[strong_silent_t]

This is similar to what I did: https://learn.adafruit.com/proper-step-debugging-atsamd21-ar... . That is for that specific platform, not sure if there is something similar for the other versions.

I used the J-Link but I wanted to do it on Linux, so I used the JLink GDB Server along with the GDB build that comes with the Arduino IDE. It probably takes me a good 5 minutes to get everything set up, but the basic stuff works: breakpoints, stack trace, reading and writing memory locations.

The setup is a little convoluted, I'm not sure if there is a better way, but here are my notes:

    Procedure for running w/ debugger attached.
    
    1. disconnect debugger's usb
    2. connect device via usb
    3. arduino IDE program device
    4. identify elf, set up gdb with elf.
    5. plug in debugger
    6. run jlink gdb server
    7. attach gdb to jlink server "target remote:2331"
    8. "monitor reset", "continue" to re-run target from beginning.
    9. observe device is recognized by Arduino IDE
    10. open Arduino IDE serial monitor to interact with device.
    
    Now, Ctrl+C in GDB halts device, and stack etc. can be inspected, and
    then it can continue running with "cont".
    
    To rerun the device with the same program without redoing everything,
    go to step 8 and reset the device. and continue from there.
    
    To find .elf on linux:
    ==================================================
    find /tmp -name sketch_name.ino.elf 2>/dev/null
    

    gdb location:
    ==================================================
    /home/user/.arduino15/packages/arduino/tools/arm-none-eabi-gcc/4.8.3-2014q1/bin/arm-none-eabi-gdb
    
    
    JLink setup command:
    ==================================================
    JLinkGDBServer -device ATSAMD21G18A -if SWD -speed 4000
    

    gdb attachment:
    ==================================================
    (gdb) target remote:2331

[brokenmachine]

Thanks for the info. I did buy a knockoff J-Link but haven't got around to trying it yet.

I've only used the Arduino Mini/Micro so far (with Atmega328 or Atmega32u4). Is it possible to debug on those?

[strong_silent_t]

Not sure, I haven't used that platform personally, there is probably a debugging interface to the chip but it will probably require different hardware/software.