35804c1cae381da3b4ad63b849459a5a507ec620
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
3 @c
4 @c %**start of header
5 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
6 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
7 @setfilename gdb.info
8 @c
9 @c man begin INCLUDE
10 @include gdb-cfg.texi
11 @c man end
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @c To avoid file-name clashes between index.html and Index.html, when
24 @c the manual is produced on a Posix host and then moved to a
25 @c case-insensitive filesystem (e.g., MS-Windows), we separate the
26 @c indices into two: Concept Index and all the rest.
27 @syncodeindex ky fn
28 @syncodeindex tp fn
29
30 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
31 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
32 @syncodeindex vr fn
33
34 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
35 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
36 @set EDITION Tenth
37
38 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
39 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
40
41 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
42
43 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
44 @c manuals to an info tree.
45 @dircategory Software development
46 @direntry
47 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
48 * gdbserver: (gdb) Server. The GNU debugging server.
49 @end direntry
50
51 @copying
52 @c man begin COPYRIGHT
53 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
54
55 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
56 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
57 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
58 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
59 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
60 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
61
62 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
63 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
64 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
65 @c man end
66 @end copying
67
68 @ifnottex
69 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
70
71 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
72 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
73 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
74 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
75 @end ifset
76 Version @value{GDBVN}.
77
78 @insertcopying
79 @end ifnottex
80
81 @titlepage
82 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
83 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
84 @sp 1
85 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
86 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
87 @sp 1
88 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
89 @end ifset
90 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
91 @page
92 @tex
93 {\parskip=0pt
94 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
95 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
96 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
97 }
98 @end tex
99
100 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
101 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
102 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
103 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
104 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
105
106 @insertcopying
107 @end titlepage
108 @page
109
110 @ifnottex
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120 @end ifset
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
164
165 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
166
167 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
168 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
169 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
170 @end ifset
171 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
172 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
173 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
174 @end ifclear
175 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
176 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
177 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
178 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
179 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
180 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
181 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
182 @value{GDBN}
183 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
184 the operating system
185 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
186 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
187 * Man Pages:: Manual pages
188 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
189 how you can copy and share GDB
190 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
191 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
192 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
193 functions, and Python data types
194 @end menu
195
196 @end ifnottex
197
198 @contents
199
200 @node Summary
201 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
202
203 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
204 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
205 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
206
207 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
208 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
209
210 @itemize @bullet
211 @item
212 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
213
214 @item
215 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
216
217 @item
218 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
219
220 @item
221 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
222 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
223 @end itemize
224
225 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
226 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
227 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
228
229 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
230 @ref{D,,D}.
231
232 @cindex Modula-2
233 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
234 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
235
236 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
237 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
238
239 @cindex Pascal
240 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
241 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
242 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
243 syntax.
244
245 @cindex Fortran
246 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
247 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
248 underscore.
249
250 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
251 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
252
253 @menu
254 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
255 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
256 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
257 @end menu
258
259 @node Free Software
260 @unnumberedsec Free Software
261
262 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
263 General Public License
264 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
265 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
266 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
267 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
268 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
269 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
270
271 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
272 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
273 from anyone else.
274
275 @node Free Documentation
276 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
277
278 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
279 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
280 include with the free software. Many of our most important
281 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
282 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
283 when an important free software package does not come with a free
284 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
285 gaps today.
286
287 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
288 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
289 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
290 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
291 them from the free software world.
292
293 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
294 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
295 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
296 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
297 contract to make it non-free.
298
299 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
300 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
301 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
302 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
303 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
304 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
305 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
306
307 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
308 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
309 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
310 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
311
312 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
313 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
314 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
315 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
316 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
317 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
318 community.
319
320 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
321 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
322 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
323 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
324 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
325 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
326 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
327 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
328 of the manual.
329
330 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
331 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
332 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
333 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
334 manual to replace it.
335
336 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
337 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
338 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
339 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
340 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
341 the free software community.
342
343 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
344 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
345 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
346 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
347 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
348 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
349 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
350 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
351 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
352
353 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
354 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
355 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
356 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
357 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
358 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
359 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
360 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
361
362 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
363 published by other publishers, at
364 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
365
366 @node Contributors
367 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
368
369 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
370 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
371 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
372 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
373 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
374 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
375 blow-by-blow account.
376
377 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
378
379 @quotation
380 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
381 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
382 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
383 @end quotation
384
385 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
386 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
387 releases:
388 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
389 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
390 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
391 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
392 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
393 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
394 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
395 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
396 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
397
398 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
399 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
400
401 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
402 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
403 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
404 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
405 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
406
407 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
408 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
409 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
410
411 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
412 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
413
414 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
415
416 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
417 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
418 support.
419 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
420 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
421 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
422 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
423 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
424 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
425 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
426 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
427 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
428 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
429 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
430 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
431 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
432 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
433 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
434 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
435
436 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
437
438 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
439 libraries.
440
441 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
442 about several machine instruction sets.
443
444 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
445 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
446 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
447 and RDI targets, respectively.
448
449 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
450 command-line editing and command history.
451
452 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
453 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
454
455 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
456 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
457 symbols.
458
459 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
460 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
461
462 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
463
464 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
465 processors.
466
467 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
468
469 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
470
471 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
472
473 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
474 watchpoints.
475
476 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
477
478 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
479
480 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
481 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
482
483 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
484 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
485 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
486 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
487 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
488 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
489 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
490
491 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
492 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
493
494 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
495 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
496 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
497 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
498 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
499 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
500 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
501 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
502 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
503 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
504 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
505 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
506 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
507 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
508 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
509
510 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
511 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
512
513 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
514 Hat.
515
516 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
517 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
518 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
519 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
520 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
521 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
522
523 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
524 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
525 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
526 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
527 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
528 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
529 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
530 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
531 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
532 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
533 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
534 Weigand.
535
536 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
537 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
538 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
539 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
540
541 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
542 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
543
544 Initial support for the FreeBSD/mips target and native configuration
545 was developed by SRI International and the University of Cambridge
546 Computer Laboratory under DARPA/AFRL contract FA8750-10-C-0237
547 ("CTSRD"), as part of the DARPA CRASH research programme.
548
549 @node Sample Session
550 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
551
552 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
553 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
554 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
555
556 @iftex
557 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
558 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
559 @end iftex
560
561 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
562 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
563
564 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
565 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
566 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
567 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
568 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
569 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
570 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
571 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
572 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
573
574 @smallexample
575 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
576 $ @b{./m4}
577 @b{define(foo,0000)}
578
579 @b{foo}
580 0000
581 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
582
583 @b{bar}
584 0000
585 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
586
587 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
588 @b{baz}
589 @b{Ctrl-d}
590 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
591 @end smallexample
592
593 @noindent
594 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
595
596 @smallexample
597 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
598 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
599 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
600 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
601 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
602 the conditions.
603 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
604 for details.
605
606 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
607 (@value{GDBP})
608 @end smallexample
609
610 @noindent
611 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
612 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
613 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
614 that examples fit in this manual.
615
616 @smallexample
617 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
618 @end smallexample
619
620 @noindent
621 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
622 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
623 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
624 @code{break} command.
625
626 @smallexample
627 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
628 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
629 @end smallexample
630
631 @noindent
632 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
633 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
634 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
635
636 @smallexample
637 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
638 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
639 @b{define(foo,0000)}
640
641 @b{foo}
642 0000
643 @end smallexample
644
645 @noindent
646 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
647 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
648 context where it stops.
649
650 @smallexample
651 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
652
653 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
654 at builtin.c:879
655 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
656 @end smallexample
657
658 @noindent
659 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
660 the next line of the current function.
661
662 @smallexample
663 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
664 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
665 : nil,
666 @end smallexample
667
668 @noindent
669 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
670 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
671 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
672 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
673
674 @smallexample
675 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
676 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
677 at input.c:530
678 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
679 @end smallexample
680
681 @noindent
682 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
683 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
684 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
685 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
686 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
687 stack frame for each active subroutine.
688
689 @smallexample
690 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
691 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
692 at input.c:530
693 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
694 at builtin.c:882
695 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
696 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
697 at macro.c:71
698 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
699 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
700 @end smallexample
701
702 @noindent
703 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
704 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
705 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
706
707 @smallexample
708 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
709 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
710 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
711 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
712 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
713 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
714 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
715 : xstrdup(rq);
716 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
717 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
718 @end smallexample
719
720 @noindent
721 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
722 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
723 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
724 (@code{print}) to see their values.
725
726 @smallexample
727 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
728 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
729 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
730 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
731 @end smallexample
732
733 @noindent
734 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
735 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
736 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
737
738 @smallexample
739 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
740 533 xfree(rquote);
741 534
742 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
743 : xstrdup (lq);
744 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
745 : xstrdup (rq);
746 537
747 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
748 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
749 540 @}
750 541
751 542 void
752 @end smallexample
753
754 @noindent
755 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
756 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
757
758 @smallexample
759 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
760 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
761 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
762 540 @}
763 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
764 $3 = 9
765 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
766 $4 = 7
767 @end smallexample
768
769 @noindent
770 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
771 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
772 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
773 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
774 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
775 assignments.
776
777 @smallexample
778 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
779 $5 = 7
780 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
781 $6 = 9
782 @end smallexample
783
784 @noindent
785 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
786 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
787 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
788 example that caused trouble initially:
789
790 @smallexample
791 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
792 Continuing.
793
794 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
795
796 baz
797 0000
798 @end smallexample
799
800 @noindent
801 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
802 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
803 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
804
805 @smallexample
806 @b{Ctrl-d}
807 Program exited normally.
808 @end smallexample
809
810 @noindent
811 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
812 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
813 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
814
815 @smallexample
816 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
817 @end smallexample
818
819 @node Invocation
820 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
821
822 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
823 The essentials are:
824 @itemize @bullet
825 @item
826 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
827 @item
828 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
829 @end itemize
830
831 @menu
832 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
833 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
834 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
835 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
836 @end menu
837
838 @node Invoking GDB
839 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
840
841 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
842 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
843
844 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
845 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
846
847 The command-line options described here are designed
848 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
849 options may effectively be unavailable.
850
851 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
852 specifying an executable program:
853
854 @smallexample
855 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
856 @end smallexample
857
858 @noindent
859 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
860 specified:
861
862 @smallexample
863 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
864 @end smallexample
865
866 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
867 to debug a running process:
868
869 @smallexample
870 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
871 @end smallexample
872
873 @noindent
874 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
875 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
876
877 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
878 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
879 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
880 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
881 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
882
883 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
884 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
885 option processing.
886 @smallexample
887 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
888 @end smallexample
889 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
890 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
891
892 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
893 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{--silent}
894 (or @code{-q}/@code{--quiet}):
895
896 @smallexample
897 @value{GDBP} --silent
898 @end smallexample
899
900 @noindent
901 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
902 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
903
904 @noindent
905 Type
906
907 @smallexample
908 @value{GDBP} -help
909 @end smallexample
910
911 @noindent
912 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
913 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
914
915 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
916 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
917 @samp{-x} option is used.
918
919
920 @menu
921 * File Options:: Choosing files
922 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
923 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
924 @end menu
925
926 @node File Options
927 @subsection Choosing Files
928
929 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
930 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
931 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
932 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
933 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
934 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
935 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
936 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
937 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
938 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
939 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
940 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
941 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
942
943 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
944 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
945 argument and ignore it.
946
947 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
948 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
949 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
950 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
951 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
952
953 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
954 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
955 @c it.
956
957 @table @code
958 @item -symbols @var{file}
959 @itemx -s @var{file}
960 @cindex @code{--symbols}
961 @cindex @code{-s}
962 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
963
964 @item -exec @var{file}
965 @itemx -e @var{file}
966 @cindex @code{--exec}
967 @cindex @code{-e}
968 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
969 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
970
971 @item -se @var{file}
972 @cindex @code{--se}
973 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
974 file.
975
976 @item -core @var{file}
977 @itemx -c @var{file}
978 @cindex @code{--core}
979 @cindex @code{-c}
980 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
981
982 @item -pid @var{number}
983 @itemx -p @var{number}
984 @cindex @code{--pid}
985 @cindex @code{-p}
986 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
987
988 @item -command @var{file}
989 @itemx -x @var{file}
990 @cindex @code{--command}
991 @cindex @code{-x}
992 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
993 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
994 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
995
996 @item -eval-command @var{command}
997 @itemx -ex @var{command}
998 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
999 @cindex @code{-ex}
1000 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
1001
1002 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
1003 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
1004
1005 @smallexample
1006 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1007 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1008 @end smallexample
1009
1010 @item -init-command @var{file}
1011 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1012 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1013 @cindex @code{-ix}
1014 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1015 after loading gdbinit files).
1016 @xref{Startup}.
1017
1018 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1019 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1020 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1021 @cindex @code{-iex}
1022 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1023 after loading gdbinit files).
1024 @xref{Startup}.
1025
1026 @item -directory @var{directory}
1027 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1028 @cindex @code{--directory}
1029 @cindex @code{-d}
1030 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1031
1032 @item -r
1033 @itemx -readnow
1034 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1035 @cindex @code{-r}
1036 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1037 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1038 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1039
1040 @end table
1041
1042 @node Mode Options
1043 @subsection Choosing Modes
1044
1045 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1046 batch mode or quiet mode.
1047
1048 @table @code
1049 @anchor{-nx}
1050 @item -nx
1051 @itemx -n
1052 @cindex @code{--nx}
1053 @cindex @code{-n}
1054 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1055 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1056
1057 @table @code
1058 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1059 This is the system-wide init file.
1060 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1061 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1062 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1063 have been processed.
1064 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1065 This is the init file in your home directory.
1066 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1067 command options have been processed.
1068 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1069 This is the init file in the current directory.
1070 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1071 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1072 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1073 @end table
1074
1075 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1076 For documentation on how to write command files,
1077 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1078
1079 @anchor{-nh}
1080 @item -nh
1081 @cindex @code{--nh}
1082 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1083 in your home directory.
1084 @xref{Startup}.
1085
1086 @item -quiet
1087 @itemx -silent
1088 @itemx -q
1089 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1090 @cindex @code{--silent}
1091 @cindex @code{-q}
1092 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1093 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1094
1095 @item -batch
1096 @cindex @code{--batch}
1097 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1098 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1099 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1100 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1101 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1102 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1103 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1104
1105 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1106 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1107 make this more useful, the message
1108
1109 @smallexample
1110 Program exited normally.
1111 @end smallexample
1112
1113 @noindent
1114 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1115 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1116 mode.
1117
1118 @item -batch-silent
1119 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1120 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1121 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1122 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1123 for an interactive session.
1124
1125 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1126 messages, for example.
1127
1128 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1129 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1130
1131 @item -return-child-result
1132 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1133 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1134 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1135
1136 @itemize @bullet
1137 @item
1138 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1139 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1140 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1141 @item
1142 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1143 @item
1144 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1145 the exit code will be -1.
1146 @end itemize
1147
1148 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1149 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1150 interface.
1151
1152 @item -nowindows
1153 @itemx -nw
1154 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1155 @cindex @code{-nw}
1156 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1157 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1158 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1159
1160 @item -windows
1161 @itemx -w
1162 @cindex @code{--windows}
1163 @cindex @code{-w}
1164 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1165 used if possible.
1166
1167 @item -cd @var{directory}
1168 @cindex @code{--cd}
1169 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1170 instead of the current directory.
1171
1172 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1173 @itemx -D @var{directory}
1174 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1175 @cindex @code{-D}
1176 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1177 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1178 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1179
1180 @item -fullname
1181 @itemx -f
1182 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1183 @cindex @code{-f}
1184 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1185 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1186 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1187 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1188 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1189 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1190 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1191 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1192 frame.
1193
1194 @item -annotate @var{level}
1195 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1196 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1197 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1198 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1199 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1200 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1201 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1202 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1203 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1204
1205 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1206 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1207
1208 @item --args
1209 @cindex @code{--args}
1210 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1211 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1212 This option stops option processing.
1213
1214 @item -baud @var{bps}
1215 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1216 @cindex @code{--baud}
1217 @cindex @code{-b}
1218 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1219 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1220
1221 @item -l @var{timeout}
1222 @cindex @code{-l}
1223 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1224 for remote debugging.
1225
1226 @item -tty @var{device}
1227 @itemx -t @var{device}
1228 @cindex @code{--tty}
1229 @cindex @code{-t}
1230 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1231 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1232
1233 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1234 @item -tui
1235 @cindex @code{--tui}
1236 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1237 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1238 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1239 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1240 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1241 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1242
1243 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1244 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1245 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1246 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1247 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1248 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1249
1250 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1251 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1252 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1253 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1254 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1255 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1256
1257 @item -write
1258 @cindex @code{--write}
1259 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1260 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1261 (@pxref{Patching}).
1262
1263 @item -statistics
1264 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1265 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1266 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1267
1268 @item -version
1269 @cindex @code{--version}
1270 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1271 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1272
1273 @item -configuration
1274 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1275 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1276 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1277 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1278
1279 @end table
1280
1281 @node Startup
1282 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1283 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1284
1285 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1286
1287 @enumerate
1288 @item
1289 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1290 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1291
1292 @item
1293 @cindex init file
1294 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1295 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1296 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1297 that file.
1298
1299 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1300 @item
1301 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1302 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1303 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1304 that file.
1305
1306 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1307 @item
1308 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1309 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1310 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1311 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1312 gets loaded.
1313
1314 @item
1315 Processes command line options and operands.
1316
1317 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1318 @item
1319 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1320 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1321 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1322 This is only done if the current directory is
1323 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1324 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1325 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1326 @value{GDBN}.
1327
1328 @item
1329 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1330 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1331 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1332 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1333
1334 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1335 you must do something like the following:
1336
1337 @smallexample
1338 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1339 @end smallexample
1340
1341 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1342 off too late.
1343
1344 @item
1345 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1346 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1347 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1348
1349 @item
1350 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1351 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1352 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1353 @end enumerate
1354
1355 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1356 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1357 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1358 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1359 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1360 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1361
1362 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1363 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1364
1365 @cindex init file name
1366 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1367 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1368 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1369 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1370 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1371 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1372 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1373 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1374
1375
1376 @node Quitting GDB
1377 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1378 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1379 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1380
1381 @table @code
1382 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1383 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1384 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1385 @itemx q
1386 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1387 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1388 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1389 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1390 error code.
1391 @end table
1392
1393 @cindex interrupt
1394 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1395 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1396 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1397 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1398 until a time when it is safe.
1399
1400 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1401 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1402 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1403
1404 @node Shell Commands
1405 @section Shell Commands
1406
1407 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1408 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1409 just use the @code{shell} command.
1410
1411 @table @code
1412 @kindex shell
1413 @kindex !
1414 @cindex shell escape
1415 @item shell @var{command-string}
1416 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1417 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1418 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1419 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1420 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1421 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1422 @end table
1423
1424 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1425 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1426 @value{GDBN}:
1427
1428 @table @code
1429 @kindex make
1430 @cindex calling make
1431 @item make @var{make-args}
1432 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1433 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1434 @end table
1435
1436 @node Logging Output
1437 @section Logging Output
1438 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1439 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1440
1441 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1442 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1443
1444 @table @code
1445 @kindex set logging
1446 @item set logging on
1447 Enable logging.
1448 @item set logging off
1449 Disable logging.
1450 @cindex logging file name
1451 @item set logging file @var{file}
1452 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1453 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1454 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1455 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1456 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1457 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1458 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1459 @kindex show logging
1460 @item show logging
1461 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1462 @end table
1463
1464 @node Commands
1465 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1466
1467 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1468 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1469 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1470 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1471 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1472
1473 @menu
1474 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1475 * Completion:: Command completion
1476 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1477 @end menu
1478
1479 @node Command Syntax
1480 @section Command Syntax
1481
1482 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1483 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1484 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1485 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1486 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1487 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1488
1489 @cindex abbreviation
1490 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1491 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1492 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1493 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1494 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1495 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1496 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1497
1498 @cindex repeating commands
1499 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1500 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1501 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1502 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1503 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1504 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1505 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1506
1507 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1508 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1509 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1510
1511 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1512 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1513 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1514 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1515 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1516
1517 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1518 @cindex comment
1519 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1520 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1521 Files,,Command Files}).
1522
1523 @cindex repeating command sequences
1524 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1525 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1526 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1527 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1528 for editing.
1529
1530 @node Completion
1531 @section Command Completion
1532
1533 @cindex completion
1534 @cindex word completion
1535 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1536 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1537 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1538 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1539
1540 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1541 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1542 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1543 enter it). For example, if you type
1544
1545 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1546 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1547 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1548 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1549 @smallexample
1550 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1551 @end smallexample
1552
1553 @noindent
1554 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1555 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1556
1557 @smallexample
1558 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1559 @end smallexample
1560
1561 @noindent
1562 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1563 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1564 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1565 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1566 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1567 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1568
1569 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1570 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1571 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1572 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1573 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1574 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1575 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1576 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1577 example:
1578
1579 @smallexample
1580 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1581 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1582 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1583 make_abs_section make_function_type
1584 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1585 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1586 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1587 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1588 @end smallexample
1589
1590 @noindent
1591 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1592 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1593 command.
1594
1595 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1596 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1597 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1598 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1599 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1600
1601 If the number of possible completions is large, @value{GDBN} will
1602 print as much of the list as it has collected, as well as a message
1603 indicating that the list may be truncated.
1604
1605 @smallexample
1606 (@value{GDBP}) b m@key{TAB}@key{TAB}
1607 main
1608 <... the rest of the possible completions ...>
1609 *** List may be truncated, max-completions reached. ***
1610 (@value{GDBP}) b m
1611 @end smallexample
1612
1613 @noindent
1614 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands:
1615
1616 @table @code
1617 @kindex set max-completions
1618 @item set max-completions @var{limit}
1619 @itemx set max-completions unlimited
1620 Set the maximum number of completion candidates. @value{GDBN} will
1621 stop looking for more completions once it collects this many candidates.
1622 This is useful when completing on things like function names as collecting
1623 all the possible candidates can be time consuming.
1624 The default value is 200. A value of zero disables tab-completion.
1625 Note that setting either no limit or a very large limit can make
1626 completion slow.
1627 @kindex show max-completions
1628 @item show max-completions
1629 Show the maximum number of candidates that @value{GDBN} will collect and show
1630 during completion.
1631 @end table
1632
1633 @cindex quotes in commands
1634 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1635 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1636 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1637 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1638 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1639 @value{GDBN} commands.
1640
1641 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1642 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1643 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1644 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1645 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1646 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1647 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1648 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1649 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1650 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1651 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1652
1653 @smallexample
1654 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1655 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1656 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1657 @end smallexample
1658
1659 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1660 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1661 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1662 place:
1663
1664 @smallexample
1665 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1666 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1667 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1668 @end smallexample
1669
1670 @noindent
1671 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1672 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1673 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1674
1675 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1676 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1677 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1678 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1679
1680 @cindex completion of structure field names
1681 @cindex structure field name completion
1682 @cindex completion of union field names
1683 @cindex union field name completion
1684 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1685 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1686 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1687 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1688 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1689 left-hand-side:
1690
1691 @smallexample
1692 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1693 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1694 to_data to_isatty to_write
1695 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1696 to_flush to_read
1697 @end smallexample
1698
1699 @noindent
1700 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1701 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1702 follows:
1703
1704 @smallexample
1705 struct ui_file
1706 @{
1707 int *magic;
1708 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1709 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1710 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1711 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1712 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1713 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1714 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1715 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1716 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1717 void *to_data;
1718 @}
1719 @end smallexample
1720
1721
1722 @node Help
1723 @section Getting Help
1724 @cindex online documentation
1725 @kindex help
1726
1727 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1728 using the command @code{help}.
1729
1730 @table @code
1731 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1732 @item help
1733 @itemx h
1734 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1735 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1736
1737 @smallexample
1738 (@value{GDBP}) help
1739 List of classes of commands:
1740
1741 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1742 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1743 data -- Examining data
1744 files -- Specifying and examining files
1745 internals -- Maintenance commands
1746 obscure -- Obscure features
1747 running -- Running the program
1748 stack -- Examining the stack
1749 status -- Status inquiries
1750 support -- Support facilities
1751 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1752 stopping the program
1753 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1754
1755 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1756 commands in that class.
1757 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1758 documentation.
1759 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1760 (@value{GDBP})
1761 @end smallexample
1762 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1763
1764 @item help @var{class}
1765 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1766 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1767 help display for the class @code{status}:
1768
1769 @smallexample
1770 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1771 Status inquiries.
1772
1773 List of commands:
1774
1775 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1776 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1777 info -- Generic command for showing things
1778 about the program being debugged
1779 show -- Generic command for showing things
1780 about the debugger
1781
1782 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1783 documentation.
1784 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1785 (@value{GDBP})
1786 @end smallexample
1787
1788 @item help @var{command}
1789 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1790 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1791
1792 @kindex apropos
1793 @item apropos @var{args}
1794 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1795 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1796 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1797
1798 @smallexample
1799 apropos alias
1800 @end smallexample
1801
1802 @noindent
1803 results in:
1804
1805 @smallexample
1806 @c @group
1807 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1808 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1809 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1810 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1811 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1812 @c @end group
1813 @end smallexample
1814
1815 @kindex complete
1816 @item complete @var{args}
1817 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1818 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1819 command you want completed. For example:
1820
1821 @smallexample
1822 complete i
1823 @end smallexample
1824
1825 @noindent results in:
1826
1827 @smallexample
1828 @group
1829 if
1830 ignore
1831 info
1832 inspect
1833 @end group
1834 @end smallexample
1835
1836 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1837 @end table
1838
1839 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1840 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1841 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1842 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1843 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1844 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1845 Index}.
1846
1847 @c @group
1848 @table @code
1849 @kindex info
1850 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1851 @item info
1852 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1853 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1854 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1855 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1856 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1857 @w{@code{help info}}.
1858
1859 @kindex set
1860 @item set
1861 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1862 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1863 @code{set prompt $}.
1864
1865 @kindex show
1866 @item show
1867 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1868 @value{GDBN} itself.
1869 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1870 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1871 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1872 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1873
1874 @kindex info set
1875 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1876 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1877 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1878 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1879 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1880 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1881 @end table
1882 @c @end group
1883
1884 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1885 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1886
1887 @table @code
1888 @kindex show version
1889 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1890 @item show version
1891 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1892 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1893 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1894 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1895 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1896 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1897 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1898 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1899 @value{GDBN}.
1900
1901 @kindex show copying
1902 @kindex info copying
1903 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1904 @item show copying
1905 @itemx info copying
1906 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1907
1908 @kindex show warranty
1909 @kindex info warranty
1910 @item show warranty
1911 @itemx info warranty
1912 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1913 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1914
1915 @kindex show configuration
1916 @item show configuration
1917 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1918 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1919 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1920 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1921 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1922 your report.
1923
1924 @end table
1925
1926 @node Running
1927 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1928
1929 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1930 debugging information when you compile it.
1931
1932 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1933 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1934 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1935 kill a child process.
1936
1937 @menu
1938 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1939 * Starting:: Starting your program
1940 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1941 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1942
1943 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1944 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1945 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1946 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1947
1948 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1949 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1950 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1951 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1952 @end menu
1953
1954 @node Compilation
1955 @section Compiling for Debugging
1956
1957 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1958 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1959 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1960 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1961 and addresses in the executable code.
1962
1963 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1964 the compiler.
1965
1966 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1967 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1968 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1969 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1970 executables containing debugging information.
1971
1972 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1973 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1974 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1975 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1976 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1977
1978 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1979 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1980 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1981
1982 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1983 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1984 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1985 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
1986 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
1987 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
1988
1989 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
1990 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
1991 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
1992
1993 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
1994 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
1995 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
1996 format in @value{GDBN}.
1997
1998 @need 2000
1999 @node Starting
2000 @section Starting your Program
2001 @cindex starting
2002 @cindex running
2003
2004 @table @code
2005 @kindex run
2006 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
2007 @item run
2008 @itemx r
2009 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
2010 You must first specify the program name with an argument to
2011 @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
2012 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file}
2013 command (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
2014
2015 @end table
2016
2017 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
2018 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
2019 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
2020 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
2021 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
2022 message like this one:
2023
2024 @smallexample
2025 The "remote" target does not support "run".
2026 Try "help target" or "continue".
2027 @end smallexample
2028
2029 @noindent
2030 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
2031 first (@pxref{load}).
2032
2033 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2034 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2035 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2036 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2037 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2038 divided into four categories:
2039
2040 @table @asis
2041 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2042 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2043 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2044 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2045 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2046 the arguments.
2047 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2048 @code{SHELL} environment variable. If you do not define @code{SHELL},
2049 @value{GDBN} uses the default shell (@file{/bin/sh}). You can disable
2050 use of any shell with the @code{set startup-with-shell} command (see
2051 below for details).
2052
2053 @item The @emph{environment.}
2054 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2055 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2056 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2057 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2058
2059 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2060 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
2061 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
2062 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
2063
2064 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2065 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2066 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2067 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2068 set a different device for your program.
2069 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2070
2071 @cindex pipes
2072 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2073 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2074 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2075 wrong program.
2076 @end table
2077
2078 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2079 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2080 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2081 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2082 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2083
2084 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2085 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2086 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2087 your current breakpoints.
2088
2089 @table @code
2090 @kindex start
2091 @item start
2092 @cindex run to main procedure
2093 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2094 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2095 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2096 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2097 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2098 procedure, depending on the language used.
2099
2100 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2101 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2102 the @samp{run} command.
2103
2104 @cindex elaboration phase
2105 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2106 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2107 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2108 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2109 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2110 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2111 will remain to halt execution.
2112
2113 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2114 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2115 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2116 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2117 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2118
2119 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2120 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2121 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2122 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2123 elaboration code before running your program.
2124
2125 @anchor{set exec-wrapper}
2126 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2127 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2128 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2129 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2130 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2131 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2132 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2133 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2134 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2135 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2136 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2137
2138 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2139 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2140 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2141 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2142
2143 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2144 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2145 environment:
2146
2147 @smallexample
2148 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2149 (@value{GDBP}) run
2150 @end smallexample
2151
2152 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2153 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2154
2155 @kindex set startup-with-shell
2156 @item set startup-with-shell
2157 @itemx set startup-with-shell on
2158 @itemx set startup-with-shell off
2159 @itemx show set startup-with-shell
2160 On Unix systems, by default, if a shell is available on your target,
2161 @value{GDBN}) uses it to start your program. Arguments of the
2162 @code{run} command are passed to the shell, which does variable
2163 substitution, expands wildcard characters and performs redirection of
2164 I/O. In some circumstances, it may be useful to disable such use of a
2165 shell, for example, when debugging the shell itself or diagnosing
2166 startup failures such as:
2167
2168 @smallexample
2169 (@value{GDBP}) run
2170 Starting program: ./a.out
2171 During startup program terminated with signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
2172 @end smallexample
2173
2174 @noindent
2175 which indicates the shell or the wrapper specified with
2176 @samp{exec-wrapper} crashed, not your program. Most often, this is
2177 caused by something odd in your shell's non-interactive mode
2178 initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell,
2179 $@file{.zshenv} for the Z shell, or the file specified in the
2180 @samp{BASH_ENV} environment variable for BASH.
2181
2182 @anchor{set auto-connect-native-target}
2183 @kindex set auto-connect-native-target
2184 @item set auto-connect-native-target
2185 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target on
2186 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target off
2187 @itemx show auto-connect-native-target
2188
2189 By default, if not connected to any target yet (e.g., with
2190 @code{target remote}), the @code{run} command starts your program as a
2191 native process under @value{GDBN}, on your local machine. If you're
2192 sure you don't want to debug programs on your local machine, you can
2193 tell @value{GDBN} to not connect to the native target automatically
2194 with the @code{set auto-connect-native-target off} command.
2195
2196 If @code{on}, which is the default, and if @value{GDBN} is not
2197 connected to a target already, the @code{run} command automaticaly
2198 connects to the native target, if one is available.
2199
2200 If @code{off}, and if @value{GDBN} is not connected to a target
2201 already, the @code{run} command fails with an error:
2202
2203 @smallexample
2204 (@value{GDBP}) run
2205 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2206 @end smallexample
2207
2208 If @value{GDBN} is already connected to a target, @value{GDBN} always
2209 uses it with the @code{run} command.
2210
2211 In any case, you can explicitly connect to the native target with the
2212 @code{target native} command. For example,
2213
2214 @smallexample
2215 (@value{GDBP}) set auto-connect-native-target off
2216 (@value{GDBP}) run
2217 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2218 (@value{GDBP}) target native
2219 (@value{GDBP}) run
2220 Starting program: ./a.out
2221 [Inferior 1 (process 10421) exited normally]
2222 @end smallexample
2223
2224 In case you connected explicitly to the @code{native} target,
2225 @value{GDBN} remains connected even if all inferiors exit, ready for
2226 the next @code{run} command. Use the @code{disconnect} command to
2227 disconnect.
2228
2229 Examples of other commands that likewise respect the
2230 @code{auto-connect-native-target} setting: @code{attach}, @code{info
2231 proc}, @code{info os}.
2232
2233 @kindex set disable-randomization
2234 @item set disable-randomization
2235 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2236 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2237 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2238 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2239 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2240
2241 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2242 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2243
2244 @smallexample
2245 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2246 @end smallexample
2247
2248 @item set disable-randomization off
2249 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2250 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2251 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2252 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2253 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2254 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2255
2256 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2257 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2258 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2259 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2260 a code at its expected addresses.
2261
2262 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2263 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2264 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2265 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2266 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2267 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2268 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2269 a randomly chosen address.
2270
2271 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2272 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2273 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2274 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2275 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2276
2277 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2278 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2279
2280 @item show disable-randomization
2281 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2282 the virtual address space of the started program.
2283
2284 @end table
2285
2286 @node Arguments
2287 @section Your Program's Arguments
2288
2289 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2290 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2291 @code{run} command.
2292 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2293 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2294 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2295 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2296 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2297
2298 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2299 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2300 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2301 the program, not by the shell.
2302
2303 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2304 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2305
2306 @table @code
2307 @kindex set args
2308 @item set args
2309 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2310 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2311 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2312 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2313 it again without arguments.
2314
2315 @kindex show args
2316 @item show args
2317 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2318 @end table
2319
2320 @node Environment
2321 @section Your Program's Environment
2322
2323 @cindex environment (of your program)
2324 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2325 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2326 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2327 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2328 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2329 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2330 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2331
2332 @table @code
2333 @kindex path
2334 @item path @var{directory}
2335 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2336 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2337 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2338 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2339 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2340 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2341 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2342
2343 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2344 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2345 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2346 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2347 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2348 @var{directory} to the search path.
2349 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2350 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2351
2352 @kindex show paths
2353 @item show paths
2354 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2355 environment variable).
2356
2357 @kindex show environment
2358 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2359 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2360 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2361 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2362 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2363
2364 @kindex set environment
2365 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2366 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2367 changes for your program (and the shell @value{GDBN} uses to launch
2368 it), not for @value{GDBN} itself. The @var{value} may be any string; the
2369 values of environment variables are just strings, and any
2370 interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2371 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2372 null value.
2373 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2374 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2375
2376 For example, this command:
2377
2378 @smallexample
2379 set env USER = foo
2380 @end smallexample
2381
2382 @noindent
2383 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2384 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2385 are not actually required.)
2386
2387 Note that on Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program via a shell,
2388 which also inherits the environment set with @code{set environment}.
2389 If necessary, you can avoid that by using the @samp{env} program as a
2390 wrapper instead of using @code{set environment}. @xref{set
2391 exec-wrapper}, for an example doing just that.
2392
2393 @kindex unset environment
2394 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2395 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2396 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2397 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2398 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2399 @end table
2400
2401 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2402 the shell indicated by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it
2403 exists (or @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable
2404 names a shell that runs an initialization file when started
2405 non-interactively---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, $@file{.zshenv}
2406 for the Z shell, or the file specified in the @samp{BASH_ENV}
2407 environment variable for BASH---any variables you set in that file
2408 affect your program. You may wish to move setting of environment
2409 variables to files that are only run when you sign on, such as
2410 @file{.login} or @file{.profile}.
2411
2412 @node Working Directory
2413 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2414
2415 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2416 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2417 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2418 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2419 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2420 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2421
2422 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2423 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2424 Specify Files}.
2425
2426 @table @code
2427 @kindex cd
2428 @cindex change working directory
2429 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2430 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2431 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2432
2433 @kindex pwd
2434 @item pwd
2435 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2436 @end table
2437
2438 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2439 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2440 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2441 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2442 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2443 current working directory of the debuggee.
2444
2445 @node Input/Output
2446 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2447
2448 @cindex redirection
2449 @cindex i/o
2450 @cindex terminal
2451 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2452 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2453 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2454 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2455 running your program.
2456
2457 @table @code
2458 @kindex info terminal
2459 @item info terminal
2460 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2461 program is using.
2462 @end table
2463
2464 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2465 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2466
2467 @smallexample
2468 run > outfile
2469 @end smallexample
2470
2471 @noindent
2472 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2473
2474 @kindex tty
2475 @cindex controlling terminal
2476 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2477 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2478 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2479 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2480 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2481
2482 @smallexample
2483 tty /dev/ttyb
2484 @end smallexample
2485
2486 @noindent
2487 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2488 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2489 that as their controlling terminal.
2490
2491 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2492 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2493 terminal.
2494
2495 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2496 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2497 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2498 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2499
2500 @cindex inferior tty
2501 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2502 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2503 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2504 program.
2505
2506 @table @code
2507 @item set inferior-tty [ @var{tty} ]
2508 @kindex set inferior-tty
2509 Set the tty for the program being debugged to @var{tty}. Omitting @var{tty}
2510 restores the default behavior, which is to use the same terminal as
2511 @value{GDBN}.
2512
2513 @item show inferior-tty
2514 @kindex show inferior-tty
2515 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2516 @end table
2517
2518 @node Attach
2519 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2520 @kindex attach
2521 @cindex attach
2522
2523 @table @code
2524 @item attach @var{process-id}
2525 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2526 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2527 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2528 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2529 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2530
2531 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2532 executing the command.
2533 @end table
2534
2535 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2536 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2537 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2538 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2539
2540 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2541 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2542 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2543 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2544 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2545 Specify Files}.
2546
2547 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2548 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2549 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2550 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2551 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2552 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2553 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2554
2555 @table @code
2556 @kindex detach
2557 @item detach
2558 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2559 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2560 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2561 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2562 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2563 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2564 executing the command.
2565 @end table
2566
2567 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2568 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2569 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2570 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2571 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2572 Messages}).
2573
2574 @node Kill Process
2575 @section Killing the Child Process
2576
2577 @table @code
2578 @kindex kill
2579 @item kill
2580 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2581 @end table
2582
2583 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2584 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2585 is running.
2586
2587 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2588 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2589 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2590 outside the debugger.
2591
2592 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2593 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2594 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2595 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2596 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2597 breakpoint settings).
2598
2599 @node Inferiors and Programs
2600 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2601
2602 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2603 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2604 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2605 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2606 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2607 from multiple executables.
2608
2609 @cindex inferior
2610 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2611 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2612 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2613 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2614 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2615 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2616 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2617 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2618 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2619 threads running in it.
2620
2621 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2622 inferiors}}:
2623
2624 @table @code
2625 @kindex info inferiors
2626 @item info inferiors
2627 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2628
2629 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2630
2631 @enumerate
2632 @item
2633 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2634
2635 @item
2636 the target system's inferior identifier
2637
2638 @item
2639 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2640
2641 @end enumerate
2642
2643 @noindent
2644 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2645 indicates the current inferior.
2646
2647 For example,
2648 @end table
2649 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2650
2651 @smallexample
2652 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2653 Num Description Executable
2654 2 process 2307 hello
2655 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2656 @end smallexample
2657
2658 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2659
2660 @table @code
2661 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2662 @item inferior @var{infno}
2663 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2664 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2665 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2666 @end table
2667
2668 @vindex $_inferior@r{, convenience variable}
2669 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_inferior} contains the
2670 number of the current inferior. You may find this useful in writing
2671 breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth.
2672 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2673 information on convenience variables.
2674
2675 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2676 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2677 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2678 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2679 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2680 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2681
2682 @table @code
2683 @kindex add-inferior
2684 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2685 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2686 executable; @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2687 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2688 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2689 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2690
2691 @kindex clone-inferior
2692 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2693 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2694 @var{infno}; @var{n} defaults to 1, and @var{infno} defaults to the
2695 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2696 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2697
2698 @smallexample
2699 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2700 Num Description Executable
2701 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2702 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2703 Added inferior 2.
2704 1 inferiors added.
2705 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2706 Num Description Executable
2707 2 <null> helloworld
2708 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2709 @end smallexample
2710
2711 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2712
2713 @kindex remove-inferiors
2714 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2715 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2716 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2717 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2718
2719 @end table
2720
2721 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2722 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2723 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2724 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2725
2726 @table @code
2727 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2728 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2729 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2730 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2731 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2732 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2733
2734 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2735 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2736 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2737 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2738 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2739 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2740 @end table
2741
2742 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2743 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2744 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2745 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2746
2747
2748 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2749 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2750
2751 @table @code
2752 @kindex set print inferior-events
2753 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2754 @item set print inferior-events
2755 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2756 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2757 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2758 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2759 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2760 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2761
2762 @kindex show print inferior-events
2763 @item show print inferior-events
2764 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2765 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2766 @end table
2767
2768 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2769 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2770 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2771
2772
2773 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2774 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2775 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2776 info program-spaces}} command.
2777
2778 @table @code
2779 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2780 @item maint info program-spaces
2781 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2782 @value{GDBN}.
2783
2784 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2785
2786 @enumerate
2787 @item
2788 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2789
2790 @item
2791 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2792 the @code{file} command.
2793
2794 @end enumerate
2795
2796 @noindent
2797 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2798 indicates the current program space.
2799
2800 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2801 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2802 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2803
2804 @smallexample
2805 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2806 Id Executable
2807 * 1 hello
2808 2 goodbye
2809 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2810 @end smallexample
2811
2812 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2813 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2814 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2815 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2816 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2817
2818 @smallexample
2819 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2820 Id Executable
2821 * 1 vfork-test
2822 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2823 @end smallexample
2824
2825 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2826 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2827 @end table
2828
2829 @node Threads
2830 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2831
2832 @cindex threads of execution
2833 @cindex multiple threads
2834 @cindex switching threads
2835 In some operating systems, such as GNU/Linux and Solaris, a single program
2836 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2837 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2838 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2839 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2840 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2841 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2842
2843 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2844 programs:
2845
2846 @itemize @bullet
2847 @item automatic notification of new threads
2848 @item @samp{thread @var{thread-id}}, a command to switch among threads
2849 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2850 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{thread-id-list}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2851 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2852 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2853 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2854 messages on thread start and exit.
2855 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2856 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2857 isn't compatible with the program.
2858 @end itemize
2859
2860 @cindex focus of debugging
2861 @cindex current thread
2862 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2863 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2864 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2865 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2866 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2867
2868 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2869 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2870 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2871 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2872 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2873 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2874 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2875 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}, where @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2876 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2877 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2878
2879 @smallexample
2880 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2881 @end smallexample
2882
2883 @noindent
2884 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on other systems,
2885 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2886 further qualifier.
2887
2888 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2889 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2890 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2891 @c program?
2892 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2893 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2894 @c threads ab initio?
2895
2896 @anchor{thread numbers}
2897 @cindex thread number, per inferior
2898 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2899 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread number
2900 ---always a single integer---with each thread of an inferior. This
2901 number is unique between all threads of an inferior, but not unique
2902 between threads of different inferiors.
2903
2904 @cindex qualified thread ID
2905 You can refer to a given thread in an inferior using the qualified
2906 @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} syntax, also known as
2907 @dfn{qualified thread ID}, with @var{inferior-num} being the inferior
2908 number and @var{thread-num} being the thread number of the given
2909 inferior. For example, thread @code{2.3} refers to thread number 3 of
2910 inferior 2. If you omit @var{inferior-num} (e.g., @code{thread 3}),
2911 then @value{GDBN} infers you're referring to a thread of the current
2912 inferior.
2913
2914 Until you create a second inferior, @value{GDBN} does not show the
2915 @var{inferior-num} part of thread IDs, even though you can always use
2916 the full @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} form to refer to threads
2917 of inferior 1, the initial inferior.
2918
2919 @anchor{thread ID lists}
2920 @cindex thread ID lists
2921 Some commands accept a space-separated @dfn{thread ID list} as
2922 argument. A list element can be:
2923
2924 @enumerate
2925 @item
2926 A thread ID as shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads}
2927 display, with or without an inferior qualifier. E.g., @samp{2.1} or
2928 @samp{1}.
2929
2930 @item
2931 A range of thread numbers, again with or without an inferior
2932 qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@var{thr1}-@var{thr2} or
2933 @var{thr1}-@var{thr2}. E.g., @samp{1.2-4} or @samp{2-4}.
2934
2935 @item
2936 All threads of an inferior, specified with a star wildcard, with or
2937 without an inferior qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@code{*} (e.g.,
2938 @samp{1.*}) or @code{*}. The former refers to all threads of the
2939 given inferior, and the latter form without an inferior qualifier
2940 refers to all threads of the current inferior.
