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Interactive Disassembler
Interactive Disassembler
Interactive Disassembler
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Interactive Disassembler
Original authorIlfak Guilfanov
DeveloperHex-Rays
Initial releaseMay 21, 1991; 34 years ago (1991-05-21)[1]
Stable release
9.1[2] / February 28, 2025; 7 months ago (2025-02-28)
Written inC++[3]
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux
Available inEnglish, Russian
TypeDisassembler, Decompiler
LicenseProprietary
Websitehex-rays.com/ida-pro/

The Interactive Disassembler (IDA) is a disassembler for computer software which generates assembly language source code from machine-executable code. It supports a variety of executable formats for different processors and operating systems. It can also be used as a debugger for Windows PE, Mac OS X Mach-O, and Linux ELF executables. A decompiler plug-in, which generates a high level, C source code-like representation of the analysed program, is available at extra cost.[4][5]

IDA is used widely in software reverse engineering, including for malware analysis[6][7] and software vulnerability research.[8][9] IDA's decompiler is one of the most popular and widely used decompilation frameworks,[10][11][12] and IDA has been called the "de-facto industry standard" for program disassembly and static binary analysis.[13][14][15]

History

[edit]

Ilfak Guilfanov began working on IDA in 1990,[16][17][18][19] and initially distributed it as a shareware application. In 1996, the Belgian company DataRescue took over the development of IDA and began to sell it as a commercial product, under the name IDA Pro.[20][21]

Initial versions of IDA did not have a graphical user interface (GUI), and ran as an extended DOS, OS/2, or Windows console application.[22] In 1999, DataRescue released the first version of IDA Pro with a GUI, IDA Pro 4.0.[23]

In 2005, Guilfanov founded Hex-Rays to pursue the development of the Hex-Rays Decompiler IDA extension.[24][25] In January 2008, Hex-Rays assumed the development and support of DataRescue's IDA Pro.[26][27]

In 2022, Hex-Rays was acquired by a group of investors led by Smartfin, a European venture capital and private equity investor. Co-investors in the acquisition included the Belgian public holding company The Federal Holding & Investment Company (SFPIM) [fr], and the Walloon public investment firm Regional Investment Company of Wallonia (SRIW).[28][29]

Features

[edit]

IDA disassembles a compiled program back into an assembly language representation. In addition to performing basic disassembly, IDA also automatically annotates disassembled programs with information about:[30]

However, the nature of disassembly precludes total accuracy, and a great deal of human intervention is necessarily required; IDA has interactive functionality to aid in improving the disassembly. A typical IDA user will begin with an automatically generated disassembly listing and then convert sections from code to data and vice versa, rename, annotate, and otherwise add information to the listing, until its functionality becomes clear.

Scripting

[edit]

"IDC scripts" make it possible to extend the operation of the disassembler. Some helpful scripts are provided, which can serve as the basis for user written scripts. Most frequently scripts are used for extra modification of the generated code. For example, external symbol tables can be loaded thereby using the function names of the original source code.

Users have created plugins that allow other common scripting languages to be used instead of, or in addition to, IDC. IdaRUB[31] supports Ruby and IDAPython[32] adds support for Python. As of version 5.4, IDAPython (dependent on Python 2.5) comes preinstalled with IDA Pro.

Debugging

[edit]

IDA Pro supports a number of debuggers,[33] including:

  • Remote Windows, Linux, and Mac applications (provided by Hex-Rays) allow running an executable in its native environment (presumably using a virtual machine for malware)
  • GNU Debugger (gdb) is supported on Linux and OS X, as well as the native Windows debugger
  • A Bochs plugin is provided for debugging simple applications (i.e., damaged UPX or mpress compacted executables)
  • An Intel PIN-based debugger
  • A trace replayer

Versions

[edit]

The latest full version of IDA Pro is available via paid annual subscription (version 9.0sp1 as of December 2024), while a less capable version (limited to x86), named IDA Free, is available for download free of cost.[34]

Supported systems/processors/compilers

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[edit]

IDA Pro's logo is a cropped image of Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon. The logo image is similar to a miniature painting of Françoise d'Aubigné attested to a painter in the circle of Pierre Mignard.[36]

The original greyscale version of the logo was introduced in September 1999, with the release of IDA 4.0.[18] Ilfak Guilfanov has stated that the logo is not a depiction of Saint Ida of Louvain.[37]

See also

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References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Interactive Disassembler

