Abstract: A method and system to validate executable program code are provided. The system comprises a custom handler residing on a target component, a validation tool residing on a host system, and a debug port on the target system to provide communication between the target component and the validation tool via a plurality of debug pins. The custom handler may be configured to commence collecting and processing execution data for the executable program code responsive to detecting a triggering event at the target system, while the debug tool may be configured to provide instructions to the custom handler of what data to capture and to receive the data captured by the custom handler.