2941
2942 @end enumerate
2943
2944 For example, if the current inferior is 1, and inferior 7 has one
2945 thread with ID 7.1, the thread list @samp{1 2-3 4.5 6.7-9 7.*}
2946 includes threads 1 to 3 of inferior 1, thread 5 of inferior 4, threads
2947 7 to 9 of inferior 6 and all threads of inferior 7. That is, in
2948 expanded qualified form, the same as @samp{1.1 1.2 1.3 4.5 6.7 6.8 6.9
2949 7.1}.
2950
2951
2952 @anchor{global thread numbers}
2953 @cindex global thread number
2954 @cindex global thread identifier (GDB)
2955 In addition to a @emph{per-inferior} number, each thread is also
2956 assigned a unique @emph{global} number, also known as @dfn{global
2957 thread ID}, a single integer. Unlike the thread number component of
2958 the thread ID, no two threads have the same global ID, even when
2959 you're debugging multiple inferiors.
2960
2961 From @value{GDBN}'s perspective, a process always has at least one
2962 thread. In other words, @value{GDBN} assigns a thread number to the
2963 program's ``main thread'' even if the program is not multi-threaded.
2964
2965 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2966 @vindex $_gthread@r{, convenience variable}
2967 The debugger convenience variables @samp{$_thread} and
2968 @samp{$_gthread} contain, respectively, the per-inferior thread number
2969 and the global thread number of the current thread. You may find this
2970 useful in writing breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts,
2971 and so forth. @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for
2972 general information on convenience variables.
2973
2974 If @value{GDBN} detects the program is multi-threaded, it augments the
2975 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint with the ID and name of
2976 the thread that hit the breakpoint.
2977
2978 @smallexample
2979 Thread 2 "client" hit Breakpoint 1, send_message () at client.c:68
2980 @end smallexample
2981
2982 Likewise when the program receives a signal:
2983
2984 @smallexample
2985 Thread 1 "main" received signal SIGINT, Interrupt.
2986 @end smallexample
2987
2988 @table @code
2989 @kindex info threads
2990 @item info threads @r{[}@var{thread-id-list}@r{]}
2991
2992 Display information about one or more threads. With no arguments
2993 displays information about all threads. You can specify the list of
2994 threads that you want to display using the thread ID list syntax
2995 (@pxref{thread ID lists}).
2996
2997 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2998
2999 @enumerate
3000 @item
3001 the per-inferior thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
3002
3003 @item
3004 the global thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}, if the @samp{-gid}
3005 option was specified
3006
3007 @item
3008 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
3009
3010 @item
3011 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
3012 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
3013 program itself.
3014
3015 @item
3016 the current stack frame summary for that thread
3017 @end enumerate
3018
3019 @noindent
3020 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
3021 indicates the current thread.
3022
3023 For example,
3024 @end table
3025 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
3026
3027 @smallexample
3028 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3029 Id Target Id Frame
3030 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3031 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3032 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3033 at threadtest.c:68
3034 @end smallexample
3035
3036 If you're debugging multiple inferiors, @value{GDBN} displays thread
3037 IDs using the qualified @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} format.
3038 Otherwise, only @var{thread-num} is shown.
3039
3040 If you specify the @samp{-gid} option, @value{GDBN} displays a column
3041 indicating each thread's global thread ID:
3042
3043 @smallexample
3044 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3045 Id GId Target Id Frame
3046 1.1 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3047 1.2 3 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3048 1.3 4 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3049 * 2.1 2 process 65 thread 1 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3050 @end smallexample
3051
3052 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
3053 Solaris-specific command:
3054
3055 @table @code
3056 @item maint info sol-threads
3057 @kindex maint info sol-threads
3058 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
3059 Display info on Solaris user threads.
3060 @end table
3061
3062 @table @code
3063 @kindex thread @var{thread-id}
3064 @item thread @var{thread-id}
3065 Make thread ID @var{thread-id} the current thread. The command
3066 argument @var{thread-id} is the @value{GDBN} thread ID, as shown in
3067 the first field of the @samp{info threads} display, with or without an
3068 inferior qualifier (e.g., @samp{2.1} or @samp{1}).
3069
3070 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the
3071 thread you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
3072
3073 @smallexample
3074 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
3075 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
3076 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
3077 8 printf ("hello\n");
3078 @end smallexample
3079
3080 @noindent
3081 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
3082 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
3083 threads.
3084
3085 @kindex thread apply
3086 @cindex apply command to several threads
3087 @item thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all [-ascending]] @var{command}
3088 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
3089 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the threads that you
3090 want affected using the thread ID list syntax (@pxref{thread ID
3091 lists}), or specify @code{all} to apply to all threads. To apply a
3092 command to all threads in descending order, type @kbd{thread apply all
3093 @var{command}}. To apply a command to all threads in ascending order,
3094 type @kbd{thread apply all -ascending @var{command}}.
3095
3096
3097 @kindex thread name
3098 @cindex name a thread
3099 @item thread name [@var{name}]
3100 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
3101 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
3102 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
3103
3104 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
3105 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
3106 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
3107 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
3108 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
3109
3110 @kindex thread find
3111 @cindex search for a thread
3112 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
3113 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
3114 matches the supplied regular expression.
3115
3116 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
3117 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
3118 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
3119 is the LWP id.
3120
3121 @smallexample
3122 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
3123 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
3124 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
3125 Id Target Id Frame
3126 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
3127 @end smallexample
3128
3129 @kindex set print thread-events
3130 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
3131 @item set print thread-events
3132 @itemx set print thread-events on
3133 @itemx set print thread-events off
3134 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
3135 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
3136 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
3137 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
3138 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
3139
3140 @kindex show print thread-events
3141 @item show print thread-events
3142 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
3143 have started and exited.
3144 @end table
3145
3146 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
3147 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
3148 programs with multiple threads.
3149
3150 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
3151 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
3152
3153 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
3154 @table @code
3155 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
3156 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
3157 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
3158 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
3159 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
3160 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
3161 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
3162 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
3163 macro.
3164
3165 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
3166 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
3167 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3168 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
3169 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
3170 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3171
3172 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3173 refers to the default system directories that are
3174 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
3175 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
3176 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3177
3178 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3179 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
3180 was loaded in the inferior process.
3181
3182 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
3183 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
3184 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
3185 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
3186 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
3187 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
3188 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
3189
3190 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
3191 only on some platforms.
3192
3193 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
3194 @item show libthread-db-search-path
3195 Display current libthread_db search path.
3196
3197 @kindex set debug libthread-db
3198 @kindex show debug libthread-db
3199 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
3200 @item set debug libthread-db
3201 @itemx show debug libthread-db
3202 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
3203 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
3204 @end table
3205
3206 @node Forks
3207 @section Debugging Forks
3208
3209 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
3210 @cindex multiple processes
3211 @cindex processes, multiple
3212 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
3213 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
3214 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
3215 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
3216 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
3217 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
3218 will cause it to terminate.
3219
3220 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3221 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3222 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3223 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3224 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3225 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3226 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3227 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3228 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3229 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3230
3231 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs
3232 that create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork}
3233 functions. On @sc{gnu}/Linux platforms, this feature is supported
3234 with kernel version 2.5.46 and later.
3235
3236 The fork debugging commands are supported in native mode and when
3237 connected to @code{gdbserver} in either @code{target remote} mode or
3238 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3239
3240 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3241 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3242
3243 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3244 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3245
3246 @table @code
3247 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3248 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3249 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3250 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3251 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3252
3253 @table @code
3254 @item parent
3255 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3256 unimpeded. This is the default.
3257
3258 @item child
3259 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3260 unimpeded.
3261
3262 @end table
3263
3264 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3265 @item show follow-fork-mode
3266 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3267 @end table
3268
3269 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3270 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3271 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3272
3273 @table @code
3274 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3275 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3276 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3277 retain debugger control over them both.
3278
3279 @table @code
3280 @item on
3281 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3282 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3283 independently. This is the default.
3284
3285 @item off
3286 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3287 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3288 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3289 is held suspended.
3290
3291 @end table
3292
3293 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3294 @item show detach-on-fork
3295 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3296 @end table
3297
3298 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3299 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3300 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3301 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3302 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3303 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3304
3305 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3306 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3307 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3308 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3309 and Programs}.
3310
3311 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3312 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3313 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3314 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3315 the child process's @code{main}.
3316
3317 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3318 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3319
3320 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3321 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3322 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3323 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3324 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3325 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3326 command.
3327
3328 @table @code
3329 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3330 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3331
3332 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3333 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3334
3335 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3336
3337 @table @code
3338 @item new
3339 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3340 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3341 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3342 original inferior.
3343
3344 For example:
3345
3346 @smallexample
3347 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3348 (gdb) info inferior
3349 Id Description Executable
3350 * 1 <null> prog1
3351 (@value{GDBP}) run
3352 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3353 Program exited normally.
3354 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3355 Id Description Executable
3356 1 <null> prog1
3357 * 2 <null> prog2
3358 @end smallexample
3359
3360 @item same
3361 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3362 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3363 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3364 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3365 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3366
3367 For example:
3368
3369 @smallexample
3370 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3371 Id Description Executable
3372 * 1 <null> prog1
3373 (@value{GDBP}) run
3374 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3375 Program exited normally.
3376 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3377 Id Description Executable
3378 * 1 <null> prog2
3379 @end smallexample
3380
3381 @end table
3382 @end table
3383
3384 @code{follow-exec-mode} is supported in native mode and
3385 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3386
3387 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3388 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3389 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3390
3391 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3392 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3393
3394 @cindex checkpoint
3395 @cindex restart
3396 @cindex bookmark
3397 @cindex snapshot of a process
3398 @cindex rewind program state
3399
3400 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3401 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3402 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3403 later.
3404
3405 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3406 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3407 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3408 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3409 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3410
3411 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3412 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3413 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3414 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3415 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3416 start again from there.
3417
3418 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3419 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3420
3421 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3422
3423 @table @code
3424 @kindex checkpoint
3425 @item checkpoint
3426 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3427 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3428 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3429
3430 @kindex info checkpoints
3431 @item info checkpoints
3432 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3433 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3434 listed:
3435
3436 @table @code
3437 @item Checkpoint ID
3438 @item Process ID
3439 @item Code Address
3440 @item Source line, or label
3441 @end table
3442
3443 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3444 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3445 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3446 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3447 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3448 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3449 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3450
3451 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3452 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3453 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3454 the debugger.
3455
3456 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3457 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3458 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3459
3460 @end table
3461
3462 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3463 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3464 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3465 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3466 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3467 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3468 previously read data can be read again.
3469
3470 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3471 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3472 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3473 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3474 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3475 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3476
3477 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3478 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3479 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3480 different execution path this time.
3481
3482 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3483 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3484 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3485 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3486 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3487 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3488 potentially pose a problem.
3489
3490 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3491
3492 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3493 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3494 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3495 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3496 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3497 next.
3498
3499 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3500 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3501 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3502 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3503 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3504
3505 @node Stopping
3506 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3507
3508 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3509 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3510 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3511
3512 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3513 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3514 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3515 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3516 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3517 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3518 explicitly request this information at any time.
3519
3520 @table @code
3521 @kindex info program
3522 @item info program
3523 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3524 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3525 @end table
3526
3527 @menu
3528 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3529 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3530 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3531 Skipping over functions and files
3532 * Signals:: Signals
3533 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3534 @end menu
3535
3536 @node Breakpoints
3537 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3538
3539 @cindex breakpoints
3540 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3541 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3542 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3543 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3544 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3545 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3546 program.
3547
3548 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3549 the executable is run.
3550
3551 @cindex watchpoints
3552 @cindex data breakpoints
3553 @cindex memory tracing
3554 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3555 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3556 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3557 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3558 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3559 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3560 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3561 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3562 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3563 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3564 same commands.
3565
3566 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3567 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3568 Automatic Display}.
3569
3570 @cindex catchpoints
3571 @cindex breakpoint on events
3572 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3573 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3574 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3575 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3576 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3577 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3578 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3579
3580 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3581 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3582 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3583 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3584 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3585 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3586 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3587 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3588 enable it again.
3589
3590 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3591 @cindex breakpoint lists
3592 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3593 @cindex lists of breakpoints
3594 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a space-separated list of breakpoints
3595 on which to operate. A list element can be either a single breakpoint number,
3596 like @samp{5}, or a range of such numbers, like @samp{5-7}.
3597 When a breakpoint list is given to a command, all breakpoints in that list
3598 are operated on.
3599
3600 @menu
3601 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3602 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3603 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3604 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3605 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3606 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3607 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3608 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3609 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3610 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3611 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3612 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3613 @end menu
3614
3615 @node Set Breaks
3616 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3617
3618 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3619 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3620 @c
3621 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3622
3623 @kindex break
3624 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3625 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3626 @cindex latest breakpoint
3627 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3628 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3629 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3630 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3631 convenience variables.
3632
3633 @table @code
3634 @item break @var{location}
3635 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3636 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3637 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3638 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3639 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3640
3641 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3642 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3643 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3644 that situation.
3645
3646 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3647 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3648 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3649
3650 @item break
3651 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3652 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3653 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3654 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3655 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3656 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3657 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3658 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3659 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3660 inside loops.
3661
3662 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3663 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3664 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3665 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3666 existed when your program stopped.
3667
3668 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3669 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3670 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3671 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3672 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3673 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3674 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3675
3676 @kindex tbreak
3677 @item tbreak @var{args}
3678 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args} are the
3679 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3680 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3681 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3682
3683 @kindex hbreak
3684 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3685 @item hbreak @var{args}
3686 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. The @var{args} are the same as for the
3687 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3688 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3689 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3690 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3691 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3692 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3693 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3694 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3695 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3696 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3697 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3698 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3699 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3700 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3701 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3702 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3703 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3704
3705 @kindex thbreak
3706 @item thbreak @var{args}
3707 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args}
3708 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3709 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3710 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3711 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3712 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3713 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3714 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3715
3716 @kindex rbreak
3717 @cindex regular expression
3718 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3719 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3720 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3721 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3722 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3723 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3724 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3725 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3726 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3727
3728 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3729 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3730 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3731 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3732 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3733 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3734
3735 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3736 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3737 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3738 classes.
3739
3740 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3741 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3742 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3743
3744 @smallexample
3745 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3746 @end smallexample
3747
3748 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3749 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3750 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3751 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3752 every function in a given file:
3753
3754 @smallexample
3755 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3756 @end smallexample
3757
3758 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3759 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3760
3761 @kindex info breakpoints
3762 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3763 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3764 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3765 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3766 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3767 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3768 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3769
3770 @table @emph
3771 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3772 @item Type
3773 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3774 @item Disposition
3775 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3776 @item Enabled or Disabled
3777 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3778 that are not enabled.
3779 @item Address
3780 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3781 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3782 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3783 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3784 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3785 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3786 @item What
3787 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3788 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3789 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3790 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3791 @end table
3792
3793 @noindent
3794 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3795 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3796 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3797 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3798 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3799 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3800
3801 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3802 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3803 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3804 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3805
3806 @noindent
3807 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3808 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3809 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3810 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3811 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3812
3813 @noindent
3814 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3815 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3816 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3817 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3818 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3819 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3820
3821 @noindent
3822 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3823 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3824
3825 @end table
3826
3827 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3828 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3829 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3830 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3831
3832 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3833 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3834 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3835 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3836
3837 @itemize @bullet
3838 @item
3839 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3840
3841 @item
3842 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3843 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3844
3845 @item
3846 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3847 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3848
3849 @item
3850 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3851 several places where that function is inlined.
3852 @end itemize
3853
3854 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3855 the relevant locations.
3856
3857 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3858 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3859 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3860 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3861 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3862 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3863 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3864
3865 For example:
3866
3867 @smallexample
3868 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3869 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3870 stop only if i==1
3871 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3872 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3873 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3874 @end smallexample
3875
3876 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3877 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3878 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3879 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3880 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3881 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3882 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3883 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3884 that belong to that breakpoint.
3885
3886 @cindex pending breakpoints
3887 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3888 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3889 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3890 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3891 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3892 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3893 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3894 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3895 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3896 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3897 is not yet resolved.
3898
3899 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3900 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3901 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3902 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3903 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3904 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3905
3906 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3907 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3908 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3909 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3910
3911 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3912 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3913 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3914
3915 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3916 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3917 address specification to an address:
3918
3919 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3920 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3921 @table @code
3922 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3923 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3924 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3925
3926 @item set breakpoint pending on
3927 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3928 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3929
3930 @item set breakpoint pending off
3931 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3932 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3933 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3934
3935 @item show breakpoint pending
3936 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3937 @end table
3938
3939 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3940 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3941 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3942
3943 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3944 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3945 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3946 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3947 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3948 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3949 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3950 breakpoints.
3951
3952 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands:
3953
3954 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3955 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3956 @table @code
3957 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3958 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3959 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3960 breakpoint must be used.
3961
3962 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3963 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3964 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3965 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3966 @end table
3967
3968 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3969 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3970 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3971 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3972 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3973 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3974 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3975 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3976 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3977
3978 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3979 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3980 @table @code
3981 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3982 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3983 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3984 removed from the target when it stops. This is the default mode.
3985
3986 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3987 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3988 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3989 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3990 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is deleted.
3991 @end table
3992
3993 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
3994 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
3995 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
3996
3997 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
3998 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
3999
4000 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
4001
4002 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
4003 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
4004 @table @code
4005 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
4006 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
4007 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
4008 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
4009 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
4010
4011 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
4012 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
4013 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
4014 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
4015 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
4016 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
4017 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
4018 that is only known to the host. Examples include
4019 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
4020 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
4021 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
4022 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
4023 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
4024
4025 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
4026 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
4027 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
4028 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
4029 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
4030 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
4031 @end table
4032
4033
4034 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
4035 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
4036 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
4037 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
4038 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
4039 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
4040 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
4041 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
4042
4043
4044 @node Set Watchpoints
4045 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
4046
4047 @cindex setting watchpoints
4048 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
4049 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
4050 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
4051 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
4052 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
4053
4054 @itemize @bullet
4055 @item
4056 A reference to the value of a single variable.
4057
4058 @item
4059 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
4060 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
4061 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
4062
4063 @item
4064 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
4065 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
4066 language (@pxref{Languages}).
4067 @end itemize
4068
4069 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
4070 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
4071 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
4072 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
4073 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
4074 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
4075 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
4076 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
4077 the expression changes.
4078
4079 @cindex software watchpoints
4080 @cindex hardware watchpoints
4081 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
4082 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
4083 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
4084 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
4085 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
4086 culprit.)
4087
4088 On some systems, such as most PowerPC or x86-based targets,
4089 @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware watchpoints, which do not
4090 slow down the running of your program.
4091
4092 @table @code
4093 @kindex watch
4094 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4095 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
4096 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
4097 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
4098 to watch the value of a single variable:
4099
4100 @smallexample
4101 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
4102 @end smallexample
4103
4104 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]}}
4105 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
4106 @var{thread-id} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
4107 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
4108 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
4109 with Hardware Watchpoints.
4110
4111 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
4112 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
4113 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
4114 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
4115 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
4116 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
4117 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
4118 error.
4119
4120 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
4121 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
4122 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
4123 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
4124 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
4125 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
4126 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
4127 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
4128 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
4129 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
4130 Examples:
4131
4132 @smallexample
4133 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
4134 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
4135 @end smallexample
4136
4137 @kindex rwatch
4138 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4139 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
4140 by the program.
4141
4142 @kindex awatch
4143 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4144 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
4145 or written into by the program.
4146
4147 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4148 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4149 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
4150 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
4151 @end table
4152
4153 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
4154 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
4155 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
4156 a never-changing value:
4157
4158 @smallexample
4159 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
4160 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
4161 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
4162 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
4163 @end smallexample
4164
4165 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
4166 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
4167 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
4168 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
4169 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
4170 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
4171
4172 @cindex use only software watchpoints
4173 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
4174 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
4175 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
4176 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
4177 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
4178 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
4179 mechanism of watching expression values.)
4180
4181 @table @code
4182 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4183 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4184 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
4185
4186 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4187 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4188 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
4189 @end table
4190
4191 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
4192 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
4193 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
4194
4195 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
4196
4197 @smallexample
4198 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
4199 @end smallexample
4200
4201 @noindent
4202 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
4203
4204 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
4205 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
4206 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
4207 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
4208 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
4209 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
4210 will print a message like this:
4211
4212 @smallexample
4213 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
4214 @end smallexample
4215
4216 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4217 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4218 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4219 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4220 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4221 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4222 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4223 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4224
4225 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4226 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4227 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4228 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4229 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4230 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4231
4232 @smallexample
4233 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4234 @end smallexample
4235
4236 @noindent
4237 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4238
4239 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4240 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4241 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4242 expression with separately allocated resources.
4243
4244 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4245 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4246 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4247
4248 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4249 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4250 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4251 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4252 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4253 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4254 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4255 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4256 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4257
4258 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4259 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4260 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4261 watched expression from every thread.
4262
4263 @quotation
4264 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4265 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4266 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4267 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4268 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4269 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4270 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4271 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4272 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4273 @end quotation
4274
4275 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4276
4277 @node Set Catchpoints
4278 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4279 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4280 @cindex exception handlers
4281 @cindex event handling
4282
4283 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4284 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4285 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4286
4287 @table @code
4288 @kindex catch
4289 @item catch @var{event}
4290 Stop when @var{event} occurs. The @var{event} can be any of the following:
4291
4292 @table @code
4293 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4294 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4295 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4296 @kindex catch throw
4297 @kindex catch rethrow
4298 @kindex catch catch
4299 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4300 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4301
4302 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4303 regular expression will be caught.
4304
4305 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4306 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4307 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4308 exception being thrown.
4309
4310 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4311 @value{GDBN}:
4312
4313 @itemize @bullet
4314 @item
4315 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4316 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4317 supported.
4318
4319 @item
4320 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4321 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4322 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4323 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4324 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4325 built.
4326
4327 @item
4328 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4329 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4330
4331 @item
4332 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4333 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4334 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4335 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4336
4337 @item
4338 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4339 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4340 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4341 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4342 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4343 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4344 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4345 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4346 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4347
4348 @item
4349 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4350
4351 @item
4352 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4353 @end itemize
4354
4355 @item exception
4356 @kindex catch exception
4357 @cindex Ada exception catching
4358 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4359 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4360 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4361 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4362 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4363
4364 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4365 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4366 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4367 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4368 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4369 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4370 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4371 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4372
4373 @item exception unhandled
4374 @kindex catch exception unhandled
4375 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4376
4377 @item assert
4378 @kindex catch assert
4379 A failed Ada assertion.
4380
4381 @item exec
4382 @kindex catch exec
4383 @cindex break on fork/exec
4384 A call to @code{exec}.
4385
4386 @item syscall
4387 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number} @r{|} @r{group:}@var{groupname} @r{|} @r{g:}@var{groupname}@r{]} @dots{}
4388 @kindex catch syscall
4389 @cindex break on a system call.
4390 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4391 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4392 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4393 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4394 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4395 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4396 will be caught.
4397
4398 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4399 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4400 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4401 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4402
4403 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4404 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4405 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4406 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4407
4408 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4409 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4410 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4411 available choices.
4412
4413 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4414 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4415 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4416 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4417 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4418 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4419 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4420 behind the OS upgrades).
4421
4422 You may specify a group of related syscalls to be caught at once using
4423 the @code{group:} syntax (@code{g:} is a shorter equivalent). For
4424 instance, on some platforms @value{GDBN} allows you to catch all
4425 network related syscalls, by passing the argument @code{group:network}
4426 to @code{catch syscall}. Note that not all syscall groups are
4427 available in every system. You can use the command completion
4428 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4429 syscall groups available on your environment.
4430
4431 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4432 arguments to it:
4433
4434 @smallexample
4435 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4436 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4437 (@value{GDBP}) r
4438 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4439
4440 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4441 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4442 (@value{GDBP}) c
4443 Continuing.
4444
4445 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4446 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4447 (@value{GDBP})
4448 @end smallexample
4449
4450 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4451
4452 @smallexample
4453 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4454 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4455 (@value{GDBP}) r
4456 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4457
4458 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4459 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4460 (@value{GDBP}) c
4461 Continuing.
4462
4463 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4464 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4465 (@value{GDBP})
4466 @end smallexample
4467
4468 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4469 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4470 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4471
4472 @smallexample
4473 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4474 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4475 (@value{GDBP}) r
4476 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4477
4478 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4479 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4480 (@value{GDBP}) c
4481 Continuing.
4482
4483 Program exited normally.
4484 (@value{GDBP})
4485 @end smallexample
4486
4487 Here is an example of catching a syscall group:
4488
4489 @smallexample
4490 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall group:process
4491 Catchpoint 1 (syscalls 'exit' [1] 'fork' [2] 'waitpid' [7]
4492 'execve' [11] 'wait4' [114] 'clone' [120] 'vfork' [190]
4493 'exit_group' [252] 'waitid' [284] 'unshare' [310])
4494 (@value{GDBP}) r
4495 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4496
4497 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall fork), 0x00007ffff7df4e27 in open64 ()
4498 from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
4499
4500 (@value{GDBP}) c
4501 Continuing.
4502 @end smallexample
4503
4504 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4505 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4506 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4507 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4508
4509 @smallexample
4510 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4511 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4512 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4513 (@value{GDBP})
4514 @end smallexample
4515
4516 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4517 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4518 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4519 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4520 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4521 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4522
4523 @smallexample
4524 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4525 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4526 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4527 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4528 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4529 (@value{GDBP})
4530 @end smallexample
4531
4532 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4533
4534 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4535 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4536
4537 @smallexample
4538 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4539 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4540 @end smallexample
4541
4542 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4543
4544 @item fork
4545 @kindex catch fork
4546 A call to @code{fork}.
4547
4548 @item vfork
4549 @kindex catch vfork
4550 A call to @code{vfork}.
4551
4552 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4553 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4554 @kindex catch load
4555 @kindex catch unload
4556 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4557 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4558 matches one of the affected libraries.
4559
4560 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4561 @kindex catch signal
4562 The delivery of a signal.
4563
4564 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4565 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4566 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4567
4568 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4569 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4570 signal names.
4571
4572 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4573 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4574 will be caught.
4575
4576 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4577 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4578 catchpoint.
4579
4580 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4581 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4582 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4583 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4584 commands.
4585
4586 @end table
4587
4588 @item tcatch @var{event}
4589 @kindex tcatch
4590 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4591 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4592
4593 @end table
4594
4595 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4596
4597
4598 @node Delete Breaks
4599 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4600
4601 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4602 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4603 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4604 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4605 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4606 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4607
4608 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4609 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4610 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4611 their breakpoint numbers.
4612
4613 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4614 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4615 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4616
4617 @table @code
4618 @kindex clear
4619 @item clear
4620 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4621 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4622 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4623 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4624
4625 @item clear @var{location}
4626 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4627 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4628 most useful ones are listed below:
4629
4630 @table @code
4631 @item clear @var{function}
4632 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4633 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4634
4635 @item clear @var{linenum}
4636 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4637 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4638 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4639 @end table
4640
4641 @cindex delete breakpoints
4642 @kindex delete
4643 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4644 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4645 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4646 list specified as argument. If no argument is specified, delete all
4647 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4648 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4649 @end table
4650
4651 @node Disabling
4652 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4653
4654 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4655 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4656 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4657 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4658 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4659
4660 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4661 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4662 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4663 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4664 do not know which numbers to use.
4665
4666 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4667 affects all of its locations.
4668
4669 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4670 different states of enablement:
4671
4672 @itemize @bullet
4673 @item
4674 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4675 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4676 @item
4677 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4678 @item
4679 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4680 disabled.
4681 @item
4682 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4683 N times, then becomes disabled.
4684 @item
4685 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4686 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4687 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4688 @end itemize
4689
4690 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4691 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4692
4693 @table @code
4694 @kindex disable
4695 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4696 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4697 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4698 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4699 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4700 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4701 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4702
4703 @kindex enable
4704 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4705 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4706 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4707
4708 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{list}@dots{}
4709 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4710 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4711
4712 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{list}@dots{}
4713 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4714 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4715 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4716 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4717 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4718 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4719
4720 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{list}@dots{}
4721 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4722 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4723 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4724 @end table
4725
4726 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4727 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4728 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4729 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4730 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4731 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4732 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4733 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4734 Stepping}.)
4735
4736 @node Conditions
4737 @subsection Break Conditions
4738 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4739 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4740
4741 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4742 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4743 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4744 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4745 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4746 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4747 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4748 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4749
4750 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4751 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4752 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4753 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4754 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4755
4756 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4757 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4758 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4759 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4760 one.
4761
4762 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4763 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4764 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4765 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4766 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4767 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4768 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4769 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4770 conditions for the
4771 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4772 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4773
4774 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4775 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4776 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4777 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4778 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4779 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4780
4781 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4782 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4783 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4784 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4785 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4786
4787 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4788 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4789 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4790 with the @code{condition} command.
4791
4792 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4793 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4794 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4795 catchpoint.
4796
4797 @table @code
4798 @kindex condition
4799 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4800 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4801 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4802 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4803 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4804 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4805 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4806 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4807 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4808 prints an error message:
4809
4810 @smallexample
4811 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4812 @end smallexample
4813
4814 @noindent
4815 @value{GDBN} does
4816 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4817 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4818 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4819
4820 @item condition @var{bnum}
4821 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4822 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4823 @end table
4824
4825 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4826 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4827 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4828 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4829 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4830 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4831 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4832 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4833 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4834 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4835 your program reaches it.
4836
4837 @table @code
4838 @kindex ignore
4839 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4840 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4841 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4842 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4843 takes no action.
4844
4845 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4846 a count of zero.
4847
4848 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4849 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4850 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4851 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4852
4853 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4854 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4855 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4856
4857 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4858 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4859 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4860 Variables}.
4861 @end table
4862
4863 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4864
4865
4866 @node Break Commands
4867 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4868
4869 @cindex breakpoint commands
4870 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4871 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4872 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4873 enable other breakpoints.
4874
4875 @table @code
4876 @kindex commands
4877 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4878 @item commands @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4879 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4880 @itemx end
4881 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4882 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4883 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4884
4885 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4886 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4887
4888 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4889 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4890 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4891 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4892 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4893 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4894 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4895 Expressions}).
4896 @end table
4897
4898 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4899 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4900
4901 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4902 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4903 that resumes execution.
4904
4905 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4906 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4907 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4908 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4909 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4910
4911 @kindex silent
4912 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4913 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4914 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4915 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4916 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4917 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4918
4919 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4920 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4921 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4922
4923 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4924 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4925
4926 @smallexample
4927 break foo if x>0
4928 commands
4929 silent
4930 printf "x is %d\n",x
4931 cont
4932 end
4933 @end smallexample
4934
4935 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4936 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4937 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4938 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4939 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4940 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4941 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4942
4943 @smallexample
4944 break 403
4945 commands
4946 silent
4947 set x = y + 4
4948 cont
4949 end
4950 @end smallexample
4951
4952 @node Dynamic Printf
4953 @subsection Dynamic Printf
4954
4955 @cindex dynamic printf
4956 @cindex dprintf
4957 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
4958 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
4959 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
4960 having to recompile it.
4961
4962 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
4963 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
4964 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
4965 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
4966 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
4967 redirects to files and so forth.
4968
4969 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
4970 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
4971 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
4972 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
4973 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
4974 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
4975 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
4976
4977 @table @code
4978 @kindex dprintf
4979 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
4980 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
4981 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
4982 To print several values, separate them with commas.
4983
4984 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
4985 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
4986 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
4987 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
4988 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
4989 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
4990
4991 @table @code
4992 @item gdb
4993 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
4994 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
4995
4996 @item call
4997 @kindex dprintf-style call
4998 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
4999 @code{printf}).
5000
5001 @item agent
5002 @kindex dprintf-style agent
5003 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
5004 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
5005 support running commands on the target.
5006 @end table
5007
5008 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
5009 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
5010 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
5011 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
5012 command.
5013
5014 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
5015 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
5016 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
5017 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
5018 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
5019 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
5020
5021 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
5022 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
5023 you could do the following:
5024
5025 @example
5026 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
5027 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
5028 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
5029 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
5030 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
5031 (gdb) info break
5032 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
5033 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
5034 continue
5035 (gdb)
5036 @end example
5037
5038 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
5039 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
5040 the variable settings.
5041
5042 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
5043 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
5044 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
5045 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
5046 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
5047 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
5048
5049 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
5050 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
5051 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
5052
5053 @end table
5054
5055 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
5056 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
5057 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
5058 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
5059 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
5060 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
5061
5062 @node Save Breakpoints
5063 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
5064
5065 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
5066 breakpoints}} command.
5067
5068 @table @code
5069 @kindex save breakpoints
5070 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
5071 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
5072 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
5073 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
5074 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
5075 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
5076 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
5077 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
5078 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
5079 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
5080 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
5081 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
5082 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
5083 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
5084 that can no longer be recreated.
5085 @end table
5086
5087 @node Static Probe Points
5088 @subsection Static Probe Points
5089
5090 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
5091 @cindex static probe point, DTrace
5092 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
5093 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
5094 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations.
5095
5096 Currently, the following types of probes are supported on
5097 ELF-compatible systems:
5098
5099 @itemize @bullet
5100
5101 @item @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
5102 @acronym{SDT} probes@footnote{See
5103 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
5104 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT}
5105 probes in your applications.}. @code{SystemTap} probes are usable
5106 from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages@footnote{See
5107 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
5108 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.}.
5109
5110 @item @code{DTrace} (@uref{http://oss.oracle.com/projects/DTrace})
5111 @acronym{USDT} probes. @code{DTrace} probes are usable from C and
5112 C@t{++} languages.
5113 @end itemize
5114
5115 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
5116 Some @code{SystemTap} probes have an associated semaphore variable;
5117 for instance, this happens automatically if you defined your probe
5118 using a DTrace-style @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore,
5119 @value{GDBN} will automatically enable it when you specify a
5120 breakpoint using the @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a
5121 breakpoint at a probe's location by some other method (e.g.,
5122 @code{break file:line}), then @value{GDBN} will not automatically set
5123 the semaphore. @code{DTrace} probes do not support semaphores.
5124
5125 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
5126 probes}, with optional arguments:
5127
5128 @table @code
5129 @kindex info probes
5130 @item info probes @r{[}@var{type}@r{]} @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5131 If given, @var{type} is either @code{stap} for listing
5132 @code{SystemTap} probes or @code{dtrace} for listing @code{DTrace}
5133 probes. If omitted all probes are listed regardless of their types.
5134
5135 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
5136 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
5137 probes from all providers are listed.
5138
5139 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
5140 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
5141 considered when deciding whether to display them.
5142
5143 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5144 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5145 given, all object files are considered.
5146
5147 @item info probes all
5148 List the available static probes, from all types.
5149 @end table
5150
5151 @cindex enabling and disabling probes
5152 Some probe points can be enabled and/or disabled. The effect of
5153 enabling or disabling a probe depends on the type of probe being
5154 handled. Some @code{DTrace} probes can be enabled or
5155 disabled, but @code{SystemTap} probes cannot be disabled.
5156
5157 You can enable (or disable) one or more probes using the following
5158 commands, with optional arguments:
5159
5160 @table @code
5161 @kindex enable probes
5162 @item enable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5163 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against
5164 provider names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted,
5165 all probes from all providers are enabled.
5166
5167 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe
5168 names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted, probe names
5169 are not considered when deciding whether to enable them.
5170
5171 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5172 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5173 given, all object files are considered.
5174
5175 @kindex disable probes
5176 @item disable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5177 See the @code{enable probes} command above for a description of the
5178 optional arguments accepted by this command.
5179 @end table
5180
5181 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
5182 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
5183 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
5184 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
5185 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
5186 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. In @code{SystemTap}
5187 probes each probe argument is an integer of the appropriate size;
5188 types are not preserved. In @code{DTrace} probes types are preserved
5189 provided that they are recognized as such by @value{GDBN}; otherwise
5190 the value of the probe argument will be a long integer. The
5191 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
5192 at the current probe point.
5193
5194 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
5195 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
5196 an error message.
5197
5198
5199 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
5200 @node Error in Breakpoints
5201 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
5202
5203 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
5204 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
5205
5206 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
5207 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
5208 @smallexample
5209 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
5210 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
5211 @end smallexample
5212
5213 @noindent
5214 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
5215 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
5216 watchpoints it needs to insert.
5217
5218 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
5219 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
5220
5221 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
5222 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
5223 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
5224
5225 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
5226 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
5227 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
5228 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
5229
5230 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
5231 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
5232 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
5233 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
5234 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
5235 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
5236 first in the bundle.
5237
5238 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
5239 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
5240 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
5241 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
5242 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
5243 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
5244 is hit.
5245
5246 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
5247 that's been subject to address adjustment:
5248
5249 @smallexample
5250 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
5251 @end smallexample
5252
5253 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
5254 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
5255 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
5256 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
5257 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
5258 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
5259 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
5260 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
5261
5262 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
5263 adjusted breakpoints:
5264
5265 @smallexample
5266 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
5267 to 0x00010410.
5268 @end smallexample
5269
5270 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
5271 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
5272 frequently than expected.
5273
5274 @node Continuing and Stepping
5275 @section Continuing and Stepping
5276
5277 @cindex stepping
5278 @cindex continuing
5279 @cindex resuming execution
5280 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
5281 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
5282 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
5283 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
5284 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
5285 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
5286 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
5287 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution (@pxref{Signals, ,Signals}),
5288 or you may step into the signal's handler (@pxref{stepping and signal
5289 handlers}).)
5290
5291 @table @code
5292 @kindex continue
5293 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
5294 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
5295 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5296 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5297 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5298 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
5299 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
5300 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
5301 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
5302 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
5303
5304 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
5305 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5306 @code{continue} is ignored.
5307
5308 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5309 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5310 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5311 @code{continue}.
5312 @end table
5313
5314 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5315 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5316 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5317 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5318
5319 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5320 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5321 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5322 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5323 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5324 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5325
5326 @table @code
5327 @kindex step
5328 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5329 @item step
5330 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5331 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5332 abbreviated @code{s}.
5333
5334 @quotation
5335 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5336 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5337 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5338 @c distinction here.
5339 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5340 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5341 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5342 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5343 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5344 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5345 below.
5346 @end quotation
5347
5348 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5349 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5350 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5351 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5352 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5353 called within the line.
5354
5355 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5356 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5357 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5358 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5359 was any debugging information about the routine.
5360
5361 @item step @var{count}
5362 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5363 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5364 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5365
5366 @kindex next
5367 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5368 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5369 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5370 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5371 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5372 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5373 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5374 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5375
5376 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5377
5378
5379 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5380 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5381 @c
5382 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5383 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5384 @c function are executed without stopping.
5385
5386 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5387 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5388 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5389
5390 @kindex set step-mode
5391 @item set step-mode
5392 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5393 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5394 @itemx set step-mode on
5395 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5396 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5397 information rather than stepping over it.
5398
5399 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5400 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5401 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5402
5403 @item set step-mode off
5404 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5405 debug information. This is the default.
5406
5407 @item show step-mode
5408 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5409 source line debug information.
5410
5411 @kindex finish
5412 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5413 @item finish
5414 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5415 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5416 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5417
5418 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5419 ,Returning from a Function}).
5420
5421 @kindex until
5422 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5423 @cindex run until specified location
5424 @item until
5425 @itemx u
5426 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5427 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5428 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5429 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5430 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5431 than the address of the jump.
5432
5433 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5434 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5435 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5436 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5437 through the next iteration.
5438
5439 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5440 stack frame.
5441
5442 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5443 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5444 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5445 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5446 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5447
5448 @smallexample
5449 (@value{GDBP}) f
5450 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5451 206 expand_input();
5452 (@value{GDBP}) until
5453 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5454 @end smallexample
5455
5456 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5457 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5458 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5459 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5460 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5461 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5462 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5463
5464 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5465 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5466 argument.
5467
5468 @item until @var{location}
5469 @itemx u @var{location}
5470 Continue running your program until either the specified @var{location} is
5471 reached, or the current stack frame returns. The location is any of
5472 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5473 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5474 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5475 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5476 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5477 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5478 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5479 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5480 invocations have returned.
5481
5482 @smallexample
5483 94 int factorial (int value)
5484 95 @{
5485 96 if (value > 1) @{
5486 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5487 98 @}
5488 99 return (value);
5489 100 @}
5490 @end smallexample
5491
5492
5493 @kindex advance @var{location}
5494 @item advance @var{location}
5495 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5496 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5497 @ref{Specify Location}.
5498 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5499 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5500 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5501 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5502
5503
5504 @kindex stepi
5505 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5506 @item stepi
5507 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5508 @itemx si
5509 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5510
5511 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5512 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5513 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5514 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5515
5516 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5517
5518 @need 750
5519 @kindex nexti
5520 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5521 @item nexti
5522 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5523 @itemx ni
5524 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5525 proceed until the function returns.
5526
5527 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5528
5529 @end table
5530
5531 @anchor{range stepping}
5532 @cindex range stepping
5533 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5534 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5535 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5536 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5537 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5538 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5539 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5540 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5541 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5542 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5543 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5544 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5545 if necessary:
5546
5547 @table @code
5548 @kindex set range-stepping
5549 @kindex show range-stepping
5550 @item set range-stepping
5551 @itemx show range-stepping
5552 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5553
5554 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5555 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5556 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5557 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5558 default is @code{on}.
5559
5560 @end table
5561
5562 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5563 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5564 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5565
5566 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5567 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} command lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5568 skip a function, all functions in a file or a particular function in
5569 a particular file when stepping.
5570
5571 For example, consider the following C function:
5572
5573 @smallexample
5574 101 int func()
5575 102 @{
5576 103 foo(boring());
5577 104 bar(boring());
5578 105 @}
5579 @end smallexample
5580
5581 @noindent
5582 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5583 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5584 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5585 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5586
5587 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5588 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5589 is called from many places.
5590
5591 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5592 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5593 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5594 @code{foo}.
5595
5596 Functions may be skipped by providing either a function name, linespec
5597 (@pxref{Specify Location}), regular expression that matches the function's
5598 name, file name or a @code{glob}-style pattern that matches the file name.
5599
5600 On Posix systems the form of the regular expression is
5601 ``Extended Regular Expressions''. See for example @samp{man 7 regex}
5602 on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. On non-Posix systems the form of the regular
5603 expression is whatever is provided by the @code{regcomp} function of
5604 the underlying system.
5605 See for example @samp{man 7 glob} on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems for a
5606 description of @code{glob}-style patterns.
5607
5608 @table @code
5609 @kindex skip
5610 @item skip @r{[}@var{options}@r{]}
5611 The basic form of the @code{skip} command takes zero or more options
5612 that specify what to skip.
5613 The @var{options} argument is any useful combination of the following:
5614
5615 @table @code
5616 @item -file @var{file}
5617 @itemx -fi @var{file}
5618 Functions in @var{file} will be skipped over when stepping.
5619
5620 @item -gfile @var{file-glob-pattern}
5621 @itemx -gfi @var{file-glob-pattern}
5622 @cindex skipping over files via glob-style patterns
5623 Functions in files matching @var{file-glob-pattern} will be skipped
5624 over when stepping.
5625
5626 @smallexample
5627 (gdb) skip -gfi utils/*.c
5628 @end smallexample
5629
5630 @item -function @var{linespec}
5631 @itemx -fu @var{linespec}
5632 Functions named by @var{linespec} or the function containing the line
5633 named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when stepping.
5634 @xref{Specify Location}.
5635
5636 @item -rfunction @var{regexp}
5637 @itemx -rfu @var{regexp}
5638 @cindex skipping over functions via regular expressions
5639 Functions whose name matches @var{regexp} will be skipped over when stepping.
5640
5641 This form is useful for complex function names.
5642 For example, there is generally no need to step into C@t{++} @code{std::string}
5643 constructors or destructors. Plus with C@t{++} templates it can be hard to
5644 write out the full name of the function, and often it doesn't matter what
5645 the template arguments are. Specifying the function to be skipped as a
5646 regular expression makes this easier.
5647
5648 @smallexample
5649 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::(allocator|basic_string)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5650 @end smallexample
5651
5652 If you want to skip every templated C@t{++} constructor and destructor
5653 in the @code{std} namespace you can do:
5654
5655 @smallexample
5656 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::([a-zA-z0-9_]+)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5657 @end smallexample
5658 @end table
5659
5660 If no options are specified, the function you're currently debugging
5661 will be skipped.
5662
5663 @kindex skip function
5664 @item skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5665 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5666 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5667 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5668
5669 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5670 will be skipped.
5671
5672 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5673 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5674
5675 @kindex skip file
5676 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5677 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5678 will be skipped over when stepping.
5679
5680 @smallexample
5681 (gdb) skip file boring.c
5682 File boring.c will be skipped when stepping.
5683 @end smallexample
5684
5685 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5686 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5687 @end table
5688
5689 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5690 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5691
5692 @table @code
5693 @kindex info skip
5694 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5695 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5696 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5697 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5698
5699 @table @emph
5700 @item Identifier
5701 A number identifying this skip.
5702 @item Enabled or Disabled
5703 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}.