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The is a tool developed by Hex-Rays for binaries, primarily functioning as a that converts machine-executable code into readable while allowing interactive user analysis. It supports disassembly, decompilation, and across multiple processor architectures and file formats, making it a staple in fields like , vulnerability research, and software protection. Unlike batch disassemblers, IDA emphasizes , where users actively guide the analysis by resolving ambiguities in code, such as distinguishing data from instructions, to refine the disassembly output. IDA's development originated in the early with Ilfak Guilfanov, a software engineer who created the initial multi-architecture as a application starting from a source file dated October 25, 1990, with the first release (version 0.1) occurring on May 21, 1991. By 1994, version 2.0 introduced scripting via IDC and expanded processor support to include architectures like 8080, , and Z80, while transitioning to commercial distribution. In 1996, the Belgian company DataRescue took over marketing and began enhancing the tool, adding an integrated in version 4.5 (2003); Hex-Rays SA, co-founded by Guilfanov in 2005, took over full development in 2008 and released the first Hex-Rays in 2007 to generate C-like from assembly. Key milestones include plugin support in 1999, a Windows GUI in version 4.0, graph views in 5.0 (2006), and native 64-bit execution across platforms in 7.0 (2017), with the latest major version being IDA 9 as of 2025. Among its notable features, IDA Pro offers extensive customization through over 200 community plugins, IDAPython scripting, and a C++ SDK, alongside deobfuscation tools like the plug-in for handling protected binaries. It runs on Windows (version 8+), (CentOS 7+ or 16.04+), and macOS (12+), with debugging capabilities in local and remote modes for dynamic . Available in tiers including IDA Free, the official free version suitable for beginners, students, or personal non-commercial learning that supports x86/x64 disassembly, cloud decompiler, and saving analysis results but has limitations like no local advanced debugging, no SDK, and no commercial use, IDA Pro is widely regarded for its versatility in analyzing embedded systems, mobile applications, and complex , supporting dozens of processors from x86 to . In late 2022, Hex-Rays was acquired by a including Smartfin and SFPIM, yet remains privately held with Guilfanov as CTO and major shareholder.

History

Origins and Early Development

The Interactive Disassembler (IDA) originated as a personal project initiated by Ilfak Guilfanov, a software developer with experience in Soviet-era computing, who sought to create a tool for analyzing binaries without access to their . Guilfanov's motivation stemmed from the challenges of closed-source programs during the early , a period when such analysis was essential for understanding and modifying software in resource-constrained environments. The first idea for IDA emerged in the fall of 1990, with the initial lines of code written in January 1991. By April 1991, the tool achieved its first complete disassembly of a program, marking a key milestone in its development. The first release, version 0.1, occurred on May 21, 1991. Unlike contemporary batch-oriented disassemblers that processed entire files at once, IDA emphasized an interactive, user-driven approach, allowing analysts to load and explore code fragments on demand while enabling features like renaming variables and adding comments in real time. From the outset, it supported multiple processor architectures, including x86 and 6502, to facilitate cross-platform binary . Prior to 1994, IDA was distributed non-commercially through networks like , systems (BBS), and limited FTP sites. In 1994, version 2.0 introduced distribution along with IDC scripting and expanded processor support. IDA evolved from a basic into a foundational tool with capabilities such as incremental database saving for persistent analysis sessions. This grassroots sharing model allowed early adopters in the community to refine and expand its use before full commercialization efforts.

Commercialization and Growth

Version 3.0, released around as part of the mid-1990s transition to commercial , introduced enhanced extensibility through scripting capabilities and support for multiple processor architectures to broaden its appeal to software engineers. Improvements to the tool's database format during this period enabled persistent storage of analysis results for incremental work and more efficient memory usage. In 1999, IDA Pro 4.0 introduced a for Windows, significantly enhancing usability with visual representations such as disassembly graphs and views that facilitated navigation through complex binaries. These updates contributed to rapid growth in the user base, particularly among analysts and software engineers, with early adoption in antivirus research for dissecting malicious code. In 2003, the Belgian company DataRescue began distributing and supporting IDA, with Guilfanov joining DataRescue to continue development in Belgium.

