Debuggers are essential tools in software development that help programmers identify and fix errors or bugs in their code. They allow developers to run their programs step-by-step, inspect variables, and understand the flow of execution, making it easier to pinpoint issues. Popular debuggers are often integrated into IDEs like Visual Studio or Eclipse, enhancing the coding experience. Using a debugger can significantly improve the efficiency of the development process. By providing features such as breakpoints, watch expressions, and call stack inspection, debuggers empower developers to analyze their code in real-time. This leads to more robust software and a smoother user experience.