# jq Built-In Debugging Features: Tracing, Disassembly, and Runtime Inspection

> Explore jq built-in debugging features like tracing, disassembly, and runtime inspection for deeper introspection of compiled programs and running filters.

- Repository: [jqlang/jq](https://github.com/jqlang/jq)
- Tags: deep-dive
- Published: 2026-04-11

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**jq provides three complementary debugging mechanisms—execution tracing via `--debug-trace`, bytecode inspection via `--debug-dump-disasm`, and inline value logging via the `debug` builtin—that allow developers to introspect both compiled programs and running filters.**

The jq command-line JSON processor includes a lightweight but powerful debugging subsystem implemented across its core interpreter. These jq built-in debugging features enable step-by-step execution tracing, static bytecode analysis, and programmable runtime logging without requiring external tools.

## Command-Line Debug Flags and Execution Tracing

jq defines three debug trace levels in [`