before committing to a daily driver.

Scope we will not cover

  • No anti-cheat / DRM bypass plugins.
  • No “undetectable trainer” framing.
  • No malware writing tutorials.

Beginner path (authorized only)

  1. Prefer a disposable lab VM; snapshot before attaching to unknown samples.
  2. Build from the official submodule-complete tarball on Releases, or follow upstream build docs.
  3. Start with a tiny binary you compiled.
  4. Learn plugins gradually; keep plugins from trusted sources only.
  5. Keep GDB vs LLDB notes handy for CLI workflows.
Which to pick
  • Use edb when you want a Qt GUI debugger on platforms it supports.
  • Prefer x64dbg for most Windows open-source GUI debugging.
  • Stay inside authorized-use framing.

For legal, authorized and educational use only.

FAQ

What is edb?

edb (Evan's Debugger) is a cross-platform, Qt-based debugger with a plugin model, often described as offering an OllyDbg-inspired experience on Linux and other supported platforms.

Which version is cited?

1.5.0 published 2024-03-22 UTC on eteran/edb-debugger Releases (still the latest GitHub Release object on 2026-10-24). Prefer the author-attached edb-debugger-1.5.0.tgz that includes submodules.

What license applies?

GitHub reports GPL-2.0 for eteran/edb-debugger (checked 2026-10-24).

x64dbg or edb?

On Windows, x64dbg is the usual open-source GUI debugger. edb is more often chosen on Linux/Unix-style hosts when you want a Qt GUI instead of plain GDB/LLDB front-ends.

Does this teach game cheating?

No. Authorized debugging and education only — no anti-cheat or DRM bypass.

Sources