Debug menu
Encyclopedia
A debug menu or debug mode is a function hidden in a computer program that provides options used for testing and debugging
, that are not normally available to users. Such menus exist within many video games and other software, but are often accessible only by use of a secret input sequence or by modifying the program.
Compared to the normal user interfaces, debug menus usually are unpolished and not user-friendly, intended only to be used by the software's developers. They are often cryptic and may allow for destructive actions such as erasing data without warning.
Debug menus are often of interest to video game players as they can be used to cheat, access unused content, or change the game configuration beyond what is normally allowed. For example, a debug menu in Mario Kart 64
can be used to instantly award all gold trophies or to play the game in a 2-player vertical split-screen mode which is not normally available. Some game developers will reveal methods to access these menus as bonus features, while others may lock them out of the final version entirely such that they can only be accessed by modifying the program.
Debugging functions can be found in many other programs and consumer electronics as well. For example many TVs and DVD players contain hidden menus that can be used to change settings that aren't accessible through the normal menus.
Debugging
Debugging is a methodical process of finding and reducing the number of bugs, or defects, in a computer program or a piece of electronic hardware, thus making it behave as expected. Debugging tends to be harder when various subsystems are tightly coupled, as changes in one may cause bugs to emerge...
, that are not normally available to users. Such menus exist within many video games and other software, but are often accessible only by use of a secret input sequence or by modifying the program.
Compared to the normal user interfaces, debug menus usually are unpolished and not user-friendly, intended only to be used by the software's developers. They are often cryptic and may allow for destructive actions such as erasing data without warning.
Debug menus are often of interest to video game players as they can be used to cheat, access unused content, or change the game configuration beyond what is normally allowed. For example, a debug menu in Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart 64
is a racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It is the second installment in the Mario Kart series. It was released in 1996 in Japan and in 1997 in North America and Europe. In January 2007, Mario Kart 64 was released on Nintendo's Virtual Console service for the Wii...
can be used to instantly award all gold trophies or to play the game in a 2-player vertical split-screen mode which is not normally available. Some game developers will reveal methods to access these menus as bonus features, while others may lock them out of the final version entirely such that they can only be accessed by modifying the program.
Debugging functions can be found in many other programs and consumer electronics as well. For example many TVs and DVD players contain hidden menus that can be used to change settings that aren't accessible through the normal menus.