How to debug software on esp8266?

Question

Python

I have tried NodeMCU and Arduino with this MCU but both tools have no debugging. Not in MicroPython either.
The impression of the tools is very bad, the same NodeMCU is just a set of crutches, where the lack of memory in lua scripts is a regular situation. Arduino is a working option, but it lacks debugging.
Are there any other means to work with it with debugging capability (stack, variables, etc.)?
What is the most comfortable set of software for developing on it for home non-professional use?

Answer 1

On ESP32 it is normally debugged. ESP8266 - no.

Answer 2

You can connect gdbstub and debug with gdb over the serial port. You can use JTAG if the corresponding legs are not busy and debug using gdb + openocd.

Answer 3

If there is not enough memory, it might make sense to take OrangePI. And in C++ debug something like this:

#idfef DEBUG
char buf[20];
sprintf("Var dx=%d", buf, dx);
Serial.println(buf);
#endif