---
id: mozdebug
version: "0.4.0"
license: MPL
license_treatment: copyleft
maintenance: aging
---

# mozdebug — Utilities for running applications under native code debuggers intended for use in Mozilla testing

License: copyleft · Maintenance: aging · Downloads: 166.0K/mo

## What it is and what it does

mozdebug is a utility library from Mozilla's testing infrastructure that wraps the mechanics of launching applications under native code debuggers. It abstracts away platform-specific debugger invocation and configuration, allowing test harnesses and automation to attach debuggers consistently across different environments. The package depends on mozinfo and mozshellutil to handle system detection and shell utilities.

It is intended for developers and test engineers working within Mozilla's testing ecosystem or similar native debugging scenarios. The package has been stable since its initial release in 2015 and supports Python 3.8 through 3.13, though its aging maintenance status suggests it may not be actively developed beyond bug fixes.

Use it for:

- Attach a native debugger to a process during automated testing without platform-specific shell scripting.
- Integrate debugger launching into test harnesses and CI/CD pipelines.
- Standardize debugger invocation across different test environments.
- Debug crashes in compiled components during test execution by automating debugger attachment.

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Provides utilities for launching and managing applications under native code debuggers, designed for Mozilla testing workflows.

Yes, if you are working within Mozilla's testing infrastructure or need to automate native debugger attachment in a similar context. The low install friction, lack of vulnerabilities, and broad Python version support make it safe to adopt. However, the aging maintenance status suggests it is stable but not actively developed—verify that it meets your specific debugger and platform requirements before relying on it for new projects.

## Install

pip install mozdebug
uv add mozdebug
poetry add mozdebug

## Installing mozdebug

Before you install: Low install friction with a pure-Python wheel distribution. Maintenance status is aging—last release was 207 days ago—but the package supports current Python versions through 3.13 and carries no known vulnerabilities.

License in practice: Licensed under MPL (copyleft). Use is permitted but derivative works and modifications must be distributed under the same license terms.

Quickstart:

pip install mozdebug

import mozdebug
# Use mozdebug utilities with mozinfo and mozshellutil for debugger integration

Requires Python 3.8 or later; intended for use with native code debuggers in Mozilla testing contexts.

Verify before relying:

- Whether the package is actively maintained or in long-term support mode despite the aging status flag.
- What specific debuggers (gdb, lldb, etc.) are supported on different platforms.
- Whether the package works with current versions of its runtime dependencies mozinfo and mozshellutil.

## Package facts

- License: MPL (copyleft)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: aging
- Downloads: 166.0K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

native debugger integration, application debugging utilities, mozilla testing tools, debugger launcher, debug process management, mozilla-tools, native-debugging, test-automation

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/mozdebug) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/mozdebug/)