5704 Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5705 @item Glob
5706 If the file name is a @samp{glob} pattern this is @samp{y}.
5707 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5708 @item File
5709 The name or @samp{glob} pattern of the file to be skipped.
5710 If no file is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5711 @item RE
5712 If the function name is a @samp{regular expression} this is @samp{y}.
5713 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5714 @item Function
5715 The name or regular expression of the function to skip.
5716 If no function is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5717 @end table
5718
5719 @kindex skip delete
5720 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5721 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5722 skips.
5723
5724 @kindex skip enable
5725 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5726 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5727 skips.
5728
5729 @kindex skip disable
5730 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5731 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5732 skips.
5733
5734 @end table
5735
5736 @node Signals
5737 @section Signals
5738 @cindex signals
5739
5740 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5741 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5742 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5743 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5744 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5745 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5746 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5747 requested an alarm).
5748
5749 @cindex fatal signals
5750 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5751 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5752 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5753 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5754 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5755 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5756
5757 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5758 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5759 signal.
5760
5761 @cindex handling signals
5762 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5763 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5764 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5765 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5766 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5767
5768 @table @code
5769 @kindex info signals
5770 @kindex info handle
5771 @item info signals
5772 @itemx info handle
5773 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5774 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5775 the defined types of signals.
5776
5777 @item info signals @var{sig}
5778 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5779
5780 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5781
5782 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5783 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5784 for details about this command.
5785
5786 @kindex handle
5787 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5788 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal}
5789 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5790 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5791 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5792 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5793 say what change to make.
5794 @end table
5795
5796 @c @group
5797 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5798 Their full names are:
5799
5800 @table @code
5801 @item nostop
5802 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5803 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5804
5805 @item stop
5806 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5807 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5808
5809 @item print
5810 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5811
5812 @item noprint
5813 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5814 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5815
5816 @item pass
5817 @itemx noignore
5818 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5819 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5820 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5821
5822 @item nopass
5823 @itemx ignore
5824 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5825 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5826 @end table
5827 @c @end group
5828
5829 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5830 program until you
5831 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5832 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5833 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5834 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5835 program sees that signal when you continue.
5836
5837 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5838 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5839 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5840 erroneous signals.
5841
5842 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5843 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5844 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5845 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5846 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5847 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5848 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5849 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5850 Program a Signal}.
5851
5852 @cindex stepping and signal handlers
5853 @anchor{stepping and signal handlers}
5854
5855 @value{GDBN} optimizes for stepping the mainline code. If a signal
5856 that has @code{handle nostop} and @code{handle pass} set arrives while
5857 a stepping command (e.g., @code{stepi}, @code{step}, @code{next}) is
5858 in progress, @value{GDBN} lets the signal handler run and then resumes
5859 stepping the mainline code once the signal handler returns. In other
5860 words, @value{GDBN} steps over the signal handler. This prevents
5861 signals that you've specified as not interesting (with @code{handle
5862 nostop}) from changing the focus of debugging unexpectedly. Note that
5863 the signal handler itself may still hit a breakpoint, stop for another
5864 signal that has @code{handle stop} in effect, or for any other event
5865 that normally results in stopping the stepping command sooner. Also
5866 note that @value{GDBN} still informs you that the program received a
5867 signal if @code{handle print} is set.
5868
5869 @anchor{stepping into signal handlers}
5870
5871 If you set @code{handle pass} for a signal, and your program sets up a
5872 handler for it, then issuing a stepping command, such as @code{step}
5873 or @code{stepi}, when your program is stopped due to the signal will
5874 step @emph{into} the signal handler (if the target supports that).
5875
5876 Likewise, if you use the @code{queue-signal} command to queue a signal
5877 to be delivered to the current thread when execution of the thread
5878 resumes (@pxref{Signaling, ,Giving your Program a Signal}), then a
5879 stepping command will step into the signal handler.
5880
5881 Here's an example, using @code{stepi} to step to the first instruction
5882 of @code{SIGUSR1}'s handler:
5883
5884 @smallexample
5885 (@value{GDBP}) handle SIGUSR1
5886 Signal Stop Print Pass to program Description
5887 SIGUSR1 Yes Yes Yes User defined signal 1
5888 (@value{GDBP}) c
5889 Continuing.
5890
5891 Program received signal SIGUSR1, User defined signal 1.
5892 main () sigusr1.c:28
5893 28 p = 0;
5894 (@value{GDBP}) si
5895 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
5896 9 @{
5897 @end smallexample
5898
5899 The same, but using @code{queue-signal} instead of waiting for the
5900 program to receive the signal first:
5901
5902 @smallexample
5903 (@value{GDBP}) n
5904 28 p = 0;
5905 (@value{GDBP}) queue-signal SIGUSR1
5906 (@value{GDBP}) si
5907 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
5908 9 @{
5909 (@value{GDBP})
5910 @end smallexample
5911
5912 @cindex extra signal information
5913 @anchor{extra signal information}
5914
5915 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5916 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5917 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5918 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5919 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5920 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5921 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5922 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5923 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5924 system header.
5925
5926 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5927 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5928
5929 @smallexample
5930 @group
5931 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5932 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5933 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5934 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5935 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5936 type = struct @{
5937 int si_signo;
5938 int si_errno;
5939 int si_code;
5940 union @{
5941 int _pad[28];
5942 struct @{...@} _kill;
5943 struct @{...@} _timer;
5944 struct @{...@} _rt;
5945 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5946 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5947 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5948 @} _sifields;
5949 @}
5950 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5951 type = struct @{
5952 void *si_addr;
5953 @}
5954 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5955 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5956 @end group
5957 @end smallexample
5958
5959 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5960
5961 @cindex Intel MPX boundary violations
5962 @cindex boundary violations, Intel MPX
5963 On some targets, a @code{SIGSEGV} can be caused by a boundary
5964 violation, i.e., accessing an address outside of the allowed range.
5965 In those cases @value{GDBN} may displays additional information,
5966 depending on how @value{GDBN} has been told to handle the signal.
5967 With @code{handle stop SIGSEGV}, @value{GDBN} displays the violation
5968 kind: "Upper" or "Lower", the memory address accessed and the
5969 bounds, while with @code{handle nostop SIGSEGV} no additional
5970 information is displayed.
5971
5972 The usual output of a segfault is:
5973 @smallexample
5974 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
5975 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
5976 68 value = *(p + len);
5977 @end smallexample
5978
5979 While a bound violation is presented as:
5980 @smallexample
5981 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
5982 Upper bound violation while accessing address 0x7fffffffc3b3
5983 Bounds: [lower = 0x7fffffffc390, upper = 0x7fffffffc3a3]
5984 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
5985 68 value = *(p + len);
5986 @end smallexample
5987
5988 @node Thread Stops
5989 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5990
5991 @cindex stopped threads
5992 @cindex threads, stopped
5993
5994 @cindex continuing threads
5995 @cindex threads, continuing
5996
5997 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5998 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5999 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
6000 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
6001 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
6002 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
6003 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
6004 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
6005 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
6006
6007 @menu
6008 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
6009 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
6010 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
6011 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
6012 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
6013 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
6014 @end menu
6015
6016 @node All-Stop Mode
6017 @subsection All-Stop Mode
6018
6019 @cindex all-stop mode
6020
6021 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
6022 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
6023 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
6024 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
6025 underfoot.
6026
6027 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
6028 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
6029 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
6030
6031 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
6032 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
6033 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
6034 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
6035 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
6036 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
6037 stops.
6038
6039 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
6040 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
6041 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
6042 first thread completes whatever you requested.
6043
6044 @cindex automatic thread selection
6045 @cindex switching threads automatically
6046 @cindex threads, automatic switching
6047 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
6048 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
6049 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
6050 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
6051 thread.
6052
6053 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
6054 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
6055
6056 @table @code
6057 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
6058 @cindex scheduler locking mode
6059 @cindex lock scheduler
6060 Set the scheduler locking mode. It applies to normal execution,
6061 record mode, and replay mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
6062 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only
6063 the current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The
6064 @code{step} mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other
6065 threads from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so
6066 that the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly. Other
6067 threads never get a chance to run when you step, and they are
6068 completely free to run when you use commands like @samp{continue},
6069 @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another thread hits a
6070 breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change the
6071 current thread away from the thread that you are debugging. The
6072 @code{replay} mode behaves like @code{off} in record mode and like
6073 @code{on} in replay mode.
6074
6075 @item show scheduler-locking
6076 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
6077 @end table
6078
6079 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
6080 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
6081 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
6082 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
6083 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
6084 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
6085 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
6086 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
6087 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
6088 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
6089 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
6090 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
6091 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
6092 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
6093
6094 @table @code
6095 @kindex set schedule-multiple
6096 @item set schedule-multiple
6097 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
6098 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
6099 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
6100 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
6101 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
6102 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
6103
6104 @item show schedule-multiple
6105 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
6106 multiple processes.
6107 @end table
6108
6109 @node Non-Stop Mode
6110 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
6111
6112 @cindex non-stop mode
6113
6114 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
6115 @c with more details.
6116
6117 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
6118 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
6119 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
6120 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
6121 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
6122 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
6123
6124 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
6125 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
6126 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
6127 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
6128 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
6129 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
6130 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
6131 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
6132 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
6133 independently and simultaneously.
6134
6135 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
6136 or attach to your program:
6137
6138 @smallexample
6139 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
6140 set pagination off
6141
6142 # Finally, turn it on!
6143 set non-stop on
6144 @end smallexample
6145
6146 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
6147
6148 @table @code
6149 @kindex set non-stop
6150 @item set non-stop on
6151 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
6152 @item set non-stop off
6153 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
6154 @kindex show non-stop
6155 @item show non-stop
6156 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
6157 @end table
6158
6159 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
6160 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
6161 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
6162 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
6163 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
6164 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
6165 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
6166 default.
6167
6168 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
6169 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
6170 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
6171
6172 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
6173 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
6174 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
6175 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
6176 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
6177
6178 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
6179 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
6180 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
6181 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
6182 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
6183
6184 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
6185
6186 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
6187 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
6188 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
6189 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
6190 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
6191 previously current thread.
6192
6193 @node Background Execution
6194 @subsection Background Execution
6195
6196 @cindex foreground execution
6197 @cindex background execution
6198 @cindex asynchronous execution
6199 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
6200
6201 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
6202 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
6203 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
6204 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
6205 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
6206 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
6207
6208 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
6209 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
6210
6211 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
6212 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
6213 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
6214 are:
6215
6216 @table @code
6217 @kindex run&
6218 @item run
6219 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
6220
6221 @item attach
6222 @kindex attach&
6223 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
6224
6225 @item step
6226 @kindex step&
6227 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
6228
6229 @item stepi
6230 @kindex stepi&
6231 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
6232
6233 @item next
6234 @kindex next&
6235 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
6236
6237 @item nexti
6238 @kindex nexti&
6239 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
6240
6241 @item continue
6242 @kindex continue&
6243 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
6244
6245 @item finish
6246 @kindex finish&
6247 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
6248
6249 @item until
6250 @kindex until&
6251 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
6252
6253 @end table
6254
6255 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
6256 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
6257 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
6258 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
6259 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
6260 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
6261
6262 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
6263 using the @code{interrupt} command.
6264
6265 @table @code
6266 @kindex interrupt
6267 @item interrupt
6268 @itemx interrupt -a
6269
6270 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
6271 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
6272 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
6273 use @code{interrupt -a}.
6274 @end table
6275
6276 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6277 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6278
6279 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
6280 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
6281 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
6282
6283 @table @code
6284 @cindex breakpoints and threads
6285 @cindex thread breakpoints
6286 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{thread-id}
6287 @item break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id}
6288 @itemx break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id} if @dots{}
6289 @var{location} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
6290 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
6291 specify some source line.
6292
6293 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} with a breakpoint command
6294 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
6295 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. The @var{thread-id} specifier
6296 is one of the thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown
6297 in the first column of the @samp{info threads} display.
6298
6299 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} when you set a
6300 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
6301 program.
6302
6303 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
6304 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} before or
6305 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
6306
6307 @smallexample
6308 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
6309 @end smallexample
6310
6311 @end table
6312
6313 Thread-specific breakpoints are automatically deleted when
6314 @value{GDBN} detects the corresponding thread is no longer in the
6315 thread list. For example:
6316
6317 @smallexample
6318 (@value{GDBP}) c
6319 Thread-specific breakpoint 3 deleted - thread 28 no longer in the thread list.
6320 @end smallexample
6321
6322 There are several ways for a thread to disappear, such as a regular
6323 thread exit, but also when you detach from the process with the
6324 @code{detach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
6325 Process}), or if @value{GDBN} loses the remote connection
6326 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), etc. Note that with some targets,
6327 @value{GDBN} is only able to detect a thread has exited when the user
6328 explictly asks for the thread list with the @code{info threads}
6329 command.
6330
6331 @node Interrupted System Calls
6332 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
6333
6334 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
6335 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
6336 @cindex premature return from system calls
6337 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
6338 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
6339 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
6340 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
6341 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
6342 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
6343 stop execution.
6344
6345 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
6346 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
6347 style anyways.
6348
6349 For example, do not write code like this:
6350
6351 @smallexample
6352 sleep (10);
6353 @end smallexample
6354
6355 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
6356 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
6357
6358 Instead, write this:
6359
6360 @smallexample
6361 int unslept = 10;
6362 while (unslept > 0)
6363 unslept = sleep (unslept);
6364 @end smallexample
6365
6366 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
6367 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
6368 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
6369 @value{GDBN}.
6370
6371 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
6372 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
6373 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
6374 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
6375
6376 @node Observer Mode
6377 @subsection Observer Mode
6378
6379 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
6380 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
6381 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
6382 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
6383 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
6384
6385 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
6386 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
6387 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
6388 mode.
6389
6390 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
6391 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
6392 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
6393 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
6394 stream will still not be able to be placed.
6395
6396 @table @code
6397
6398 @kindex observer
6399 @item set observer on
6400 @itemx set observer off
6401 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
6402 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
6403 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
6404 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
6405
6406 @item show observer
6407 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
6408
6409 @kindex may-write-registers
6410 @item set may-write-registers on
6411 @itemx set may-write-registers off
6412 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
6413 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
6414 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
6415
6416 @item show may-write-registers
6417 Show the current permission to write registers.
6418
6419 @kindex may-write-memory
6420 @item set may-write-memory on
6421 @itemx set may-write-memory off
6422 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
6423 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
6424 defaults to @code{on}.
6425
6426 @item show may-write-memory
6427 Show the current permission to write memory.
6428
6429 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
6430 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
6431 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
6432 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
6433 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
6434 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6435
6436 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
6437 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
6438
6439 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
6440 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
6441 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
6442 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
6443 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6444 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
6445 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6446
6447 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
6448 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
6449
6450 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6451 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
6452 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
6453 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
6454 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6455 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
6456 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6457
6458 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6459 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
6460
6461 @kindex may-interrupt
6462 @item set may-interrupt on
6463 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6464 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6465 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6466 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6467 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6468
6469 @item show may-interrupt
6470 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6471
6472 @end table
6473
6474 @node Reverse Execution
6475 @chapter Running programs backward
6476 @cindex reverse execution
6477 @cindex running programs backward
6478
6479 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6480 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6481 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6482 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6483
6484 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6485 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6486 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6487 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6488 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6489 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6490
6491 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6492 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6493 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6494 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6495 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6496 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6497 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6498 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6499 prior values@footnote{
6500 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6501 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6502 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6503
6504 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6505 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6506 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6507 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6508 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6509 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6510 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6511 }.
6512
6513 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6514 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6515
6516 @table @code
6517 @kindex reverse-continue
6518 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6519 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6520 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6521 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6522 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6523 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6524 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6525
6526 @kindex reverse-step
6527 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6528 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6529 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6530 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6531
6532 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6533 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6534 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6535 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6536 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6537 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6538
6539 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6540 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6541
6542 @kindex reverse-stepi
6543 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6544 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6545 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6546 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6547 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6548 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6549 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6550
6551 @kindex reverse-next
6552 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6553 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6554 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6555 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6556 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6557 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6558 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6559 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6560 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6561 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6562
6563 @kindex reverse-nexti
6564 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6565 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6566 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6567 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6568 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6569 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6570 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6571 frame) is reached.
6572
6573 @kindex reverse-finish
6574 @item reverse-finish
6575 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6576 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6577 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6578 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6579
6580 @kindex set exec-direction
6581 @item set exec-direction
6582 Set the direction of target execution.
6583 @item set exec-direction reverse
6584 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6585 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6586 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6587 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6588 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6589 @item set exec-direction forward
6590 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6591 This is the default.
6592 @end table
6593
6594
6595 @node Process Record and Replay
6596 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6597 @cindex process record and replay
6598 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6599
6600 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6601 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6602 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6603
6604 @cindex replay mode
6605 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6606 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6607 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6608 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6609 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6610 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6611 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6612 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6613 execution log.
6614
6615 @cindex record mode
6616 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6617 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6618 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6619 for future replay.
6620
6621 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6622 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6623 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6624 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6625 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6626 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6627
6628 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6629 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6630 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6631 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6632
6633 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6634 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6635
6636 @table @code
6637 @kindex target record
6638 @kindex target record-full
6639 @kindex target record-btrace
6640 @kindex record
6641 @kindex record full
6642 @kindex record btrace
6643 @kindex record btrace bts
6644 @kindex record btrace pt
6645 @kindex record bts
6646 @kindex record pt
6647 @kindex rec
6648 @kindex rec full
6649 @kindex rec btrace
6650 @kindex rec btrace bts
6651 @kindex rec btrace pt
6652 @kindex rec bts
6653 @kindex rec pt
6654 @item record @var{method}
6655 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6656 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6657 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6658 recording methods are available:
6659
6660 @table @code
6661 @item full
6662 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6663 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6664 execution.
6665
6666 @item btrace @var{format}
6667 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not record
6668 data. Further, the data is collected in a ring buffer so old data will
6669 be overwritten when the buffer is full. It allows limited reverse
6670 execution. Variables and registers are not available during reverse
6671 execution. In remote debugging, recording continues on disconnect.
6672 Recorded data can be inspected after reconnecting. The recording may
6673 be stopped using @code{record stop}.
6674
6675 The recording format can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6676 the command chooses the recording format. The following recording
6677 formats are available:
6678
6679 @table @code
6680 @item bts
6681 @cindex branch trace store
6682 Use the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) recording format. In
6683 this format, the processor stores a from/to record for each executed
6684 branch in the btrace ring buffer.
6685
6686 @item pt
6687 @cindex Intel Processor Trace
6688 Use the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} recording format. In this
6689 format, the processor stores the execution trace in a compressed form
6690 that is afterwards decoded by @value{GDBN}.
6691
6692 The trace can be recorded with very low overhead. The compressed
6693 trace format also allows small trace buffers to already contain a big
6694 number of instructions compared to @acronym{BTS}.
6695
6696 Decoding the recorded execution trace, on the other hand, is more
6697 expensive than decoding @acronym{BTS} trace. This is mostly due to the
6698 increased number of instructions to process. You should increase the
6699 buffer-size with care.
6700 @end table
6701
6702 Not all recording formats may be available on all processors.
6703 @end table
6704
6705 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6706 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6707 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6708 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6709
6710 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6711 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6712 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6713 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6714 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6715
6716 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6717 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6718 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6719 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6720 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6721 does not support these two modes.
6722
6723 @kindex record stop
6724 @kindex rec s
6725 @item record stop
6726 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6727 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6728 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6729
6730 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6731 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6732 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6733 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6734 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6735
6736 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6737 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6738 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6739 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6740 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6741
6742 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6743 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6744
6745 @kindex record goto
6746 @item record goto
6747 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6748 ways to specify the location to go to:
6749
6750 @table @code
6751 @item record goto begin
6752 @itemx record goto start
6753 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6754
6755 @item record goto end
6756 Go to the end of the execution log.
6757
6758 @item record goto @var{n}
6759 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6760 @end table
6761
6762 @kindex record save
6763 @item record save @var{filename}
6764 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6765 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6766 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6767
6768 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6769
6770 @kindex record restore
6771 @item record restore @var{filename}
6772 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6773 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6774
6775 @kindex set record full
6776 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6777 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6778 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6779 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6780
6781 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6782 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6783 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6784 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6785 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6786 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6787 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6788 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6789
6790 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6791 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6792 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6793
6794 @kindex show record full
6795 @item show record full insn-number-max
6796 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6797 recording method.
6798
6799 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6800 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6801 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6802 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6803 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6804 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6805 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6806 oldest one to be deleted.
6807
6808 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6809 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6810
6811 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6812 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6813
6814 @item set record full memory-query
6815 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6816 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6817 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6818 case.
6819
6820 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6821 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6822 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6823 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6824 results.
6825
6826 @item show record full memory-query
6827 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6828
6829 @kindex set record btrace
6830 The @code{btrace} record target does not trace data. As a
6831 convenience, when replaying, @value{GDBN} reads read-only memory off
6832 the live program directly, assuming that the addresses of the
6833 read-only areas don't change. This for example makes it possible to
6834 disassemble code while replaying, but not to print variables.
6835 In some cases, being able to inspect variables might be useful.
6836 You can use the following command for that:
6837
6838 @item set record btrace replay-memory-access
6839 Control the behavior of the @code{btrace} recording method when
6840 accessing memory during replay. If @code{read-only} (the default),
6841 @value{GDBN} will only allow accesses to read-only memory.
6842 If @code{read-write}, @value{GDBN} will allow accesses to read-only
6843 and to read-write memory. Beware that the accessed memory corresponds
6844 to the live target and not necessarily to the current replay
6845 position.
6846
6847 @kindex show record btrace
6848 @item show record btrace replay-memory-access
6849 Show the current setting of @code{replay-memory-access}.
6850
6851 @kindex set record btrace bts
6852 @item set record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
6853 @itemx set record btrace bts buffer-size unlimited
6854 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in @acronym{BTS}
6855 format. Default is 64KB.
6856
6857 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
6858 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
6859 that uses the btrace recording method and the @acronym{BTS} format.
6860 The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the requested
6861 @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the actual
6862 buffer size for each thread that uses the btrace recording method and
6863 the @acronym{BTS} format.
6864
6865 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
6866 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
6867
6868 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
6869 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
6870
6871 @item show record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
6872 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
6873 tracing in @acronym{BTS} format.
6874
6875 @kindex set record btrace pt
6876 @item set record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
6877 @itemx set record btrace pt buffer-size unlimited
6878 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in Intel
6879 Processor Trace format. Default is 16KB.
6880
6881 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
6882 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
6883 that uses the btrace recording method and the Intel Processor Trace
6884 format. The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the
6885 requested @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the
6886 actual buffer size for each thread.
6887
6888 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
6889 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
6890
6891 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
6892 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
6893
6894 @item show record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
6895 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
6896 tracing in Intel Processor Trace format.
6897
6898 @kindex info record
6899 @item info record
6900 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
6901 method:
6902
6903 @table @code
6904 @item full
6905 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
6906 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6907
6908 @itemize @bullet
6909 @item
6910 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6911 @item
6912 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6913 @item
6914 Highest recorded instruction number.
6915 @item
6916 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6917 @item
6918 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6919 @item
6920 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6921 @end itemize
6922
6923 @item btrace
6924 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows:
6925
6926 @itemize @bullet
6927 @item
6928 Recording format.
6929 @item
6930 Number of instructions that have been recorded.
6931 @item
6932 Number of blocks of sequential control-flow formed by the recorded
6933 instructions.
6934 @item
6935 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6936 @end itemize
6937
6938 For the @code{bts} recording format, it also shows:
6939 @itemize @bullet
6940 @item
6941 Size of the perf ring buffer.
6942 @end itemize
6943
6944 For the @code{pt} recording format, it also shows:
6945 @itemize @bullet
6946 @item
6947 Size of the perf ring buffer.
6948 @end itemize
6949 @end table
6950
6951 @kindex record delete
6952 @kindex rec del
6953 @item record delete
6954 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
6955 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
6956 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
6957 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
6958
6959 @kindex record instruction-history
6960 @kindex rec instruction-history
6961 @item record instruction-history
6962 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
6963 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
6964 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
6965 are printed in execution order.
6966
6967 It can also print mixed source+disassembly if you specify the the
6968 @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier, and print the raw instructions in hex
6969 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
6970
6971 The current position marker is printed for the instruction at the
6972 current program counter value. This instruction can appear multiple
6973 times in the trace and the current position marker will be printed
6974 every time. To omit the current position marker, specify the
6975 @code{/p} modifier.
6976
6977 To better align the printed instructions when the trace contains
6978 instructions from more than one function, the function name may be
6979 omitted by specifying the @code{/f} modifier.
6980
6981 Speculatively executed instructions are prefixed with @samp{?}. This
6982 feature is not available for all recording formats.
6983
6984 There are several ways to specify what part of the execution log to
6985 disassemble:
6986
6987 @table @code
6988 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
6989 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
6990 @var{insn}.
6991
6992 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
6993 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
6994 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
6995 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
6996 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
6997 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
6998
6999 @item record instruction-history
7000 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
7001
7002 @item record instruction-history -
7003 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
7004
7005 @item record instruction-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7006 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
7007 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
7008 number @var{end} is included.
7009 @end table
7010
7011 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7012
7013 @kindex set record
7014 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
7015 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
7016 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7017 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
7018 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
7019
7020 @kindex show record
7021 @item show record instruction-history-size
7022 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7023 instruction-history} command.
7024
7025 @kindex record function-call-history
7026 @kindex rec function-call-history
7027 @item record function-call-history
7028 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
7029 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
7030 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
7031 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
7032 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
7033 the @code{/i} modifier is specified). The function names are indented
7034 to reflect the call stack depth if the @code{/c} modifier is
7035 specified. The @code{/l}, @code{/i}, and @code{/c} modifiers can be
7036 given together.
7037
7038 @smallexample
7039 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
7040 1 void foo (void)
7041 2 @{
7042 3 @}
7043 4
7044 5 void bar (void)
7045 6 @{
7046 7 ...
7047 8 foo ();
7048 9 ...
7049 10 @}
7050 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /ilc}
7051 1 bar inst 1,4 at foo.c:6,8
7052 2 foo inst 5,10 at foo.c:2,3
7053 3 bar inst 11,13 at foo.c:9,10
7054 @end smallexample
7055
7056 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
7057 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
7058 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
7059 to print:
7060
7061 @table @code
7062 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
7063 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
7064
7065 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
7066 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
7067 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
7068 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
7069 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
7070
7071 @item record function-call-history
7072 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
7073
7074 @item record function-call-history -
7075 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
7076
7077 @item record function-call-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7078 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
7079 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is included.
7080 @end table
7081
7082 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7083
7084 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
7085 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
7086 Define how many lines to print in the
7087 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
7088 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
7089
7090 @item show record function-call-history-size
7091 Show how many lines to print in the
7092 @code{record function-call-history} command.
7093 @end table
7094
7095
7096 @node Stack
7097 @chapter Examining the Stack
7098
7099 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
7100 stopped and how it got there.
7101
7102 @cindex call stack
7103 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
7104 is generated.
7105 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
7106 the arguments of the call,
7107 and the local variables of the function being called.
7108 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
7109 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
7110 stack}.
7111
7112 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
7113 stack allow you to see all of this information.
7114
7115 @cindex selected frame
7116 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
7117 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
7118 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
7119 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
7120 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
7121 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7122
7123 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
7124 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
7125 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
7126
7127 @menu
7128 * Frames:: Stack frames
7129 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
7130 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
7131 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
7132 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
7133
7134 @end menu
7135
7136 @node Frames
7137 @section Stack Frames
7138
7139 @cindex frame, definition
7140 @cindex stack frame
7141 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
7142 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
7143 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
7144 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
7145 which the function is executing.
7146
7147 @cindex initial frame
7148 @cindex outermost frame
7149 @cindex innermost frame
7150 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
7151 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
7152 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
7153 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
7154 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
7155 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
7156 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
7157 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
7158
7159 @cindex frame pointer
7160 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
7161 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
7162 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
7163 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
7164 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
7165 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
7166
7167 @cindex frame number
7168 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
7169 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
7170 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
7171 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
7172 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
7173
7174 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
7175 @c underflow problems.
7176 @cindex frameless execution
7177 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
7178 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
7179 @smallexample
7180 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
7181 @end smallexample
7182 generates functions without a frame.)
7183 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
7184 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
7185 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
7186 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
7187 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
7188 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
7189 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
7190
7191 @node Backtrace
7192 @section Backtraces
7193
7194 @cindex traceback
7195 @cindex call stack traces
7196 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
7197 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
7198 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
7199 stack.
7200
7201 @anchor{backtrace-command}
7202 @table @code
7203 @kindex backtrace
7204 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
7205 @item backtrace
7206 @itemx bt
7207 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
7208 frames in the stack.
7209
7210 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
7211 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
7212
7213 @item backtrace @var{n}
7214 @itemx bt @var{n}
7215 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
7216
7217 @item backtrace -@var{n}
7218 @itemx bt -@var{n}
7219 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
7220
7221 @item backtrace full
7222 @itemx bt full
7223 @itemx bt full @var{n}
7224 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
7225 Print the values of the local variables also. As described above,
7226 @var{n} specifies the number of frames to print.
7227
7228 @item backtrace no-filters
7229 @itemx bt no-filters
7230 @itemx bt no-filters @var{n}
7231 @itemx bt no-filters -@var{n}
7232 @itemx bt no-filters full
7233 @itemx bt no-filters full @var{n}
7234 @itemx bt no-filters full -@var{n}
7235 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
7236 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
7237 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
7238 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
7239 support.
7240 @end table
7241
7242 @kindex where
7243 @kindex info stack
7244 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
7245 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
7246
7247 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
7248 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
7249 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
7250 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
7251 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
7252 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
7253 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
7254 multi-threaded program.
7255
7256 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
7257 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
7258 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
7259 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
7260 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
7261 line number.
7262
7263 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
7264 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
7265
7266 @smallexample
7267 @group
7268 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7269 at builtin.c:993
7270 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
7271 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
7272 at macro.c:71
7273 (More stack frames follow...)
7274 @end group
7275 @end smallexample
7276
7277 @noindent
7278 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
7279 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
7280 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
7281
7282 @noindent
7283 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
7284 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
7285 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
7286 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
7287 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
7288
7289 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
7290 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
7291 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
7292 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
7293 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
7294 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
7295 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
7296 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
7297 such a backtrace might look like:
7298
7299 @smallexample
7300 @group
7301 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7302 at builtin.c:993
7303 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
7304 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
7305 at macro.c:71
7306 (More stack frames follow...)
7307 @end group
7308 @end smallexample
7309
7310 @noindent
7311 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
7312 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
7313
7314 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
7315 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
7316 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
7317
7318 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
7319 @cindex program entry point
7320 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
7321 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
7322 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
7323 @code{main}@footnote{
7324 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
7325 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
7326 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
7327 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
7328 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
7329 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
7330
7331 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
7332 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
7333
7334 @table @code
7335 @item set backtrace past-main
7336 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
7337 @kindex set backtrace
7338 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
7339
7340 @item set backtrace past-main off
7341 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
7342 default.
7343
7344 @item show backtrace past-main
7345 @kindex show backtrace
7346 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
7347
7348 @item set backtrace past-entry
7349 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
7350 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
7351 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
7352 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
7353
7354 @item set backtrace past-entry off
7355 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
7356 application. This is the default.
7357
7358 @item show backtrace past-entry
7359 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
7360
7361 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
7362 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
7363 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
7364 @cindex backtrace limit
7365 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
7366 or zero means unlimited levels.
7367
7368 @item show backtrace limit
7369 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
7370 @end table
7371
7372 You can control how file names are displayed.
7373
7374 @table @code
7375 @item set filename-display
7376 @itemx set filename-display relative
7377 @cindex filename-display
7378 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
7379
7380 @item set filename-display basename
7381 Display only basename of a filename.
7382
7383 @item set filename-display absolute
7384 Display an absolute filename.
7385
7386 @item show filename-display
7387 Show the current way to display filenames.
7388 @end table
7389
7390 @node Selection
7391 @section Selecting a Frame
7392
7393 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
7394 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
7395 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
7396 of the stack frame just selected.
7397
7398 @table @code
7399 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
7400 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
7401 @item frame @var{n}
7402 @itemx f @var{n}
7403 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
7404 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
7405 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
7406 @code{main}.
7407
7408 @item frame @var{stack-addr} [ @var{pc-addr} ]
7409 @itemx f @var{stack-addr} [ @var{pc-addr} ]
7410 Select the frame at address @var{stack-addr}. This is useful mainly if the
7411 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
7412 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
7413 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
7414 switches between them. The optional @var{pc-addr} can also be given to
7415 specify the value of PC for the stack frame.
7416
7417 @kindex up
7418 @item up @var{n}
7419 Move @var{n} frames up the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For positive
7420 numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the outermost frame, to higher
7421 frame numbers, to frames that have existed longer.
7422
7423 @kindex down
7424 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
7425 @item down @var{n}
7426 Move @var{n} frames down the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For
7427 positive numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the innermost frame, to
7428 lower frame numbers, to frames that were created more recently.
7429 You may abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
7430 @end table
7431
7432 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
7433 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
7434 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
7435 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
7436
7437 @need 1000
7438 For example:
7439
7440 @smallexample
7441 @group
7442 (@value{GDBP}) up
7443 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
7444 at env.c:10
7445 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7446 @end group
7447 @end smallexample
7448
7449 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7450 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7451 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7452 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7453 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7454 for details.
7455
7456 @table @code
7457 @kindex select-frame
7458 @item select-frame
7459 The @code{select-frame} command is a variant of @code{frame} that does
7460 not display the new frame after selecting it. This command is
7461 intended primarily for use in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the
7462 output might be unnecessary and distracting.
7463
7464 @kindex down-silently
7465 @kindex up-silently
7466 @item up-silently @var{n}
7467 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7468 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7469 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7470 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7471 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7472 distracting.
7473 @end table
7474
7475 @node Frame Info
7476 @section Information About a Frame
7477
7478 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7479 stack frame.
7480
7481 @table @code
7482 @item frame
7483 @itemx f
7484 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7485 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7486 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7487 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7488 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7489
7490 @kindex info frame
7491 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7492 @item info frame
7493 @itemx info f
7494 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7495 including:
7496
7497 @itemize @bullet
7498 @item
7499 the address of the frame
7500 @item
7501 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7502 @item
7503 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7504 @item
7505 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7506 @item
7507 the address of the frame's arguments
7508 @item
7509 the address of the frame's local variables
7510 @item
7511 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7512 @item
7513 which registers were saved in the frame
7514 @end itemize
7515
7516 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7517 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7518 the usual conventions.
7519
7520 @item info frame @var{addr}
7521 @itemx info f @var{addr}
7522 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
7523 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
7524 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
7525 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
7526 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7527
7528 @kindex info args
7529 @item info args
7530 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7531
7532 @item info locals
7533 @kindex info locals
7534 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7535 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7536 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7537
7538 @end table
7539
7540 @node Frame Filter Management
7541 @section Management of Frame Filters.
7542 @cindex managing frame filters
7543
7544 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
7545 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
7546
7547 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
7548 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
7549
7550 @table @code
7551 @kindex info frame-filter
7552 @item info frame-filter
7553 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
7554 their name, priority and enabled status.
7555
7556 @kindex disable frame-filter
7557 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
7558 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7559 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7560 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7561 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7562 @code{progspace}, or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7563 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
7564 across all dictionaries are disabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name
7565 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7566 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
7567 may be enabled again later.
7568
7569 @kindex enable frame-filter
7570 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7571 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7572 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7573 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7574 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7575 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
7576 all dictionaries are enabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
7577 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7578 @var{filter-dictionary}.
7579
7580 Example:
7581
7582 @smallexample
7583 (gdb) info frame-filter
7584
7585 global frame-filters:
7586 Priority Enabled Name
7587 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
7588 100 Yes Reverse
7589
7590 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7591 Priority Enabled Name
7592 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7593
7594 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7595 Priority Enabled Name
7596 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
7597
7598 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
7599 (gdb) info frame-filter
7600
7601 global frame-filters:
7602 Priority Enabled Name
7603 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
7604 100 Yes Reverse
7605
7606 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7607 Priority Enabled Name
7608 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7609
7610 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7611 Priority Enabled Name
7612 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7613
7614 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
7615 (gdb) info frame-filter
7616
7617 global frame-filters:
7618 Priority Enabled Name
7619 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7620 100 Yes Reverse
7621
7622 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7623 Priority Enabled Name
7624 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7625
7626 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7627 Priority Enabled Name
7628 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7629 @end smallexample
7630
7631 @kindex set frame-filter priority
7632 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
7633 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7634 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
7635 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
7636 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7637 dictionary resides. The @var{priority} is an integer.
7638
7639 @kindex show frame-filter priority
7640 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7641 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7642 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
7643 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
7644 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7645 dictionary resides.
7646
7647 Example:
7648
7649 @smallexample
7650 (gdb) info frame-filter
7651
7652 global frame-filters:
7653 Priority Enabled Name
7654 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7655 100 Yes Reverse
7656
7657 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7658 Priority Enabled Name
7659 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7660
7661 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7662 Priority Enabled Name
7663 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7664
7665 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
7666 (gdb) info frame-filter
7667
7668 global frame-filters:
7669 Priority Enabled Name
7670 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7671 50 Yes Reverse
7672
7673 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7674 Priority Enabled Name
7675 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7676
7677 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7678 Priority Enabled Name
7679 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7680 @end smallexample
7681 @end table
7682
7683 @node Source
7684 @chapter Examining Source Files
7685
7686 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
7687 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
7688 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
7689 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
7690 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
7691 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
7692 source files by explicit command.
7693
7694 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
7695 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
7696 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
7697
7698 @menu
7699 * List:: Printing source lines
7700 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
7701 * Edit:: Editing source files
7702 * Search:: Searching source files
7703 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
7704 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
7705 @end menu
7706
7707 @node List
7708 @section Printing Source Lines
7709
7710 @kindex list
7711 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
7712 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
7713 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
7714 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
7715 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
7716
7717 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
7718
7719 @table @code
7720 @item list @var{linenum}
7721 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
7722 current source file.
7723
7724 @item list @var{function}
7725 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
7726 @var{function}.
7727
7728 @item list
7729 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
7730 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
7731 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
7732 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
7733 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
7734
7735 @item list -
7736 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7737 @end table
7738
7739 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
7740 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
7741 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
7742
7743 @table @code
7744 @kindex set listsize
7745 @item set listsize @var{count}
7746 @itemx set listsize unlimited
7747 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
7748 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
7749 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
7750
7751 @kindex show listsize
7752 @item show listsize
7753 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
7754 @end table
7755
7756 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
7757 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
7758 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
7759 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
7760 each repetition moves up in the source file.
7761
7762 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
7763 @dfn{locations}. Locations specify source lines; there are several ways
7764 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
7765 to specify some source line.
7766
7767 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
7768
7769 @table @code
7770 @item list @var{location}
7771 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{location}.
7772
7773 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
7774 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
7775 locations. When a @code{list} command has two locations, and the
7776 source file of the second location is omitted, this refers to
7777 the same source file as the first location.
7778
7779 @item list ,@var{last}
7780 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
7781
7782 @item list @var{first},
7783 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
7784
7785 @item list +
7786 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
7787
7788 @item list -
7789 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7790
7791 @item list
7792 As described in the preceding table.
7793 @end table
7794
7795 @node Specify Location
7796 @section Specifying a Location
7797 @cindex specifying location
7798 @cindex location
7799 @cindex source location
7800
7801 @menu
7802 * Linespec Locations:: Linespec locations
7803 * Explicit Locations:: Explicit locations
7804 * Address Locations:: Address locations
7805 @end menu
7806
7807 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
7808 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
7809 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code.
7810 Locations may be specified using three different formats:
7811 linespec locations, explicit locations, or address locations.
7812
7813 @node Linespec Locations
7814 @subsection Linespec Locations
7815 @cindex linespec locations
7816
7817 A @dfn{linespec} is a colon-separated list of source location parameters such
7818 as file name, function name, etc. Here are all the different ways of
7819 specifying a linespec:
7820
7821 @table @code
7822 @item @var{linenum}
7823 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
7824
7825 @item -@var{offset}
7826 @itemx +@var{offset}
7827 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
7828 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
7829 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
7830 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
7831 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
7832 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
7833 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
7834 linespec.
7835
7836 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
7837 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
7838 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
7839 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
7840 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
7841 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
7842 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
7843
7844 @item @var{function}
7845 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
7846 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
7847
7848 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
7849 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
7850
7851 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
7852 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
7853 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
7854 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
7855 functions in different source files.
7856
7857 @item @var{label}
7858 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears
7859 in the function corresponding to the currently selected stack frame.
7860 If there is no current selected stack frame (for instance, if the inferior
7861 is not running), then @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
7862
7863 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
7864 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
7865 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
7866 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
7867 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
7868 specifies the location of such a static probe.
7869
7870 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
7871 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
7872 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
7873 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
7874 each one of those probes.
7875 @end table
7876
7877 @node Explicit Locations
7878 @subsection Explicit Locations
7879 @cindex explicit locations
7880
7881 @dfn{Explicit locations} allow the user to directly specify the source
7882 location's parameters using option-value pairs.
7883
7884 Explicit locations are useful when several functions, labels, or
7885 file names have the same name (base name for files) in the program's
7886 sources. In these cases, explicit locations point to the source
7887 line you meant more accurately and unambiguously. Also, using
7888 explicit locations might be faster in large programs.
7889
7890 For example, the linespec @samp{foo:bar} may refer to a function @code{bar}
7891 defined in the file named @file{foo} or the label @code{bar} in a function
7892 named @code{foo}. @value{GDBN} must search either the file system or
7893 the symbol table to know.
7894
7895 The list of valid explicit location options is summarized in the
7896 following table:
7897
7898 @table @code
7899 @item -source @var{filename}
7900 The value specifies the source file name. To differentiate between
7901 files with the same base name, prepend as many directories as is necessary
7902 to uniquely identify the desired file, e.g., @file{foo/bar/baz.c}. Otherwise
7903 @value{GDBN} will use the first file it finds with the given base
7904 name. This option requires the use of either @code{-function} or @code{-line}.
7905
7906 @item -function @var{function}
7907 The value specifies the name of a function. Operations
7908 on function locations unmodified by other options (such as @code{-label}
7909 or @code{-line}) refer to the line that begins the body of the function.
7910 In C, for example, this is the line with the open brace.
7911
7912 @item -label @var{label}
7913 The value specifies the name of a label. When the function
7914 name is not specified, the label is searched in the function of the currently
7915 selected stack frame.
7916
7917 @item -line @var{number}
7918 The value specifies a line offset for the location. The offset may either
7919 be absolute (@code{-line 3}) or relative (@code{-line +3}), depending on
7920 the command. When specified without any other options, the line offset is
7921 relative to the current line.
7922 @end table
7923
7924 Explicit location options may be abbreviated by omitting any non-unique
7925 trailing characters from the option name, e.g., @code{break -s main.c -li 3}.
7926
7927 @node Address Locations
7928 @subsection Address Locations
7929 @cindex address locations
7930
7931 @dfn{Address locations} indicate a specific program address. They have
7932 the generalized form *@var{address}.
7933
7934 For line-oriented commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this
7935 specifies a source line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and
7936 other breakpoint-oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
7937 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
7938 source files.
7939
7940 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
7941 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
7942 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
7943 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover several situations
7944 that frequently occur during debugging. Here are the various forms
7945 of @var{address}:
7946
7947 @table @code
7948 @item @var{expression}
7949 Any expression valid in the current working language.
7950
7951 @item @var{funcaddr}
7952 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
7953 C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
7954 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
7955 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
7956 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
7957 (although the Pascal form also works).
7958
7959 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
7960 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
7961
7962 @item '@var{filename}':@var{funcaddr}
7963 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
7964 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
7965 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
7966 functions with identical names in different source files.
7967 @end table
7968
7969 @node Edit
7970 @section Editing Source Files
7971 @cindex editing source files
7972
7973 @kindex edit
7974 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
7975 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
7976 The editing program of your choice
7977 is invoked with the current line set to
7978 the active line in the program.
7979 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
7980 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
7981
7982 @table @code
7983 @item edit @var{location}
7984 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
7985 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
7986 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
7987 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
7988 command most commonly used:
7989
7990 @table @code
7991 @item edit @var{number}
7992 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
7993
7994 @item edit @var{function}
7995 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
7996 @end table
7997
7998 @end table
7999
8000 @subsection Choosing your Editor
8001 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
8002 @footnote{
8003 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
8004 following command-line syntax:
8005 @smallexample
8006 ex +@var{number} file
8007 @end smallexample
8008 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
8009 the file where to start editing.}.
8010 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
8011 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
8012 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
8013 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
8014 @smallexample
8015 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
8016 export EDITOR
8017 gdb @dots{}
8018 @end smallexample
8019 or in the @code{csh} shell,
8020 @smallexample
8021 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
8022 gdb @dots{}
8023 @end smallexample
8024
8025 @node Search
8026 @section Searching Source Files
8027 @cindex searching source files
8028
8029 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
8030 regular expression.
8031
8032 @table @code
8033 @kindex search
8034 @kindex forward-search
8035 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
8036 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
8037 @itemx search @var{regexp}
8038 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
8039 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
8040 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
8041 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
8042 @code{fo}.