Modern Developments and Acquisitions

In 2005, Ilfak Guilfanov co-founded Hex-Rays to advance binary analysis tools, building on his earlier work developing multi-architecture disassemblers in the 1990s. The company focused initially on creating plugins for IDA Pro, culminating in the release of the Hex-Rays Decompiler in 2007, which generates C-like pseudocode from disassembled binaries to aid reverse engineers. In 2008, Hex-Rays assumed full development and support responsibilities for IDA Pro from DataRescue, streamlining the tool's evolution under a unified entity. This transition marked a pivotal corporate shift, enabling integrated advancements in disassembly and decompilation. Key version milestones followed, with IDA 7.0 launched in September 2017 as a native 64-bit application, allowing it to utilize the full memory capacity of modern systems and improving performance for large binaries. IDA 8.0 arrived on July 29, 2022, introducing enhancements such as improved IDAPython support with Python 3.10 compatibility and expanded processor modules, alongside better integration for collaborative workflows through features like shared databases. In October 2022, Hex-Rays itself was acquired by a of investors led by Smartfin, providing resources for accelerated innovation in binary analysis tools amid growing demand in cybersecurity. Subsequent releases emphasized emerging architectures and accessibility. IDA 9.0, released on September 30, 2024, unified 32-bit and 64-bit handling in a single binary, added a decompiler for , and enhanced support for C++ exceptions in output. IDA 9.2 followed on September 8, 2025, with refinements to the including a redesigned register widget for auto-dereferencing and color-coded views, alongside improved remote capabilities for distributed scenarios. To broaden adoption, Hex-Rays introduced IDA Free in May 2021, offering a no-cost version suitable for beginners, students, or personal non-commercial learning with core disassembly features for x86/x64, a cloud-based decompiler, and the ability to save analysis results, but with limitations such as no local advanced debugging, no SDK access, and strict prohibition of commercial use. Ongoing developments incorporate techniques for tasks like function recognition, as seen in plugins such as Thumbs Up, which uses classifiers to refine IDA's static analysis by identifying code patterns more accurately. These innovations extend to cybersecurity integrations, including plugins like hrtng from Kaspersky for flow untangling and LLM-based tools via the Model Context Protocol (MCP) for AI-assisted workflows.

Core Features

Disassembly Engine

The disassembly engine in IDA Pro employs a to analyze binary executables, starting from entry points and known code locations to follow paths such as jumps and calls, thereby identifying valid instructions while distinguishing code from data through automated and flow analysis. This approach, part of the core autoanalysis engine, enables comprehensive coverage of program structures by iteratively exploring branches, reducing the risk of misinterpreting data as code compared to linear sweep methods. The engine's options allow users to toggle recursive analysis for fine-tuned control, ensuring accurate disassembly even in complex binaries. IDA Pro presents disassembled output through interactive linear and graph-based views, facilitating and structural understanding of the . The linear view displays instructions sequentially by , ideal for scanning raw assembly listings, while the graph view organizes into nodes representing basic blocks connected by edges for , allowing users to visualize branches, loops, and function layouts with zoom, pan, and node grouping capabilities. Users can manually rename functions, labels, and variables—via right-click or the N key—to enhance readability, with changes propagating across views and integrating seamlessly with higher-level outputs for consistent naming. Additionally, the cross-references (xrefs) tracks and displays relationships such as jumps, calls, reads/writes, and offsets, accessible via the X key or graph edges, enabling quick to callers or usages throughout the binary. For obfuscated or packed binaries, the engine supports manual intervention to redefine code/data boundaries, apply type libraries for precise operand interpretation (e.g., resolving structures and enums), and handle anti-disassembly techniques through user-guided reanalysis. The FLOSS integration, via an importable Python script, aids in deobfuscating hidden strings and constants by emulating execution paths to reveal encrypted or runtime-built , enhancing static analysis without dynamic tracing. Output options include assembly listings (ASM or LST files for selected ranges), dumps via the synchronized hex view, and exportable databases in formats like or INC for external processing, preserving annotations and structures.

