Lexicon Entry

Breakpoint (Software / Hardware)

A debugging mechanism that pauses program execution at a specific address. Software breakpoints work by replacing an instruction with a trap (`int3` on x86-64, `brk #0` on ARM64). Hardware breakpoints use CPU debug registers and don't modify code.

Related Knowledge & Cross-References

Guide

Feb 22, 2026

Build a Debugger from Scratch: Ultimate 3 OS Guide (Part 8)

Understanding the bridge between your code and the kernel is the final key to demystifying how software works. Up to this point in my Assembly Series, you've mastered how to load a process, how calling conventions manage functions, how memory is laid out, and finally, how to talk directly to the hardware via system calls.