8043
8044 @kindex reverse-search
8045 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
8046 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
8047 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
8048 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
8049 this command as @code{rev}.
8050 @end table
8051
8052 @node Source Path
8053 @section Specifying Source Directories
8054
8055 @cindex source path
8056 @cindex directories for source files
8057 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
8058 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
8059 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
8060 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
8061 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
8062 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
8063 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
8064
8065 For example, suppose an executable references the file
8066 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
8067 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
8068 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
8069 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
8070 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
8071 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
8072 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
8073 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
8074 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
8075 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
8076
8077 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
8078 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
8079 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
8080 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
8081 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
8082 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
8083
8084 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
8085 source files.
8086
8087 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
8088 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
8089 each line is in the file.
8090
8091 @kindex directory
8092 @kindex dir
8093 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
8094 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
8095 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
8096
8097 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
8098 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
8099
8100 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
8101 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
8102 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
8103 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
8104 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
8105 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
8106 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
8107 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
8108 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
8109 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
8110 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
8111 name to look up the sources.
8112
8113 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
8114 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
8115 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
8116 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
8117 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
8118 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
8119 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
8120 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
8121
8122 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
8123 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
8124 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
8125 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
8126 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
8127 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
8128 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
8129
8130 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
8131 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
8132 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
8133 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
8134 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
8135 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
8136 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
8137 command.
8138
8139 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
8140 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
8141 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
8142 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
8143 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
8144 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
8145 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
8146
8147 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
8148 @cindex default source path substitution
8149 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
8150 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
8151 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
8152 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
8153 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
8154 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
8155 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
8156 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
8157 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
8158 together.
8159
8160 @table @code
8161 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
8162 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
8163 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
8164 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
8165 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
8166 part of absolute file names) or
8167 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
8168 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
8169
8170 @kindex cdir
8171 @kindex cwd
8172 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
8173 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
8174 @cindex compilation directory
8175 @cindex current directory
8176 @cindex working directory
8177 @cindex directory, current
8178 @cindex directory, compilation
8179 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
8180 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
8181 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
8182 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
8183 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
8184 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
8185
8186 @item directory
8187 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
8188
8189 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
8190 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
8191
8192 @item set directories @var{path-list}
8193 @kindex set directories
8194 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
8195 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
8196
8197 @item show directories
8198 @kindex show directories
8199 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
8200
8201 @anchor{set substitute-path}
8202 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
8203 @kindex set substitute-path
8204 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
8205 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
8206 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
8207
8208 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
8209 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
8210
8211 @smallexample
8212 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /foo/bar /mnt/cross
8213 @end smallexample
8214
8215 @noindent
8216 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/foo/bar} with
8217 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
8218 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
8219
8220 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
8221 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
8222 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
8223 the substitution.
8224
8225 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
8226
8227 @smallexample
8228 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
8229 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
8230 @end smallexample
8231
8232 @noindent
8233 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
8234 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
8235 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
8236 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
8237
8238
8239 @item unset substitute-path [path]
8240 @kindex unset substitute-path
8241 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
8242 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
8243 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
8244
8245 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
8246
8247 @item show substitute-path [path]
8248 @kindex show substitute-path
8249 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
8250 which would rewrite that path, if any.
8251
8252 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
8253 rules.
8254
8255 @end table
8256
8257 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
8258 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
8259 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
8260
8261 @enumerate
8262 @item
8263 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
8264
8265 @item
8266 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
8267 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
8268 directories in one command.
8269 @end enumerate
8270
8271 @node Machine Code
8272 @section Source and Machine Code
8273 @cindex source line and its code address
8274
8275 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
8276 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
8277 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
8278 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
8279 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
8280 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
8281 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
8282 well as hex.
8283
8284 @table @code
8285 @kindex info line
8286 @item info line @var{location}
8287 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
8288 source line @var{location}. You can specify source lines in any of
8289 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
8290 @end table
8291
8292 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
8293 the object code for the first line of function
8294 @code{m4_changequote}:
8295
8296 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
8297 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
8298 @smallexample
8299 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
8300 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
8301 @end smallexample
8302
8303 @noindent
8304 @cindex code address and its source line
8305 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
8306 @var{location}) what source line covers a particular address:
8307 @smallexample
8308 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
8309 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
8310 @end smallexample
8311
8312 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
8313 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
8314 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
8315 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
8316 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
8317 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
8318 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
8319 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8320 Variables}).
8321
8322 @table @code
8323 @kindex disassemble
8324 @cindex assembly instructions
8325 @cindex instructions, assembly
8326 @cindex machine instructions
8327 @cindex listing machine instructions
8328 @item disassemble
8329 @itemx disassemble /m
8330 @itemx disassemble /s
8331 @itemx disassemble /r
8332 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
8333 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
8334 the @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex
8335 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
8336 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
8337 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
8338 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
8339 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
8340 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
8341 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
8342
8343 @table @code
8344 @item @var{start},@var{end}
8345 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
8346 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
8347 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
8348 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
8349 @end table
8350
8351 @noindent
8352 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
8353 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
8354
8355 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
8356 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
8357
8358 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
8359 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
8360 @end table
8361
8362 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
8363 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
8364
8365 @smallexample
8366 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
8367 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
8368 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
8369 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
8370 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8371 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
8372 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
8373 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
8374 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
8375 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8376 End of assembler dump.
8377 @end smallexample
8378
8379 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86
8380 with @code{/m} or @code{/s}, when the program is stopped just after
8381 function prologue in a non-optimized function with no inline code.
8382
8383 @smallexample
8384 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8385 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8386 5 @{
8387 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
8388 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
8389 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
8390 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
8391 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
8392
8393 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
8394 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
8395 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
8396
8397 7 return 0;
8398 8 @}
8399 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
8400 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
8401 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
8402
8403 End of assembler dump.
8404 @end smallexample
8405
8406 The @code{/m} option is deprecated as its output is not useful when
8407 there is either inlined code or re-ordered code.
8408 The @code{/s} option is the preferred choice.
8409 Here is an example for AMD x86-64 showing the difference between
8410 @code{/m} output and @code{/s} output.
8411 This example has one inline function defined in a header file,
8412 and the code is compiled with @samp{-O2} optimization.
8413 Note how the @code{/m} output is missing the disassembly of
8414 several instructions that are present in the @code{/s} output.
8415
8416 @file{foo.h}:
8417
8418 @smallexample
8419 int
8420 foo (int a)
8421 @{
8422 if (a < 0)
8423 return a * 2;
8424 if (a == 0)
8425 return 1;
8426 return a + 10;
8427 @}
8428 @end smallexample
8429
8430 @file{foo.c}:
8431
8432 @smallexample
8433 #include "foo.h"
8434 volatile int x, y;
8435 int
8436 main ()
8437 @{
8438 x = foo (y);
8439 return 0;
8440 @}
8441 @end smallexample
8442
8443 @smallexample
8444 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8445 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8446 5 @{
8447
8448 6 x = foo (y);
8449 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8450 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8451
8452 7 return 0;
8453 8 @}
8454 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8455 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8456 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8457 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8458
8459 End of assembler dump.
8460 (@value{GDBP}) disas /s main
8461 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8462 foo.c:
8463 5 @{
8464 6 x = foo (y);
8465 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8466
8467 foo.h:
8468 4 if (a < 0)
8469 0x0000000000400406 <+6>: test %eax,%eax
8470 0x0000000000400408 <+8>: js 0x400420 <main+32>
8471
8472 6 if (a == 0)
8473 7 return 1;
8474 8 return a + 10;
8475 0x000000000040040a <+10>: lea 0xa(%rax),%edx
8476 0x000000000040040d <+13>: test %eax,%eax
8477 0x000000000040040f <+15>: mov $0x1,%eax
8478 0x0000000000400414 <+20>: cmovne %edx,%eax
8479
8480 foo.c:
8481 6 x = foo (y);
8482 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8483
8484 7 return 0;
8485 8 @}
8486 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8487 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8488
8489 foo.h:
8490 5 return a * 2;
8491 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8492 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8493 End of assembler dump.
8494 @end smallexample
8495
8496 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
8497
8498 @smallexample
8499 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
8500 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
8501 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
8502 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
8503 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
8504 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
8505 End of assembler dump.
8506 @end smallexample
8507
8508 Addresses cannot be specified as a location (@pxref{Specify Location}).
8509 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
8510 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
8511 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
8512
8513 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
8514 mnemonics or other syntax.
8515
8516 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
8517 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
8518 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
8519 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
8520 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
8521
8522 @table @code
8523 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
8524 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
8525 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
8526 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
8527 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
8528 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
8529
8530 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
8531 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
8532 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
8533 assemblers for x86-based targets.
8534
8535 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
8536 @item show disassembly-flavor
8537 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
8538 @end table
8539
8540 @table @code
8541 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
8542 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
8543 @item set disassemble-next-line
8544 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
8545 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
8546 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
8547 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
8548 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
8549 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
8550 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
8551 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
8552 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
8553 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
8554 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
8555 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
8556 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
8557 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
8558 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
8559 instruction.
8560 @end table
8561
8562
8563 @node Data
8564 @chapter Examining Data
8565
8566 @cindex printing data
8567 @cindex examining data
8568 @kindex print
8569 @kindex inspect
8570 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
8571 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
8572 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
8573 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
8574 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
8575 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
8576
8577 @table @code
8578 @item print @var{expr}
8579 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
8580 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
8581 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
8582 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
8583 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
8584 Formats}.
8585
8586 @item print
8587 @itemx print /@var{f}
8588 @cindex reprint the last value
8589 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
8590 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
8591 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
8592 @end table
8593
8594 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
8595 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
8596 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8597
8598 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
8599 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
8600 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
8601 Table}.
8602
8603 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
8604 @kindex explore
8605 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
8606 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
8607 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
8608 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
8609 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
8610 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
8611 embedded in the higher level data types.
8612
8613 @table @code
8614 @item explore @var{arg}
8615 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
8616 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
8617 @end table
8618
8619 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
8620 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
8621 C program as
8622
8623 @smallexample
8624 struct SimpleStruct
8625 @{
8626 int i;
8627 double d;
8628 @};
8629
8630 struct ComplexStruct
8631 @{
8632 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
8633 int arr[10];
8634 @};
8635 @end smallexample
8636
8637 @noindent
8638 followed by variable declarations as
8639
8640 @smallexample
8641 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
8642 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
8643 @end smallexample
8644
8645 @noindent
8646 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
8647 @code{explore} command as follows.
8648
8649 @smallexample
8650 (gdb) explore cs
8651 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
8652 the following fields:
8653
8654 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
8655 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
8656
8657 Enter the field number of choice:
8658 @end smallexample
8659
8660 @noindent
8661 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
8662 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
8663 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
8664 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
8665 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
8666 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
8667 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
8668 field will be explored as if it were an array.
8669
8670 @smallexample
8671 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
8672 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
8673 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
8674 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
8675
8676 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
8677 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
8678
8679 Press enter to return to parent value:
8680 @end smallexample
8681
8682 @noindent
8683 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
8684 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
8685 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
8686 to explore.
8687
8688 @smallexample
8689 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
8690 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
8691
8692 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
8693
8694 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
8695
8696 Press enter to return to parent value:
8697 @end smallexample
8698
8699 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
8700 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
8701 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
8702 level data structure).
8703
8704 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
8705 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
8706 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
8707 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
8708 same example as above, your can explore the type
8709 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
8710 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
8711
8712 @smallexample
8713 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
8714 @end smallexample
8715
8716 @noindent
8717 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
8718 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
8719 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
8720 example.
8721
8722 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
8723 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
8724 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
8725 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
8726 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
8727
8728 @table @code
8729 @item explore value @var{expr}
8730 @cindex explore value
8731 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
8732 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
8733 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
8734 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
8735 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
8736
8737 @item explore type @var{arg}
8738 @cindex explore type
8739 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
8740 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
8741 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
8742 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
8743 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
8744 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
8745 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
8746 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
8747 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
8748 @end table
8749
8750 @menu
8751 * Expressions:: Expressions
8752 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
8753 * Variables:: Program variables
8754 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
8755 * Output Formats:: Output formats
8756 * Memory:: Examining memory
8757 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
8758 * Print Settings:: Print settings
8759 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
8760 * Value History:: Value history
8761 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
8762 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
8763 * Registers:: Registers
8764 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
8765 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
8766 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
8767 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
8768 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
8769 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
8770 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
8771 character set than GDB does
8772 * Caching Target Data:: Data caching for targets
8773 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
8774 * Value Sizes:: Managing memory allocated for values
8775 @end menu
8776
8777 @node Expressions
8778 @section Expressions
8779
8780 @cindex expressions
8781 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
8782 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
8783 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
8784 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
8785 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
8786 you compiled your program to include this information; see
8787 @ref{Compilation}.
8788
8789 @cindex arrays in expressions
8790 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
8791 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
8792 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
8793 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
8794 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
8795 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
8796
8797 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
8798 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
8799 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
8800 languages.
8801
8802 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
8803 expressions regardless of your programming language.
8804
8805 @cindex casts, in expressions
8806 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
8807 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
8808 at that address in memory.
8809 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
8810
8811 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
8812 to programming languages:
8813
8814 @table @code
8815 @item @@
8816 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
8817 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
8818
8819 @item ::
8820 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
8821 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
8822
8823 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
8824 @cindex type casting memory
8825 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
8826 @cindex casts, to view memory
8827 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
8828 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
8829 memory. The address @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is
8830 an integer or pointer (but parentheses are required around binary
8831 operators, just as in a cast). This construct is allowed regardless
8832 of what kind of data is normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
8833 @end table
8834
8835 @node Ambiguous Expressions
8836 @section Ambiguous Expressions
8837 @cindex ambiguous expressions
8838
8839 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
8840 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
8841 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
8842 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
8843 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
8844 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
8845 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
8846
8847 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
8848 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
8849 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
8850 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
8851 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
8852 as well.
8853
8854 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
8855 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
8856 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
8857 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
8858 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
8859 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
8860 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
8861 choices.
8862
8863 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
8864 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
8865 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
8866
8867 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
8868 @smallexample
8869 @group
8870 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
8871 [0] cancel
8872 [1] all
8873 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
8874 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
8875 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
8876 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
8877 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
8878 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
8879 > 2 4 6
8880 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
8881 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
8882 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
8883 Multiple breakpoints were set.
8884 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
8885 breakpoints.
8886 (@value{GDBP})
8887 @end group
8888 @end smallexample
8889
8890 @table @code
8891 @kindex set multiple-symbols
8892 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
8893 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
8894
8895 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
8896 is ambiguous.
8897
8898 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
8899 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
8900 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
8901 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
8902 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
8903 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
8904 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
8905 in the use of the menu.
8906
8907 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
8908 when an ambiguity is detected.
8909
8910 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
8911 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
8912
8913 @kindex show multiple-symbols
8914 @item show multiple-symbols
8915 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
8916 @end table
8917
8918 @node Variables
8919 @section Program Variables
8920
8921 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
8922 in your program.
8923
8924 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
8925 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
8926
8927 @itemize @bullet
8928 @item
8929 global (or file-static)
8930 @end itemize
8931
8932 @noindent or
8933
8934 @itemize @bullet
8935 @item
8936 visible according to the scope rules of the
8937 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
8938 @end itemize
8939
8940 @noindent This means that in the function
8941
8942 @smallexample
8943 foo (a)
8944 int a;
8945 @{
8946 bar (a);
8947 @{
8948 int b = test ();
8949 bar (b);
8950 @}
8951 @}
8952 @end smallexample
8953
8954 @noindent
8955 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
8956 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
8957 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
8958 the block where @code{b} is declared.
8959
8960 @cindex variable name conflict
8961 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
8962 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
8963 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
8964 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
8965 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
8966 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
8967 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
8968
8969 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
8970 @ifnotinfo
8971 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
8972 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
8973 @end ifnotinfo
8974 @smallexample
8975 @var{file}::@var{variable}
8976 @var{function}::@var{variable}
8977 @end smallexample
8978
8979 @noindent
8980 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
8981 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
8982 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
8983 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
8984
8985 @smallexample
8986 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
8987 @end smallexample
8988
8989 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
8990 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
8991 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
8992 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
8993 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
8994
8995 @smallexample
8996 void
8997 foo (int a)
8998 @{
8999 if (a < 10)
9000 bar (a);
9001 else
9002 process (a); /* Stop here */
9003 @}
9004
9005 int
9006 bar (int a)
9007 @{
9008 foo (a + 5);
9009 @}
9010 @end smallexample
9011
9012 @noindent
9013 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
9014 here is what you might see
9015 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
9016
9017 @smallexample
9018 (@value{GDBP}) p a
9019 $1 = 10
9020 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9021 $2 = 5
9022 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
9023 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
9024 (@value{GDBP}) p a
9025 $3 = 5
9026 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9027 $4 = 0
9028 @end smallexample
9029
9030 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
9031 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very
9032 similar use of the same notation in C@t{++}. When they are in
9033 conflict, the C@t{++} meaning takes precedence; however, this can be
9034 overridden by quoting the file or function name with single quotes.
9035
9036 For example, suppose the program is stopped in a method of a class
9037 that has a field named @code{includefile}, and there is also an
9038 include file named @file{includefile} that defines a variable,
9039 @code{some_global}.
9040
9041 @smallexample
9042 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile
9043 $1 = 23
9044 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile::some_global
9045 A syntax error in expression, near `'.
9046 (@value{GDBP}) p 'includefile'::some_global
9047 $2 = 27
9048 @end smallexample
9049
9050 @cindex wrong values
9051 @cindex variable values, wrong
9052 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
9053 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
9054 @quotation
9055 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
9056 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
9057 scope, and just before exit.
9058 @end quotation
9059 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
9060 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
9061 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
9062 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
9063 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
9064 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
9065 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
9066 variable definitions may be gone.
9067
9068 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
9069 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
9070 when compiling.
9071
9072 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
9073 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
9074 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
9075 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
9076 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
9077 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
9078 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
9079
9080 @smallexample
9081 No symbol "foo" in current context.
9082 @end smallexample
9083
9084 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
9085 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
9086 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
9087 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
9088 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
9089
9090 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
9091 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
9092 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
9093 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
9094
9095 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
9096 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
9097 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
9098 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
9099 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
9100
9101 @smallexample
9102 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
9103 29 i++;
9104 (gdb) next
9105 30 e (i);
9106 (gdb) print i
9107 $1 = 31
9108 (gdb) print i@@entry
9109 $2 = 30
9110 @end smallexample
9111
9112 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
9113 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
9114 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
9115 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
9116 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
9117 For program code
9118
9119 @smallexample
9120 char var0[] = "A";
9121 signed char var1[] = "A";
9122 @end smallexample
9123
9124 You get during debugging
9125 @smallexample
9126 (gdb) print var0
9127 $1 = "A"
9128 (gdb) print var1
9129 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
9130 @end smallexample
9131
9132 @node Arrays
9133 @section Artificial Arrays
9134
9135 @cindex artificial array
9136 @cindex arrays
9137 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
9138 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
9139 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
9140 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
9141 program.
9142
9143 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
9144 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
9145 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
9146 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
9147 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
9148 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
9149 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
9150 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
9151 example. If a program says
9152
9153 @smallexample
9154 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
9155 @end smallexample
9156
9157 @noindent
9158 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
9159
9160 @smallexample
9161 p *array@@len
9162 @end smallexample
9163
9164 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
9165 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
9166 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
9167 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
9168 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
9169
9170 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
9171 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
9172 The value need not be in memory:
9173 @smallexample
9174 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
9175 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9176 @end smallexample
9177
9178 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
9179 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
9180 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
9181 @smallexample
9182 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
9183 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9184 @end smallexample
9185
9186 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
9187 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
9188 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
9189 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
9190 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
9191 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
9192 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
9193 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
9194 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
9195 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
9196
9197 @smallexample
9198 set $i = 0
9199 p dtab[$i++]->fv
9200 @key{RET}
9201 @key{RET}
9202 @dots{}
9203 @end smallexample
9204
9205 @node Output Formats
9206 @section Output Formats
9207
9208 @cindex formatted output
9209 @cindex output formats
9210 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
9211 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
9212 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
9213 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
9214 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
9215
9216 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
9217 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
9218 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
9219 letters supported are:
9220
9221 @table @code
9222 @item x
9223 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
9224 hexadecimal.
9225
9226 @item d
9227 Print as integer in signed decimal.
9228
9229 @item u
9230 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
9231
9232 @item o
9233 Print as integer in octal.
9234
9235 @item t
9236 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
9237 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
9238 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
9239 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
9240
9241 @item a
9242 @cindex unknown address, locating
9243 @cindex locate address
9244 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
9245 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
9246 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
9247
9248 @smallexample
9249 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
9250 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
9251 @end smallexample
9252
9253 @noindent
9254 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
9255 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
9256
9257 @item c
9258 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
9259 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
9260 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
9261 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
9262
9263 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
9264 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
9265 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
9266 data.
9267
9268 @item f
9269 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
9270 using typical floating point syntax.
9271
9272 @item s
9273 @cindex printing strings
9274 @cindex printing byte arrays
9275 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
9276 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
9277 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
9278 natural types.
9279
9280 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
9281 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
9282 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
9283 array.
9284
9285 @item z
9286 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
9287 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
9288 to the size of the integer type.
9289
9290 @item r
9291 @cindex raw printing
9292 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
9293 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
9294 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
9295 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
9296 pretty-printer which might exist.
9297 @end table
9298
9299 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
9300
9301 @smallexample
9302 p/x $pc
9303 @end smallexample
9304
9305 @noindent
9306 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
9307 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
9308
9309 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
9310 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
9311 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
9312
9313 @node Memory
9314 @section Examining Memory
9315
9316 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
9317 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
9318
9319 @cindex examining memory
9320 @table @code
9321 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
9322 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
9323 @itemx x @var{addr}
9324 @itemx x
9325 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
9326 @end table
9327
9328 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
9329 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
9330 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
9331 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
9332 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
9333
9334 @table @r
9335 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
9336 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
9337 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display. If a negative
9338 number is specified, memory is examined backward from @var{addr}.
9339 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
9340 @c 4.1.2.
9341
9342 @item @var{f}, the display format
9343 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
9344 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
9345 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
9346 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
9347 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
9348
9349 @item @var{u}, the unit size
9350 The unit size is any of
9351
9352 @table @code
9353 @item b
9354 Bytes.
9355 @item h
9356 Halfwords (two bytes).
9357 @item w
9358 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
9359 @item g
9360 Giant words (eight bytes).
9361 @end table
9362
9363 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
9364 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
9365 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
9366 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
9367 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
9368 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
9369 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
9370 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
9371 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
9372 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
9373 be altered.
9374
9375 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
9376 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
9377 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
9378 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
9379 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
9380 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
9381 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
9382 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
9383 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
9384 a value from memory).
9385 @end table
9386
9387 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
9388 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
9389 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
9390 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
9391 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
9392
9393 You can also specify a negative repeat count to examine memory backward
9394 from the given address. For example, @samp{x/-3uh 0x54320} prints three
9395 halfwords (@code{h}) at @code{0x54314}, @code{0x54328}, and @code{0x5431c}.
9396
9397 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
9398 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
9399 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
9400 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
9401 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
9402
9403 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
9404 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
9405 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
9406 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
9407 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
9408 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
9409 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
9410 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
9411 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
9412
9413 If a negative repeat count is specified for the formats @samp{s} or @samp{i},
9414 the command displays null-terminated strings or instructions before the given
9415 address as many as the absolute value of the given number. For the @samp{i}
9416 format, we use line number information in the debug info to accurately locate
9417 instruction boundaries while disassembling backward. If line info is not
9418 available, the command stops examining memory with an error message.
9419
9420 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
9421 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
9422 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
9423 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
9424 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
9425 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
9426 for successive uses of @code{x}.
9427
9428 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
9429 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
9430
9431 @smallexample
9432 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
9433 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
9434 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
9435 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
9436 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
9437 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
9438 @end smallexample
9439
9440 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
9441 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
9442 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
9443 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
9444 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
9445 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
9446 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
9447 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
9448 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
9449
9450 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
9451 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
9452 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
9453
9454 @anchor{addressable memory unit}
9455 @cindex addressable memory unit
9456 Most targets have an addressable memory unit size of 8 bits. This means
9457 that to each memory address are associated 8 bits of data. Some
9458 targets, however, have other addressable memory unit sizes.
9459 Within @value{GDBN} and this document, the term
9460 @dfn{addressable memory unit} (or @dfn{memory unit} for short) is used
9461 when explicitly referring to a chunk of data of that size. The word
9462 @dfn{byte} is used to refer to a chunk of data of 8 bits, regardless of
9463 the addressable memory unit size of the target. For most systems,
9464 addressable memory unit is a synonym of byte.
9465
9466 @cindex remote memory comparison
9467 @cindex target memory comparison
9468 @cindex verify remote memory image
9469 @cindex verify target memory image
9470 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
9471 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image
9472 in the remote machine's memory against the executable file you
9473 downloaded to the target. Or, on any target, you may want to check
9474 whether the program has corrupted its own read-only sections. The
9475 @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such situations.
9476
9477 @table @code
9478 @kindex compare-sections
9479 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{|}@code{-r}@r{]}
9480 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
9481 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
9482 the target machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
9483 arguments, compares all loadable sections. With an argument of
9484 @code{-r}, compares all loadable read-only sections.
9485
9486 Note: for remote targets, this command can be accelerated if the
9487 target supports computing the CRC checksum of a block of memory
9488 (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
9489 @end table
9490
9491 @node Auto Display
9492 @section Automatic Display
9493 @cindex automatic display
9494 @cindex display of expressions
9495
9496 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
9497 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
9498 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
9499 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
9500 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
9501 The automatic display looks like this:
9502
9503 @smallexample
9504 2: foo = 38
9505 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
9506 @end smallexample
9507
9508 @noindent
9509 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
9510 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
9511 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
9512 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
9513 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
9514 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
9515
9516 @table @code
9517 @kindex display
9518 @item display @var{expr}
9519 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
9520 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
9521
9522 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
9523
9524 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
9525 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
9526 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
9527 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
9528 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
9529
9530 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
9531 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
9532 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
9533 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
9534 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
9535 @end table
9536
9537 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
9538 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
9539 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9540
9541 @table @code
9542 @kindex delete display
9543 @kindex undisplay
9544 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
9545 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9546 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
9547 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
9548 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
9549 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
9550 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9551
9552 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
9553 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
9554
9555 @kindex disable display
9556 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9557 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
9558 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
9559 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
9560 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
9561 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
9562 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
9563 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9564
9565 @kindex enable display
9566 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9567 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
9568 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
9569 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
9570 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
9571 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
9572 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9573
9574 @item display
9575 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
9576 done when your program stops.
9577
9578 @kindex info display
9579 @item info display
9580 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
9581 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
9582 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
9583 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
9584 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
9585 @end table
9586
9587 @cindex display disabled out of scope
9588 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
9589 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
9590 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
9591 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
9592 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
9593 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
9594 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
9595 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
9596 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
9597 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
9598
9599 @node Print Settings
9600 @section Print Settings
9601
9602 @cindex format options
9603 @cindex print settings
9604 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
9605 and symbols are printed.
9606
9607 @noindent
9608 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
9609
9610 @table @code
9611 @kindex set print
9612 @item set print address
9613 @itemx set print address on
9614 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
9615 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
9616 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
9617 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
9618 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
9619 @code{set print address on}:
9620
9621 @smallexample
9622 @group
9623 (@value{GDBP}) f
9624 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
9625 at input.c:530
9626 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
9627 @end group
9628 @end smallexample
9629
9630 @item set print address off
9631 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
9632 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
9633
9634 @smallexample
9635 @group
9636 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
9637 (@value{GDBP}) f
9638 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
9639 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
9640 @end group
9641 @end smallexample
9642
9643 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
9644 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
9645 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
9646 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
9647
9648 @kindex show print
9649 @item show print address
9650 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
9651 @end table
9652
9653 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
9654 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
9655 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
9656 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
9657 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
9658 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
9659 it prints a symbolic address:
9660
9661 @table @code
9662 @item set print symbol-filename on
9663 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
9664 @cindex symbol, source file and line
9665 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
9666 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
9667
9668 @item set print symbol-filename off
9669 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
9670 default.
9671
9672 @item show print symbol-filename
9673 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
9674 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
9675 @end table
9676
9677 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
9678 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
9679 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
9680
9681 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
9682 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
9683
9684 @table @code
9685 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
9686 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
9687 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
9688 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
9689 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
9690 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
9691 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
9692 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
9693
9694 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
9695 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
9696 symbolic address.
9697 @end table
9698
9699 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
9700 @cindex pointer, finding referent
9701 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
9702 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
9703 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
9704 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
9705 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
9706 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
9707
9708 @smallexample
9709 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
9710 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
9711 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
9712 @end smallexample
9713
9714 @quotation
9715 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
9716 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
9717 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
9718 @end quotation
9719
9720 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
9721 @samp{set print symbol on}:
9722
9723 @table @code
9724 @item set print symbol on
9725 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
9726 one exists.
9727
9728 @item set print symbol off
9729 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
9730 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
9731 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
9732
9733 @item show print symbol
9734 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
9735 address.
9736 @end table
9737
9738 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
9739
9740 @table @code
9741 @item set print array
9742 @itemx set print array on
9743 @cindex pretty print arrays
9744 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
9745 but uses more space. The default is off.
9746
9747 @item set print array off
9748 Return to compressed format for arrays.
9749
9750 @item show print array
9751 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
9752 arrays.
9753
9754 @cindex print array indexes
9755 @item set print array-indexes
9756 @itemx set print array-indexes on
9757 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
9758 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
9759 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
9760
9761 @item set print array-indexes off
9762 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
9763
9764 @item show print array-indexes
9765 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
9766 arrays.
9767
9768 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
9769 @itemx set print elements unlimited
9770 @cindex number of array elements to print
9771 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
9772 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
9773 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
9774 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
9775 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
9776 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
9777 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
9778 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
9779
9780 @item show print elements
9781 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
9782 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
9783
9784 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
9785 @kindex set print frame-arguments
9786 @cindex printing frame argument values
9787 @cindex print all frame argument values
9788 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
9789 @cindex do not print frame argument values
9790 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
9791 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
9792 values are:
9793
9794 @table @code
9795 @item all
9796 The values of all arguments are printed.
9797
9798 @item scalars
9799 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
9800 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
9801 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
9802 only scalar arguments are shown:
9803
9804 @smallexample
9805 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
9806 at frame-args.c:23
9807 @end smallexample
9808
9809 @item none
9810 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
9811 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
9812
9813 @smallexample
9814 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
9815 at frame-args.c:23
9816 @end smallexample
9817 @end table
9818
9819 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
9820 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
9821 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
9822 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
9823 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
9824 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
9825 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
9826 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
9827 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
9828 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
9829
9830 @item show print frame-arguments
9831 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
9832
9833 @item set print raw frame-arguments on
9834 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
9835
9836 @item set print raw frame-arguments off
9837 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
9838 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
9839 otherwise print the value in raw form.
9840 This is the default.
9841
9842 @item show print raw frame-arguments
9843 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
9844
9845 @anchor{set print entry-values}
9846 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
9847 @kindex set print entry-values
9848 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
9849 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
9850 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
9851 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
9852 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
9853
9854 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
9855 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
9856 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
9857 @code{no} setting.
9858
9859 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
9860 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
9861 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
9862 this information.
9863
9864 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
9865
9866 @table @code
9867 @item no
9868 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
9869 point.
9870 @smallexample
9871 #0 equal (val=5)
9872 #0 different (val=6)
9873 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
9874 #0 born (val=10)
9875 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9876 @end smallexample
9877
9878 @item only
9879 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
9880 values are never printed.
9881 @smallexample
9882 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9883 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9884 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9885 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9886 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9887 @end smallexample
9888
9889 @item preferred
9890 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
9891 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
9892 value for such parameter.
9893 @smallexample
9894 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9895 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9896 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9897 #0 born (val=10)
9898 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9899 @end smallexample
9900
9901 @item if-needed
9902 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
9903 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
9904 parameter.
9905 @smallexample
9906 #0 equal (val=5)
9907 #0 different (val=6)
9908 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9909 #0 born (val=10)
9910 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9911 @end smallexample
9912
9913 @item both
9914 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
9915 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
9916 optimizations.
9917 @smallexample
9918 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
9919 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9920 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9921 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9922 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9923 @end smallexample
9924
9925 @item compact
9926 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
9927 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
9928 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
9929 values are known and identical, print the shortened
9930 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9931 @smallexample
9932 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9933 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9934 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9935 #0 born (val=10)
9936 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9937 @end smallexample
9938
9939 @item default
9940 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
9941 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
9942 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
9943 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9944 @smallexample
9945 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9946 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9947 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9948 #0 born (val=10)
9949 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9950 @end smallexample
9951 @end table
9952
9953 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
9954 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
9955
9956 @item show print entry-values
9957 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
9958 entry.
9959
9960 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
9961 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
9962 @cindex repeated array elements
9963 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
9964 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
9965 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
9966 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
9967 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
9968 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
9969 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
9970 is 10.
9971
9972 @item show print repeats
9973 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
9974 elements.
9975
9976 @item set print null-stop
9977 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
9978 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
9979 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
9980 contain only short strings.
9981 The default is off.
9982
9983 @item show print null-stop
9984 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
9985 @sc{null} character.
9986
9987 @item set print pretty on
9988 @cindex print structures in indented form
9989 @cindex indentation in structure display
9990 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
9991 per line, like this:
9992
9993 @smallexample
9994 @group
9995 $1 = @{
9996 next = 0x0,
9997 flags = @{
9998 sweet = 1,
9999 sour = 1
10000 @},
10001 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
10002 @}
10003 @end group
10004 @end smallexample
10005
10006 @item set print pretty off
10007 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
10008
10009 @smallexample
10010 @group
10011 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
10012 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
10013 @end group
10014 @end smallexample
10015
10016 @noindent
10017 This is the default format.
10018
10019 @item show print pretty
10020 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
10021
10022 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
10023 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
10024 @cindex octal escapes in strings
10025 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
10026 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
10027 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
10028 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
10029 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
10030
10031 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
10032 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
10033 international character sets, and is the default.
10034
10035 @item show print sevenbit-strings
10036 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
10037
10038 @item set print union on
10039 @cindex unions in structures, printing
10040 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
10041 and other unions. This is the default setting.
10042
10043 @item set print union off
10044 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
10045 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
10046 instead.
10047
10048 @item show print union
10049 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
10050 structures and other unions.
10051
10052 For example, given the declarations
10053
10054 @smallexample
10055 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
10056 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
10057 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
10058 Bug_forms;
10059
10060 struct thing @{
10061 Species it;
10062 union @{
10063 Tree_forms tree;
10064 Bug_forms bug;
10065 @} form;
10066 @};
10067
10068 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
10069 @end smallexample
10070
10071 @noindent
10072 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
10073
10074 @smallexample
10075 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
10076 @end smallexample
10077
10078 @noindent
10079 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
10080
10081 @smallexample
10082 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
10083 @end smallexample
10084
10085 @noindent
10086 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
10087 and in Pascal.
10088 @end table
10089
10090 @need 1000
10091 @noindent
10092 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
10093
10094 @table @code
10095 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
10096 @item set print demangle
10097 @itemx set print demangle on
10098 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
10099 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
10100 linkage. The default is on.
10101
10102 @item show print demangle
10103 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
10104
10105 @item set print asm-demangle
10106 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
10107 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
10108 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
10109 The default is off.
10110
10111 @item show print asm-demangle
10112 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
10113 or demangled form.
10114
10115 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
10116 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
10117 @kindex set demangle-style
10118 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
10119 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
10120 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
10121
10122 @table @code
10123 @item auto
10124 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
10125 This is the default.
10126
10127 @item gnu
10128 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
10129
10130 @item hp
10131 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
10132
10133 @item lucid
10134 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
10135
10136 @item arm
10137 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
10138 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
10139 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
10140 require further enhancement to permit that.
10141
10142 @end table
10143 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
10144
10145 @item show demangle-style
10146 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
10147
10148 @item set print object
10149 @itemx set print object on
10150 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
10151 @cindex display derived types
10152 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
10153 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
10154 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
10155 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
10156 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
10157 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
10158 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
10159
10160 @item set print object off
10161 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
10162 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
10163
10164 @item show print object
10165 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
10166
10167 @item set print static-members
10168 @itemx set print static-members on
10169 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
10170 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
10171
10172 @item set print static-members off
10173 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
10174
10175 @item show print static-members
10176 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
10177
10178 @item set print pascal_static-members
10179 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
10180 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
10181 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
10182 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
10183
10184 @item set print pascal_static-members off
10185 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
10186
10187 @item show print pascal_static-members
10188 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
10189
10190 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
10191 @item set print vtbl
10192 @itemx set print vtbl on
10193 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
10194 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
10195 @cindex VTBL display
10196 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
10197 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10198 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10199
10200 @item set print vtbl off
10201 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
10202
10203 @item show print vtbl
10204 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
10205 @end table
10206
10207 @node Pretty Printing
10208 @section Pretty Printing
10209
10210 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
10211 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
10212 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
10213
10214 @menu
10215 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
10216 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
10217 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
10218 @end menu
10219
10220 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
10221 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
10222
10223 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
10224 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
10225 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
10226
10227 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
10228 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
10229 pretty-printers with their names.
10230 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
10231 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
10232 Each such subprinter has its own name.
10233 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
10234
10235 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
10236 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
10237 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
10238 do anything special.
10239
10240 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
10241
10242 @itemize @bullet
10243 @item
10244 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
10245 all inferiors.
10246
10247 @item
10248 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
10249 when debugging that program.
10250 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
10251
10252 @item
10253 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
10254 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
10255 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
10256 @end itemize
10257
10258 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
10259 pretty-printers are selected,
10260
10261 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
10262 for new types.
10263
10264 @node Pretty-Printer Example
10265 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
10266
10267 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
10268
10269 @smallexample
10270 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10271 $1 = @{
10272 static npos = 4294967295,
10273 _M_dataplus = @{
10274 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
10275 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
10276 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
10277 @},
10278 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
10279 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
10280 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
10281 @}
10282 @}
10283 @end smallexample
10284
10285 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
10286
10287 @smallexample
10288 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10289 $2 = "abcd"
10290 @end smallexample
10291
10292 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
10293 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
10294 @cindex pretty-printer commands
10295
10296 @table @code
10297 @kindex info pretty-printer
10298 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10299 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
10300 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
10301
10302 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
10303 whose pretty-printers to list.
10304 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
10305 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
10306 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
10307 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
10308 looks up a printer from these three objects.
10309
10310 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
10311 to list.
10312
10313 @kindex disable pretty-printer
10314 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10315 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10316 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
10317
10318 @kindex enable pretty-printer
10319 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10320 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10321 @end table
10322
10323 Example:
10324
10325 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
10326 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
10327 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
10328 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
10329
10330 @smallexample
10331 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10332 library1.so:
10333 foo
10334 library2.so:
10335 bar
10336 bar1
10337 bar2
10338 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10339 library2.so:
10340 bar
10341 bar1
10342 bar2
10343 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
10344 1 printer disabled
10345 2 of 3 printers enabled
10346 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10347 library1.so:
10348 foo [disabled]
10349 library2.so:
10350 bar
10351 bar1
10352 bar2
10353 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
10354 1 printer disabled
10355 1 of 3 printers enabled
10356 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10357 library1.so:
10358 foo [disabled]
10359 library2.so:
10360 bar
10361 bar1 [disabled]
10362 bar2
10363 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
10364 1 printer disabled
10365 0 of 3 printers enabled
10366 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10367 library1.so:
10368 foo [disabled]
10369 library2.so:
10370 bar [disabled]
10371 bar1 [disabled]
10372 bar2
10373 @end smallexample
10374
10375 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
10376 as can each individual subprinter.
10377
10378 @node Value History
10379 @section Value History
10380
10381 @cindex value history
10382 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
10383 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
10384 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
10385 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
10386 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
10387 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
10388 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
10389 symbol table.
10390
10391 @cindex @code{$}
10392 @cindex @code{$$}
10393 @cindex history number
10394 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
10395 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
10396 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
10397 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
10398 history number.
10399
10400 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
10401 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
10402 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
10403 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
10404 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
10405 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
10406 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
10407
10408 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
10409 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
10410
10411 @smallexample
10412 p *$
10413 @end smallexample
10414
10415 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
10416 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
10417
10418 @smallexample
10419 p *$.next
10420 @end smallexample
10421
10422 @noindent
10423 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
10424 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
10425
10426 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
10427 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
10428
10429 @smallexample
10430 print x
10431 set x=5
10432 @end smallexample
10433
10434 @noindent
10435 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
10436 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
10437
10438 @table @code
10439 @kindex show values
10440 @item show values
10441 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
10442 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
10443 values} does not change the history.
10444
10445 @item show values @var{n}
10446 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
10447
10448 @item show values +
10449 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
10450 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
10451 @end table
10452
10453 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
10454 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
10455
10456 @node Convenience Vars
10457 @section Convenience Variables
10458
10459 @cindex convenience variables
10460 @cindex user-defined variables
10461 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
10462 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
10463 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
10464 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
10465 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
10466
10467 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
10468 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
10469 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
10470 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
10471 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
10472
10473 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
10474 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
10475 For example:
10476
10477 @smallexample
10478 set $foo = *object_ptr
10479 @end smallexample
10480
10481 @noindent
10482 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
10483 @code{object_ptr}.
10484
10485 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
10486 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
10487 value with another assignment at any time.
10488
10489 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
10490 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
10491 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
10492 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
10493
10494 @table @code
10495 @kindex show convenience
10496 @cindex show all user variables and functions
10497 @item show convenience
10498 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
10499 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
10500 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
10501
10502 @kindex init-if-undefined
10503 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
10504 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
10505 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
10506 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
10507 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
10508 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
10509 override default values used in a command script.
10510
10511 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
10512 any side-effects do not occur.
10513 @end table
10514
10515 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
10516 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
10517 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
10518
10519 @smallexample
10520 set $i = 0
10521 print bar[$i++]->contents
10522 @end smallexample
10523
10524 @noindent
10525 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
10526
10527 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
10528 values likely to be useful.
10529
10530 @table @code
10531 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
10532 @item $_
10533 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
10534 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
10535 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
10536 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
10537 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
10538 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
10539 to the type of @code{$__}.
10540
10541 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
10542 @item $__
10543 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
10544 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
10545 to match the format in which the data was printed.
10546
10547 @item $_exitcode
10548 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
10549 When the program being debugged terminates normally, @value{GDBN}
10550 automatically sets this variable to the exit code of the program, and
10551 resets @code{$_exitsignal} to @code{void}.
10552
10553 @item $_exitsignal
10554 @vindex $_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
10555 When the program being debugged dies due to an uncaught signal,
10556 @value{GDBN} automatically sets this variable to that signal's number,
10557 and resets @code{$_exitcode} to @code{void}.
10558
10559 To distinguish between whether the program being debugged has exited
10560 (i.e., @code{$_exitcode} is not @code{void}) or signalled (i.e.,
10561 @code{$_exitsignal} is not @code{void}), the convenience function
10562 @code{$_isvoid} can be used (@pxref{Convenience Funs,, Convenience
10563 Functions}). For example, considering the following source code:
10564
10565 @smallexample
10566 #include <signal.h>
10567
10568 int
10569 main (int argc, char *argv[])
10570 @{
10571 raise (SIGALRM);
10572 return 0;
10573 @}
10574 @end smallexample
10575
10576 A valid way of telling whether the program being debugged has exited
10577 or signalled would be:
10578
10579 @smallexample
10580 (@value{GDBP}) define has_exited_or_signalled
10581 Type commands for definition of ``has_exited_or_signalled''.
10582 End with a line saying just ``end''.
10583 >if $_isvoid ($_exitsignal)
10584 >echo The program has exited\n
10585 >else
10586 >echo The program has signalled\n
10587 >end
10588 >end
10589 (@value{GDBP}) run
10590 Starting program:
10591
10592 Program terminated with signal SIGALRM, Alarm clock.
10593 The program no longer exists.
10594 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
10595 The program has signalled
10596 @end smallexample
10597
10598 As can be seen, @value{GDBN} correctly informs that the program being
10599 debugged has signalled, since it calls @code{raise} and raises a
10600 @code{SIGALRM} signal. If the program being debugged had not called
10601 @code{raise}, then @value{GDBN} would report a normal exit:
10602
10603 @smallexample
10604 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
10605 The program has exited
10606 @end smallexample
10607
10608 @item $_exception
10609 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
10610 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
10611
10612 @item $_probe_argc
10613 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
10614 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
10615
10616 @item $_sdata
10617 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
10618 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
10619 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
10620 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
10621 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
10622
10623 @item $_siginfo
10624 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
10625 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
10626 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
10627 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
10628 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
10629
10630 @item $_tlb
10631 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
10632 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
10633 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
10634 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
10635 @xref{General Query Packets}.
10636 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
10637
10638 @item $_inferior
10639 The number of the current inferior. @xref{Inferiors and
10640 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}.
