jlink

J-Link is a family of USB-connected in-circuit debugging probes produced by SEGGER Microcontroller. It provides hardware-assisted debugging and in-system programming for a wide range of microcontrollers via JTAG or SWD interfaces, enabling developers to flash firmware, set breakpoints, inspect memory and registers, and control execution.

The J-Link software package comprises device drivers and debugging tools, including the J-Link GDB Server and J-Link Commander. It also supports Real-Time Transfer (RTT), a feature that streams data between the host and the target in real time, enabling efficient console output and data exchange without instrumentation overhead. The probes are designed to work with multiple toolchains and IDEs through standard interfaces and SEGGER’s own utilities.

J-Link supports a broad set of architectures and devices, with emphasis on ARM Cortex cores and inclusion of other families such as RISC-V and Renesas RX, among others. The exact capabilities depend on the specific model, but typical use cases include flash programming, fault debugging, and performance analysis in both development and testing environments.

The ecosystem around J-Link is widespread. It is compatible with major IDEs and toolchains via native plug-ins, GDB servers, and OpenOCD integration, allowing users to leverage their preferred development workflow. SEGGER also offers specialized variants such as J-Link EDU and J-Link EDU Mini for educational and budget-conscious scenarios, alongside higher-performance models designed for professional use.

In summary, J-Link provides a versatile, widely adopted solution for debugging and programming a broad range of microcontrollers, combining robust hardware probes with comprehensive software tools and broad ecosystem support.