Decompilation Capabilities

The Hex-Rays Decompiler serves as a plugin for IDA Pro, transforming disassembled into readable C/C++-like that incorporates control structures such as if-else statements and loops, while inferring variables based on usage patterns. This architecture enables rapid generation of high-level representations, facilitating binary analysis without deep assembly knowledge. The supports type propagation across functions, allowing inferred data types to influence subsequent code reconstruction, and it reconstructs structures by recognizing common compiler-generated idioms like aggregate initializations. In object-oriented code, it handles calls by identifying vtable references and polymorphic behaviors, producing that reflects hierarchies where detectable. These capabilities aid in analyzing C++ binaries, though full class hierarchies may require manual refinement. Despite these strengths, the has inherent limitations, including the inability to recover original variable names, which are instead assigned generic identifiers like v1 or arg_0. It performs best on compiler-generated code but struggles with highly optimized binaries, where aggressive optimizations obscure and data dependencies, leading to less readable or inaccurate . Additionally, it lacks support for and global program analysis, restricting its scope to local function-level decompilation. Integration with IDA Pro's database allows for iterative refinement, where user-applied annotations—such as renaming variables or specifying types—propagate to update the output dynamically, improving accuracy over multiple analysis passes. Recent enhancements in IDA 9.2 (released September 2025) include decompiler improvements for Go binaries, such as types for multi-value returns and better handling of stack-based ABIs, enhancing readability for Golang code. For , a dedicated plugin, released as a tech preview in 2023 for IDA 8.3, addresses language-specific challenges like non-standard calling conventions and via the librustdemangle library, aiding type propagation and detection to support decompilation of Rust-compiled binaries, though core decompiler adjustments for Rust idioms remain under development through SDK-based microlibraries.

Debugging Tools

The IDA Pro provides dynamic analysis capabilities for binaries, enabling analysts to observe and interact with executing code in a controlled manner. It supports both and remote sessions, allowing attachment to running es or launching new ones directly from the interface. For on Windows, users can select "Debugger > Attach to " to connect to an active by PID, facilitating inspection without restarting the application. Remote extends this to networked environments, where a dedicated server (such as win64_remote.exe for Windows x64 or linux_server64 for ELF) is launched on the target machine with parameters like port and authentication, enabling secure connections over TCP/IP from the IDA client. Supported platforms include Windows (x86/x64), (x86/x64/), macOS (x64/ARM64), , and Android (x86/x64/), with setup involving command-line options for password protection and suspension. Breakpoints form a core mechanism for halting execution at specific points, with support for software instruction breakpoints (set via F2 on disassembly lines) and hardware breakpoints for monitoring access without altering . Hardware breakpoints, limited to four on x86/x64 architectures, can target read/write/execute events on addresses or ranges, aiding in detecting anti-debugging techniques like integrity checks by evading software-based detection. Step-through execution is achieved via commands like F7 (step into), F8 (), and F4 (run to cursor), with visual indicators such as green arrows highlighting potential jump targets during navigation. For targets, integration with GDB occurs through the remote server, which leverages GDB protocols for control, while Windows benefits from the plugin using Microsoft's dbgeng engine for both user-mode and kernel-mode , including non-invasive attachment to avoid alerts. Tracing and logging capabilities capture runtime behavior comprehensively, recording register states, memory modifications, and execution paths for later review. The debugger's displays current values with auto-dereferencing and color-coding for changes, while memory views allow real-time monitoring of modifications during execution. As of IDA 9.2 (September 2025), the register subview has been redesigned with automatic pointer dereferencing and color coding for memory types. Execution traces can be enabled via breakpoint actions in IDA 6.3 and later, saving sequences of instructions, registers, and memory states to files for replay, comparison, and of conditional paths without full re-execution. Conditional further refine this by triggering based on expressions involving registers or memory, supporting complex scenarios like loop iterations or . Scriptable debugging enhances automation through event hooks and IDC/Python integration, allowing custom scripts to execute on events like hits, process entry, or exceptions for tasks such as behavior logging or interaction. The scriptable , introduced in IDA 4.9, permits instant session starts without prior static analysis completion and supports hooks for remote processes, enabling automated tracing of dynamic behaviors like calls or encrypted payloads. Process snapshots provide a way to preserve the debugged application's state, with the "Take memory snapshot" command copying the entire process memory (or loader segments only) into the IDA database for offline examination or rollback. This is particularly useful during sessions at risk of process termination, where IDA prompts for snapshots before detaching. For non-native architectures, emulation support includes the plugin for debugging PE executables on x86/x64 via a , and remote servers handle cross-architecture analysis without local emulation, though scripting can simulate behaviors for limited dynamic execution on unsupported hosts.