10641
10642 @item $_thread
10643 The thread number of the current thread. @xref{thread numbers}.
10644
10645 @item $_gthread
10646 The global number of the current thread. @xref{global thread numbers}.
10647
10648 @end table
10649
10650 @node Convenience Funs
10651 @section Convenience Functions
10652
10653 @cindex convenience functions
10654 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
10655 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
10656 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
10657 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
10658 @value{GDBN}.
10659
10660 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
10661 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
10662
10663 @table @code
10664
10665 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
10666 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
10667 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
10668 returns zero.
10669
10670 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
10671 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
10672 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
10673 it is @code{void}:
10674
10675 @smallexample
10676 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
10677 $1 = void
10678 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
10679 $2 = 1
10680 (@value{GDBP}) run
10681 Starting program: ./a.out
10682 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
10683 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
10684 $3 = 0
10685 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
10686 $4 = 0
10687 @end smallexample
10688
10689 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
10690 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
10691 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
10692 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
10693 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
10694 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
10695 anymore.
10696
10697 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
10698 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
10699
10700 @smallexample
10701 void
10702 foo (void)
10703 @{
10704 @}
10705 @end smallexample
10706
10707 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
10708
10709 @smallexample
10710 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
10711 $1 = void
10712 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
10713 $2 = 1
10714 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
10715 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
10716 $3 = void
10717 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
10718 $4 = 1
10719 @end smallexample
10720
10721 @end table
10722
10723 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
10724 @code{Python} support.
10725
10726 @table @code
10727
10728 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
10729 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
10730 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
10731 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
10732 Otherwise it returns zero.
10733
10734 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
10735 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
10736 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
10737 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10738 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
10739 regular expression support.
10740
10741 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
10742 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
10743 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
10744 Otherwise it returns zero.
10745
10746 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
10747 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
10748 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
10749
10750 @item $_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10751 @findex $_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
10752 Returns one if the calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
10753 Otherwise it returns zero.
10754
10755 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10756 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10757 The default is 1.
10758
10759 Example:
10760
10761 @smallexample
10762 (gdb) backtrace
10763 #0 bottom_func ()
10764 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:21
10765 #1 0x00000000004005a0 in middle_func ()
10766 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:27
10767 #2 0x00000000004005ab in top_func ()
10768 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:33
10769 #3 0x00000000004005b6 in main ()
10770 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:39
10771 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("middle_func")
10772 $1 = 1
10773 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("top_func", 2)
10774 $1 = 1
10775 @end smallexample
10776
10777 @item $_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10778 @findex $_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
10779 Returns one if the calling function's name matches the regular expression
10780 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10781
10782 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10783 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10784 The default is 1.
10785
10786 @item $_any_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10787 @findex $_any_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
10788 Returns one if any calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
10789 Otherwise it returns zero.
10790
10791 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10792 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10793 The default is 1.
10794
10795 This function differs from @code{$_caller_is} in that this function
10796 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
10797 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_is} only checks the
10798 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
10799
10800 @item $_any_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10801 @findex $_any_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
10802 Returns one if any calling function's name matches the regular expression
10803 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10804
10805 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10806 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10807 The default is 1.
10808
10809 This function differs from @code{$_caller_matches} in that this function
10810 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
10811 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_matches} only checks the
10812 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
10813
10814 @item $_as_string(@var{value})
10815 @findex $_as_string@r{, convenience function}
10816 Return the string representation of @var{value}.
10817
10818 This function is useful to obtain the textual label (enumerator) of an
10819 enumeration value. For example, assuming the variable @var{node} is of
10820 an enumerated type:
10821
10822 @smallexample
10823 (gdb) printf "Visiting node of type %s\n", $_as_string(node)
10824 Visiting node of type NODE_INTEGER
10825 @end smallexample
10826
10827 @end table
10828
10829 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
10830 convenience functions.
10831
10832 @table @code
10833 @item help function
10834 @kindex help function
10835 @cindex show all convenience functions
10836 Print a list of all convenience functions.
10837 @end table
10838
10839 @node Registers
10840 @section Registers
10841
10842 @cindex registers
10843 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
10844 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
10845 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
10846 your machine.
10847
10848 @table @code
10849 @kindex info registers
10850 @item info registers
10851 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
10852 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10853
10854 @kindex info all-registers
10855 @cindex floating point registers
10856 @item info all-registers
10857 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
10858 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10859
10860 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
10861 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
10862 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
10863 the selected stack frame. The @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
10864 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
10865 @end table
10866
10867 @anchor{standard registers}
10868 @cindex stack pointer register
10869 @cindex program counter register
10870 @cindex process status register
10871 @cindex frame pointer register
10872 @cindex standard registers
10873 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
10874 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
10875 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
10876 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
10877 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
10878 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
10879 register that contains the processor status. For example,
10880 you could print the program counter in hex with
10881
10882 @smallexample
10883 p/x $pc
10884 @end smallexample
10885
10886 @noindent
10887 or print the instruction to be executed next with
10888
10889 @smallexample
10890 x/i $pc
10891 @end smallexample
10892
10893 @noindent
10894 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
10895 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
10896 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
10897 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
10898 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
10899 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
10900 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
10901
10902 @smallexample
10903 set $sp += 4
10904 @end smallexample
10905
10906 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
10907 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
10908 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
10909 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
10910 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
10911 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
10912 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
10913
10914 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
10915 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
10916 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
10917 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
10918 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
10919 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
10920 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
10921
10922 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
10923 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
10924 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
10925 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
10926 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
10927 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
10928 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
10929 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
10930 prints the data in both formats.
10931
10932 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
10933 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
10934 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
10935 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
10936 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
10937 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
10938 registers in @code{struct} notation:
10939
10940 @smallexample
10941 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
10942 $1 = @{
10943 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
10944 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
10945 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
10946 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
10947 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
10948 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
10949 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
10950 @}
10951 @end smallexample
10952
10953 @noindent
10954 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
10955 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
10956 value to a @code{struct} member:
10957
10958 @smallexample
10959 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
10960 @end smallexample
10961
10962 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
10963 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
10964 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
10965 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
10966 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
10967 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
10968
10969 @cindex caller-saved registers
10970 @cindex call-clobbered registers
10971 @cindex volatile registers
10972 @cindex <not saved> values
10973 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
10974 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
10975 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
10976 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
10977 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
10978 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
10979 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
10980 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
10981 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
10982 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
10983 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
10984 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
10985 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
10986 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
10987 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
10988 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
10989 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
10990 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
10991 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
10992 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
10993 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
10994 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
10995 represent the value the register had just before the call.
10996
10997 @node Floating Point Hardware
10998 @section Floating Point Hardware
10999 @cindex floating point
11000
11001 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
11002 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
11003
11004 @table @code
11005 @kindex info float
11006 @item info float
11007 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
11008 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
11009 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
11010 the ARM and x86 machines.
11011 @end table
11012
11013 @node Vector Unit
11014 @section Vector Unit
11015 @cindex vector unit
11016
11017 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
11018 more information about the status of the vector unit.
11019
11020 @table @code
11021 @kindex info vector
11022 @item info vector
11023 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
11024 layout vary depending on the hardware.
11025 @end table
11026
11027 @node OS Information
11028 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
11029 @cindex OS information
11030
11031 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
11032 you debug your program.
11033
11034 @cindex auxiliary vector
11035 @cindex vector, auxiliary
11036 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
11037 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
11038 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
11039 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
11040 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
11041 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
11042 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
11043 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
11044 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
11045 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
11046 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
11047
11048 @table @code
11049 @kindex info auxv
11050 @item info auxv
11051 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
11052 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
11053 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
11054 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
11055 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
11056 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
11057 an unrecognized tag.
11058 @end table
11059
11060 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
11061 information and show it to you. The types of information available
11062 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
11063 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
11064 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
11065 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
11066 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
11067
11068 @table @code
11069 @kindex info os
11070 @item info os @var{infotype}
11071
11072 Display OS information of the requested type.
11073
11074 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
11075
11076 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
11077 @table @code
11078 @kindex info os cpus
11079 @item cpus
11080 Display the list of all CPUs/cores. For each CPU/core, @value{GDBN} prints
11081 the available fields from /proc/cpuinfo. For each supported architecture
11082 different fields are available. Two common entries are processor which gives
11083 CPU number and bogomips; a system constant that is calculated during
11084 kernel initialization.
11085
11086 @kindex info os files
11087 @item files
11088 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
11089 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
11090 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
11091 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
11092
11093 @kindex info os modules
11094 @item modules
11095 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
11096 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
11097 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
11098 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
11099 in memory.
11100
11101 @kindex info os msg
11102 @item msg
11103 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
11104 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
11105 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
11106 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
11107 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
11108 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
11109 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
11110 the message queue was last changed.
11111
11112 @kindex info os processes
11113 @item processes
11114 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
11115 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
11116 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
11117 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
11118 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
11119 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
11120
11121 @kindex info os procgroups
11122 @item procgroups
11123 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
11124 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
11125 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
11126 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
11127 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
11128 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
11129 and the process group leader is listed first.
11130
11131 @kindex info os semaphores
11132 @item semaphores
11133 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
11134 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
11135 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
11136 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
11137 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
11138
11139 @kindex info os shm
11140 @item shm
11141 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
11142 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
11143 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
11144 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
11145 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
11146 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
11147 attached to, detach from, and changed.
11148
11149 @kindex info os sockets
11150 @item sockets
11151 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
11152 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
11153 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
11154 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
11155 connection.
11156
11157 @kindex info os threads
11158 @item threads
11159 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
11160 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
11161 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
11162 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
11163 process is not listed.
11164 @end table
11165
11166 @item info os
11167 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
11168 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
11169 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
11170 types, this command will report an error.
11171 @end table
11172
11173 @node Memory Region Attributes
11174 @section Memory Region Attributes
11175 @cindex memory region attributes
11176
11177 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
11178 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
11179 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
11180 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
11181 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
11182 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
11183 user can override the fetched regions.
11184
11185 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
11186 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
11187 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
11188 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
11189 all memory.
11190
11191 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
11192 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
11193
11194 @table @code
11195 @kindex mem
11196 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
11197 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
11198 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
11199 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
11200 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
11201 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
11202
11203 @item mem auto
11204 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
11205 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
11206
11207 @kindex delete mem
11208 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11209 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
11210 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
11211
11212 @kindex disable mem
11213 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11214 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11215 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
11216 It may be enabled again later.
11217
11218 @kindex enable mem
11219 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11220 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11221
11222 @kindex info mem
11223 @item info mem
11224 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
11225 for each region:
11226
11227 @table @emph
11228 @item Memory Region Number
11229 @item Enabled or Disabled.
11230 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
11231 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
11232
11233 @item Lo Address
11234 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
11235
11236 @item Hi Address
11237 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
11238
11239 @item Attributes
11240 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
11241 @end table
11242 @end table
11243
11244
11245 @subsection Attributes
11246
11247 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
11248 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
11249 write accesses to a memory region.
11250
11251 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
11252 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
11253 etc.@: from accessing memory.
11254
11255 @table @code
11256 @item ro
11257 Memory is read only.
11258 @item wo
11259 Memory is write only.
11260 @item rw
11261 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
11262 @end table
11263
11264 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
11265 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
11266 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
11267 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
11268 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
11269
11270 @table @code
11271 @item 8
11272 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
11273 @item 16
11274 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
11275 @item 32
11276 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
11277 @item 64
11278 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
11279 @end table
11280
11281 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
11282 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11283 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
11284 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
11285 @c
11286 @c @table @code
11287 @c @item hwbreak
11288 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
11289 @c @item swbreak (default)
11290 @c @end table
11291
11292 @subsubsection Data Cache
11293 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
11294 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
11295 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
11296 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
11297 registers.
11298
11299 @table @code
11300 @item cache
11301 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
11302 @item nocache
11303 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
11304 @end table
11305
11306 @subsection Memory Access Checking
11307 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
11308 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
11309 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
11310 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
11311
11312 @table @code
11313 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
11314 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
11315 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
11316 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
11317 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
11318 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
11319 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
11320 The default value is @code{on}.
11321 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
11322 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
11323 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
11324 @end table
11325
11326
11327 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
11328 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11329 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
11330 @c
11331 @c @table @code
11332 @c @item verify
11333 @c @item noverify (default)
11334 @c @end table
11335
11336 @node Dump/Restore Files
11337 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
11338 @cindex dump/restore files
11339 @cindex append data to a file
11340 @cindex dump data to a file
11341 @cindex restore data from a file
11342
11343 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
11344 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
11345 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
11346 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
11347 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex,
11348 Tektronix Hex, or Verilog Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only
11349 append to binary files, and cannot read from Verilog Hex files.
11350
11351 @table @code
11352
11353 @kindex dump
11354 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11355 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11356 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11357 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
11358
11359 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
11360 @table @code
11361 @item binary
11362 Raw binary form.
11363 @item ihex
11364 Intel hex format.
11365 @item srec
11366 Motorola S-record format.
11367 @item tekhex
11368 Tektronix Hex format.
11369 @item verilog
11370 Verilog Hex format.
11371 @end table
11372
11373 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
11374 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
11375 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
11376 form.
11377
11378 @kindex append
11379 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11380 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11381 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11382 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
11383 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
11384
11385 @kindex restore
11386 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
11387 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
11388 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
11389 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
11390 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
11391
11392 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
11393 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
11394 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
11395 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
11396 from that location.
11397
11398 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
11399 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
11400 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
11401 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
11402
11403 @end table
11404
11405 @node Core File Generation
11406 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
11407 @cindex dump core from inferior
11408
11409 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
11410 image of a running process and its process status (register values
11411 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
11412 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
11413 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
11414 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
11415 the post-mortem debugging mode.
11416
11417 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
11418 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
11419 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
11420
11421 @table @code
11422 @kindex gcore
11423 @kindex generate-core-file
11424 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
11425 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
11426 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
11427 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
11428 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
11429 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
11430
11431 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
11432 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
11433
11434 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, this command can take into account the value of the
11435 file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating the core
11436 dump (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}).
11437
11438 @kindex set use-coredump-filter
11439 @anchor{set use-coredump-filter}
11440 @item set use-coredump-filter on
11441 @itemx set use-coredump-filter off
11442 Enable or disable the use of the file
11443 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating core dump
11444 files. This file is used by the Linux kernel to decide what types of
11445 memory mappings will be dumped or ignored when generating a core dump
11446 file. @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process.
11447
11448 To make use of this feature, you have to write in the
11449 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file a value, in hexadecimal,
11450 which is a bit mask representing the memory mapping types. If a bit
11451 is set in the bit mask, then the memory mappings of the corresponding
11452 types will be dumped; otherwise, they will be ignored. This
11453 configuration is inherited by child processes. For more information
11454 about the bits that can be set in the
11455 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file, please refer to the
11456 manpage of @code{core(5)}.
11457
11458 By default, this option is @code{on}. If this option is turned
11459 @code{off}, @value{GDBN} does not read the @file{coredump_filter} file
11460 and instead uses the same default value as the Linux kernel in order
11461 to decide which pages will be dumped in the core dump file. This
11462 value is currently @code{0x33}, which means that bits @code{0}
11463 (anonymous private mappings), @code{1} (anonymous shared mappings),
11464 @code{4} (ELF headers) and @code{5} (private huge pages) are active.
11465 This will cause these memory mappings to be dumped automatically.
11466 @end table
11467
11468 @node Character Sets
11469 @section Character Sets
11470 @cindex character sets
11471 @cindex charset
11472 @cindex translating between character sets
11473 @cindex host character set
11474 @cindex target character set
11475
11476 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
11477 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
11478 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
11479 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
11480 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
11481 @dfn{target character set}.
11482
11483 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
11484 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
11485 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
11486 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
11487 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
11488 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
11489 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
11490 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
11491 character and string literals in expressions.
11492
11493 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
11494 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
11495 target-charset} command, described below.
11496
11497 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
11498 support:
11499
11500 @table @code
11501 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
11502 @kindex set target-charset
11503 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
11504 list of supported target character sets, type
11505 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
11506
11507 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
11508 @kindex set host-charset
11509 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
11510
11511 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
11512 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
11513 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
11514 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
11515 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
11516
11517 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
11518 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
11519 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
11520
11521 @item set charset @var{charset}
11522 @kindex set charset
11523 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
11524 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
11525 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
11526 for both host and target.
11527
11528 @item show charset
11529 @kindex show charset
11530 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
11531
11532 @item show host-charset
11533 @kindex show host-charset
11534 Show the name of the current host character set.
11535
11536 @item show target-charset
11537 @kindex show target-charset
11538 Show the name of the current target character set.
11539
11540 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
11541 @kindex set target-wide-charset
11542 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
11543 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
11544 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
11545 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
11546
11547 @item show target-wide-charset
11548 @kindex show target-wide-charset
11549 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
11550 @end table
11551
11552 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
11553 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
11554 @file{charset-test.c}:
11555
11556 @smallexample
11557 #include <stdio.h>
11558
11559 char ascii_hello[]
11560 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
11561 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
11562 char ibm1047_hello[]
11563 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
11564 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
11565
11566 main ()
11567 @{
11568 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11569 @}
11570 @end smallexample
11571
11572 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
11573 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
11574 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
11575
11576 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
11577
11578 @smallexample
11579 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
11580 $ gdb -nw charset-test
11581 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
11582 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
11583 @dots{}
11584 (@value{GDBP})
11585 @end smallexample
11586
11587 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
11588 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
11589 strings:
11590
11591 @smallexample
11592 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11593 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
11594 (@value{GDBP})
11595 @end smallexample
11596
11597 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
11598 initial character set:
11599 @smallexample
11600 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
11601 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11602 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
11603 (@value{GDBP})
11604 @end smallexample
11605
11606 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
11607 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
11608 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
11609 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
11610 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
11611
11612 @smallexample
11613 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
11614 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
11615 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
11616 $2 = 72 'H'
11617 (@value{GDBP})
11618 @end smallexample
11619
11620 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
11621 literals you use in expressions:
11622
11623 @smallexample
11624 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
11625 $3 = 43 '+'
11626 (@value{GDBP})
11627 @end smallexample
11628
11629 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
11630 character.
11631
11632 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
11633 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
11634 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
11635
11636 @smallexample
11637 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
11638 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
11639 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
11640 $5 = 200 '\310'
11641 (@value{GDBP})
11642 @end smallexample
11643
11644 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
11645 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
11646
11647 @smallexample
11648 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
11649 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
11650 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
11651 @end smallexample
11652
11653 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
11654 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
11655 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
11656 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
11657 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
11658
11659 @smallexample
11660 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
11661 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11662 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
11663 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
11664 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
11665 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
11666 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
11667 $7 = 72 '\110'
11668 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
11669 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
11670 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
11671 $9 = 200 'H'
11672 (@value{GDBP})
11673 @end smallexample
11674
11675 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
11676 string literals you use in expressions:
11677
11678 @smallexample
11679 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
11680 $10 = 78 '+'
11681 (@value{GDBP})
11682 @end smallexample
11683
11684 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
11685 character.
11686
11687 @node Caching Target Data
11688 @section Caching Data of Targets
11689 @cindex caching data of targets
11690
11691 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a target.
11692 Each cache is associated with the address space of the inferior.
11693 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}, about inferior and address space.
11694 Such caching generally improves performance in remote debugging
11695 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), because it reduces the overhead of the
11696 remote protocol by bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks.
11697 Unfortunately, simply caching everything would lead to incorrect results,
11698 since @value{GDBN} does not necessarily know anything about volatile
11699 values, memory-mapped I/O addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode
11700 (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command
11701 is executing.
11702 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
11703 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
11704 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
11705 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
11706 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.} or
11707 in the code segment.
11708 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
11709 cacheable; @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
11710
11711 @table @code
11712 @kindex set remotecache
11713 @item set remotecache on
11714 @itemx set remotecache off
11715 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
11716 with old scripts.
11717
11718 @kindex show remotecache
11719 @item show remotecache
11720 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
11721
11722 @kindex set stack-cache
11723 @item set stack-cache on
11724 @itemx set stack-cache off
11725 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{on}, use
11726 caching. By default, this option is @code{on}.
11727
11728 @kindex show stack-cache
11729 @item show stack-cache
11730 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
11731
11732 @kindex set code-cache
11733 @item set code-cache on
11734 @itemx set code-cache off
11735 Enable or disable caching of code segment accesses. When @code{on},
11736 use caching. By default, this option is @code{on}. This improves
11737 performance of disassembly in remote debugging.
11738
11739 @kindex show code-cache
11740 @item show code-cache
11741 Show the current state of target memory cache for code segment
11742 accesses.
11743
11744 @kindex info dcache
11745 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
11746 Print the information about the performance of data cache of the
11747 current inferior's address space. The information displayed
11748 includes the dcache width and depth, and for each cache line, its
11749 number, address, and how many times it was referenced. This
11750 command is useful for debugging the data cache operation.
11751
11752 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
11753 printed in hex.
11754
11755 @item set dcache size @var{size}
11756 @cindex dcache size
11757 @kindex set dcache size
11758 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
11759
11760 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
11761 @cindex dcache line-size
11762 @kindex set dcache line-size
11763 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
11764 Must be a power of 2.
11765
11766 @item show dcache size
11767 @kindex show dcache size
11768 Show maximum number of dcache entries. @xref{Caching Target Data, info dcache}.
11769
11770 @item show dcache line-size
11771 @kindex show dcache line-size
11772 Show default size of dcache lines.
11773
11774 @end table
11775
11776 @node Searching Memory
11777 @section Search Memory
11778 @cindex searching memory
11779
11780 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
11781 @code{find} command.
11782
11783 @table @code
11784 @kindex find
11785 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
11786 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
11787 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
11788 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
11789 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
11790 @end table
11791
11792 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
11793 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
11794
11795 @table @r
11796 @item @var{s}, search query size
11797 The size of each search query value.
11798
11799 @table @code
11800 @item b
11801 bytes
11802 @item h
11803 halfwords (two bytes)
11804 @item w
11805 words (four bytes)
11806 @item g
11807 giant words (eight bytes)
11808 @end table
11809
11810 All values are interpreted in the current language.
11811 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
11812 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
11813
11814 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
11815 value's type in the current language.
11816 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
11817 pattern as a mixture of types.
11818 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
11819 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
11820 which is typically four bytes.
11821
11822 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
11823 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
11824 @end table
11825
11826 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
11827 (@code{"}).
11828 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
11829 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
11830
11831 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
11832 number of matches found.
11833
11834 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
11835 @samp{$_}.
11836 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
11837
11838 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
11839
11840 @smallexample
11841 void
11842 hello ()
11843 @{
11844 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
11845 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
11846 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
11847 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
11848 printf ("%s\n", hello);
11849 @}
11850 @end smallexample
11851
11852 @noindent
11853 you get during debugging:
11854
11855 @smallexample
11856 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
11857 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11858 1 pattern found
11859 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
11860 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11861 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11862 2 patterns found
11863 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
11864 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11865 1 pattern found
11866 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
11867 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
11868 1 pattern found
11869 (gdb) print $numfound
11870 $1 = 1
11871 (gdb) print $_
11872 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
11873 @end smallexample
11874
11875 @node Value Sizes
11876 @section Value Sizes
11877
11878 Whenever @value{GDBN} prints a value memory will be allocated within
11879 @value{GDBN} to hold the contents of the value. It is possible in
11880 some languages with dynamic typing systems, that an invalid program
11881 may indicate a value that is incorrectly large, this in turn may cause
11882 @value{GDBN} to try and allocate an overly large ammount of memory.
11883
11884 @table @code
11885 @kindex set max-value-size
11886 @item set max-value-size @var{bytes}
11887 @itemx set max-value-size unlimited
11888 Set the maximum size of memory that @value{GDBN} will allocate for the
11889 contents of a value to @var{bytes}, trying to display a value that
11890 requires more memory than that will result in an error.
11891
11892 Setting this variable does not effect values that have already been
11893 allocated within @value{GDBN}, only future allocations.
11894
11895 There's a minimum size that @code{max-value-size} can be set to in
11896 order that @value{GDBN} can still operate correctly, this minimum is
11897 currently 16 bytes.
11898
11899 The limit applies to the results of some subexpressions as well as to
11900 complete expressions. For example, an expression denoting a simple
11901 integer component, such as @code{x.y.z}, may fail if the size of
11902 @var{x.y} is dynamic and exceeds @var{bytes}. On the other hand,
11903 @value{GDBN} is sometimes clever; the expression @code{A[i]}, where
11904 @var{A} is an array variable with non-constant size, will generally
11905 succeed regardless of the bounds on @var{A}, as long as the component
11906 size is less than @var{bytes}.
11907
11908 The default value of @code{max-value-size} is currently 64k.
11909
11910 @kindex show max-value-size
11911 @item show max-value-size
11912 Show the maximum size of memory, in bytes, that @value{GDBN} will
11913 allocate for the contents of a value.
11914 @end table
11915
11916 @node Optimized Code
11917 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
11918 @cindex optimized code, debugging
11919 @cindex debugging optimized code
11920
11921 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
11922 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
11923 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
11924 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
11925 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
11926 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
11927 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
11928
11929 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
11930 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
11931 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
11932 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
11933
11934 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
11935 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
11936 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
11937 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
11938 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
11939 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
11940
11941 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
11942 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
11943 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
11944 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
11945 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
11946
11947 @menu
11948 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
11949 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
11950 @end menu
11951
11952 @node Inline Functions
11953 @section Inline Functions
11954 @cindex inline functions, debugging
11955
11956 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
11957 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
11958 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
11959 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
11960 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
11961 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
11962 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
11963 @code{info frame} command.
11964
11965 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
11966 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
11967 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
11968 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
11969 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
11970 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
11971 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
11972 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
11973 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
11974 local variables in the caller.
11975
11976 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
11977 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
11978 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
11979 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
11980 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
11981 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
11982 instructions are executed.
11983
11984 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
11985 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
11986 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
11987 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
11988
11989 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
11990 function calls are the same as normal calls:
11991
11992 @itemize @bullet
11993 @item
11994 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
11995 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
11996 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
11997 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
11998 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
11999 or inside the inlined function instead.
12000
12001 @item
12002 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
12003 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
12004 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
12005 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
12006
12007 @end itemize
12008
12009 @node Tail Call Frames
12010 @section Tail Call Frames
12011 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
12012
12013 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
12014 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
12015 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
12016 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
12017 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
12018
12019 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
12020 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
12021 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
12022 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
12023 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
12024 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
12025 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
12026
12027 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
12028 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
12029 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
12030 this information.
12031
12032 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
12033 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
12034
12035 @smallexample
12036 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
12037 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
12038 (gdb) info frame
12039 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
12040 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
12041 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
12042 source language c++.
12043 Arglist at unknown address.
12044 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
12045 @end smallexample
12046
12047 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
12048 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
12049 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
12050 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
12051 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
12052 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
12053
12054 @table @code
12055 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
12056 @item set debug entry-values
12057 @kindex set debug entry-values
12058 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
12059 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
12060 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
12061 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
12062 result.
12063
12064 @item show debug entry-values
12065 @kindex show debug entry-values
12066 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
12067 values at function entry and tail calls.
12068 @end table
12069
12070 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
12071 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
12072 reference by variable @code{x}):
12073
12074 @smallexample
12075 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
12076 void (*x) (void) = c;
12077 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12078 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
12079 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
12080
12081 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving cannot find
12082 DW_TAG_GNU_call_site 0x40039a in main
12083 a () at t.c:3
12084 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12085 (gdb) bt
12086 #0 a () at t.c:3
12087 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
12088 @end smallexample
12089
12090 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
12091
12092 @smallexample
12093 int i;
12094 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
12095 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
12096 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
12097 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
12098 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
12099 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
12100 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
12101 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
12102
12103 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
12104 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
12105 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
12106 (gdb) bt
12107 #0 f () at t.c:2
12108 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
12109 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
12110 @end smallexample
12111
12112 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
12113 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
12114
12115 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
12116 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12117 @set ARROW @click{}
12118 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
12119 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
12120 @end ifset
12121 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12122 @set ARROW ->
12123 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
12124 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
12125 @end ifclear
12126
12127 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
12128 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
12129 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
12130
12131 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
12132 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
12133 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
12134 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
12135 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
12136 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
12137
12138 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
12139 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
12140 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
12141 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
12142 omitted.
12143
12144 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
12145 entry may fail:
12146
12147 @smallexample
12148 int v;
12149 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
12150 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
12151 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
12152 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
12153 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
12154 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
12155
12156 (gdb) bt
12157 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
12158 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving has found
12159 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
12160 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
12161 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
12162 @end smallexample
12163
12164 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
12165 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
12166 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
12167 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
12168 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
12169
12170 @node Macros
12171 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
12172
12173 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
12174 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
12175 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
12176 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
12177 where it was defined.
12178
12179 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
12180 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
12181 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
12182 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
12183
12184 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
12185 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
12186 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
12187 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
12188 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
12189 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
12190 see @ref{List}.
12191
12192 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
12193 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
12194 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
12195
12196 @table @code
12197
12198 @kindex macro expand
12199 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
12200 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
12201 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
12202 @item macro expand @var{expression}
12203 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
12204 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
12205 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
12206 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
12207 it can be any string of tokens.
12208
12209 @kindex macro exp1
12210 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
12211 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
12212 @cindex expand macro once
12213 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
12214 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
12215 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
12216 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
12217 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
12218 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
12219 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
12220 can be any string of tokens.
12221
12222 @kindex info macro
12223 @cindex macro definition, showing
12224 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
12225 @cindex macros, from debug info
12226 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
12227 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
12228 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
12229 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
12230 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
12231 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
12232
12233 @kindex info macros
12234 @item info macros @var{location}
12235 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
12236 by @var{location}, and describe the source location or compiler
12237 command-line where those definitions were established.
12238
12239 @kindex macro define
12240 @cindex user-defined macros
12241 @cindex defining macros interactively
12242 @cindex macros, user-defined
12243 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
12244 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
12245 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
12246 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
12247 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
12248 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
12249 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
12250 @var{arglist}.
12251
12252 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
12253 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
12254 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
12255 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
12256 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
12257
12258 @kindex macro undef
12259 @item macro undef @var{macro}
12260 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
12261 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
12262 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
12263 in the program being debugged.
12264
12265 @kindex macro list
12266 @item macro list
12267 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
12268 @end table
12269
12270 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
12271 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
12272 show our source files:
12273
12274 @smallexample
12275 $ cat sample.c
12276 #include <stdio.h>
12277 #include "sample.h"
12278
12279 #define M 42
12280 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12281
12282 main ()
12283 @{
12284 #define N 28
12285 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12286 #undef N
12287 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12288 #define N 1729
12289 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12290 @}
12291 $ cat sample.h
12292 #define Q <
12293 $
12294 @end smallexample
12295
12296 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
12297 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
12298 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
12299 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
12300 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
12301 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
12302 information.
12303
12304 @smallexample
12305 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
12306 $
12307 @end smallexample
12308
12309 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
12310
12311 @smallexample
12312 $ gdb -nw sample
12313 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
12314 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
12315 GDB is free software, @dots{}
12316 (@value{GDBP})
12317 @end smallexample
12318
12319 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
12320 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
12321 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
12322
12323 @smallexample
12324 (@value{GDBP}) list main
12325 3
12326 4 #define M 42
12327 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12328 6
12329 7 main ()
12330 8 @{
12331 9 #define N 28
12332 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12333 11 #undef N
12334 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12335 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
12336 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
12337 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12338 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
12339 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
12340 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
12341 #define Q <
12342 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
12343 expands to: (42 + 1)
12344 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
12345 expands to: once (M + 1)
12346 (@value{GDBP})
12347 @end smallexample
12348
12349 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
12350 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
12351 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
12352 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
12353
12354 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
12355 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
12356
12357 @smallexample
12358 (@value{GDBP}) break main
12359 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
12360 (@value{GDBP}) run
12361 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
12362
12363 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
12364 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12365 (@value{GDBP})
12366 @end smallexample
12367
12368 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
12369
12370 @smallexample
12371 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12372 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
12373 #define N 28
12374 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12375 expands to: 28 < 42
12376 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12377 $1 = 1
12378 (@value{GDBP})
12379 @end smallexample
12380
12381 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
12382 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
12383 thereof) in force at each point:
12384
12385 @smallexample
12386 (@value{GDBP}) next
12387 Hello, world!
12388 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12389 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12390 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
12391 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
12392 (@value{GDBP}) next
12393 We're so creative.
12394 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12395 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12396 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
12397 #define N 1729
12398 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12399 expands to: 1729 < 42
12400 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12401 $2 = 0
12402 (@value{GDBP})
12403 @end smallexample
12404
12405 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
12406 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
12407 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
12408 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
12409
12410 @smallexample
12411 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
12412 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
12413 -D__STDC__=1
12414 (@value{GDBP})
12415 @end smallexample
12416
12417
12418 @node Tracepoints
12419 @chapter Tracepoints
12420 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
12421 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
12422
12423 @cindex tracepoints
12424 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
12425 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
12426 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
12427 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
12428 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
12429 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
12430 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
12431
12432 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
12433 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
12434 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
12435 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
12436 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
12437 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
12438 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
12439 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
12440 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
12441 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
12442 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
12443
12444 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
12445 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
12446 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
12447 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
12448 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
12449 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
12450 Packets}.
12451
12452 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
12453 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
12454 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
12455
12456 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
12457
12458 @menu
12459 * Set Tracepoints::
12460 * Analyze Collected Data::
12461 * Tracepoint Variables::
12462 * Trace Files::
12463 @end menu
12464
12465 @node Set Tracepoints
12466 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
12467
12468 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
12469 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
12470 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
12471 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
12472 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
12473 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
12474 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
12475
12476 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
12477 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
12478 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
12479 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
12480 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
12481 tracepoint was hit.
12482
12483 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
12484 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
12485 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
12486 either.
12487
12488 @cindex fast tracepoints
12489 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
12490 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
12491 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
12492
12493 @cindex static tracepoints
12494 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
12495 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
12496 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
12497 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
12498 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
12499 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
12500 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
12501 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
12502 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
12503 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
12504 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
12505 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
12506 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
12507 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
12508 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
12509 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
12510 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
12511 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
12512 static tracepoint marker.
12513
12514 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
12515 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
12516
12517 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
12518 conditions and actions.
12519
12520 @menu
12521 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
12522 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
12523 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
12524 * Tracepoint Conditions::
12525 * Trace State Variables::
12526 * Tracepoint Actions::
12527 * Listing Tracepoints::
12528 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
12529 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
12530 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
12531 @end menu
12532
12533 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
12534 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
12535
12536 @table @code
12537 @cindex set tracepoint
12538 @kindex trace
12539 @item trace @var{location}
12540 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
12541 Its argument @var{location} can be any valid location.
12542 @xref{Specify Location}. The @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint,
12543 which is a point in the target program where the debugger will briefly stop,
12544 collect some data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint
12545 or changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
12546 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
12547 in tracing}).
12548 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
12549 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
12550 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
12551 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
12552 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
12553 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
12554 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
12555 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
12556 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
12557 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
12558 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
12559 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
12560
12561 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
12562
12563 @smallexample
12564 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
12565
12566 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
12567
12568 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
12569
12570 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
12571
12572 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
12573 @end smallexample
12574
12575 @noindent
12576 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
12577
12578 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
12579 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
12580 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
12581 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
12582 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
12583 information on tracepoint conditions.
12584
12585 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
12586 @cindex set fast tracepoint
12587 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
12588 @kindex ftrace
12589 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
12590 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
12591 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
12592 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
12593 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
12594 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
12595 message.
12596
12597 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
12598 @code{trace}.
12599
12600 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
12601 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
12602 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
12603 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
12604 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
12605 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
12606 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
12607 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
12608
12609 @example
12610 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
12611 @end example
12612
12613 @noindent
12614 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
12615 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
12616
12617 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
12618 @cindex set static tracepoint
12619 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
12620 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
12621 @kindex strace
12622 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
12623 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
12624 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
12625 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
12626 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
12627
12628 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
12629 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
12630 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
12631 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
12632 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
12633 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
12634 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
12635 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
12636 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
12637 tracing engine:
12638
12639 @smallexample
12640 main ()
12641 @{
12642 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
12643 @}
12644 @end smallexample
12645
12646 @noindent
12647 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
12648 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
12649
12650 @smallexample
12651 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
12652 Cnt Enb ID Address What
12653 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
12654 Data: "str %s"
12655 [etc...]
12656 @end smallexample
12657
12658 @noindent
12659 so you may probe the marker above with:
12660
12661 @smallexample
12662 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
12663 @end smallexample
12664
12665 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
12666 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
12667 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
12668 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
12669 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
12670 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
12671 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
12672 the @samp{Data:} field.
12673
12674 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
12675 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
12676 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
12677
12678 @vindex $tpnum
12679 @cindex last tracepoint number
12680 @cindex recent tracepoint number
12681 @cindex tracepoint number
12682 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
12683 of the most recently set tracepoint.
12684
12685 @kindex delete tracepoint
12686 @cindex tracepoint deletion
12687 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12688 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
12689 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
12690 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
12691
12692 Examples:
12693
12694 @smallexample
12695 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
12696
12697 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
12698 @end smallexample
12699
12700 @noindent
12701 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
12702 @end table
12703
12704 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
12705 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
12706
12707 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
12708
12709 @table @code
12710 @kindex disable tracepoint
12711 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12712 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
12713 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
12714 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
12715 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
12716 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
12717 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
12718 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
12719 next trace experiment.
12720
12721 @kindex enable tracepoint
12722 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12723 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
12724 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
12725 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
12726 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
12727 next time a trace experiment is run.
12728 @end table
12729
12730 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
12731 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
12732
12733 @table @code
12734 @kindex passcount
12735 @cindex tracepoint pass count
12736 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
12737 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
12738 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
12739 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
12740 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
12741 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
12742 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
12743 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
12744 user.
12745
12746 Examples:
12747
12748 @smallexample
12749 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
12750 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
12751
12752 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
12753 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
12754 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
12755 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
12756 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
12757 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
12758 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
12759 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
12760 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
12761 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
12762 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
12763 @end smallexample
12764 @end table
12765
12766 @node Tracepoint Conditions
12767 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
12768 @cindex conditional tracepoints
12769 @cindex tracepoint conditions
12770
12771 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
12772 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
12773 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
12774 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
12775 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
12776 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
12777 is true.
12778
12779 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
12780 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
12781 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
12782 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
12783 just as with breakpoints.
12784
12785 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
12786 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
12787 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
12788 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
12789 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
12790 accesses, and so forth.
12791
12792 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
12793 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
12794 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
12795 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
12796 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
12797 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
12798 search through.
12799
12800 @smallexample
12801 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
12802 @end smallexample
12803
12804 @node Trace State Variables
12805 @subsection Trace State Variables
12806 @cindex trace state variables
12807
12808 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
12809 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
12810 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
12811 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
12812 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
12813 integers.
12814
12815 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
12816 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
12817 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
12818 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
12819
12820 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
12821 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
12822 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
12823 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
12824 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
12825 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
12826 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
12827 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
12828 variable with the same name.
12829
12830 @table @code
12831
12832 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
12833 @kindex tvariable
12834 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
12835 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
12836 @var{expression}. The @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
12837 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
12838 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
12839 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
12840 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
12841 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
12842 value. The default initial value is 0.
12843
12844 @item info tvariables
12845 @kindex info tvariables
12846 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
12847 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
12848 currently running.
12849
12850 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
12851 @kindex delete tvariable
12852 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
12853 are specified.
12854
12855 @end table
12856
12857 @node Tracepoint Actions
12858 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
12859
12860 @table @code
12861 @kindex actions
12862 @cindex tracepoint actions
12863 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12864 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
12865 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
12866 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
12867 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
12868 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
12869 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
12870 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
12871 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
12872 @code{while-stepping}.
12873
12874 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
12875 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
12876 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
12877
12878 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
12879 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
12880 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
12881
12882 @smallexample
12883 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
12884
12885 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
12886
12887 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
12888 @end smallexample
12889
12890 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
12891 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
12892 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
12893 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
12894 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
12895 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
12896 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
12897 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
12898
12899 @smallexample
12900 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
12901 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12902 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
12903 > collect bar,baz
12904 > collect $regs
12905 > while-stepping 12
12906 > collect $pc, arr[i]
12907 > end
12908 end
12909 @end smallexample
12910
12911 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
12912 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12913 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
12914 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
12915 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
12916 special arguments are supported:
12917
12918 @table @code
12919 @item $regs
12920 Collect all registers.
12921
12922 @item $args
12923 Collect all function arguments.
12924
12925 @item $locals
12926 Collect all local variables.
12927
12928 @item $_ret
12929 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
12930 of a backtrace.
12931
12932 @emph{Note:} The return address location can not always be reliably
12933 determined up front, and the wrong address / registers may end up
12934 collected instead. On some architectures the reliability is higher
12935 for tracepoints at function entry, while on others it's the opposite.
12936 When this happens, backtracing will stop because the return address is
12937 found unavailable (unless another collect rule happened to match it).
12938
12939 @item $_probe_argc
12940 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
12941 tracepoint is located.
12942 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
12943
12944 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
12945 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
12946 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
12947 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
12948
12949 @item $_sdata
12950 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
12951 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
12952 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
12953 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
12954 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
12955 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
12956 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
12957 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
12958 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
12959
12960 @smallexample
12961 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
12962 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
12963 @end smallexample
12964
12965 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
12966 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
12967 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
12968 @value{GDBN}.
12969 @end table
12970
12971 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
12972 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
12973 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
12974
12975 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
12976 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
12977 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
12978 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
12979 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
12980 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
12981 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
12982 @samp{mystr}.
12983
12984 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
12985 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
12986
12987 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
12988 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12989 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
12990 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
12991 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
12992 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
12993 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
12994 action were used.
12995
12996 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
12997 @item while-stepping @var{n}
12998 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
12999 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
13000 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
13001 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
13002
13003 @smallexample
13004 > while-stepping 12
13005 > collect $regs, myglobal
13006 > end
13007 >
13008 @end smallexample
13009
13010 @noindent
13011 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
13012 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
13013 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
13014 @code{stepping}.
13015
13016 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13017 @kindex set default-collect
13018 @cindex default collection action
13019 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
13020 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
13021 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
13022 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
13023 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
13024 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
13025
13026 @item show default-collect
13027 @kindex show default-collect
13028 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
13029 tracepoint hit.
13030
13031 @end table
13032
13033 @node Listing Tracepoints
13034 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
13035
13036 @table @code
13037 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13038 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13039 @cindex information about tracepoints
13040 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
13041 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
13042 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
13043 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
13044 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
13045 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
13046
13047 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
13048 tracing:
13049
13050 @itemize @bullet
13051 @item
13052 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
13053
13054 @item
13055 the state about installed on target of each location
13056 @end itemize
13057
13058 @smallexample
13059 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
13060 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
13061 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
13062 while-stepping 20
13063 collect globfoo, $regs
13064 end
13065 collect globfoo2
13066 end
13067 pass count 1200
13068 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
13069 collect $eip
13070 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13071 installed on target
13072 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13073 installed on target
13074 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
13075 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
13076 not installed on target
13077 (@value{GDBP})
13078 @end smallexample
13079
13080 @noindent
13081 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
13082 @end table
13083
13084 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13085 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13086
13087 @table @code
13088 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
13089 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
13090 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
13091 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
13092 program.
13093
13094 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
13095
13096 @table @emph
13097 @item Count
13098 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
13099 stable identifier.
13100 @item ID
13101 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
13102 @item Enabled or Disabled
13103 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
13104 that are not enabled.
13105 @item Address
13106 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
13107 @item What
13108 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
13109 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
13110 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
13111 will be left blank.
13112 @end table
13113
13114 @noindent
13115 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
13116
13117 @table @emph
13118 @item Data
13119 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
13120 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
13121 marker call.
13122 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
13123 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
13124 @end table
13125
13126 @smallexample
13127 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
13128 Cnt ID Enb Address What
13129 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
13130 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
13131 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
13132 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
13133 Data: str %s
13134 (@value{GDBP})
13135 @end smallexample
13136 @end table
13137
13138 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13139 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13140
13141 @table @code
13142 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
13143 @cindex start a new trace experiment
13144 @cindex collected data discarded
13145 @item tstart
13146 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
13147 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
13148 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
13149 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
13150 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
13151 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
13152 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
13153 information, and so forth.
13154
13155 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
13156 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
13157 @item tstop
13158 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
13159 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
13160 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
13161 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
13162 needs to be stopped quickly.
13163
13164 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
13165 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
13166 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
13167
13168 @kindex tstatus
13169 @cindex status of trace data collection
13170 @cindex trace experiment, status of
13171 @item tstatus
13172 This command displays the status of the current trace data
13173 collection.
13174 @end table
13175
13176 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
13177
13178 @smallexample
13179 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
13180 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13181 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
13182 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
13183 > while-stepping 11
13184 > collect $regs
13185 > end
13186 > end
13187 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13188 [time passes @dots{}]
13189 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
13190 @end smallexample
13191
13192 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
13193 @cindex disconnected tracing
13194 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
13195 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
13196 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
13197 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
13198 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
13199 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
13200 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
13201 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
13202
13203 @table @code
13204 @item set disconnected-tracing on
13205 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
13206 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
13207 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
13208 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
13209 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
13210 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
13211 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
13212
13213 @item show disconnected-tracing
13214 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
13215 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
13216
13217 @end table
13218
13219 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
13220 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
13221 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
13222 it will continue after reconnection.
