IDB files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Visual Studio Intermediate Debug File
File Function
| Title | IDB File Extension |
| Extension | .idb |
| Full Form | Intermediate Debug File |
| File Type | Binary File |
| Developer | Microsoft |
File Characteristics
| Binary Format | Yes |
| Contains Debug Data | Yes |
| Editable | No |
| Generated by Compiler | Yes |
Use Cases
| Software Debugging | Yes |
| Program Development | Yes |
| Performance Analysis | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | None inherent |
| Best Practices | Version control, Backup |
Historical/Version Information
| Associated with | MSVC++ |
| Release | With Visual Studio versions |
Associated Types
| Related Files | .pdb, .exe, .dll |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Visual Studio |
Free, Paid | Windows |
Type 2: IDA Database File
General Information
| Title | IDB File Extension |
| Extension | .idb |
| Full Form | IDA Database File |
| File Type | Database File |
| Developer | Hex-Rays |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store analysis |
| Additional Functions | Cache disassembly |
| Features | Binary data, Organized |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes, with IDA |
Use Cases
| Reverse Engineering | Yes |
| Malware Analysis | Yes |
| Software Debugging | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Infection if malicious |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Encrypted storage |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1990s |
| Latest Version | Depends on IDA version |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .i64, .til, .pat |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 IDA Pro |
Commercial | Windows, Mac, Linux |