Extensibility

Scripting Languages

The (IDA) provides scripting capabilities through IDC, a native embedded semantically similar to C/C++, which serves as the original tool for automating tasks and developing plugins. IDC enables users to write scripts that interact with IDA's database, manipulate disassembly output, and perform repetitive operations such as renaming symbols or analyzing without manual intervention. IDAPython, integrated into IDA starting with version 6.1 in 2011, extends scripting by leveraging the Python programming language for more advanced automation, including bulk renaming of identifiers and custom static analysis routines. This plugin allows scripts to access IDA's core API, facilitating interactions with the disassembler, navigation of program structures, and manipulation of elements like functions and cross-references. For instance, IDAPython scripts can automate function identification by scanning for patterns in bytecode or applying heuristics to undefined code regions. In July 2025, with the release of IDA 9.2, the source code for IDAPython was open-sourced, enabling further community-driven enhancements and custom builds. Complementing these, the IDA C++ SDK enables deeper integration through compiled plugins written in C++, allowing extensions to the core engine such as custom processor modules or specialized views for enhanced visualization. This approach is particularly suited for performance-critical tasks that exceed the capabilities of interpreted scripting languages. The SDK was open-sourced in July 2025 alongside IDA 9.2, promoting greater accessibility for developers to contribute to IDA's extensibility. Practical examples of scripting in IDA include auto-commenting mechanisms, where IDC or IDAPython code adds explanatory notes to instructions based on types or calls, improving readability during . Scripts can also export analysis data, such as function call graphs or symbol tables, to external formats for further processing in tools like graph analyzers. Since IDA 7.4, IDAPython has evolved to support Python 3, ensuring compatibility with contemporary libraries such as for numerical computations on disassembly data, like statistical analysis of instruction distributions. This upgrade facilitates integration with modern Python ecosystems while maintaining for legacy scripts through porting guides.

Plugins and Modules

The (IDA) Pro supports an extensible plugin architecture that allows users to load dynamic link libraries (DLLs) on Windows or dynamic shared objects (DSOs) on systems from the designated plugins directory, enabling the addition of specialized features such as custom file loaders, advanced visualization tools, or automated analysis routines. This loader system integrates plugins seamlessly into IDA's interface, often via menu entries or hotkeys, providing full access to the IDA database for reading, modifying, and interacting with . Among the official plugins distributed with IDA Pro, FindCrypt detects cryptographic signatures by searching for known constants associated with algorithms like AES, MD5, and SHA variants, as well as hash functions and compression libraries such as zlib, aiding in the identification of security-related code patterns. The third-party plugin ecosystem further enriches IDA's capabilities, with contributions like Class Informer, which facilitates object-oriented programming (OOP) analysis by scanning for Microsoft Visual C++ runtime type information (RTTI), identifying virtual function tables (vftables), and generating structure definitions, labels, and comments to clarify class hierarchies in binaries. FindCrypt2—an enhanced version of the original FindCrypt—included in the IDA SDK for broader constant detection in cryptographic implementations. Integration plugins such as the RetDec decompiler extension, developed by Avast, embed an open-source retargetable decompiler into IDA, supporting architectures like x86, ARM, and MIPS to produce C-like pseudocode alongside IDA's native disassembly for improved code comprehension. Hex-Rays-specific modules include the core plugin, which transforms assembly into readable C and requires a separate license, enhancing workflows for complex binaries. Complementary tools like the built-in resource editors for (PE) and (ELF) files allow viewing and extraction of embedded resources such as icons, dialogs, and strings directly within IDA's interface. Community contributions are centralized through the Hex-Rays Plugin Repository, a portal hosting over 180 plugins across categories like decompilation and , where developers submit extensions for peer review and distribution. Hex-Rays encourages participation via its annual Plugin Contest, offering prizes and certification-like recognition for innovative submissions that adhere to SDK guidelines for compatibility and quality, ensuring safe integration with IDA versions 8.0 and later. Plugins often build upon scripting foundations like IDAPython for core logic, promoting reusability in compiled extensions.