13223
13224 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
13225 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
13226 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
13227 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
13228 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
13229 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
13230 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
13231 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
13232 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
13233 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
13234
13235 @cindex circular trace buffer
13236 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
13237 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
13238 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
13239 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
13240 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
13241 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
13242 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
13243 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
13244 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
13245 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
13246 the next run.
13247
13248 @table @code
13249 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
13250 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
13251 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
13252 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
13253 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
13254 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
13255 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
13256
13257 @item show circular-trace-buffer
13258 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
13259 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
13260 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
13261 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
13262 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
13263
13264 @end table
13265
13266 @table @code
13267 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
13268 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
13269 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
13270 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
13271 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
13272 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
13273 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
13274 likes. This is also the default.
13275
13276 @item show trace-buffer-size
13277 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
13278 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
13279 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
13280 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
13281 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
13282 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
13283 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
13284 @end table
13285
13286 @table @code
13287 @item set trace-user @var{text}
13288 @kindex set trace-user
13289
13290 @item show trace-user
13291 @kindex show trace-user
13292
13293 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
13294 @kindex set trace-notes
13295 Set the trace run's notes.
13296
13297 @item show trace-notes
13298 @kindex show trace-notes
13299 Show the trace run's notes.
13300
13301 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
13302 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
13303 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
13304 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
13305 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
13306
13307 @item show trace-stop-notes
13308 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
13309 Show the trace run's stop notes.
13310
13311 @end table
13312
13313 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
13314 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
13315
13316 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
13317 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
13318 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
13319 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
13320 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
13321 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
13322 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
13323 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
13324 mentioned here.
13325
13326 @itemize @bullet
13327
13328 @item
13329 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
13330 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
13331 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
13332 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
13333 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
13334 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
13335 cannot be collected either.
13336
13337 @item
13338 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
13339 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
13340 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
13341 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
13342 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
13343 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
13344 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
13345 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
13346 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
13347 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
13348
13349 @item
13350 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
13351 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
13352 in a misleading way.
13353
13354 @item
13355 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
13356 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
13357 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
13358 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
13359 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
13360 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
13361 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
13362 by @code{ptr}.
13363
13364 @item
13365 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
13366 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
13367 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
13368 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
13369 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
13370 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
13371 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
13372 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
13373 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
13374 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
13375 invalid address.
13376
13377 @item
13378 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
13379 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
13380 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
13381 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
13382 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
13383 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
13384 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
13385 it to zero.
13386
13387 @end itemize
13388
13389 @node Analyze Collected Data
13390 @section Using the Collected Data
13391
13392 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
13393 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
13394 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
13395 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
13396 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
13397 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
13398 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
13399 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
13400 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
13401 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
13402 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
13403 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
13404 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
13405 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
13406 the buffer will fail.
13407
13408 @menu
13409 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
13410 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
13411 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
13412 @end menu
13413
13414 @node tfind
13415 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
13416
13417 @kindex tfind
13418 @cindex select trace snapshot
13419 @cindex find trace snapshot
13420 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
13421 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
13422 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
13423 snapshot is selected.
13424
13425 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
13426
13427 @table @code
13428 @item tfind start
13429 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
13430 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
13431
13432 @item tfind none
13433 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
13434
13435 @item tfind end
13436 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
13437
13438 @item tfind
13439 No argument means find the next trace snapshot or find the first
13440 one if no trace snapshot is selected.
13441
13442 @item tfind -
13443 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
13444 retracing earlier steps.
13445
13446 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
13447 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
13448 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
13449 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
13450 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
13451
13452 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
13453 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
13454 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
13455 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
13456 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
13457
13458 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13459 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
13460 addresses (exclusive).
13461
13462 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13463 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
13464 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
13465
13466 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
13467 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
13468 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
13469 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
13470 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
13471 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
13472 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
13473 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
13474 @end table
13475
13476 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
13477 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
13478 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
13479 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
13480 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
13481 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
13482 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
13483 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
13484 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
13485 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
13486 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
13487 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
13488 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
13489 tracepoint as the current one.
13490
13491 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
13492 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
13493 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
13494 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
13495 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
13496
13497 @smallexample
13498 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13499 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
13500 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
13501 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
13502 > tfind
13503 > end
13504
13505 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
13506 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
13507 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
13508 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
13509 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
13510 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
13511 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
13512 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
13513 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
13514 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
13515 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
13516 @end smallexample
13517
13518 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
13519 the buffer:
13520
13521 @smallexample
13522 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13523 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
13524 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
13525 > tfind line
13526 > end
13527
13528 Frame 0, X = 1
13529 Frame 7, X = 2
13530 Frame 13, X = 255
13531 @end smallexample
13532
13533 @node tdump
13534 @subsection @code{tdump}
13535 @kindex tdump
13536 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
13537 @cindex tracepoint data, display
13538
13539 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
13540 the current trace snapshot.
13541
13542 @smallexample
13543 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
13544 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13545 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
13546 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
13547 > end
13548
13549 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13550
13551 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
13552 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
13553 at gdb_test.c:444
13554 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
13555
13556 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
13557 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
13558 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
13559 d1 0x18 24
13560 d2 0x80 128
13561 d3 0x33 51
13562 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
13563 d5 0x22 34
13564 d6 0xe0 224
13565 d7 0x380035 3670069
13566 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
13567 a1 0x3000668 50333288
13568 a2 0x100 256
13569 a3 0x322000 3284992
13570 a4 0x3000698 50333336
13571 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
13572 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
13573 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
13574 ps 0x0 0
13575 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
13576 fpcontrol 0x0 0
13577 fpstatus 0x0 0
13578 fpiaddr 0x0 0
13579 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
13580 p1 = (void *) 0x11
13581 p2 = (void *) 0x22
13582 p3 = (void *) 0x33
13583 p4 = (void *) 0x44
13584 p5 = (void *) 0x55
13585 p6 = (void *) 0x66
13586 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
13587
13588 (@value{GDBP})
13589 @end smallexample
13590
13591 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
13592 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
13593 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
13594 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
13595
13596 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
13597 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
13598 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
13599 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
13600 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
13601 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
13602 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
13603 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
13604 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
13605 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
13606
13607 @node save tracepoints
13608 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
13609 @kindex save tracepoints
13610 @kindex save-tracepoints
13611 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
13612
13613 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
13614 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
13615 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
13616 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
13617 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
13618 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
13619
13620 @node Tracepoint Variables
13621 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
13622 @cindex tracepoint variables
13623 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
13624
13625 @table @code
13626 @vindex $trace_frame
13627 @item (int) $trace_frame
13628 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
13629 snapshot is selected.
13630
13631 @vindex $tracepoint
13632 @item (int) $tracepoint
13633 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
13634
13635 @vindex $trace_line
13636 @item (int) $trace_line
13637 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
13638
13639 @vindex $trace_file
13640 @item (char []) $trace_file
13641 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
13642
13643 @vindex $trace_func
13644 @item (char []) $trace_func
13645 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
13646 @end table
13647
13648 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
13649 use @code{output} instead.
13650
13651 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
13652 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
13653 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
13654 which are managed by the target.
13655
13656 @smallexample
13657 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13658
13659 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
13660 > output $trace_file
13661 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
13662 > tfind
13663 > end
13664 @end smallexample
13665
13666 @node Trace Files
13667 @section Using Trace Files
13668 @cindex trace files
13669
13670 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
13671 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
13672 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
13673 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
13674 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
13675
13676 @table @code
13677
13678 @kindex tsave
13679 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
13680 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
13681 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
13682 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
13683 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
13684 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
13685 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
13686 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
13687 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
13688 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
13689 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
13690 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save data in CTF
13691 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
13692 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
13693 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
13694
13695 @kindex target tfile
13696 @kindex tfile
13697 @kindex target ctf
13698 @kindex ctf
13699 @item target tfile @var{filename}
13700 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
13701 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
13702 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
13703 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
13704 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
13705 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
13706 Both @var{filename} and @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
13707 the host.
13708
13709 @smallexample
13710 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
13711 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
13712 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
13713 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
13714 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
13715 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
13716 i = 0
13717 a = 0
13718 b = 1 '\001'
13719 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
13720 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
13721 (@value{GDBP}) p b
13722 $1 = 1
13723 @end smallexample
13724
13725 @end table
13726
13727 @node Overlays
13728 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
13729 @cindex overlays
13730
13731 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
13732 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
13733 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
13734 use overlays.
13735
13736 @menu
13737 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
13738 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
13739 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
13740 mapped by asking the inferior.
13741 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
13742 @end menu
13743
13744 @node How Overlays Work
13745 @section How Overlays Work
13746 @cindex mapped overlays
13747 @cindex unmapped overlays
13748 @cindex load address, overlay's
13749 @cindex mapped address
13750 @cindex overlay area
13751
13752 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
13753 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
13754 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
13755 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
13756 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
13757
13758 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
13759 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
13760 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
13761 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
13762 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
13763 largest overlay as well.
13764
13765 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
13766 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
13767 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
13768 there.
13769
13770 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
13771 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
13772 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
13773
13774 @smallexample
13775 @group
13776 Data Instruction Larger
13777 Address Space Address Space Address Space
13778 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
13779 | | | | | |
13780 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
13781 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
13782 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
13783 | and heap | | | | | |
13784 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
13785 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
13786 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
13787 | | | | | |
13788 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
13789 address | | | | | |
13790 | overlay | <-' | | |
13791 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
13792 | | <---. | | load address
13793 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
13794 | | | |
13795 +-----------+ | |
13796 +-----------+
13797 | |
13798 +-----------+
13799
13800 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
13801 @end group
13802 @end smallexample
13803
13804 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
13805 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
13806 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
13807 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
13808 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
13809 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
13810 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
13811 program and the overlay area.
13812
13813 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
13814 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
13815 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
13816 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
13817 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
13818 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
13819 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
13820
13821 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
13822 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
13823 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
13824
13825 @itemize @bullet
13826
13827 @item
13828 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
13829 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
13830 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
13831 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
13832
13833 @item
13834 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
13835 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
13836 your program's performance.
13837
13838 @item
13839 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
13840 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
13841 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
13842 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
13843 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
13844 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
13845 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
13846
13847 @item
13848 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
13849 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
13850 instruction and data spaces.
13851
13852 @end itemize
13853
13854 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
13855 improved in many ways:
13856
13857 @itemize @bullet
13858
13859 @item
13860 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
13861 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
13862 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
13863 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
13864 area in the usual way.
13865
13866 @item
13867 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
13868 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
13869
13870 @item
13871 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
13872 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
13873 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
13874 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
13875 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
13876 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
13877 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
13878
13879 @end itemize
13880
13881
13882 @node Overlay Commands
13883 @section Overlay Commands
13884
13885 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
13886 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
13887 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
13888 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
13889 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
13890 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
13891
13892 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
13893 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
13894
13895 @table @code
13896 @item overlay off
13897 @kindex overlay
13898 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
13899 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
13900 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
13901 overlay support is disabled.
13902
13903 @item overlay manual
13904 @cindex manual overlay debugging
13905 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
13906 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
13907 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
13908 commands described below.
13909
13910 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
13911 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
13912 @cindex map an overlay
13913 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
13914 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
13915 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
13916 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
13917 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
13918 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
13919
13920 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
13921 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
13922 @cindex unmap an overlay
13923 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
13924 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
13925 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
13926 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
13927
13928 @item overlay auto
13929 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
13930 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
13931 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
13932 Overlay Debugging}.
13933
13934 @item overlay load-target
13935 @itemx overlay load
13936 @cindex reloading the overlay table
13937 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
13938 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
13939 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
13940 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
13941 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
13942
13943 @item overlay list-overlays
13944 @itemx overlay list
13945 @cindex listing mapped overlays
13946 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
13947 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
13948
13949 @end table
13950
13951 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
13952 of the function the address falls in:
13953
13954 @smallexample
13955 (@value{GDBP}) print main
13956 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
13957 @end smallexample
13958 @noindent
13959 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
13960 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
13961 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
13962 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
13963
13964 @smallexample
13965 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
13966 No sections are mapped.
13967 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
13968 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
13969 @end smallexample
13970 @noindent
13971 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
13972 name normally:
13973
13974 @smallexample
13975 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
13976 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
13977 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
13978 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
13979 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
13980 @end smallexample
13981
13982 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
13983 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
13984 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
13985 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
13986 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
13987
13988 @itemize @bullet
13989 @item
13990 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
13991 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
13992 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
13993 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
13994 @item
13995 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
13996 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
13997 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
13998 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
13999 breakpoints properly.
14000 @end itemize
14001
14002
14003 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
14004 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
14005 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
14006
14007 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
14008 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
14009 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
14010 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
14011 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
14012 current state of the overlays.
14013
14014 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
14015 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
14016
14017 @table @asis
14018
14019 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
14020 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
14021
14022 @smallexample
14023 struct
14024 @{
14025 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
14026 unsigned long vma;
14027
14028 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
14029 unsigned long size;
14030
14031 /* The overlay's load address. */
14032 unsigned long lma;
14033
14034 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
14035 zero otherwise. */
14036 unsigned long mapped;
14037 @}
14038 @end smallexample
14039
14040 @item @code{_novlys}:
14041 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
14042 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
14043
14044 @end table
14045
14046 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
14047 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
14048 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
14049 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
14050 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
14051 currently mapped.
14052
14053 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
14054 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
14055 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
14056 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
14057 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
14058 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
14059 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
14060 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
14061 are not being executed.
14062
14063 @node Overlay Sample Program
14064 @section Overlay Sample Program
14065 @cindex overlay example program
14066
14067 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
14068 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
14069 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
14070 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
14071 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
14072 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
14073 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
14074
14075 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
14076 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
14077 suite. The program consists of the following files from
14078 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
14079
14080 @table @file
14081 @item overlays.c
14082 The main program file.
14083 @item ovlymgr.c
14084 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
14085 @item foo.c
14086 @itemx bar.c
14087 @itemx baz.c
14088 @itemx grbx.c
14089 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
14090 @item d10v.ld
14091 @itemx m32r.ld
14092 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
14093 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
14094 @end table
14095
14096 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
14097 cross-compiler like this:
14098
14099 @smallexample
14100 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
14101 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
14102 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
14103 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
14104 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
14105 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
14106 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
14107 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
14108 @end smallexample
14109
14110 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
14111 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
14112 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
14113
14114
14115 @node Languages
14116 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
14117 @cindex languages
14118
14119 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
14120 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
14121 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
14122 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
14123 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
14124 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
14125
14126 @cindex working language
14127 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
14128 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
14129 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
14130 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
14131 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
14132 language}.
14133
14134 @menu
14135 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
14136 * Show:: Displaying the language
14137 * Checks:: Type and range checks
14138 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
14139 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
14140 @end menu
14141
14142 @node Setting
14143 @section Switching Between Source Languages
14144
14145 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
14146 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
14147 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
14148 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
14149 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
14150 are printed, etc.
14151
14152 In addition to the working language, every source file that
14153 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
14154 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
14155 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
14156 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
14157 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
14158 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
14159 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
14160 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
14161 Displaying the Language}.
14162
14163 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
14164 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
14165 another language. In that case, make the
14166 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
14167 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
14168 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
14169
14170 @menu
14171 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
14172 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
14173 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
14174 @end menu
14175
14176 @node Filenames
14177 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
14178
14179 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
14180 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
14181
14182 @table @file
14183 @item .ada
14184 @itemx .ads
14185 @itemx .adb
14186 @itemx .a
14187 Ada source file.
14188
14189 @item .c
14190 C source file
14191
14192 @item .C
14193 @itemx .cc
14194 @itemx .cp
14195 @itemx .cpp
14196 @itemx .cxx
14197 @itemx .c++
14198 C@t{++} source file
14199
14200 @item .d
14201 D source file
14202
14203 @item .m
14204 Objective-C source file
14205
14206 @item .f
14207 @itemx .F
14208 Fortran source file
14209
14210 @item .mod
14211 Modula-2 source file
14212
14213 @item .s
14214 @itemx .S
14215 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
14216 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
14217 @end table
14218
14219 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
14220 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
14221
14222 @node Manually
14223 @subsection Setting the Working Language
14224
14225 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
14226 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
14227 your program.
14228
14229 @kindex set language
14230 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
14231 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
14232 a language, such as
14233 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
14234 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
14235
14236 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
14237 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
14238 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
14239 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
14240 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
14241 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
14242 command such as:
14243
14244 @smallexample
14245 print a = b + c
14246 @end smallexample
14247
14248 @noindent
14249 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
14250 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
14251 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
14252 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
14253
14254 @node Automatically
14255 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
14256
14257 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
14258 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
14259 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
14260 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
14261 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
14262 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
14263 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
14264 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
14265 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
14266
14267 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
14268 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
14269 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
14270 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
14271 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
14272
14273 @node Show
14274 @section Displaying the Language
14275
14276 The following commands help you find out which language is the
14277 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
14278
14279 @table @code
14280 @item show language
14281 @anchor{show language}
14282 @kindex show language
14283 Display the current working language. This is the
14284 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
14285 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
14286
14287 @item info frame
14288 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
14289 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
14290 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
14291 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
14292 information listed here.
14293
14294 @item info source
14295 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
14296 Display the source language of this source file.
14297 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
14298 information listed here.
14299 @end table
14300
14301 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
14302 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
14303 with a language explicitly:
14304
14305 @table @code
14306 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
14307 @kindex set extension-language
14308 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
14309 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
14310
14311 @item info extensions
14312 @kindex info extensions
14313 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
14314 @end table
14315
14316 @node Checks
14317 @section Type and Range Checking
14318
14319 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
14320 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
14321 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
14322 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
14323 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
14324 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
14325 errors when your program is running.
14326
14327 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
14328 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
14329 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
14330 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
14331
14332 @menu
14333 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
14334 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
14335 @end menu
14336
14337 @cindex type checking
14338 @cindex checks, type
14339 @node Type Checking
14340 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
14341
14342 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
14343 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
14344 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
14345 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
14346
14347 @smallexample
14348 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
14349
14350 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
14351 $1 = 2
14352 @exdent but
14353 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
14354 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
14355 @end smallexample
14356
14357 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
14358 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
14359
14360 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14361 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
14362 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
14363 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
14364 expressions like the second example above.
14365
14366 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
14367 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
14368 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
14369 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
14370 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
14371 little sense to evaluate anyway.
14372
14373 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
14374
14375 @kindex set check type
14376 @kindex show check type
14377 @table @code
14378 @item set check type on
14379 @itemx set check type off
14380 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
14381 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
14382 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
14383
14384 @item show check type
14385 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
14386 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
14387 @end table
14388
14389 @cindex range checking
14390 @cindex checks, range
14391 @node Range Checking
14392 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
14393
14394 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
14395 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
14396 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
14397 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
14398 not exceed the bounds of the array.
14399
14400 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14401 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
14402 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
14403 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
14404
14405 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
14406 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
14407 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
14408 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
14409 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
14410 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
14411
14412 @smallexample
14413 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
14414 @end smallexample
14415
14416 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
14417 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
14418 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
14419
14420 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
14421
14422 @kindex set check range
14423 @kindex show check range
14424 @table @code
14425 @item set check range auto
14426 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
14427 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
14428 each language.
14429
14430 @item set check range on
14431 @itemx set check range off
14432 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
14433 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
14434 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
14435 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
14436
14437 @item set check range warn
14438 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
14439 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
14440 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
14441 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
14442 systems).
14443
14444 @item show range
14445 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
14446 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
14447 @end table
14448
14449 @node Supported Languages
14450 @section Supported Languages
14451
14452 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran,
14453 OpenCL C, Pascal, Rust, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
14454 @c This is false ...
14455 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
14456 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
14457 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
14458 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
14459 language.
14460
14461 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
14462 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
14463 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
14464 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
14465 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
14466 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
14467 language reference or tutorial.
14468
14469 @menu
14470 * C:: C and C@t{++}
14471 * D:: D
14472 * Go:: Go
14473 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
14474 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
14475 * Fortran:: Fortran
14476 * Pascal:: Pascal
14477 * Rust:: Rust
14478 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
14479 * Ada:: Ada
14480 @end menu
14481
14482 @node C
14483 @subsection C and C@t{++}
14484
14485 @cindex C and C@t{++}
14486 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
14487
14488 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
14489 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
14490 together.
14491
14492 @cindex C@t{++}
14493 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
14494 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
14495 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
14496 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
14497 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
14498 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
14499 compiler (@code{aCC}).
14500
14501 @menu
14502 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
14503 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
14504 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
14505 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
14506 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
14507 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
14508 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
14509 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
14510 @end menu
14511
14512 @node C Operators
14513 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
14514
14515 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
14516
14517 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14518 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
14519 often defined on groups of types.
14520
14521 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
14522
14523 @itemize @bullet
14524
14525 @item
14526 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
14527 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
14528
14529 @item
14530 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
14531 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
14532
14533 @item
14534 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
14535
14536 @item
14537 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
14538
14539 @end itemize
14540
14541 @noindent
14542 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
14543 in order of increasing precedence:
14544
14545 @table @code
14546 @item ,
14547 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
14548 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
14549 expression being the last expression evaluated.
14550
14551 @item =
14552 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
14553 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
14554
14555 @item @var{op}=
14556 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
14557 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
14558 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence. The operator
14559 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
14560 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
14561
14562 @item ?:
14563 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
14564 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. The argument @var{a}
14565 should be of an integral type.
14566
14567 @item ||
14568 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14569
14570 @item &&
14571 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
14572
14573 @item |
14574 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14575
14576 @item ^
14577 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14578
14579 @item &
14580 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
14581
14582 @item ==@r{, }!=
14583 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
14584 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
14585
14586 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
14587 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
14588 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
14589 and non-zero for true.
14590
14591 @item <<@r{, }>>
14592 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
14593
14594 @item @@
14595 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
14596
14597 @item +@r{, }-
14598 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
14599 pointer types.
14600
14601 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
14602 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
14603 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
14604 integral types.
14605
14606 @item ++@r{, }--
14607 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
14608 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
14609 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
14610 operation takes place.
14611
14612 @item *
14613 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
14614 @code{++}.
14615
14616 @item &
14617 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
14618
14619 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
14620 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
14621 to examine the address
14622 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
14623 stored.
14624
14625 @item -
14626 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
14627 precedence as @code{++}.
14628
14629 @item !
14630 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
14631 @code{++}.
14632
14633 @item ~
14634 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
14635 @code{++}.
14636
14637
14638 @item .@r{, }->
14639 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
14640 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
14641 pointer based on the stored type information.
14642 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
14643
14644 @item .*@r{, }->*
14645 Dereferences of pointers to members.
14646
14647 @item []
14648 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
14649 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
14650
14651 @item ()
14652 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
14653
14654 @item ::
14655 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
14656 and @code{class} types.
14657
14658 @item ::
14659 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
14660 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
14661 above.
14662 @end table
14663
14664 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
14665 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
14666 predefined meaning.
14667
14668 @node C Constants
14669 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
14670
14671 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
14672
14673 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
14674 following ways:
14675
14676 @itemize @bullet
14677 @item
14678 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
14679 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
14680 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
14681 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
14682 @code{long} value.
14683
14684 @item
14685 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
14686 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
14687 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
14688 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
14689 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
14690 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
14691 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
14692 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
14693 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
14694 constant.
14695
14696 @item
14697 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
14698 integral equivalents.
14699
14700 @item
14701 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
14702 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
14703 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
14704 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
14705 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
14706 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
14707 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
14708 @samp{\n} for newline.
14709
14710 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
14711 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
14712 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
14713 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
14714
14715 @item
14716 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
14717 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
14718 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
14719 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
14720 characters.
14721
14722 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
14723 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
14724 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
14725
14726 @item
14727 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
14728 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
14729
14730 @item
14731 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
14732 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
14733 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
14734 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
14735 @end itemize
14736
14737 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
14738 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
14739
14740 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
14741 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
14742
14743 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
14744 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
14745 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
14746 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
14747 @quotation
14748 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
14749 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
14750 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
14751 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
14752 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
14753 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
14754 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
14755 code. @xref{Compilation}.
14756 @end quotation
14757
14758 @enumerate
14759
14760 @cindex member functions
14761 @item
14762 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
14763
14764 @smallexample
14765 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
14766 @end smallexample
14767
14768 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
14769 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
14770 @item
14771 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
14772 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
14773 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
14774 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
14775 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
14776
14777 @cindex call overloaded functions
14778 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
14779 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
14780 @item
14781 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
14782 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
14783 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
14784 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
14785 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
14786 default arguments.
14787
14788 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
14789 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
14790 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
14791 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
14792 number of function arguments.
14793
14794 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
14795 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
14796 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
14797
14798 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
14799 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
14800 @smallexample
14801 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
14802 @end smallexample
14803
14804 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
14805 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
14806
14807 @cindex reference declarations
14808 @item
14809 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
14810 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
14811 dereferenced.
14812
14813 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
14814 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
14815 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
14816 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
14817 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
14818
14819 @item
14820 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
14821 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
14822 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
14823 necessary, for example in an expression like
14824 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
14825 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
14826 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
14827
14828 @item
14829 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
14830 specification.
14831 @end enumerate
14832
14833 @node C Defaults
14834 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
14835
14836 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
14837
14838 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
14839 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
14840 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14841 selects the working language.
14842
14843 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
14844 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
14845 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
14846 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
14847 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
14848 for further details.
14849
14850 @node C Checks
14851 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
14852
14853 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
14854
14855 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
14856 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
14857 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
14858 constants to pointers.
14859
14860 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
14861 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
14862 that is not itself an array.
14863
14864 @node Debugging C
14865 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
14866
14867 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
14868 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
14869 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
14870 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
14871
14872 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
14873 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
14874 ,Expressions}.
14875
14876 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
14877 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
14878
14879 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
14880
14881 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
14882 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
14883
14884 @table @code
14885 @cindex break in overloaded functions
14886 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
14887 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
14888 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
14889 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
14890 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
14891
14892 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
14893 @item rbreak @var{regex}
14894 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
14895 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
14896 classes.
14897 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
14898
14899 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
14900 @item catch throw
14901 @itemx catch rethrow
14902 @itemx catch catch
14903 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
14904 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
14905
14906 @cindex inheritance
14907 @item ptype @var{typename}
14908 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
14909 @var{typename}.
14910 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
14911
14912 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
14913 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
14914 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
14915 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
14916 multiple inheritance is in use.
14917
14918 @cindex C@t{++} demangling
14919 @item demangle @var{name}
14920 Demangle @var{name}.
14921 @xref{Symbols}, for a more complete description of the @code{demangle} command.
14922
14923 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
14924 @item set print demangle
14925 @itemx show print demangle
14926 @itemx set print asm-demangle
14927 @itemx show print asm-demangle
14928 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
14929 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
14930 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14931
14932 @item set print object
14933 @itemx show print object
14934 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
14935 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14936
14937 @item set print vtbl
14938 @itemx show print vtbl
14939 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
14940 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14941 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
14942 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
14943
14944 @kindex set overload-resolution
14945 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
14946 @item set overload-resolution on
14947 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
14948 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
14949 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
14950 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
14951 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
14952 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
14953
14954 @item set overload-resolution off
14955 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
14956 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
14957 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
14958 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
14959 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
14960 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
14961 argument types.
14962
14963 @kindex show overload-resolution
14964 @item show overload-resolution
14965 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
14966
14967 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
14968 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
14969 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
14970 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
14971 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
14972 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
14973 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
14974 @end table
14975
14976 @node Decimal Floating Point
14977 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
14978 @cindex decimal floating point format
14979
14980 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
14981 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
14982 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
14983 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
14984
14985 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
14986 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
14987 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
14988 configured target.
14989
14990 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
14991 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
14992 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
14993
14994 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
14995 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
14996 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
14997
14998 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
14999 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
15000 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
15001
15002 @node D
15003 @subsection D
15004
15005 @cindex D
15006 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
15007 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
15008 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
15009
15010 @node Go
15011 @subsection Go
15012
15013 @cindex Go (programming language)
15014 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
15015 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
15016
15017 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
15018
15019 @table @code
15020 @cindex current Go package
15021 @item The current Go package
15022 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
15023 specifying global variables and functions.
15024
15025 For example, given the program:
15026
15027 @example
15028 package main
15029 var myglob = "Shall we?"
15030 func main () @{
15031 // ...
15032 @}
15033 @end example
15034
15035 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
15036
15037 @example
15038 (gdb) p myglob
15039 (gdb) p main.myglob
15040 @end example
15041
15042 @cindex builtin Go types
15043 @item Builtin Go types
15044 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
15045 as a string.
15046
15047 @cindex builtin Go functions
15048 @item Builtin Go functions
15049 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
15050 function and handles it internally.
15051
15052 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
15053 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
15054 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
15055 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
15056 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
15057 @end table
15058
15059 @node Objective-C
15060 @subsection Objective-C
15061
15062 @cindex Objective-C
15063 This section provides information about some commands and command
15064 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
15065 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
15066 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
15067
15068 @menu
15069 * Method Names in Commands::
15070 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
15071 @end menu
15072
15073 @node Method Names in Commands
15074 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
15075
15076 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
15077 names as line specifications:
15078
15079 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
15080 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
15081 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
15082 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
15083 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
15084 @itemize
15085 @item @code{clear}
15086 @item @code{break}
15087 @item @code{info line}
15088 @item @code{jump}
15089 @item @code{list}
15090 @end itemize
15091
15092 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
15093
15094 @smallexample
15095 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
15096 @end smallexample
15097
15098 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
15099 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
15100 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
15101 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
15102 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
15103 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
15104 debugged, enter:
15105
15106 @smallexample
15107 break -[Fruit create]
15108 @end smallexample
15109
15110 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
15111 enter:
15112
15113 @smallexample
15114 list +[NSText initialize]
15115 @end smallexample
15116
15117 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
15118 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
15119 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
15120 is also possible to specify just a method name:
15121
15122 @smallexample
15123 break create
15124 @end smallexample
15125
15126 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
15127 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
15128 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
15129 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
15130 none apply.
15131
15132 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
15133 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
15134
15135 @smallexample
15136 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
15137 @end smallexample
15138
15139 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
15140 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
15141 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
15142 @kindex print-object
15143 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
15144
15145 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
15146
15147 @smallexample
15148 print -[@var{object} hash]
15149 @end smallexample
15150
15151 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
15152 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
15153 @noindent
15154 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
15155 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
15156 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
15157 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
15158 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
15159 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
15160
15161 @node OpenCL C
15162 @subsection OpenCL C
15163
15164 @cindex OpenCL C
15165 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
15166
15167 @menu
15168 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
15169 * OpenCL C Expressions::
15170 * OpenCL C Operators::
15171 @end menu
15172
15173 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
15174 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
15175
15176 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
15177 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
15178 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
15179 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
15180 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
15181
15182 @node OpenCL C Expressions
15183 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
15184
15185 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
15186 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
15187 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
15188 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
15189
15190 @node OpenCL C Operators
15191 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
15192
15193 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
15194 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
15195 vector data types.
15196
15197 @node Fortran
15198 @subsection Fortran
15199 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
15200
15201 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
15202 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
15203
15204 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
15205 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
15206 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
15207 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
15208 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
15209 underscore.
15210
15211 @menu
15212 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
15213 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
15214 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
15215 @end menu
15216
15217 @node Fortran Operators
15218 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
15219
15220 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
15221
15222 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15223 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
15224 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
15225
15226 @table @code
15227 @item **
15228 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
15229 of the second one.
15230
15231 @item :
15232 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
15233 represent a section of array.
15234
15235 @item %
15236 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
15237 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
15238 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
15239 union type.
15240 @end table
15241
15242 @node Fortran Defaults
15243 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
15244
15245 @cindex Fortran Defaults
15246
15247 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
15248 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
15249 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
15250 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
15251
15252 @node Special Fortran Commands
15253 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
15254
15255 @cindex Special Fortran commands
15256
15257 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
15258 such as displaying common blocks.
15259
15260 @table @code
15261 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
15262 @kindex info common
15263 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
15264 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
15265 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
15266 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
15267 printed.
15268 @end table
15269
15270 @node Pascal
15271 @subsection Pascal
15272
15273 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
15274 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
15275 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
15276 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
15277 syntax.
15278
15279 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
15280 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
15281 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
15282
15283 @node Rust
15284 @subsection Rust
15285
15286 @value{GDBN} supports the @url{https://www.rust-lang.org/, Rust
15287 Programming Language}. Type- and value-printing, and expression
15288 parsing, are reasonably complete. However, there are a few
15289 peculiarities and holes to be aware of.
15290
15291 @itemize @bullet
15292 @item
15293 Linespecs (@pxref{Specify Location}) are never relative to the current
15294 crate. Instead, they act as if there were a global namespace of
15295 crates, somewhat similar to the way @code{extern crate} behaves.
15296
15297 That is, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in a function in
15298 crate @samp{A}, module @samp{B}, then @code{break B::f} will attempt
15299 to set a breakpoint in a function named @samp{f} in a crate named
15300 @samp{B}.
15301
15302 As a consequence of this approach, linespecs also cannot refer to
15303 items using @samp{self::} or @samp{super::}.
15304
15305 @item
15306 Because @value{GDBN} implements Rust name-lookup semantics in
15307 expressions, it will sometimes prepend the current crate to a name.
15308 For example, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in the crate
15309 @samp{K}, then @code{print ::x::y} will try to find the symbol
15310 @samp{K::x::y}.
15311
15312 However, since it is useful to be able to refer to other crates when
15313 debugging, @value{GDBN} provides the @code{extern} extension to
15314 circumvent this. To use the extension, just put @code{extern} before
15315 a path expression to refer to the otherwise unavailable ``global''
15316 scope.
15317
15318 In the above example, if you wanted to refer to the symbol @samp{y} in
15319 the crate @samp{x}, you would use @code{print extern x::y}.
15320
15321 @item
15322 The Rust expression evaluator does not support ``statement-like''
15323 expressions such as @code{if} or @code{match}, or lambda expressions.
15324
15325 @item
15326 Tuple expressions are not implemented.
15327
15328 @item
15329 The Rust expression evaluator does not currently implement the
15330 @code{Drop} trait. Objects that may be created by the evaluator will
15331 never be destroyed.
15332
15333 @item
15334 @value{GDBN} does not implement type inference for generics. In order
15335 to call generic functions or otherwise refer to generic items, you
15336 will have to specify the type parameters manually.
15337
15338 @item
15339 @value{GDBN} currently uses the C@t{++} demangler for Rust. In most
15340 cases this does not cause any problems. However, in an expression
15341 context, completing a generic function name will give syntactically
15342 invalid results. This happens because Rust requires the @samp{::}
15343 operator between the function name and its generic arguments. For
15344 example, @value{GDBN} might provide a completion like
15345 @code{crate::f<u32>}, where the parser would require
15346 @code{crate::f::<u32>}.
15347
15348 @item
15349 As of this writing, the Rust compiler (version 1.8) has a few holes in
15350 the debugging information it generates. These holes prevent certain
15351 features from being implemented by @value{GDBN}:
15352 @itemize @bullet
15353
15354 @item
15355 Method calls cannot be made via traits.
15356
15357 @item
15358 Trait objects cannot be created or inspected.
15359
15360 @item
15361 Operator overloading is not implemented.
15362
15363 @item
15364 When debugging in a monomorphized function, you cannot use the generic
15365 type names.
15366
15367 @item
15368 The type @code{Self} is not available.
15369
15370 @item
15371 @code{use} statements are not available, so some names may not be
15372 available in the crate.
15373 @end itemize
15374 @end itemize
15375
15376 @node Modula-2
15377 @subsection Modula-2
15378
15379 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
15380
15381 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
15382 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
15383 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
15384 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
15385 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
15386 table.
15387
15388 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
15389 @menu
15390 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
15391 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
15392 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
15393 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
15394 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
15395 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
15396 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
15397 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
15398 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
15399 @end menu
15400
15401 @node M2 Operators
15402 @subsubsection Operators
15403 @cindex Modula-2 operators
15404
15405 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15406 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
15407 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
15408 following definitions hold:
15409
15410 @itemize @bullet
15411
15412 @item
15413 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
15414 their subranges.
15415
15416 @item
15417 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
15418
15419 @item
15420 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
15421
15422 @item
15423 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
15424 @var{type}}.
15425
15426 @item
15427 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
15428
15429 @item
15430 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
15431
15432 @item
15433 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
15434 @end itemize
15435
15436 @noindent
15437 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
15438 increasing precedence:
15439
15440 @table @code
15441 @item ,
15442 Function argument or array index separator.
15443
15444 @item :=
15445 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
15446 @var{value}.
15447
15448 @item <@r{, }>
15449 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
15450 types.
15451
15452 @item <=@r{, }>=
15453 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
15454 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
15455 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
15456
15457 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
15458 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
15459 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
15460 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
15461 comment character.
15462
15463 @item IN
15464 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
15465 Same precedence as @code{<}.
15466
15467 @item OR
15468 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
15469
15470 @item AND@r{, }&
15471 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
15472
15473 @item @@
15474 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
15475
15476 @item +@r{, }-
15477 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
15478 and difference on set types.
15479
15480 @item *
15481 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
15482 on set types.
15483
15484 @item /
15485 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
15486 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
15487
15488 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
15489 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
15490 precedence as @code{*}.
15491
15492 @item -
15493 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
15494
15495 @item ^
15496 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
15497
15498 @item NOT
15499 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
15500 @code{^}.
15501
15502 @item .
15503 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
15504 precedence as @code{^}.
15505
15506 @item []
15507 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
15508
15509 @item ()
15510 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
15511 as @code{^}.
15512
15513 @item ::@r{, }.
15514 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
15515 @end table
15516
15517 @quotation
15518 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
15519 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
15520 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
15521 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
15522 @end quotation
15523
15524
15525 @node Built-In Func/Proc
15526 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
15527 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
15528
15529 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
15530 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
15531
15532 @table @var
15533
15534 @item a
15535 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
15536
15537 @item c
15538 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
15539
15540 @item i
15541 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
15542
15543 @item m
15544 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
15545 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
15546 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
15547
15548 @item n
15549 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
15550
15551 @item r
15552 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
15553
15554 @item t
15555 represents a type.
15556
15557 @item v
15558 represents a variable.
15559
15560 @item x
15561 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
15562 explanation of the function for details.
15563 @end table
15564
15565 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
15566
15567 @table @code
15568 @item ABS(@var{n})
15569 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
15570
15571 @item CAP(@var{c})
15572 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
15573 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
15574
15575 @item CHR(@var{i})
15576 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
15577
15578 @item DEC(@var{v})
15579 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
15580
15581 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
15582 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
15583 new value.
15584
15585 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
15586 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
15587 set.
15588
15589 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
15590 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
15591
15592 @item HIGH(@var{a})
15593 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
15594
15595 @item INC(@var{v})
15596 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
15597
15598 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
15599 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
15600 new value.
15601
15602 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
15603 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
15604 there. Returns the new set.
15605
15606 @item MAX(@var{t})
15607 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
15608
15609 @item MIN(@var{t})
15610 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
15611
15612 @item ODD(@var{i})
15613 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
15614
15615 @item ORD(@var{x})
15616 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
15617 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting
15618 the @sc{ascii} character set). The argument @var{x} must be of an
15619 ordered type, which include integral, character and enumerated types.
15620
15621 @item SIZE(@var{x})
15622 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
15623 variable or a type.
15624
15625 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
15626 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
15627
15628 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
15629 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
15630 variable or a type.
15631
15632 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
15633 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
15634 @end table
15635
15636 @quotation
15637 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
15638 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
15639 an error.
15640 @end quotation
15641
15642 @cindex Modula-2 constants
15643 @node M2 Constants
15644 @subsubsection Constants
15645
15646 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
15647 ways:
15648
15649 @itemize @bullet
15650
15651 @item
15652 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
15653 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
15654 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
15655 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
15656
15657 @item
15658 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
15659 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
15660 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
15661 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
15662 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
15663 digits.
15664
15665 @item
15666 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
15667 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
15668 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
15669 followed by a @samp{C}.
15670
15671 @item
15672 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
15673 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
15674 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
15675 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
15676 sequences.
15677
15678 @item
15679 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
15680
15681 @item
15682 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
15683 @code{FALSE}.
15684
15685 @item
15686 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
15687
15688 @item
15689 Set constants are not yet supported.
15690 @end itemize
15691
15692 @node M2 Types
15693 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
15694 @cindex Modula-2 types
15695
15696 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
15697 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
15698 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
15699 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
15700 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
15701 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
15702
15703 The first example contains the following section of code:
15704
15705 @smallexample
15706 VAR
15707 s: SET OF CHAR ;
15708 r: [20..40] ;
15709 @end smallexample
15710
15711 @noindent
15712 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
15713 @code{r} and @code{s}.
15714
15715 @smallexample
15716 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15717 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
15718 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15719 SET OF CHAR
15720 (@value{GDBP}) print r
15721 21
15722 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
15723 [20..40]
15724 @end smallexample
15725
15726 @noindent
15727 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
15728
15729 @smallexample
15730 VAR
15731 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
15732 @end smallexample
15733
15734 @noindent
15735 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
15736
15737 @smallexample
15738 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15739 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
15740 @end smallexample
15741
15742 @noindent
15743 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
15744 expressions using the debugger.
15745
15746 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
15747 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
15748
15749 @smallexample
15750 VAR
15751 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
15752 @end smallexample
15753
15754 @smallexample
15755 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15756 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
15757 @end smallexample
15758
15759 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
15760 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
15761 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
15762 above.
15763
15764 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
15765
15766 @smallexample
15767 TYPE
15768 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
15769 t = [blue..yellow] ;
15770 VAR
15771 s: t ;
15772 BEGIN
15773 s := blue ;
15774 @end smallexample
15775
15776 @noindent
15777 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
15778 and value of a variable.
15779
15780 @smallexample
15781 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15782 $1 = blue
15783 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
15784 type = [blue..yellow]
15785 @end smallexample
15786
15787 @noindent
15788 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
15789 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
15790 their @code{C} counterparts.
15791
15792 @smallexample
15793 VAR
15794 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
15795 BEGIN
15796 s[1] := 1 ;
15797 @end smallexample
15798
15799 @smallexample
15800 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15801 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
15802 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15803 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
15804 @end smallexample
15805
15806 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
15807 pointer types as shown in this example:
15808
15809 @smallexample
15810 VAR
15811 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
15812 BEGIN
15813 NEW(s) ;
15814 s^[1] := 1 ;
15815 @end smallexample
15816
15817 @noindent
15818 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
15819
15820 @smallexample
15821 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15822 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
15823 @end smallexample
15824
15825 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
15826 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
15827 types:
15828
15829 @smallexample
15830 TYPE
15831 foo = RECORD
15832 f1: CARDINAL ;
15833 f2: CHAR ;
15834 f3: myarray ;
15835 END ;
15836
15837 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
15838 myrange = [-2..2] ;
15839 VAR
15840 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
15841 @end smallexample
15842
15843 @noindent
15844 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
15845 below.
15846
15847 @smallexample
15848 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15849 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
15850 f1 : CARDINAL;
15851 f2 : CHAR;
15852 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
15853 END
15854 @end smallexample
15855
15856 @node M2 Defaults
15857 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
15858 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
15859
15860 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
15861 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
15862 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
15863 selected the working language.
15864
15865 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
15866 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
15867 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
15868 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
15869
15870 @node Deviations
15871 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
15872 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
15873
15874 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
15875 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
15876
15877 @itemize @bullet
15878 @item
15879 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
15880 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
15881 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
15882 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
15883 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
15884 returned a pointer.)
15885
15886 @item
15887 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
15888 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
15889 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
15890 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
15891
15892 @item
15893 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
15894 argument.
15895
15896 @item
15897 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
15898 @end itemize
15899
15900 @node M2 Checks
15901 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
15902 @cindex Modula-2 checks
15903
15904 @quotation
15905 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
15906 range checking.
15907 @end quotation
15908 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
15909
15910 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
15911
15912 @itemize @bullet
15913 @item
15914 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
15915 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
15916
15917 @item
15918 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
15919 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
15920 @end itemize
15921
15922 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
15923 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
15924
15925 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
15926 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
15927
15928 @node M2 Scope
15929 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
15930 @cindex scope
15931 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
15932 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
15933 @ifinfo
15934 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
15935 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
15936 @end ifinfo
15937 @ifnotinfo
15938 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
15939 @end ifnotinfo
15940
15941 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
15942 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
15943 similar syntax:
15944
15945 @smallexample
15946
15947 @var{module} . @var{id}
15948 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
15949 @end smallexample
15950
15951 @noindent
15952 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
15953 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
15954 identifier within your program, except another module.
15955
15956 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
15957 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
15958 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
15959 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
15960
15961 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
15962 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
15963 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
15964 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
15965 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
15966 @var{module}.
15967
15968 @node GDB/M2
15969 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
15970
15971 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
15972 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
15973 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
15974 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
15975 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
15976 analogue in Modula-2.
15977
15978 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
15979 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
15980 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
15981 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
15982 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
15983 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
15984
15985 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
15986 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
15987 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
15988
15989 @node Ada
15990 @subsection Ada
15991 @cindex Ada
15992
15993 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
15994 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
15995 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
15996 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
15997 to be difficult.
