The Visual Debugger: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

The Visual Debugger is an IntelliJ IDEA plugin that presents debug information as an object diagram to enhance program understanding. Reflecting on our past development, we detail the lessons learned and roadblocks we have experienced while implementing and integrating the Visual Debugger into the IntelliJ IDEA. Furthermore, we describe recent improvements to the Visual Debugger, greatly enhancing the plugin in the present. Looking into the future, we propose solutions to overcome the roadblocks encountered while developing the plugin and further plans for the Visual Debugger.