Technical Support

Processor Architectures

The Interactive Disassembler (IDA) Pro supports over 60 processor families through dedicated modules, enabling disassembly and analysis of binaries across a wide range of architectures. This extensive coverage includes general-purpose processors such as x86 and x86-64 (covering Intel Pentium series through modern cores), ARM (versions 3 through 8, including Thumb and NEON extensions), ARM64 (AArch64 with Cortex-A series support), MIPS (R2000 through R5900 series), PowerPC/POWER (including Book E variants), and RISC-V (base and extensions like T-Head for Xuantie processors). These modules provide precise instruction decoding, facilitating reverse engineering for diverse applications from desktop software to mobile and server environments. For embedded systems, IDA includes specialized modules for microcontrollers and digital signal processors (DSPs), such as AVR (8-bit and 32-bit), PIC (16-bit and 24-bit series), MSP430, TMS320 (C2000 through C6000 series with SIMD support), and Tricore (TC1x through TC4x, including virtualization and double-precision FPU instructions). Additional support extends to legacy and niche architectures like Z80/Z180, 6502/65C02 (for NES and GameBoy), H8/300 and H8/500 series, and SuperH (SH-1 through SH-4). This breadth ensures compatibility with firmware and real-time systems, where accurate emulation of hardware-specific behaviors is essential. IDA's extensibility allows users to create or modify processor modules using the publicly available (SDK), which includes for over 20 modules such as AVR, PIC, 8051, and MSP430. For proprietary or obfuscated instruction sets, the enables definition of custom instructions by extending the decompiler's internal representation, supporting of non-standard ISAs without full module recompilation. This system is particularly useful for handling vendor-specific extensions in embedded or obfuscated binaries. Recent updates in IDA 9.2 enhance support for evolving architectures, including v8.7-A instructions (such as FEAT_WFxT and FEAT_xNS for Apple's SPTM ) and Custom Datapath Extensions, alongside expanded TriCore coverage for TC4x with over 50 new instructions and user-specifiable global registers. Modules maintain high accuracy by correctly managing architecture-specific details, including big- and little-endian byte orders, varied calling conventions (e.g., o64 ABI for MIPS), and floating-point operations tailored to each ISA. For instance, improved stack frame analysis in modules handles pseudo-instructions like STMIA, ensuring reliable reconstruction. Disassembly performance varies by architecture complexity, with RISC-based processors like and generally achieving faster analysis times compared to CISC ones like x86 due to simpler instruction decoding, though specific benchmarks depend on binary size and module optimizations.

Host Platforms and File Formats

Interactive Disassembler (IDA) Pro provides native support for running on Windows operating systems version 8 or later in x64 architecture, enabling both local and remote debugging capabilities. It also supports Linux distributions such as 7 x64 or later and 16.04 or later, with x86/x64 architectures for host execution and debugging. For macOS, IDA runs on version 12 (Monterey) or later, accommodating both x64 and architectures, though debugging is limited to remote mode for 32-bit systems. Additionally, cloud-based access to IDA's decompilers is available through the Hex-Rays portal, allowing analysis without local installation. IDA supports a wide range of input file formats for binary analysis, including the Portable Executable (PE) format commonly used in Windows environments, the Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) for Linux and Unix systems, and the Mach-O format for macOS and iOS applications. It also handles raw binary files for unstructured data and includes specialized loaders for firmware images, such as Intel HEX, MOS Technology Hex Object File, and S-record formats. These loaders parse metadata and headers to facilitate disassembly, with over 40 formats supported out-of-the-box. IDA databases, stored in cross-platform compatible IDB or I64 files, enable seamless sharing of results across different host operating systems, preserving disassembly, annotations, and decompilation data without reprocessing. A remote server, powered by the IDALib framework, supports headless operation for automated or distributed workflows, allowing database manipulation and querying without a graphical interface. While IDA's full feature set, including interactive and UI-driven , requires desktop environments on supported hosts, mobile platforms lack native support, limiting deployment to emulated or remote setups. Recent updates in IDA 9.x series have enhanced host compatibility, particularly for macOS ARM64, unifying 32-bit and 64-bit binaries into a single executable to streamline cross-architecture workflows. For archiving or migration purposes, IDA allows export of databases to IDB/I64 files, which retain all analysis artifacts and can be reloaded on any compatible host for continued work or .