15998
15999
16000 @cindex expressions in Ada
16001 @menu
16002 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
16003 and semantics supported by Ada mode
16004 in @value{GDBN}.
16005 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
16006 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
16007 * Overloading support for Ada:: Support for expressions involving overloaded
16008 subprograms.
16009 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
16010 * Ada Exceptions:: Ada Exceptions
16011 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
16012 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16013 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
16014 Profile
16015 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
16016 @end menu
16017
16018 @node Ada Mode Intro
16019 @subsubsection Introduction
16020 @cindex Ada mode, general
16021
16022 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
16023 syntax, with some extensions.
16024 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
16025
16026 @itemize @bullet
16027 @item
16028 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
16029 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
16030 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
16031 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
16032
16033 @item
16034 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
16035 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16036
16037 @item
16038 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16039 @end itemize
16040
16041 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
16042 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
16043 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
16044 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
16045 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
16046
16047 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
16048 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
16049 was translated from an Ada source file.
16050
16051 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
16052 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
16053 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
16054 middle (to allow based literals).
16055
16056 @node Omissions from Ada
16057 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
16058 @cindex Ada, omissions from
16059
16060 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
16061
16062 @itemize @bullet
16063 @item
16064 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
16065
16066 @itemize @minus
16067 @item
16068 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
16069 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
16070
16071 @item
16072 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
16073
16074 @item
16075 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
16076
16077 @item
16078 @t{'Tag}.
16079
16080 @item
16081 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
16082 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
16083
16084 @item
16085 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
16086 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
16087
16088 @item
16089 @t{'Address}.
16090 @end itemize
16091
16092 @item
16093 The names in
16094 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
16095 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
16096 not currently available.
16097
16098 @item
16099 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
16100 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
16101 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
16102 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
16103 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
16104 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
16105 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
16106 indeterminate values.
16107
16108 @item
16109 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
16110 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
16111 are not implemented.
16112
16113 @item
16114 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
16115 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
16116 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
16117 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
16118 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
16119
16120 @smallexample
16121 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
16122 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
16123 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
16124 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
16125 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
16126 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
16127 @end smallexample
16128
16129 Changing a
16130 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
16131 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
16132 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
16133 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
16134 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
16135 declared to have a type such as:
16136
16137 @smallexample
16138 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
16139 Id : Integer;
16140 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
16141 end record;
16142 @end smallexample
16143
16144 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
16145 assignments:
16146
16147 @smallexample
16148 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
16149 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
16150 @end smallexample
16151
16152 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
16153 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
16154 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
16155 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
16156 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
16157 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
16158 redundant component associations, although which component values are
16159 assigned in such cases is not defined.
16160
16161 @item
16162 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
16163
16164 @item
16165 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
16166 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
16167 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
16168 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
16169 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
16170 the proper resolution.
16171
16172 @item
16173 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
16174
16175 @item
16176 Entry calls are not implemented.
16177
16178 @item
16179 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
16180 formats are not supported.
16181
16182 @item
16183 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
16184
16185 @item
16186 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
16187 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
16188 context.
16189 Should your program
16190 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
16191 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
16192 @end itemize
16193
16194 @node Additions to Ada
16195 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
16196 @cindex Ada, deviations from
16197
16198 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
16199 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
16200
16201 @itemize @bullet
16202 @item
16203 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
16204 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
16205 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
16206 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
16207 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
16208 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
16209 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
16210 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
16211
16212 @item
16213 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
16214 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
16215 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
16216
16217 @item
16218 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
16219 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
16220
16221 @item
16222 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
16223 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
16224 @end itemize
16225
16226 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
16227 additions specific to Ada:
16228
16229 @itemize @bullet
16230 @item
16231 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
16232 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
16233
16234 @smallexample
16235 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
16236 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
16237 @end smallexample
16238
16239 @item
16240 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
16241 the value of its right-hand operand.
16242 This allows, for example,
16243 complex conditional breaks:
16244
16245 @smallexample
16246 (@value{GDBP}) break f
16247 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
16248 @end smallexample
16249
16250 @item
16251 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
16252 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
16253 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
16254 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
16255 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
16256 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
16257 in strings. For example,
16258 @smallexample
16259 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
16260 @end smallexample
16261 @noindent
16262 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
16263 after each period.
16264
16265 @item
16266 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
16267 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
16268 to write
16269
16270 @smallexample
16271 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
16272 @end smallexample
16273
16274 @item
16275 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
16276 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
16277 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
16278 of 3 might print as
16279
16280 @smallexample
16281 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
16282 @end smallexample
16283
16284 @noindent
16285 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
16286 clause.
16287
16288 @item
16289 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
16290 multi-character subsequence of
16291 their names (an exact match gets preference).
16292 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
16293 in place of @t{a'length}.
16294
16295 @item
16296 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
16297 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
16298 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
16299 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
16300 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
16301 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
16302 For example,
16303 @smallexample
16304 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
16305 @end smallexample
16306
16307 @item
16308 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
16309 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
16310 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
16311 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
16312 object.
16313
16314 @end itemize
16315
16316 @node Overloading support for Ada
16317 @subsubsection Overloading support for Ada
16318 @cindex overloading, Ada
16319
16320 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
16321 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
16322 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
16323 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
16324 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
16325 functions to procedures elsewhere.
16326
16327 If, after narrowing, the set of matching definitions still contains more than
16328 one definition, @value{GDBN} will display a menu to query which one it should
16329 use, for instance:
16330
16331 @smallexample
16332 (@value{GDBP}) print f(1)
16333 Multiple matches for f
16334 [0] cancel
16335 [1] foo.f (integer) return boolean at foo.adb:23
16336 [2] foo.f (foo.new_integer) return boolean at foo.adb:28
16337 >
16338 @end smallexample
16339
16340 In this case, just select one menu entry either to cancel expression evaluation
16341 (type @kbd{0} and press @key{RET}) or to continue evaluation with a specific
16342 instance (type the corresponding number and press @key{RET}).
16343
16344 Here are a couple of commands to customize @value{GDBN}'s behavior in this
16345 case:
16346
16347 @table @code
16348
16349 @kindex set ada print-signatures
16350 @item set ada print-signatures
16351 Control whether parameter types and return types are displayed in overloads
16352 selection menus. It is @code{on} by default.
16353 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16354
16355 @kindex show ada print-signatures
16356 @item show ada print-signatures
16357 Show the current setting for displaying parameter types and return types in
16358 overloads selection menu.
16359 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16360
16361 @end table
16362
16363 @node Stopping Before Main Program
16364 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
16365
16366 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
16367 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
16368 before reaching the main procedure.
16369 As defined in the Ada Reference
16370 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
16371 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
16372 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
16373 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
16374
16375 @node Ada Exceptions
16376 @subsubsection Ada Exceptions
16377
16378 A command is provided to list all Ada exceptions:
16379
16380 @table @code
16381 @kindex info exceptions
16382 @item info exceptions
16383 @itemx info exceptions @var{regexp}
16384 The @code{info exceptions} command allows you to list all Ada exceptions
16385 defined within the program being debugged, as well as their addresses.
16386 With a regular expression, @var{regexp}, as argument, only those exceptions
16387 whose names match @var{regexp} are listed.
16388 @end table
16389
16390 Below is a small example, showing how the command can be used, first
16391 without argument, and next with a regular expression passed as an
16392 argument.
16393
16394 @smallexample
16395 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions
16396 All defined Ada exceptions:
16397 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16398 program_error: 0x613d20
16399 storage_error: 0x613ce0
16400 tasking_error: 0x613ca0
16401 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16402 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions const.aint
16403 All Ada exceptions matching regular expression "const.aint":
16404 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16405 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16406 @end smallexample
16407
16408 It is also possible to ask @value{GDBN} to stop your program's execution
16409 when an exception is raised. For more details, see @ref{Set Catchpoints}.
16410
16411 @node Ada Tasks
16412 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
16413 @cindex Ada, tasking
16414
16415 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
16416 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
16417
16418 @table @code
16419 @kindex info tasks
16420 @item info tasks
16421 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
16422
16423
16424 @smallexample
16425 @iftex
16426 @leftskip=0.5cm
16427 @end iftex
16428 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16429 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16430 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16431 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
16432 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
16433 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
16434
16435 @end smallexample
16436
16437 @noindent
16438 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
16439 task currently being inspected.
16440
16441 @table @asis
16442 @item ID
16443 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
16444
16445 @item TID
16446 The Ada task ID.
16447
16448 @item P-ID
16449 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
16450
16451 @item Pri
16452 The base priority of the task.
16453
16454 @item State
16455 Current state of the task.
16456
16457 @table @code
16458 @item Unactivated
16459 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
16460 executing.
16461
16462 @item Runnable
16463 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
16464 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
16465
16466 @item Terminated
16467 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
16468 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
16469 terminated themselves.
16470
16471 @item Child Activation Wait
16472 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
16473
16474 @item Accept Statement
16475 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
16476
16477 @item Waiting on entry call
16478 The task is waiting on an entry call.
16479
16480 @item Async Select Wait
16481 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
16482 select statement.
16483
16484 @item Delay Sleep
16485 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
16486 alternative open.
16487
16488 @item Child Termination Wait
16489 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
16490 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
16491 waiting on a terminate Phase.
16492
16493 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
16494 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
16495 finish terminating.
16496
16497 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
16498 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
16499 @end table
16500
16501 @item Name
16502 Name of the task in the program.
16503
16504 @end table
16505
16506 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
16507 @item info task @var{taskno}
16508 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
16509 the following example:
16510 @smallexample
16511 @iftex
16512 @leftskip=0.5cm
16513 @end iftex
16514 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16515 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16516 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16517 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
16518 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
16519 Ada Task: 0x807c468
16520 Name: task_1
16521 Thread: 0x807f378
16522 Parent: 1 (main_task)
16523 Base Priority: 15
16524 State: Runnable
16525 @end smallexample
16526
16527 @item task
16528 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
16529 @cindex current Ada task ID
16530 This command prints the ID of the current task.
16531
16532 @smallexample
16533 @iftex
16534 @leftskip=0.5cm
16535 @end iftex
16536 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16537 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16538 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16539 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
16540 (@value{GDBP}) task
16541 [Current task is 2]
16542 @end smallexample
16543
16544 @item task @var{taskno}
16545 @cindex Ada task switching
16546 This command is like the @code{thread @var{thread-id}}
16547 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
16548 from the current task to the given task.
16549
16550 @smallexample
16551 @iftex
16552 @leftskip=0.5cm
16553 @end iftex
16554 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16555 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16556 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16557 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
16558 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
16559 [Switching to task 1]
16560 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
16561 (@value{GDBP}) bt
16562 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
16563 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
16564 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
16565 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
16566 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
16567 @end smallexample
16568
16569 @item break @var{location} task @var{taskno}
16570 @itemx break @var{location} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
16571 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
16572 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
16573 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
16574 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
16575 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}). The
16576 @var{location} argument specifies source lines, as described
16577 in @ref{Specify Location}.
16578
16579 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
16580 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
16581 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. The @var{taskno} is one of the
16582 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
16583 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
16584
16585 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
16586 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
16587 program.
16588
16589 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
16590 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
16591 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
16592
16593 For example,
16594
16595 @smallexample
16596 @iftex
16597 @leftskip=0.5cm
16598 @end iftex
16599 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16600 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16601 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16602 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
16603 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
16604 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
16605 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
16606 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
16607 (@value{GDBP}) cont
16608 Continuing.
16609 task # 1 running
16610 task # 2 running
16611
16612 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
16613 15 flush;
16614 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16615 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16616 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16617 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
16618 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
16619 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
16620 @end smallexample
16621 @end table
16622
16623 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
16624 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16625 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
16626
16627 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
16628 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
16629 the platform being used.
16630 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
16631 switching is not supported.
16632
16633 On certain platforms, the debugger needs to perform some
16634 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
16635 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
16636 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
16637 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
16638 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
16639
16640 @node Ravenscar Profile
16641 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
16642 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
16643
16644 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
16645 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
16646 requirements.
16647
16648 @table @code
16649 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
16650 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
16651 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
16652 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
16653 Profile. This is the default.
16654
16655 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
16656 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
16657 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
16658 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
16659 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
16660 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
16661 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
16662
16663 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
16664 @item show ravenscar task-switching
16665 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
16666 using the Ravenscar Profile.
16667
16668 @end table
16669
16670 @node Ada Glitches
16671 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
16672 @cindex Ada, problems
16673
16674 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
16675 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
16676 @value{GDBN},
16677 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
16678 and the GNU Ada compiler.
16679
16680 @itemize @bullet
16681 @item
16682 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
16683 storage are invisible to the debugger.
16684
16685 @item
16686 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
16687 argument lists are treated as positional).
16688
16689 @item
16690 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
16691
16692 @item
16693 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
16694 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
16695 the host machine.
16696
16697 @item
16698 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
16699 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
16700 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
16701 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
16702 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
16703 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
16704 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
16705 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
16706 you can usually resolve the confusion
16707 by qualifying the problematic names with package
16708 @code{Standard} explicitly.
16709 @end itemize
16710
16711 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
16712 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
16713 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
16714 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
16715 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
16716 enabled.
16717
16718 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
16719 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
16720 @table @code
16721
16722 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
16723 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
16724 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
16725 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
16726 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
16727 This is the default.
16728
16729 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
16730 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
16731 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
16732 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
16733 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
16734 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
16735 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
16736
16737 @end table
16738
16739 @cindex GNAT descriptive types
16740 @cindex GNAT encoding
16741 Internally, the debugger also relies on the compiler following a number
16742 of conventions known as the @samp{GNAT Encoding}, all documented in
16743 @file{gcc/ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources. This encoding describes
16744 how the debugging information should be generated for certain types.
16745 In particular, this convention makes use of @dfn{descriptive types},
16746 which are artificial types generated purely to help the debugger.
16747
16748 These encodings were defined at a time when the debugging information
16749 format used was not powerful enough to describe some of the more complex
16750 types available in Ada. Since DWARF allows us to express nearly all
16751 Ada features, the long-term goal is to slowly replace these descriptive
16752 types by their pure DWARF equivalent. To facilitate that transition,
16753 a new maintenance option is available to force the debugger to ignore
16754 those descriptive types. It allows the user to quickly evaluate how
16755 well @value{GDBN} works without them.
16756
16757 @table @code
16758
16759 @kindex maint ada set ignore-descriptive-types
16760 @item maintenance ada set ignore-descriptive-types [on|off]
16761 Control whether the debugger should ignore descriptive types.
16762 The default is not to ignore descriptives types (@code{off}).
16763
16764 @kindex maint ada show ignore-descriptive-types
16765 @item maintenance ada show ignore-descriptive-types
16766 Show if descriptive types are ignored by @value{GDBN}.
16767
16768 @end table
16769
16770 @node Unsupported Languages
16771 @section Unsupported Languages
16772
16773 @cindex unsupported languages
16774 @cindex minimal language
16775 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
16776 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
16777 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
16778 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
16779 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
16780 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
16781
16782 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
16783 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
16784 language.
16785
16786 @node Symbols
16787 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
16788
16789 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
16790 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
16791 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
16792 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
16793 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
16794 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
16795 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
16796
16797 @cindex symbol names
16798 @cindex names of symbols
16799 @cindex quoting names
16800 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
16801 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
16802 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
16803 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
16804 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
16805 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
16806 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
16807 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
16808
16809 @smallexample
16810 p 'foo.c'::x
16811 @end smallexample
16812
16813 @noindent
16814 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
16815
16816 @table @code
16817 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
16818 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
16819 @kindex set case-sensitive
16820 @item set case-sensitive on
16821 @itemx set case-sensitive off
16822 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
16823 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
16824 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
16825 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
16826 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
16827 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
16828 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
16829 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
16830 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
16831 case-insensitive matches.
16832
16833 @kindex show case-sensitive
16834 @item show case-sensitive
16835 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
16836 lookups.
16837
16838 @kindex set print type methods
16839 @item set print type methods
16840 @itemx set print type methods on
16841 @itemx set print type methods off
16842 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
16843 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
16844 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
16845 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
16846 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
16847 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
16848
16849 @kindex show print type methods
16850 @item show print type methods
16851 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
16852 classes.
16853
16854 @kindex set print type typedefs
16855 @item set print type typedefs
16856 @itemx set print type typedefs on
16857 @itemx set print type typedefs off
16858
16859 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
16860 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
16861 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
16862 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
16863 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
16864 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
16865 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
16866 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
16867 types.
16868
16869 @kindex show print type typedefs
16870 @item show print type typedefs
16871 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
16872 printing classes.
16873
16874 @kindex info address
16875 @cindex address of a symbol
16876 @item info address @var{symbol}
16877 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
16878 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
16879 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
16880 is always stored.
16881
16882 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
16883 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
16884 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
16885
16886 @kindex info symbol
16887 @cindex symbol from address
16888 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
16889 @item info symbol @var{addr}
16890 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
16891 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
16892 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
16893
16894 @smallexample
16895 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
16896 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
16897 @end smallexample
16898
16899 @noindent
16900 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
16901 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
16902
16903 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
16904 library containing the symbol is also printed:
16905
16906 @smallexample
16907 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
16908 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
16909 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
16910 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
16911 @end smallexample
16912
16913 @kindex demangle
16914 @cindex demangle
16915 @item demangle @r{[}-l @var{language}@r{]} @r{[}@var{--}@r{]} @var{name}
16916 Demangle @var{name}.
16917 If @var{language} is provided it is the name of the language to demangle
16918 @var{name} in. Otherwise @var{name} is demangled in the current language.
16919
16920 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
16921 and is useful when @var{name} begins with a dash.
16922
16923 The parameter @code{demangle-style} specifies how to interpret the kind
16924 of mangling used. @xref{Print Settings}.
16925
16926 @kindex whatis
16927 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
16928 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
16929 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
16930 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
16931
16932 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
16933 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
16934 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
16935
16936 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
16937 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
16938 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
16939 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
16940 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
16941 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
16942 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
16943 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
16944 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
16945
16946 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
16947 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
16948 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
16949 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
16950 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
16951 unroll it.
16952
16953 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
16954 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
16955 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
16956
16957 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
16958 Available flags are:
16959
16960 @table @code
16961 @item r
16962 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
16963 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
16964 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
16965
16966 @item m
16967 Do not print methods defined in the class.
16968
16969 @item M
16970 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
16971 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
16972
16973 @item t
16974 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
16975 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
16976 names are substituted when printing other types.
16977
16978 @item T
16979 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
16980 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
16981 @end table
16982
16983 @kindex ptype
16984 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
16985 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
16986 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
16987 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
16988
16989 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
16990 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
16991 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
16992 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
16993 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
16994 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
16995 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
16996 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
16997
16998 For example, for this variable declaration:
16999
17000 @smallexample
17001 typedef double real_t;
17002 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
17003 typedef struct complex complex_t;
17004 complex_t var;
17005 real_t *real_pointer_var;
17006 @end smallexample
17007
17008 @noindent
17009 the two commands give this output:
17010
17011 @smallexample
17012 @group
17013 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
17014 type = complex_t
17015 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17016 type = struct complex @{
17017 real_t real;
17018 double imag;
17019 @}
17020 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
17021 type = struct complex
17022 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
17023 type = struct complex
17024 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
17025 type = struct complex @{
17026 real_t real;
17027 double imag;
17028 @}
17029 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
17030 type = real_t *
17031 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
17032 type = double *
17033 @end group
17034 @end smallexample
17035
17036 @noindent
17037 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
17038 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17039
17040 @cindex incomplete type
17041 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
17042 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
17043 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
17044 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
17045 given these declarations:
17046
17047 @smallexample
17048 struct foo;
17049 struct foo *fooptr;
17050 @end smallexample
17051
17052 @noindent
17053 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
17054
17055 @smallexample
17056 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
17057 $1 = <incomplete type>
17058 @end smallexample
17059
17060 @noindent
17061 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
17062 completely specified.
17063
17064 @kindex info types
17065 @item info types @var{regexp}
17066 @itemx info types
17067 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
17068 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
17069 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
17070 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
17071 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
17072 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
17073 name is @code{value}.
17074
17075 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
17076 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
17077 lists all source files where a type is defined.
17078
17079 @kindex info type-printers
17080 @item info type-printers
17081 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
17082 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
17083 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
17084 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
17085 type printers.
17086
17087 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
17088
17089 @kindex enable type-printer
17090 @kindex disable type-printer
17091 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17092 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17093 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
17094
17095 @kindex info scope
17096 @cindex local variables
17097 @item info scope @var{location}
17098 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
17099 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
17100 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
17101 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
17102 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
17103
17104 @smallexample
17105 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
17106 Scope for command_line_handler:
17107 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
17108 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
17109 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
17110 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
17111 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
17112 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
17113 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
17114 @end smallexample
17115
17116 @noindent
17117 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
17118 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
17119 collect}.
17120
17121 @kindex info source
17122 @item info source
17123 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
17124 the function containing the current point of execution:
17125 @itemize @bullet
17126 @item
17127 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
17128 @item
17129 the directory it was compiled in,
17130 @item
17131 its length, in lines,
17132 @item
17133 which programming language it is written in,
17134 @item
17135 if the debug information provides it, the program that compiled the file
17136 (which may include, e.g., the compiler version and command line arguments),
17137 @item
17138 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
17139 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
17140 @item
17141 whether the debugging information includes information about
17142 preprocessor macros.
17143 @end itemize
17144
17145
17146 @kindex info sources
17147 @item info sources
17148 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
17149 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
17150 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
17151
17152 @kindex info functions
17153 @item info functions
17154 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
17155
17156 @item info functions @var{regexp}
17157 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
17158 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
17159 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
17160 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
17161 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
17162 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
17163 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
17164
17165 @kindex info variables
17166 @item info variables
17167 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
17168 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
17169
17170 @item info variables @var{regexp}
17171 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
17172 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
17173 @var{regexp}.
17174
17175 @kindex info classes
17176 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
17177 @item info classes
17178 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
17179 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
17180 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17181 expression.
17182
17183 @kindex info selectors
17184 @item info selectors
17185 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
17186 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
17187 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17188 expression.
17189
17190 @ignore
17191 This was never implemented.
17192 @kindex info methods
17193 @item info methods
17194 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
17195 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
17196 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
17197 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
17198 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
17199 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
17200 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
17201 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
17202 @end ignore
17203
17204 @cindex opaque data types
17205 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
17206 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
17207 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
17208 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
17209 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
17210 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
17211 another source file. The default is on.
17212
17213 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
17214 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
17215
17216 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
17217 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
17218 is printed as follows:
17219 @smallexample
17220 @{<no data fields>@}
17221 @end smallexample
17222
17223 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
17224 @item show opaque-type-resolution
17225 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
17226
17227 @kindex set print symbol-loading
17228 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
17229 @item set print symbol-loading
17230 @itemx set print symbol-loading full
17231 @itemx set print symbol-loading brief
17232 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
17233 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to control the
17234 printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbol information.
17235 By default a message is printed for the executable and one for each
17236 shared library, and normally this is what you want. However, when
17237 debugging apps with large numbers of shared libraries these messages
17238 can be annoying.
17239 When set to @code{brief} a message is printed for each executable,
17240 and when @value{GDBN} loads a collection of shared libraries at once
17241 it will only print one message regardless of the number of shared
17242 libraries. When set to @code{off} no messages are printed.
17243
17244 @kindex show print symbol-loading
17245 @item show print symbol-loading
17246 Show whether messages will be printed when a @value{GDBN} command
17247 entered from the keyboard causes symbol information to be loaded.
17248
17249 @kindex maint print symbols
17250 @cindex symbol dump
17251 @kindex maint print psymbols
17252 @cindex partial symbol dump
17253 @kindex maint print msymbols
17254 @cindex minimal symbol dump
17255 @item maint print symbols @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17256 @itemx maint print symbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17257 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17258 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17259 @itemx maint print msymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17260 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename} or
17261 the terminal if @var{filename} is unspecified.
17262 If @code{-objfile @var{objfile}} is specified, only dump symbols for
17263 that objfile.
17264 If @code{-pc @var{address}} is specified, only dump symbols for the file
17265 with code at that address. Note that @var{address} may be a symbol like
17266 @code{main}.
17267 If @code{-source @var{source}} is specified, only dump symbols for that
17268 source file.
17269
17270 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code.
17271 These commands do not modify internal @value{GDBN} state, therefore
17272 @samp{maint print symbols} will only print symbols for already expanded symbol
17273 tables.
17274 You can use the command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are.
17275 If you use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information
17276 about symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols
17277 defined in files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely.
17278 Finally, @samp{maint print msymbols} just dumps ``minimal symbols'', e.g.,
17279 ``ELF symbols''.
17280
17281 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
17282 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
17283
17284 @kindex maint info symtabs
17285 @kindex maint info psymtabs
17286 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
17287 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17288 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17289 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17290 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17291 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17292
17293 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
17294 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
17295 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
17296 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
17297 structure in more detail. For example:
17298
17299 @smallexample
17300 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
17301 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
17302 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
17303 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
17304 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
17305 readin no
17306 fullname (null)
17307 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
17308 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
17309 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
17310 dependencies (none)
17311 @}
17312 @}
17313 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
17314 (@value{GDBP})
17315 @end smallexample
17316 @noindent
17317 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
17318 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
17319 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
17320 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
17321 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
17322
17323 @smallexample
17324 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
17325 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
17326 line 1574.
17327 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
17328 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
17329 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
17330 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
17331 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
17332 dirname (null)
17333 fullname (null)
17334 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
17335 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
17336 debugformat DWARF 2
17337 @}
17338 @}
17339 (@value{GDBP})
17340 @end smallexample
17341
17342 @kindex maint info line-table
17343 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal line tables
17344 @cindex line tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17345 @item maint info line-table @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17346
17347 List the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}
17348 instances whose name matches @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
17349 given, list the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}.
17350
17351 @kindex maint set symbol-cache-size
17352 @cindex symbol cache size
17353 @item maint set symbol-cache-size @var{size}
17354 Set the size of the symbol cache to @var{size}.
17355 The default size is intended to be good enough for debugging
17356 most applications. This option exists to allow for experimenting
17357 with different sizes.
17358
17359 @kindex maint show symbol-cache-size
17360 @item maint show symbol-cache-size
17361 Show the size of the symbol cache.
17362
17363 @kindex maint print symbol-cache
17364 @cindex symbol cache, printing its contents
17365 @item maint print symbol-cache
17366 Print the contents of the symbol cache.
17367 This is useful when debugging symbol cache issues.
17368
17369 @kindex maint print symbol-cache-statistics
17370 @cindex symbol cache, printing usage statistics
17371 @item maint print symbol-cache-statistics
17372 Print symbol cache usage statistics.
17373 This helps determine how well the cache is being utilized.
17374
17375 @kindex maint flush-symbol-cache
17376 @cindex symbol cache, flushing
17377 @item maint flush-symbol-cache
17378 Flush the contents of the symbol cache, all entries are removed.
17379 This command is useful when debugging the symbol cache.
17380 It is also useful when collecting performance data.
17381
17382 @end table
17383
17384 @node Altering
17385 @chapter Altering Execution
17386
17387 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
17388 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
17389 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
17390 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
17391 program.
17392
17393 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
17394 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
17395 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
17396
17397 @menu
17398 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
17399 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
17400 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
17401 * Returning:: Returning from a function
17402 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
17403 * Patching:: Patching your program
17404 * Compiling and Injecting Code:: Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
17405 @end menu
17406
17407 @node Assignment
17408 @section Assignment to Variables
17409
17410 @cindex assignment
17411 @cindex setting variables
17412 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
17413 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
17414
17415 @smallexample
17416 print x=4
17417 @end smallexample
17418
17419 @noindent
17420 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
17421 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
17422 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
17423 information on operators in supported languages.
17424
17425 @kindex set variable
17426 @cindex variables, setting
17427 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
17428 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
17429 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
17430 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
17431 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
17432
17433 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
17434 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
17435 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
17436 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
17437 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
17438 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
17439 command @code{set width}:
17440
17441 @smallexample
17442 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
17443 type = double
17444 (@value{GDBP}) p width
17445 $4 = 13
17446 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
17447 Invalid syntax in expression.
17448 @end smallexample
17449
17450 @noindent
17451 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
17452 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
17453
17454 @smallexample
17455 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
17456 @end smallexample
17457
17458 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
17459 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
17460 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
17461 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
17462 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
17463 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
17464
17465 @smallexample
17466 @group
17467 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
17468 type = double
17469 (@value{GDBP}) p g
17470 $1 = 1
17471 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
17472 (@value{GDBP}) p g
17473 $2 = 1
17474 (@value{GDBP}) r
17475 The program being debugged has been started already.
17476 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
17477 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
17478 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
17479 Invalid bfd target.
17480 (@value{GDBP}) show g
17481 The current BFD target is "=4".
17482 @end group
17483 @end smallexample
17484
17485 @noindent
17486 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
17487 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
17488 @code{g}, use
17489
17490 @smallexample
17491 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
17492 @end smallexample
17493
17494 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
17495 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
17496 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
17497 same length or shorter.
17498 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
17499 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
17500
17501 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
17502 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
17503 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
17504 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
17505 and representation in memory), and
17506
17507 @smallexample
17508 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
17509 @end smallexample
17510
17511 @noindent
17512 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
17513
17514 @node Jumping
17515 @section Continuing at a Different Address
17516
17517 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
17518 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
17519 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
17520
17521 @table @code
17522 @kindex jump
17523 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
17524 @item jump @var{location}
17525 @itemx j @var{location}
17526 Resume execution at @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately
17527 if there is a breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description
17528 of the different forms of @var{location}. It is common
17529 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
17530 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
17531
17532 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
17533 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
17534 register other than the program counter. If @var{location} is in
17535 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
17536 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
17537 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
17538 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
17539 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
17540 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
17541 @end table
17542
17543 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
17544 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
17545 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
17546 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
17547 example,
17548
17549 @smallexample
17550 set $pc = 0x485
17551 @end smallexample
17552
17553 @noindent
17554 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
17555 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
17556 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
17557
17558 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
17559 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
17560 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
17561 detail.
17562
17563 @c @group
17564 @node Signaling
17565 @section Giving your Program a Signal
17566 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
17567
17568 @table @code
17569 @kindex signal
17570 @item signal @var{signal}
17571 Resume execution where your program is stopped, but immediately give it the
17572 signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
17573 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
17574 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
17575
17576 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
17577 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
17578 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
17579 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
17580 signal.
17581
17582 @emph{Note:} When resuming a multi-threaded program, @var{signal} is
17583 delivered to the currently selected thread, not the thread that last
17584 reported a stop. This includes the situation where a thread was
17585 stopped due to a signal. So if you want to continue execution
17586 suppressing the signal that stopped a thread, you should select that
17587 same thread before issuing the @samp{signal 0} command. If you issue
17588 the @samp{signal 0} command with another thread as the selected one,
17589 @value{GDBN} detects that and asks for confirmation.
17590
17591 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
17592 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
17593 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
17594 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
17595 passes the signal directly to your program.
17596
17597 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
17598 after executing the command.
17599
17600 @kindex queue-signal
17601 @item queue-signal @var{signal}
17602 Queue @var{signal} to be delivered immediately to the current thread
17603 when execution of the thread resumes. The @var{signal} can be the name or
17604 the number of a signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and
17605 @code{signal SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
17606 The handling of the signal must be set to pass the signal to the program,
17607 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error.
17608 You can control the handling of signals from @value{GDBN} with the
17609 @code{handle} command (@pxref{Signals}).
17610
17611 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, any currently queued signal
17612 for the current thread is discarded and when execution resumes no signal
17613 will be delivered. This is useful when your program stopped on account
17614 of a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
17615 @code{continue} command.
17616
17617 This command differs from the @code{signal} command in that the signal
17618 is just queued, execution is not resumed. And @code{queue-signal} cannot
17619 be used to pass a signal whose handling state has been set to @code{nopass}
17620 (@pxref{Signals}).
17621 @end table
17622 @c @end group
17623
17624 @xref{stepping into signal handlers}, for information on how stepping
17625 commands behave when the thread has a signal queued.
17626
17627 @node Returning
17628 @section Returning from a Function
17629
17630 @table @code
17631 @cindex returning from a function
17632 @kindex return
17633 @item return
17634 @itemx return @var{expression}
17635 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
17636 command. If you give an
17637 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
17638 value.
17639 @end table
17640
17641 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
17642 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
17643 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
17644 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
17645
17646 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
17647 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
17648 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
17649 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
17650 of functions.
17651
17652 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
17653 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
17654 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
17655 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
17656 selected stack frame returns naturally.
17657
17658 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
17659 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
17660 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
17661 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
17662 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
17663 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
17664 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
17665 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
17666 assignment into the right register(s).
17667
17668 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
17669 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
17670 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
17671 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
17672 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
17673 into a @code{long long int}:
17674
17675 @smallexample
17676 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
17677 29 return 31;
17678 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
17679 Make func return now? (y or n) y
17680 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
17681 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
17682 (@value{GDBP})
17683 @end smallexample
17684
17685 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
17686 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
17687 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
17688 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
17689 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
17690 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
17691 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
17692 an appropriate cast explicitly:
17693
17694 @smallexample
17695 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
17696 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
17697 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
17698 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
17699 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
17700 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
17701 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
17702 (@value{GDBP})
17703 @end smallexample
17704
17705 @node Calling
17706 @section Calling Program Functions
17707
17708 @table @code
17709 @cindex calling functions
17710 @cindex inferior functions, calling
17711 @item print @var{expr}
17712 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
17713 The expression may include calls to functions in the program being
17714 debugged.
17715
17716 @kindex call
17717 @item call @var{expr}
17718 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
17719 returned values.
17720
17721 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
17722 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
17723 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
17724 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
17725 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
17726 value history.
17727 @end table
17728
17729 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
17730 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
17731 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
17732 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
17733
17734 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
17735 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
17736 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
17737 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
17738 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
17739 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
17740 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
17741 in that case is controlled by the
17742 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
17743
17744 @table @code
17745 @item set unwindonsignal
17746 @kindex set unwindonsignal
17747 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
17748 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
17749 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
17750 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
17751 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
17752 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
17753 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
17754 received.
17755
17756 @item show unwindonsignal
17757 @kindex show unwindonsignal
17758 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
17759 @value{GDBN}.
17760
17761 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
17762 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
17763 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
17764 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
17765 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
17766 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
17767 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
17768 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
17769 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
17770 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
17771
17772 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
17773 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
17774 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
17775 @value{GDBN}.
17776
17777 @end table
17778
17779 @cindex weak alias functions
17780 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
17781 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
17782 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
17783 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
17784 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
17785 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
17786 function instead.
17787
17788 @node Patching
17789 @section Patching Programs
17790
17791 @cindex patching binaries
17792 @cindex writing into executables
17793 @cindex writing into corefiles
17794
17795 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
17796 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
17797 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
17798 patching your program's binary.
17799
17800 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
17801 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
17802 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
17803 repairs.
17804
17805 @table @code
17806 @kindex set write
17807 @item set write on
17808 @itemx set write off
17809 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
17810 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
17811 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
17812
17813 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
17814 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
17815 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
17816
17817 @item show write
17818 @kindex show write
17819 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
17820 as well as reading.
17821 @end table
17822
17823 @node Compiling and Injecting Code
17824 @section Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
17825 @cindex injecting code
17826 @cindex writing into executables
17827 @cindex compiling code
17828
17829 @value{GDBN} supports on-demand compilation and code injection into
17830 programs running under @value{GDBN}. GCC 5.0 or higher built with
17831 @file{libcc1.so} must be installed for this functionality to be enabled.
17832 This functionality is implemented with the following commands.
17833
17834 @table @code
17835 @kindex compile code
17836 @item compile code @var{source-code}
17837 @itemx compile code -raw @var{--} @var{source-code}
17838 Compile @var{source-code} with the compiler language found as the current
17839 language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). If compilation and
17840 injection is not supported with the current language specified in
17841 @value{GDBN}, or the compiler does not support this feature, an error
17842 message will be printed. If @var{source-code} compiles and links
17843 successfully, @value{GDBN} will load the object-code emitted,
17844 and execute it within the context of the currently selected inferior.
17845 It is important to note that the compiled code is executed immediately.
17846 After execution, the compiled code is removed from @value{GDBN} and any
17847 new types or variables you have defined will be deleted.
17848
17849 The command allows you to specify @var{source-code} in two ways.
17850 The simplest method is to provide a single line of code to the command.
17851 E.g.:
17852
17853 @smallexample
17854 compile code printf ("hello world\n");
17855 @end smallexample
17856
17857 If you specify options on the command line as well as source code, they
17858 may conflict. The @samp{--} delimiter can be used to separate options
17859 from actual source code. E.g.:
17860
17861 @smallexample
17862 compile code -r -- printf ("hello world\n");
17863 @end smallexample
17864
17865 Alternatively you can enter source code as multiple lines of text. To
17866 enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile code} command without any text
17867 following the command. This will start the multiple-line editor and
17868 allow you to type as many lines of source code as required. When you
17869 have completed typing, enter @samp{end} on its own line to exit the
17870 editor.
17871
17872 @smallexample
17873 compile code
17874 >printf ("hello\n");
17875 >printf ("world\n");
17876 >end
17877 @end smallexample
17878
17879 Specifying @samp{-raw}, prohibits @value{GDBN} from wrapping the
17880 provided @var{source-code} in a callable scope. In this case, you must
17881 specify the entry point of the code by defining a function named
17882 @code{_gdb_expr_}. The @samp{-raw} code cannot access variables of the
17883 inferior. Using @samp{-raw} option may be needed for example when
17884 @var{source-code} requires @samp{#include} lines which may conflict with
17885 inferior symbols otherwise.
17886
17887 @kindex compile file
17888 @item compile file @var{filename}
17889 @itemx compile file -raw @var{filename}
17890 Like @code{compile code}, but take the source code from @var{filename}.
17891
17892 @smallexample
17893 compile file /home/user/example.c
17894 @end smallexample
17895 @end table
17896
17897 @table @code
17898 @item compile print @var{expr}
17899 @itemx compile print /@var{f} @var{expr}
17900 Compile and execute @var{expr} with the compiler language found as the
17901 current language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). By default the
17902 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
17903 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
17904 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
17905 Formats}.
17906
17907 @item compile print
17908 @itemx compile print /@var{f}
17909 @cindex reprint the last value
17910 Alternatively you can enter the expression (source code producing it) as
17911 multiple lines of text. To enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile print}
17912 command without any text following the command. This will start the
17913 multiple-line editor.
17914 @end table
17915
17916 @noindent
17917 The process of compiling and injecting the code can be inspected using:
17918
17919 @table @code
17920 @anchor{set debug compile}
17921 @item set debug compile
17922 @cindex compile command debugging info
17923 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} process of compiling and
17924 injecting the code. The default is off.
17925
17926 @item show debug compile
17927 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} process of
17928 compiling and injecting the code.
17929 @end table
17930
17931 @subsection Compilation options for the @code{compile} command
17932
17933 @value{GDBN} needs to specify the right compilation options for the code
17934 to be injected, in part to make its ABI compatible with the inferior
17935 and in part to make the injected code compatible with @value{GDBN}'s
17936 injecting process.
17937
17938 @noindent
17939 The options used, in increasing precedence:
17940
17941 @table @asis
17942 @item target architecture and OS options (@code{gdbarch})
17943 These options depend on target processor type and target operating
17944 system, usually they specify at least 32-bit (@code{-m32}) or 64-bit
17945 (@code{-m64}) compilation option.
17946
17947 @item compilation options recorded in the target
17948 @value{NGCC} (since version 4.7) stores the options used for compilation
17949 into @code{DW_AT_producer} part of DWARF debugging information according
17950 to the @value{NGCC} option @code{-grecord-gcc-switches}. One has to
17951 explicitly specify @code{-g} during inferior compilation otherwise
17952 @value{NGCC} produces no DWARF. This feature is only relevant for
17953 platforms where @code{-g} produces DWARF by default, otherwise one may
17954 try to enforce DWARF by using @code{-gdwarf-4}.
17955
17956 @item compilation options set by @code{set compile-args}
17957 @end table
17958
17959 @noindent
17960 You can override compilation options using the following command:
17961
17962 @table @code
17963 @item set compile-args
17964 @cindex compile command options override
17965 Set compilation options used for compiling and injecting code with the
17966 @code{compile} commands. These options override any conflicting ones
17967 from the target architecture and/or options stored during inferior
17968 compilation.
17969
17970 @item show compile-args
17971 Displays the current state of compilation options override.
17972 This does not show all the options actually used during compilation,
17973 use @ref{set debug compile} for that.
17974 @end table
17975
17976 @subsection Caveats when using the @code{compile} command
17977
17978 There are a few caveats to keep in mind when using the @code{compile}
17979 command. As the caveats are different per language, the table below
17980 highlights specific issues on a per language basis.
17981
17982 @table @asis
17983 @item C code examples and caveats
17984 When the language in @value{GDBN} is set to @samp{C}, the compiler will
17985 attempt to compile the source code with a @samp{C} compiler. The source
17986 code provided to the @code{compile} command will have much the same
17987 access to variables and types as it normally would if it were part of
17988 the program currently being debugged in @value{GDBN}.
17989
17990 Below is a sample program that forms the basis of the examples that
17991 follow. This program has been compiled and loaded into @value{GDBN},
17992 much like any other normal debugging session.
17993
17994 @smallexample
17995 void function1 (void)
17996 @{
17997 int i = 42;
17998 printf ("function 1\n");
17999 @}
18000
18001 void function2 (void)
18002 @{
18003 int j = 12;
18004 function1 ();
18005 @}
18006
18007 int main(void)
18008 @{
18009 int k = 6;
18010 int *p;
18011 function2 ();
18012 return 0;
18013 @}
18014 @end smallexample
18015
18016 For the purposes of the examples in this section, the program above has
18017 been compiled, loaded into @value{GDBN}, stopped at the function
18018 @code{main}, and @value{GDBN} is awaiting input from the user.
18019
18020 To access variables and types for any program in @value{GDBN}, the
18021 program must be compiled and packaged with debug information. The
18022 @code{compile} command is not an exception to this rule. Without debug
18023 information, you can still use the @code{compile} command, but you will
18024 be very limited in what variables and types you can access.
18025
18026 So with that in mind, the example above has been compiled with debug
18027 information enabled. The @code{compile} command will have access to
18028 all variables and types (except those that may have been optimized
18029 out). Currently, as @value{GDBN} has stopped the program in the
18030 @code{main} function, the @code{compile} command would have access to
18031 the variable @code{k}. You could invoke the @code{compile} command
18032 and type some source code to set the value of @code{k}. You can also
18033 read it, or do anything with that variable you would normally do in
18034 @code{C}. Be aware that changes to inferior variables in the
18035 @code{compile} command are persistent. In the following example:
18036
18037 @smallexample
18038 compile code k = 3;
18039 @end smallexample
18040
18041 @noindent
18042 the variable @code{k} is now 3. It will retain that value until
18043 something else in the example program changes it, or another
18044 @code{compile} command changes it.
18045
18046 Normal scope and access rules apply to source code compiled and
18047 injected by the @code{compile} command. In the example, the variables
18048 @code{j} and @code{k} are not accessible yet, because the program is
18049 currently stopped in the @code{main} function, where these variables
18050 are not in scope. Therefore, the following command
18051
18052 @smallexample
18053 compile code j = 3;
18054 @end smallexample
18055
18056 @noindent
18057 will result in a compilation error message.
18058
18059 Once the program is continued, execution will bring these variables in
18060 scope, and they will become accessible; then the code you specify via
18061 the @code{compile} command will be able to access them.
18062
18063 You can create variables and types with the @code{compile} command as
18064 part of your source code. Variables and types that are created as part
18065 of the @code{compile} command are not visible to the rest of the program for
18066 the duration of its run. This example is valid:
18067
18068 @smallexample
18069 compile code int ff = 5; printf ("ff is %d\n", ff);
18070 @end smallexample
18071
18072 However, if you were to type the following into @value{GDBN} after that
18073 command has completed:
18074
18075 @smallexample
18076 compile code printf ("ff is %d\n'', ff);
18077 @end smallexample
18078
18079 @noindent
18080 a compiler error would be raised as the variable @code{ff} no longer
18081 exists. Object code generated and injected by the @code{compile}
18082 command is removed when its execution ends. Caution is advised
18083 when assigning to program variables values of variables created by the
18084 code submitted to the @code{compile} command. This example is valid:
18085
18086 @smallexample
18087 compile code int ff = 5; k = ff;
18088 @end smallexample
18089
18090 The value of the variable @code{ff} is assigned to @code{k}. The variable
18091 @code{k} does not require the existence of @code{ff} to maintain the value
18092 it has been assigned. However, pointers require particular care in
18093 assignment. If the source code compiled with the @code{compile} command
18094 changed the address of a pointer in the example program, perhaps to a
18095 variable created in the @code{compile} command, that pointer would point
18096 to an invalid location when the command exits. The following example
18097 would likely cause issues with your debugged program:
18098
18099 @smallexample
18100 compile code int ff = 5; p = &ff;
18101 @end smallexample
18102
18103 In this example, @code{p} would point to @code{ff} when the
18104 @code{compile} command is executing the source code provided to it.