Versions and Licensing

Major Release Timeline

The Interactive Disassembler (IDA) originated as a command-line tool in the early , with initial versions from IDA 1.0 to 2.x (1991–1995) focusing on basic disassembly for early processors such as 8086, 68000, and Z80, including support for executable formats and rudimentary scripting via IDC introduced in version 2.0. These releases established IDA's foundation as a utility for reverse engineers targeting legacy systems. Version 4.0 in 1999 marked the debut of a for Windows, replacing the text-based interface and enabling visual navigation of disassembled code, while subsequent updates like 4.17 (2001) added graphing and views for analysis. IDA 5.0 (2006) integrated built-in graph views directly into the GUI, enhancing usability for complex binaries, followed by the introduction of IDAPython scripting in 5.6 (2009) to support automation across platforms. The IDA 6.x series (2010–2015) shifted to a cross-platform Qt-based GUI in 6.0, with later versions like 6.6 (2014) adding x86-64 decompiler support via Hex-Rays integration and 6.9 (2015) extending decompilation to ARM64 alongside Android debugging capabilities. IDA 7.0 (2017) transitioned to a native 64-bit application across all supported platforms, improving handling of large binaries and memory-intensive analyses. IDA 8.0 (2022) introduced enhancements in processor module extensibility and UI performance, while 8.3 (2023) refined autoanalysis workflows, including better register tracking for MIPS and to accelerate function identification and cross-references. IDA 9.0 (2024) delivered full decompiler support for and , alongside headless processing modes for batch analysis and the retirement of 32-bit IDA executables. Subsequent releases maintained momentum with IDA 9.1 (February 2025) optimizing IDB database storage for faster loading and adding time-travel features. IDA 9.2 (October 2025) further improved handling for embedded architectures, such as MIPS o64 ABI support and ARMv8.7 extensions, enhancing analysis of and IoT binaries. IDA's development follows a of annual minor releases incorporating processor-specific updates and usability refinements, with major versions every 2–3 years aligning with emerging architecture trends like 64-bit expansions and RISC-based systems.

Editions and Availability

The Interactive Disassembler (IDA) is available in several editions tailored to different user needs, ranging from free non-commercial options to full commercial licenses. The flagship IDA Pro serves as the comprehensive commercial edition, offering unlimited access to decompilers and processors across various architectures. It is structured into tiered plans: IDA Pro Essential at $1,099 per year, providing two cloud-based decompilers; IDA Pro Expert variants from $2,999 to $6,899 annually for two to six local decompilers; and IDA Pro Ultimate at $8,599 per year, which includes all local decompilers, private cloud features, and team collaboration tools. These plans support named, computer-bound, or floating licenses, with the latter incurring additional costs, and are designed for professional in commercial environments. For non-commercial and educational users, IDA Free provides a no-cost entry point since its launch in May 2021, suitable for beginners, students, or personal non-commercial learning. It includes cloud-based decompilers for x86-32 and processors only, supports x86/x64 disassembly, allows saving analysis results, and offers basic local debugging for x86/x64, but has limitations such as no local advanced debugging, no access to the SDK, and no commercial use. An intermediate option, IDA Home at $365 annually, targets hobbyists with one disassembler family, two cloud decompilers, and support for all file formats, though without floating license options. Additionally, IDA Pro OEM editions enable integration of IDA's core library into third-party tools, such as or server applications, with custom pricing available upon contact for deployments requiring two to eleven local decompilers. Academic institutions benefit from specialized access, including the free IDA Classroom plan for up to four cloud-based decompilers on x86 and architectures, intended for cybersecurity and courses at universities and non-profit entities. IDA Pro plans offer up to 70% discounts for verified academics, principal investigators, or research leads, with volume pricing for larger programs; eligibility requires application review, excluding private corporate or military training. Trial periods for IDA Pro are available as free downloads to evaluate full features before purchase. Licensing operates on a subscription model through the My Hex-Rays portal, providing yearly (or multi-year) access to updates and new versions, with perpetual licenses phased out for new purchases following IDA 8.0 in 2022—existing perpetual holders with active maintenance receive complimentary subscriptions to IDA 9.x until support expires. All editions are downloadable directly from hex-rays.com, supporting Windows, macOS, and platforms. Developers can access the IDA SDK, including the open-source C++ SDK and released in 2025, for creating plugins and automating tasks. Hex-Rays strictly enforces its , prohibiting unauthorized use, distribution, or cracking of IDA software, with legal actions taken against violations to protect .

References

  1. https://hex-rays.com/ida-pro
  2. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/disassembler/interactivity
  3. https://hex-rays.com/blog/ida-celebrating-30-years-of-binary-analysis-innovation
  4. https://hex-rays.com/about-us
  5. https://hex-rays.com/ida-free/
  6. https://docs.hex-rays.com/release-notes/7_0
  7. https://hex-rays.com/blog/ida-8-0-released
  8. https://hex-rays.com/blog/hex-rays-acquisition
  9. https://docs.hex-rays.com/release-notes/9_0
  10. https://hex-rays.com/blog/ida-9.2-release
  11. https://hex-rays.com/blog/announcing-version-7-6-for-ida-freeware
  12. https://research.checkpoint.com/2019/thumbs-up-using-machine-learning-to-improve-idas-analysis/
  13. https://www.kaspersky.com/about/press-releases/ida-pro-plugin-developed-at-kaspersky-wins-2024-ida-plugin-contest
  14. https://blog.talosintelligence.com/using-llm-as-a-reverse-engineering-sidekick/
  15. https://www.infosecinstitute.com/resources/reverse-engineering/linear-sweep-vs-recursive-disassembling-algorithm/
  16. https://hex-rays.com/blog/igors-tip-of-the-week-98-analysis-options/
  17. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/disassembler
  18. https://docs.hex-rays.com/getting-started/basic-usage
  19. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/disassembler/graph-view
  20. https://hex-rays.com/blog/igor-tip-of-the-week-16-cross-references
  21. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/disassembler/packed-executables
  22. https://github.com/mandiant/flare-floss
  23. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/user-interface/menu-bar/file/produce-output-files
  24. https://hex-rays.com/decompiler
  25. https://docs.hex-rays.com/9.1/user-guide/decompiler/limit
  26. https://hex-rays.com/blog/stop-guessing-and-start-going
  27. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/plugins/plugins-shipped-with-ida/rust-plugin
  28. https://hex-rays.com/blog/rust-analysis-plugin-tech-preview
  29. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/debugger/debugger-tutorials/debugger_windows_local
  30. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/debugger/debugger-tutorials/remote-debugging-with-ida-pro
  31. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/debugger/debugger-tutorials/windbg_tut
  32. https://hex-rays.com/blog/ida-debugger-new-register-subview
  33. https://docs.hex-rays.com/release-notes/6_3
  34. https://docs.hex-rays.com/release-notes/9_2
  35. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/debugger/debugger-tutorials/ida_scriptable_debugger1
  36. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/user-interface/menu-bar/debugger/process-memory/take-memory-snapshot
  37. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/debugger/instant-debugger
  38. https://docs.hex-rays.com/developer-guide/idc
  39. https://code.google.com/archive/p/idapython
  40. https://docs.hex-rays.com/developer-guide/idapython/idapython-getting-started
  41. https://docs.hex-rays.com/developer-guide/idapython/idapython-examples
  42. https://hex-rays.com/blog/open-sourcing-ida-sdk
  43. https://cpp.docs.hex-rays.com/
  44. https://docs.hex-rays.com/developer-guide/c%2B%2B-sdk
  45. https://hex-rays.com/blog/igors-tip-of-the-week-59-automatic-function-arguments-comments
  46. https://docs.hex-rays.com/archive/ida74_idapython_python3_porting_guide
  47. https://hex-rays.com/blog/python-3-9-support-for-ida-7-5
  48. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/plugins
  49. https://hex-rays.com/blog/findcrypt
  50. https://sourceforge.net/projects/classinformer/
  51. https://www.aldeid.com/wiki/IDA-Pro/plugins/FindCrypt2
  52. https://github.com/avast/retdec-idaplugin
  53. https://plugins.hex-rays.com/
  54. https://hex-rays.com/plugin-contest
  55. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/disassembler/supported-processors
  56. https://blog.ret2.io/2020/07/22/ida-pro-avx-decompiler/
  57. https://hex-rays.com/blog/hex-rays-microcode-api-vs-obfuscating-compiler
  58. https://hex-rays.com/ida-free
  59. https://hex-rays.com/pricing
  60. https://docs.hex-rays.com/user-guide/disassembler/supported-file-formats
  61. https://hex-rays.com/blog/igors-tip-of-the-week-41-binary-file-loader
  62. https://hex-rays.com/blog/4-powerful-applications-of-idalib-headless-ida-in-action
  63. https://docs.hex-rays.com/release-notes/8_0
  64. https://docs.hex-rays.com/release-notes/8_3
  65. https://docs.hex-rays.com/release-notes/9_1
  66. https://docs.hex-rays.com/release-notes
  67. https://hex-rays.com/classroom
  68. https://hex-rays.com/faqs/will-i-be-able-to-use-hex-rays-latest-product-versions-and-features-if-i-stay-under-perpetual-terms
  69. https://hex-rays.com/faqs/what-is-hex-rays-change-of-licensing-model
  70. https://docs.hex-rays.com/developer-guide
  71. https://hex-rays.com/eula
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