18105 However, as variables in the (example) program persist with their
18106 assigned values, the variable @code{p} would point to an invalid
18107 location when the command exists. A general rule should be followed
18108 in that you should either assign @code{NULL} to any assigned pointers,
18109 or restore a valid location to the pointer before the command exits.
18110
18111 Similar caution must be exercised with any structs, unions, and typedefs
18112 defined in @code{compile} command. Types defined in the @code{compile}
18113 command will no longer be available in the next @code{compile} command.
18114 Therefore, if you cast a variable to a type defined in the
18115 @code{compile} command, care must be taken to ensure that any future
18116 need to resolve the type can be achieved.
18117
18118 @smallexample
18119 (gdb) compile code static struct a @{ int a; @} v = @{ 42 @}; argv = &v;
18120 (gdb) compile code printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18121 gdb command line:1:36: error: dereferencing pointer to incomplete type ‘struct a’
18122 Compilation failed.
18123 (gdb) compile code struct a @{ int a; @}; printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18124 42
18125 @end smallexample
18126
18127 Variables that have been optimized away by the compiler are not
18128 accessible to the code submitted to the @code{compile} command.
18129 Access to those variables will generate a compiler error which @value{GDBN}
18130 will print to the console.
18131 @end table
18132
18133 @subsection Compiler search for the @code{compile} command
18134
18135 @value{GDBN} needs to find @value{NGCC} for the inferior being debugged which
18136 may not be obvious for remote targets of different architecture than where
18137 @value{GDBN} is running. Environment variable @code{PATH} (@code{PATH} from
18138 shell that executed @value{GDBN}, not the one set by @value{GDBN}
18139 command @code{set environment}). @xref{Environment}. @code{PATH} on
18140 @value{GDBN} host is searched for @value{NGCC} binary matching the
18141 target architecture and operating system.
18142
18143 Specifically @code{PATH} is searched for binaries matching regular expression
18144 @code{@var{arch}(-[^-]*)?-@var{os}-gcc} according to the inferior target being
18145 debugged. @var{arch} is processor name --- multiarch is supported, so for
18146 example both @code{i386} and @code{x86_64} targets look for pattern
18147 @code{(x86_64|i.86)} and both @code{s390} and @code{s390x} targets look
18148 for pattern @code{s390x?}. @var{os} is currently supported only for
18149 pattern @code{linux(-gnu)?}.
18150
18151 @node GDB Files
18152 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
18153
18154 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
18155 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
18156 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
18157 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
18158
18159 @menu
18160 * Files:: Commands to specify files
18161 * File Caching:: Information about @value{GDBN}'s file caching
18162 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
18163 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
18164 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
18165 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
18166 * Data Files:: GDB data files
18167 @end menu
18168
18169 @node Files
18170 @section Commands to Specify Files
18171
18172 @cindex symbol table
18173 @cindex core dump file
18174
18175 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
18176 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
18177 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
18178 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
18179
18180 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
18181 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
18182 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
18183 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
18184 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
18185 new files are useful.
18186
18187 @table @code
18188 @cindex executable file
18189 @kindex file
18190 @item file @var{filename}
18191 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
18192 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
18193 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
18194 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
18195 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
18196 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
18197 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
18198 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
18199
18200 @cindex unlinked object files
18201 @cindex patching object files
18202 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
18203 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
18204 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
18205 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
18206 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
18207 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
18208 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
18209 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
18210
18211 @item file
18212 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
18213 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
18214
18215 @kindex exec-file
18216 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
18217 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
18218 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
18219 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
18220 discard information on the executable file.
18221
18222 @kindex symbol-file
18223 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
18224 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
18225 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
18226 table and program to run from the same file.
18227
18228 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
18229 program's symbol table.
18230
18231 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
18232 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
18233 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
18234 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
18235 @value{GDBN}.
18236
18237 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
18238 executing it once.
18239
18240 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
18241 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
18242 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
18243 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
18244 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
18245 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
18246 optimized code.
18247
18248 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
18249 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
18250 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
18251 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
18252 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
18253
18254 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
18255 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
18256 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
18257 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
18258 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
18259 Warnings and Messages}.)
18260
18261 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
18262 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
18263 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
18264 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
18265 in stabs format.
18266
18267 @kindex readnow
18268 @cindex reading symbols immediately
18269 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
18270 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
18271 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
18272 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
18273 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
18274 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
18275 entire symbol table available.
18276
18277 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
18278 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
18279 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
18280 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
18281 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
18282 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
18283 @c files.
18284
18285 @kindex core-file
18286 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18287 @itemx core
18288 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
18289 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
18290 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
18291 executable file itself for other parts.
18292
18293 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
18294 to be used.
18295
18296 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
18297 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
18298 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
18299 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
18300 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
18301
18302 @kindex add-symbol-file
18303 @cindex dynamic linking
18304 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
18305 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
18306 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
18307 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
18308 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
18309 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
18310 into the program that is running. The @var{address} should give the memory
18311 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
18312 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
18313 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
18314 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
18315 @var{address} as an expression.
18316
18317 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
18318 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
18319 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
18320 thus read is kept in addition to the old.
18321
18322 Changes can be reverted using the command @code{remove-symbol-file}.
18323
18324 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
18325 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
18326 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
18327 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
18328 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
18329 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
18330 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
18331 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
18332 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
18333
18334 @itemize @bullet
18335 @item
18336 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
18337 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
18338 @item
18339 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
18340 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
18341 @item
18342 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
18343 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
18344 @end itemize
18345
18346 @noindent
18347 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
18348 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
18349 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
18350 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
18351 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
18352 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
18353 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
18354 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
18355 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
18356 way.
18357
18358 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
18359
18360 @kindex remove-symbol-file
18361 @item remove-symbol-file @var{filename}
18362 @item remove-symbol-file -a @var{address}
18363 Remove a symbol file added via the @code{add-symbol-file} command. The
18364 file to remove can be identified by its @var{filename} or by an @var{address}
18365 that lies within the boundaries of this symbol file in memory. Example:
18366
18367 @smallexample
18368 (gdb) add-symbol-file /home/user/gdb/mylib.so 0x7ffff7ff9480
18369 add symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so" at
18370 .text_addr = 0x7ffff7ff9480
18371 (y or n) y
18372 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/mylib.so...done.
18373 (gdb) remove-symbol-file -a 0x7ffff7ff9480
18374 Remove symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so"? (y or n) y
18375 (gdb)
18376 @end smallexample
18377
18378
18379 @code{remove-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
18380
18381 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
18382 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
18383 @cindex load symbols from memory
18384 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
18385 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
18386 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
18387 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
18388 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
18389 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
18390 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
18391 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
18392 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
18393
18394 @kindex section
18395 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
18396 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
18397 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
18398 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
18399 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
18400 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
18401 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
18402 their addresses.
18403
18404 @kindex info files
18405 @kindex info target
18406 @item info files
18407 @itemx info target
18408 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
18409 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
18410 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
18411 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
18412 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
18413 current ones.
18414
18415 @kindex maint info sections
18416 @item maint info sections
18417 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
18418 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
18419 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
18420 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
18421 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
18422 may be arbitrarily combined):
18423
18424 @table @code
18425 @item ALLOBJ
18426 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
18427 @item @var{sections}
18428 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
18429 @item @var{section-flags}
18430 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
18431 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
18432 @table @code
18433 @item ALLOC
18434 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
18435 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
18436 @item LOAD
18437 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
18438 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
18439 @item RELOC
18440 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
18441 @item READONLY
18442 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
18443 @item CODE
18444 Section contains executable code only.
18445 @item DATA
18446 Section contains data only (no executable code).
18447 @item ROM
18448 Section will reside in ROM.
18449 @item CONSTRUCTOR
18450 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
18451 @item HAS_CONTENTS
18452 Section is not empty.
18453 @item NEVER_LOAD
18454 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
18455 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
18456 A notification to the linker that the section contains
18457 COFF shared library information.
18458 @item IS_COMMON
18459 Section contains common symbols.
18460 @end table
18461 @end table
18462 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
18463 @cindex read-only sections
18464 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
18465 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
18466 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
18467 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
18468 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
18469 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
18470 enhancement to debugging performance.
18471
18472 The default is off.
18473
18474 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
18475 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
18476 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
18477 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
18478
18479 @item show trust-readonly-sections
18480 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
18481 @end table
18482
18483 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
18484 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
18485 name and remembers it that way.
18486
18487 @cindex shared libraries
18488 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
18489 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, SunOS,
18490 Darwin/Mach-O, SVr4, IBM RS/6000 AIX, QNX Neutrino, FDPIC (FR-V), and
18491 DSBT (TIC6X) shared libraries.
18492
18493 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
18494 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
18495
18496 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
18497 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
18498 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
18499 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
18500 debugging a core file).
18501
18502 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
18503 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
18504 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
18505
18506 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
18507 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
18508 particularly large or there are many of them.
18509
18510 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
18511 commands:
18512
18513 @table @code
18514 @kindex set auto-solib-add
18515 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
18516 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
18517 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
18518 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
18519 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
18520 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
18521 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
18522
18523 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
18524 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
18525 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
18526 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
18527 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
18528 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
18529 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
18530 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
18531 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
18532
18533 @kindex show auto-solib-add
18534 @item show auto-solib-add
18535 Display the current autoloading mode.
18536 @end table
18537
18538 @cindex load shared library
18539 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
18540 command:
18541
18542 @table @code
18543 @kindex info sharedlibrary
18544 @kindex info share
18545 @item info share @var{regex}
18546 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
18547 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
18548 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
18549 all shared libraries that are loaded.
18550
18551 @kindex info dll
18552 @item info dll @var{regex}
18553 This is an alias of @code{info sharedlibrary}.
18554
18555 @kindex sharedlibrary
18556 @kindex share
18557 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
18558 @itemx share @var{regex}
18559 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
18560 Unix regular expression.
18561 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
18562 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
18563 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
18564 loaded.
18565
18566 @item nosharedlibrary
18567 @kindex nosharedlibrary
18568 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
18569 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
18570 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
18571 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
18572 discarded.
18573 @end table
18574
18575 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
18576 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
18577 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
18578 Catchpoints}).
18579
18580 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
18581 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
18582 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
18583 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
18584
18585 @table @code
18586 @item set stop-on-solib-events
18587 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
18588 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
18589 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
18590 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
18591 shared library.
18592
18593 @item show stop-on-solib-events
18594 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
18595 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
18596 library events happen.
18597 @end table
18598
18599 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
18600 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
18601 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
18602 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
18603 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
18604 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
18605 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
18606 not.
18607
18608 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
18609 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
18610 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
18611 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
18612 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
18613
18614 @table @code
18615 @cindex prefix for executable and shared library file names
18616 @cindex system root, alternate
18617 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
18618 @kindex set sysroot
18619 @item set sysroot @var{path}
18620 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
18621 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
18622 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
18623 target program's memory. When starting processes remotely, and when
18624 attaching to already-running processes (local or remote), their
18625 executable filenames will be prefixed with @var{path} if reported to
18626 @value{GDBN} as absolute by the operating system. If you use
18627 @code{set sysroot} to find executables and shared libraries, they need
18628 to be laid out in the same way that they are on the target, with
18629 e.g.@: a @file{/bin}, @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy under
18630 @var{path}.
18631
18632 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{target:} and the target
18633 system is remote then @value{GDBN} will retrieve the target binaries
18634 from the remote system. This is only supported when using a remote
18635 target that supports the @code{remote get} command (@pxref{File
18636 Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}). The part of @var{path}
18637 following the initial @file{target:} (if present) is used as system
18638 root prefix on the remote file system. If @var{path} starts with the
18639 sequence @file{remote:} this is converted to the sequence
18640 @file{target:} by @code{set sysroot}@footnote{Historically the
18641 functionality to retrieve binaries from the remote system was
18642 provided by prefixing @var{path} with @file{remote:}}. If you want
18643 to specify a local system root using a directory that happens to be
18644 named @file{target:} or @file{remote:}, you need to use some
18645 equivalent variant of the name like @file{./target:}.
18646
18647 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
18648 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
18649 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
18650 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
18651 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
18652
18653 @smallexample
18654 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
18655 @end smallexample
18656
18657 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
18658 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
18659 system:
18660
18661 @smallexample
18662 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
18663 @end smallexample
18664
18665 If that does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries removing
18666 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
18667 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
18668 colons:
18669
18670 @smallexample
18671 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
18672 @end smallexample
18673
18674 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
18675 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
18676 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
18677 @samp{z}):
18678
18679 @smallexample
18680 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
18681 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
18682 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
18683 @end smallexample
18684
18685 @noindent
18686 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
18687 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
18688 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
18689
18690 If that still does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries
18691 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
18692
18693 @smallexample
18694 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
18695 @end smallexample
18696
18697 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
18698 if you don't want or need to.
18699
18700 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
18701 sysroot}.
18702
18703 @cindex default system root
18704 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
18705 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
18706 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
18707 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
18708 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
18709 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
18710 location.
18711
18712 @kindex show sysroot
18713 @item show sysroot
18714 Display the current executable and shared library prefix.
18715
18716 @kindex set solib-search-path
18717 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
18718 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
18719 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
18720 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
18721 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
18722 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
18723 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
18724 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
18725 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
18726 of shared library symbols.
18727
18728 @kindex show solib-search-path
18729 @item show solib-search-path
18730 Display the current shared library search path.
18731
18732 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
18733 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
18734 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
18735 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
18736 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
18737
18738 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
18739 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
18740 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
18741 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
18742 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
18743 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
18744 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
18745 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
18746 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
18747 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
18748 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
18749 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
18750 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
18751 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
18752 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
18753 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
18754 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
18755 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
18756 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
18757 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
18758 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
18759 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
18760
18761 @table @code
18762 @item unix
18763 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
18764 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
18765 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
18766 the forward slash.
18767
18768 @item dos-based
18769 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
18770 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
18771 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
18772 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
18773 considered directory separators.
18774
18775 @item auto
18776 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
18777 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
18778 This is the default.
18779 @end table
18780 @end table
18781
18782 @cindex file name canonicalization
18783 @cindex base name differences
18784 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
18785 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
18786 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
18787 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
18788 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
18789 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
18790 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
18791 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
18792 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
18793 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
18794 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
18795 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
18796 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
18797 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
18798 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
18799
18800 @table @code
18801 @item set basenames-may-differ
18802 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
18803 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
18804
18805 @item show basenames-may-differ
18806 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
18807 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
18808 @end table
18809
18810 @node File Caching
18811 @section File Caching
18812 @cindex caching of opened files
18813 @cindex caching of bfd objects
18814
18815 To speed up file loading, and reduce memory usage, @value{GDBN} will
18816 reuse the @code{bfd} objects used to track open files. @xref{Top, ,
18817 BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}. The following commands
18818 allow visibility and control of the caching behavior.
18819
18820 @table @code
18821 @kindex maint info bfds
18822 @item maint info bfds
18823 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
18824 @value{GDBN}.
18825
18826 @kindex maint set bfd-sharing
18827 @kindex maint show bfd-sharing
18828 @kindex bfd caching
18829 @item maint set bfd-sharing
18830 @item maint show bfd-sharing
18831 Control whether @code{bfd} objects can be shared. When sharing is
18832 enabled @value{GDBN} reuses already open @code{bfd} objects rather
18833 than reopening the same file. Turning sharing off does not cause
18834 already shared @code{bfd} objects to be unshared, but all future files
18835 that are opened will create a new @code{bfd} object. Similarly,
18836 re-enabling sharing does not cause multiple existing @code{bfd}
18837 objects to be collapsed into a single shared @code{bfd} object.
18838
18839 @kindex set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
18840 @kindex bfd caching
18841 @item set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
18842 Turns on debugging of the bfd cache, setting the level to @var{level}.
18843
18844 @kindex show debug bfd-cache
18845 @kindex bfd caching
18846 @item show debug bfd-cache
18847 Show the current debugging level of the bfd cache.
18848 @end table
18849
18850 @node Separate Debug Files
18851 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
18852 @cindex separate debugging information files
18853 @cindex debugging information in separate files
18854 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
18855 @cindex debugging information directory, global
18856 @cindex global debugging information directories
18857 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
18858 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
18859
18860 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
18861 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
18862 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
18863 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
18864 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
18865 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
18866 install only when they need to debug a problem.
18867
18868 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
18869 file:
18870
18871 @itemize @bullet
18872 @item
18873 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
18874 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
18875 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
18876 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
18877 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
18878 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
18879 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
18880 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
18881
18882 @item
18883 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
18884 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
18885 only on some operating systems, when using the ELF or PE file formats
18886 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
18887 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
18888 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
18889 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
18890 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
18891 below.
18892 @end itemize
18893
18894 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
18895 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
18896
18897 @itemize @bullet
18898 @item
18899 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
18900 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
18901 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
18902 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
18903 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
18904
18905 @item
18906 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
18907 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
18908 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
18909 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
18910 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
18911 hex characters, not 10.)
18912 @end itemize
18913
18914 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
18915 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
18916 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
18917 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
18918 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
18919 debug information files, in the indicated order:
18920
18921 @itemize @minus
18922 @item
18923 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
18924 @item
18925 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
18926 @item
18927 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
18928 @item
18929 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
18930 @end itemize
18931
18932 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
18933 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
18934 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
18935 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
18936 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
18937
18938 @table @code
18939
18940 @kindex set debug-file-directory
18941 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
18942 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
18943 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
18944 concatenating them by a path separator.
18945
18946 @kindex show debug-file-directory
18947 @item show debug-file-directory
18948 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
18949 information files.
18950
18951 @end table
18952
18953 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
18954 @cindex debug link sections
18955 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
18956 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
18957
18958 @itemize
18959 @item
18960 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
18961 a zero byte,
18962 @item
18963 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
18964 boundary within the section, and
18965 @item
18966 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
18967 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
18968 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
18969 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
18970 @end itemize
18971
18972 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
18973 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
18974 described above.
18975
18976 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
18977 @cindex build ID sections
18978 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
18979 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
18980 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
18981 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
18982 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
18983 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
18984 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
18985 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
18986 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
18987
18988 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
18989 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
18990 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
18991 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
18992 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
18993 in an ordinary executable.
18994
18995 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
18996 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
18997 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
18998 following commands:
18999
19000 @smallexample
19001 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
19002 @kbd{strip -g foo}
19003 @end smallexample
19004
19005 @noindent
19006 These commands remove the debugging
19007 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
19008 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
19009 two files:
19010
19011 @itemize @bullet
19012 @item
19013 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
19014 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
19015
19016 @smallexample
19017 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
19018 @end smallexample
19019
19020 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
19021 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
19022 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
19023 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
19024
19025 @item
19026 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
19027 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
19028 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
19029 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
19030 @end itemize
19031
19032 @noindent
19033
19034 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
19035 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
19036 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
19037
19038 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
19039 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
19040 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
19041 @c different ways!
19042 @ifhtml
19043 @display
19044 @html
19045 <em>x</em><sup>32</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>26</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>23</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>22</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>16</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>12</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>11</sup>
19046 + <em>x</em><sup>10</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>8</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>7</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>5</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>4</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>2</sup> + <em>x</em> + 1
19047 @end html
19048 @end display
19049 @end ifhtml
19050 @ifnothtml
19051 @display
19052 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
19053 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
19054 @end display
19055 @end ifnothtml
19056
19057 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
19058 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
19059 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
19060 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
19061 CRC.
19062
19063 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
19064 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
19065 However in the case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed
19066 @emph{most} significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so
19067 trailing zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
19068
19069 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
19070 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
19071 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
19072 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
19073 @code{0xffffffff}.
19074
19075 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
19076 @smallexample
19077 unsigned long
19078 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
19079 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
19080 @{
19081 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
19082 @{
19083 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
19084 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
19085 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
19086 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
19087 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
19088 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
19089 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
19090 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
19091 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
19092 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
19093 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
19094 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
19095 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
19096 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
19097 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
19098 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
19099 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
19100 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
19101 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
19102 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
19103 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
19104 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
19105 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
19106 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
19107 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
19108 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
19109 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
19110 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
19111 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
19112 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
19113 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
19114 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
19115 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
19116 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
19117 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
19118 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
19119 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
19120 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
19121 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
19122 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
19123 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
19124 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
19125 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
19126 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
19127 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
19128 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
19129 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
19130 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
19131 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
19132 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
19133 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
19134 0x2d02ef8d
19135 @};
19136 unsigned char *end;
19137
19138 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
19139 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
19140 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
19141 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
19142 @}
19143 @end smallexample
19144
19145 @noindent
19146 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
19147
19148 @node MiniDebugInfo
19149 @section Debugging information in a special section
19150 @cindex separate debug sections
19151 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
19152
19153 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
19154 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
19155 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
19156 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
19157
19158 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
19159 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
19160 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
19161 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
19162 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
19163 debugging information might be included in the section.
19164
19165 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
19166 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
19167 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
19168
19169 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
19170 standard utilities:
19171
19172 @smallexample
19173 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
19174 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
19175 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
19176 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
19177
19178 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
19179 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
19180 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
19181 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
19182 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
19183 | sort > funcsyms
19184
19185 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
19186 # table.
19187 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
19188
19189 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
19190 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
19191
19192 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
19193 # removing some unnecessary sections.
19194 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
19195 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
19196
19197 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
19198 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
19199
19200 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
19201 # original binary.
19202 xz mini_debuginfo
19203 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
19204 @end smallexample
19205
19206 @node Index Files
19207 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
19208 @cindex index files
19209 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
19210
19211 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
19212 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
19213 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
19214 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
19215 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
19216 startup.
19217
19218 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
19219 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
19220 using @command{objcopy}.
19221
19222 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
19223
19224 @table @code
19225 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
19226 @kindex save gdb-index
19227 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
19228 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
19229 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
19230 @var{directory}.
19231 @end table
19232
19233 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
19234 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
19235
19236 @smallexample
19237 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
19238 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
19239 @end smallexample
19240
19241 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
19242 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
19243 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
19244 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
19245 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
19246 The default is @code{off}.
19247 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
19248 @xref{Index Section Format}.
19249
19250 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
19251 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
19252
19253 @smallexample
19254 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
19255 @end smallexample
19256
19257 Instead you must do, for example,
19258
19259 @smallexample
19260 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
19261 @end smallexample
19262
19263 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
19264 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
19265 currently work for programs using Ada.
19266
19267 @node Symbol Errors
19268 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
19269
19270 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
19271 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
19272 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
19273 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
19274 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
19275 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
19276 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
19277 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
19278 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
19279 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
19280 Messages}).
19281
19282 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
19283
19284 @table @code
19285 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
19286
19287 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
19288 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
19289 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
19290 in its outer scope blocks.
19291
19292 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
19293 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
19294 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
19295 function.
19296
19297 @item block at @var{address} out of order
19298
19299 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
19300 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
19301 do so.
19302
19303 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
19304 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
19305 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
19306 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
19307 Messages}.)
19308
19309 @item bad block start address patched
19310
19311 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
19312 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
19313 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
19314
19315 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
19316 starting on the previous source line.
19317
19318 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
19319
19320 @cindex foo
19321 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
19322 larger than the size of the string table.
19323
19324 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
19325 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
19326 with this name.
19327
19328 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
19329
19330 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
19331 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
19332 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
19333
19334 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
19335 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
19336 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
19337 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
19338 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
19339 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
19340
19341 @item stub type has NULL name
19342
19343 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
19344
19345 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
19346 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
19347 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
19348 it.
19349
19350 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
19351
19352 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
19353
19354 @end table
19355
19356 @node Data Files
19357 @section GDB Data Files
19358
19359 @cindex prefix for data files
19360 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
19361 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
19362
19363 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
19364 is currently using.
19365
19366 @table @code
19367 @kindex set data-directory
19368 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
19369 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
19370 to @var{directory}.
19371
19372 @kindex show data-directory
19373 @item show data-directory
19374 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
19375 @end table
19376
19377 @cindex default data directory
19378 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
19379 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
19380 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
19381 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
19382 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
19383 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
19384 location.
19385
19386 The data directory may also be specified with the
19387 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
19388 @xref{Mode Options}.
19389
19390 @node Targets
19391 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
19392
19393 @cindex debugging target
19394 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
19395
19396 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
19397 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
19398 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
19399 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
19400 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
19401 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
19402 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
19403 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
19404
19405 @cindex target architecture
19406 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
19407 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
19408 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
19409 command.
19410
19411 @table @code
19412 @kindex set architecture
19413 @kindex show architecture
19414 @item set architecture @var{arch}
19415 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
19416 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
19417 supported architectures.
19418
19419 @item show architecture
19420 Show the current target architecture.
19421
19422 @item set processor
19423 @itemx processor
19424 @kindex set processor
19425 @kindex show processor
19426 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
19427 and @code{show architecture}.
19428 @end table
19429
19430 @menu
19431 * Active Targets:: Active targets
19432 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
19433 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
19434 @end menu
19435
19436 @node Active Targets
19437 @section Active Targets
19438
19439 @cindex stacking targets
19440 @cindex active targets
19441 @cindex multiple targets
19442
19443 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
19444 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
19445 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
19446 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
19447 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
19448 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
19449 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
19450 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
19451 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
19452
19453 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
19454 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
19455 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
19456 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
19457
19458 @node Target Commands
19459 @section Commands for Managing Targets
19460
19461 @table @code
19462 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
19463 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
19464 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
19465 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
19466 protocol of the target machine.
19467
19468 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
19469 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
19470 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
19471
19472 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
19473 after executing the command.
19474
19475 @kindex help target
19476 @item help target
19477 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
19478 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
19479 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
19480
19481 @item help target @var{name}
19482 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
19483 select it.
19484
19485 @kindex set gnutarget
19486 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
19487 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
19488 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
19489 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
19490 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
19491 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
19492
19493 @quotation
19494 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
19495 you must know the actual BFD name.
19496 @end quotation
19497
19498 @noindent
19499 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
19500
19501 @kindex show gnutarget
19502 @item show gnutarget
19503 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
19504 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
19505 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
19506 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
19507 @end table
19508
19509 @cindex common targets
19510 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
19511 configuration):
19512
19513 @table @code
19514 @kindex target
19515 @item target exec @var{program}
19516 @cindex executable file target
19517 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
19518 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
19519
19520 @item target core @var{filename}
19521 @cindex core dump file target
19522 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
19523 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
19524
19525 @item target remote @var{medium}
19526 @cindex remote target
19527 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
19528 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
19529 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
19530
19531 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
19532 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
19533
19534 @smallexample
19535 target remote /dev/ttya
19536 @end smallexample
19537
19538 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
19539 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
19540 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
19541 clobbered by the download.
19542
19543 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
19544 @cindex built-in simulator target
19545 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
19546 In general,
19547 @smallexample
19548 target sim
19549 load
19550 run
19551 @end smallexample
19552 @noindent
19553 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
19554 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
19555 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
19556 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
19557 Processors}.
19558
19559 @item target native
19560 @cindex native target
19561 Setup for local/native process debugging. Useful to make the
19562 @code{run} command spawn native processes (likewise @code{attach},
19563 etc.@:) even when @code{set auto-connect-native-target} is @code{off}
19564 (@pxref{set auto-connect-native-target}).
19565
19566 @end table
19567
19568 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
19569 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
19570
19571 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
19572 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
19573 various aspects of this process.
19574
19575 @table @code
19576
19577 @item set hash
19578 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
19579 @cindex hash mark while downloading
19580 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
19581 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
19582 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
19583 monitor.
19584
19585 @item show hash
19586 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
19587 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
19588
19589 @item set debug monitor
19590 @kindex set debug monitor
19591 @cindex display remote monitor communications
19592 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
19593 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
19594
19595 @item show debug monitor
19596 @kindex show debug monitor
19597 Show the current status of displaying communications between
19598 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
19599 @end table
19600
19601 @table @code
19602
19603 @kindex load @var{filename}
19604 @item load @var{filename}
19605 @anchor{load}
19606 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
19607 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
19608 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
19609 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
19610 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
19611 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
19612
19613 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
19614 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
19615 target is @dots{}}''
19616
19617 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
19618 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
19619 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
19620 specifies a fixed address.
19621 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
19622
19623 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
19624 load programs into flash memory.
19625
19626 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
19627 @end table
19628
19629 @table @code
19630
19631 @kindex flash-erase
19632 @item flash-erase
19633 @anchor{flash-erase}
19634
19635 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
19636
19637 @end table
19638
19639 @node Byte Order
19640 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
19641
19642 @cindex choosing target byte order
19643 @cindex target byte order
19644
19645 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
19646 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
19647 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
19648 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
19649 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
19650 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
19651
19652 @table @code
19653 @kindex set endian
19654 @item set endian big
19655 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
19656
19657 @item set endian little
19658 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
19659
19660 @item set endian auto
19661 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
19662 executable.
19663
19664 @item show endian
19665 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
19666
19667 @end table
19668
19669 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
19670 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
19671 target system.
19672
19673
19674 @node Remote Debugging
19675 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
19676 @cindex remote debugging
19677
19678 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
19679 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
19680 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
19681 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
19682 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
19683
19684 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
19685 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
19686 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
19687 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
19688 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
19689 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
19690
19691 Other remote targets may be available in your
19692 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
19693
19694 @menu
19695 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
19696 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
19697 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
19698 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
19699 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
19700 @end menu
19701
19702 @node Connecting
19703 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
19704 @cindex remote debugging, connecting
19705 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, connecting
19706 @cindex remote debugging, types of connections
19707 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, types of connections
19708 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target remote} mode
19709 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target extended-remote} mode
19710
19711 This section describes how to connect to a remote target, including the
19712 types of connections and their differences, how to set up executable and
19713 symbol files on the host and target, and the commands used for
19714 connecting to and disconnecting from the remote target.
19715
19716 @subsection Types of Remote Connections
19717
19718 @value{GDBN} supports two types of remote connections, @code{target remote}
19719 mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode. Note that many remote targets
19720 support only @code{target remote} mode. There are several major
19721 differences between the two types of connections, enumerated here:
19722
19723 @table @asis
19724
19725 @cindex remote debugging, detach and program exit
19726 @item Result of detach or program exit
19727 @strong{With target remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or you
19728 detach from it, @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target. When using
19729 @code{gdbserver}, @code{gdbserver} will exit.
19730
19731 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or
19732 you detach from it, @value{GDBN} remains connected to the target, even
19733 though no program is running. You can rerun the program, attach to a
19734 running program, or use @code{monitor} commands specific to the target.
19735
19736 When using @code{gdbserver} in this case, it does not exit unless it was
19737 invoked using the @option{--once} option. If the @option{--once} option
19738 was not used, you can ask @code{gdbserver} to exit using the
19739 @code{monitor exit} command (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
19740
19741 @item Specifying the program to debug
19742 For both connection types you use the @code{file} command to specify the
19743 program on the host system. If you are using @code{gdbserver} there are
19744 some differences in how to specify the location of the program on the
19745 target.
19746
19747 @strong{With target remote mode:} You must either specify the program to debug
19748 on the @code{gdbserver} command line or use the @option{--attach} option
19749 (@pxref{Attaching to a program,,Attaching to a Running Program}).
19750
19751 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
19752 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} You may specify the program to debug
19753 on the @code{gdbserver} command line, or you can load the program or attach
19754 to it using @value{GDBN} commands after connecting to @code{gdbserver}.
19755
19756 @anchor{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}
19757 You can start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
19758 or process ID to attach. To do this, use the @option{--multi} command line
19759 option. Then you can connect using @code{target extended-remote} and start
19760 the program you want to debug (see below for details on using the
19761 @code{run} command in this scenario). Note that the conditions under which
19762 @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN} connects to it
19763 (@code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}). The
19764 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
19765
19766 @item The @code{run} command
19767 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @code{run} command is not
19768 supported. Once a connection has been established, you can use all
19769 the usual @value{GDBN} commands to examine and change data. The
19770 remote program is already running, so you can use commands like
19771 @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}.
19772
19773 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} The @code{run} command is
19774 supported. The @code{run} command uses the value set by
19775 @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set remote exec-file}) to select
19776 the program to run. Command line arguments are supported, except for
19777 wildcard expansion and I/O redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
19778
19779 If you specify the program to debug on the command line, then the
19780 @code{run} command is not required to start execution, and you can
19781 resume using commands like @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue} as with
19782 @code{target remote} mode.
19783
19784 @anchor{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}
19785 @item Attaching
19786 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @value{GDBN} command @code{attach} is
19787 not supported. To attach to a running program using @code{gdbserver}, you
19788 must use the @option{--attach} option (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
19789
19790 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} To attach to a running program,
19791 you may use the @code{attach} command after the connection has been
19792 established. If you are using @code{gdbserver}, you may also invoke
19793 @code{gdbserver} using the @option{--attach} option
19794 (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
19795
19796 @end table
19797
19798 @anchor{Host and target files}
19799 @subsection Host and Target Files
19800 @cindex remote debugging, symbol files
19801 @cindex symbol files, remote debugging
19802
19803 @value{GDBN}, running on the host, needs access to symbol and debugging
19804 information for your program running on the target. This requires
19805 access to an unstripped copy of your program, and possibly any associated
19806 symbol files. Note that this section applies equally to both @code{target
19807 remote} mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode.
19808
19809 Some remote targets (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}, and
19810 @pxref{Host I/O Packets}) allow @value{GDBN} to access program files over
19811 the same connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. With such a
19812 target, if the remote program is unstripped, the only command you need is
19813 @code{target remote} (or @code{target extended-remote}).
19814
19815 If the remote program is stripped, or the target does not support remote
19816 program file access, start up @value{GDBN} using the name of the local
19817 unstripped copy of your program as the first argument, or use the
19818 @code{file} command. Use @code{set sysroot} to specify the location (on
19819 the host) of target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN} was compiled with
19820 the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}). Alternatively, you
19821 may use @code{set solib-search-path} to specify how @value{GDBN} locates
19822 target libraries.
19823
19824 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
19825 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
19826 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
19827 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
19828 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
19829 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
19830 programs.
19831
19832 @subsection Remote Connection Commands
19833 @cindex remote connection commands
19834 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
19835 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
19836 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
19837 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
19838 @code{target remote} and @code{target extended-remote} commands
19839 establish a connection to the target. Both commands accept the same
19840 arguments, which indicate the medium to use:
19841
19842 @table @code
19843
19844 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
19845 @itemx target extended-remote @var{serial-device}
19846 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
19847 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
19848 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
19849
19850 @smallexample
19851 target remote /dev/ttyb
19852 @end smallexample
19853
19854 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
19855 @samp{--baud} option, or use the @code{set serial baud} command
19856 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set serial baud}) before the
19857 @code{target} command.
19858
19859 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
19860 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
19861 @itemx target extended-remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
19862 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
19863 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
19864 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
19865 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
19866 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
19867 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
19868 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
19869 target.
19870
19871 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
19872 @code{manyfarms}:
19873
19874 @smallexample
19875 target remote manyfarms:2828
19876 @end smallexample
19877
19878 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
19879 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
19880 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
19881 port 1234 on your local machine:
19882
19883 @smallexample
19884 target remote :1234
19885 @end smallexample
19886 @noindent
19887
19888 Note that the colon is still required here.
19889
19890 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
19891 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
19892 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
19893 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
19894 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
19895
19896 @smallexample
19897 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
19898 @end smallexample
19899
19900 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
19901 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
19902 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
19903 cause havoc with your debugging session.
19904
19905 @item target remote | @var{command}
19906 @itemx target extended-remote | @var{command}
19907 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
19908 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
19909 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
19910 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
19911 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
19912 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
19913 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
19914 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
19915
19916 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
19917 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
19918 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
19919
19920 @end table
19921
19922 @cindex interrupting remote programs
19923 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
19924 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
19925 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
19926 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
19927 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
19928 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
19929
19930 @smallexample
19931 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
19932 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
19933 @end smallexample
19934
19935 In @code{target remote} mode, if you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons
19936 the remote debugging session. (If you decide you want to try again later,
19937 you can use @kbd{target remote} again to connect once more.) If you type
19938 @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN} goes back to waiting.
19939
19940 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, typing @kbd{n} will leave
19941 @value{GDBN} connected to the target.
19942
19943 @table @code
19944 @kindex detach (remote)
19945 @item detach
19946 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
19947 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
19948 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
19949 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
19950 command in @code{target remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to
19951 another target. In @code{target extended-remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is
19952 still connected to the target.
19953
19954 @kindex disconnect
19955 @item disconnect
19956 The @code{disconnect} command closes the connection to the target, and
19957 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
19958 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
19959 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
19960 another target.
19961
19962 @cindex send command to remote monitor
19963 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
19964 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
19965 @kindex monitor
19966 @item monitor @var{cmd}
19967 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
19968 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
19969 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
19970 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
19971 and implement.
19972 @end table
19973
19974 @node File Transfer
19975 @section Sending files to a remote system
19976 @cindex remote target, file transfer
19977 @cindex file transfer
19978 @cindex sending files to remote systems
19979
19980 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
19981 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
19982 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
19983 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
19984 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
19985 the only way to upload or download files.
19986
19987 Not all remote targets support these commands.
19988
19989 @table @code
19990 @kindex remote put
19991 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
19992 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
19993 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
19994
19995 @kindex remote get
19996 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
19997 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
19998 on the host system.
19999
20000 @kindex remote delete
20001 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
20002 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
20003
20004 @end table
20005
20006 @node Server
20007 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
20008
20009 @kindex gdbserver
20010 @cindex remote connection without stubs
20011 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
20012 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
20013 @code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}---but without
20014 linking in the usual debugging stub.
20015
20016 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
20017 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
20018 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
20019 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
20020 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
20021 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
20022 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
20023 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
20024 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
20025 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
20026 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
20027 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
20028 choice for debugging.
20029
20030 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
20031 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
20032 protocol.
20033
20034 @quotation
20035 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
20036 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
20037 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
20038 target system with the same privileges as the user running
20039 @code{gdbserver}.
20040 @end quotation
20041
20042 @anchor{Running gdbserver}
20043 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
20044 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
20045 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
20046
20047 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
20048 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
20049 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
20050 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
20051 system does all the symbol handling.
20052
20053 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
20054 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
20055 syntax is:
20056
20057 @smallexample
20058 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
20059 @end smallexample
20060
20061 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
20062 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
20063 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
20064 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
20065 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
20066 @file{/dev/com1}:
20067
20068 @smallexample
20069 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
20070 @end smallexample
20071
20072 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
20073 with it.
20074
20075 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
20076
20077 @smallexample
20078 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
20079 @end smallexample
20080
20081 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
20082 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
20083 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
20084 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
20085 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
20086 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
20087 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
20088 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
20089 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
20090 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
20091 @code{target remote} command.
20092
20093 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
20094 with ssh:
20095
20096 @smallexample
20097 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
20098 @end smallexample
20099
20100 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
20101 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
20102 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
20103 You could elide it if you want to.
20104
20105 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
20106 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
20107 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
20108 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
20109
20110 @anchor{Attaching to a program}
20111 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
20112 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
20113 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
20114
20115 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
20116 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
20117
20118 @smallexample
20119 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
20120 @end smallexample
20121
20122 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
20123 necessary to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
20124
20125 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, you can also attach using the
20126 @value{GDBN} attach command
20127 (@pxref{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}).
20128
20129 @pindex pidof
20130 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
20131 @code{pidof} utility:
20132
20133 @smallexample
20134 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
20135 @end smallexample
20136
20137 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
20138 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
20139 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
20140
20141 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
20142
20143 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP
20144 port.
20145
20146 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
20147 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
20148 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
20149 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
20150 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
20151 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
20152 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
20153 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
20154
20155 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
20156 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
20157 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
20158
20159 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
20160 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
20161 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
20162 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
20163 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
20164 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
20165 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
20166 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
20167 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
20168 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
20169 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
20170 instance closes its port after the first connection.
20171
20172 @anchor{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}
20173 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
20174
20175 You can use the @option{--multi} option to start @code{gdbserver} without
20176 specifying a program to debug or a process to attach to. Then you can
20177 attach in @code{target extended-remote} mode and run or attach to a
20178 program. For more information,
20179 @pxref{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}.
20180
20181 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
20182 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
20183 status information about the debugging process.
20184 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
20185 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
20186 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
20187 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
20188
20189 @cindex @option{--debug-format}, @code{gdbserver} option
20190 The @option{--debug-format=option1[,option2,...]} option tells
20191 @code{gdbserver} to include additional information in each output.
20192 Possible options are:
20193
20194 @table @code
20195 @item none
20196 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
20197 @item all
20198 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
20199 @item timestamps
20200 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
20201 @end table
20202
20203 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
20204 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
20205
20206 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
20207 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
20208 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
20209 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
20210 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
20211
20212 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
20213 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
20214 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
20215 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
20216
20217 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
20218 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
20219 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
20220 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
20221
20222 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
20223 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
20224 environment:
20225
20226 @smallexample
20227 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
20228 @end smallexample
20229
20230 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
20231
20232 The basic procedure for connecting to the remote target is:
20233 @itemize
20234
20235 @item
20236 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
20237
20238 @item
20239 Make sure you have the necessary symbol files
20240 (@pxref{Host and target files}).
20241 Load symbols for your application using the @code{file} command before you
20242 connect. Use @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your
20243 @value{GDBN} was compiled with the correct sysroot using
20244 @code{--with-sysroot}).
20245
20246 @item
20247 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
20248 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
20249 the @code{target} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
20250 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
20251 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
20252 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{target remote} mode, since the
20253 program is already on the target.
20254
20255 @end itemize
20256
20257 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
20258 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
20259 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
20260
20261 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
20262 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
20263 Here are the available commands.
20264
20265 @table @code
20266 @item monitor help
20267 List the available monitor commands.
20268
20269 @item monitor set debug 0
20270 @itemx monitor set debug 1
20271 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
20272
20273 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
20274 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
20275 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
20276 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
20277
20278 @item monitor set debug-format option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
20279 Specify additional text to add to debugging messages.
20280 Possible options are:
20281
20282 @table @code
20283 @item none
20284 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
20285 @item all
20286 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
20287 @item timestamps
20288 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
20289 @end table
20290
20291 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
20292 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
20293
20294 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
20295 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
20296 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
20297 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
20298 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
20299 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
20300
20301 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
20302 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
20303
20304 @item monitor exit
20305 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
20306 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
20307 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
20308 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
20309 of a multi-process mode debug session.
20310
20311 @end table
20312
20313 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
20314 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
20315
20316 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
20317 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
20318
20319 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
20320 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
20321 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
20322 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
20323 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
20324 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
20325 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
20326 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
20327 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
20328 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
20329 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
20330 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
20331
20332 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
20333
20334 @table @code
20335 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
20336
20337 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
20338 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
20339 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
20340
20341 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
20342
20343 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
20344 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
20345 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
20346 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
20347 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
20348 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
20349
20350 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
20351
20352 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
20353 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
20354 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
20355 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
20356 command for that. For example:
20357
20358 @smallexample
20359 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
20360 @end smallexample
20361
20362 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
20363 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
20364 @end table
20365
20366 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
20367 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
20368 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
20369 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
20370 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
20371 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
20372 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
20373 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
20374 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
20375 @code{gdbserver} like so:
20376
20377 @smallexample
20378 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
20379 @end smallexample
20380
20381 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
20382
20383 @smallexample
20384 $ gdb myprogram
20385 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
20386 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
20387 (@value{GDBP}) b main
20388 (@value{GDBP}) continue
20389 @end smallexample
20390
20391 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
20392 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
20393 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
20394 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
20395 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
20396 tracing.
20397
20398 @node Remote Configuration
20399 @section Remote Configuration
20400
20401 @kindex set remote
20402 @kindex show remote
20403 This section documents the configuration options available when
20404 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
20405 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
20406 system-call-allowed}.
20407
20408 @table @code
20409 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
20410 @cindex address size for remote targets
20411 @cindex bits in remote address
20412 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
20413 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
20414 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
20415 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
20416
20417 @item show remoteaddresssize
20418 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
20419
20420 @item set serial baud @var{n}
20421 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
20422 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
20423 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
20424 remote targets.
20425
20426 @item show serial baud
20427 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
20428
20429 @item set serial parity @var{parity}
20430 Set the parity for the remote serial I/O. Supported values of @var{parity} are:
20431 @code{even}, @code{none}, and @code{odd}. The default is @code{none}.
20432
20433 @item show serial parity
20434 Show the current parity of the serial port.
20435
20436 @item set remotebreak
20437 @cindex interrupt remote programs
20438 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
20439 @anchor{set remotebreak}
20440 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
20441 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
20442 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
20443 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
20444 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
20445
20446 @item show remotebreak
20447 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
20448 interrupt the remote program.
20449
20450 @item set remoteflow on
20451 @itemx set remoteflow off
20452 @kindex set remoteflow
20453 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
20454 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
20455
20456 @item show remoteflow
20457 @kindex show remoteflow
20458 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
20459
20460 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
20461 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
20462 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
20463 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
20464 @code{ascii}.
20465
20466 @item show remotelogbase
20467 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
20468 protocol.
20469
20470 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
20471 @cindex record serial communications on file
20472 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
20473 default is not to record at all.
20474
20475 @item show remotelogfile.
20476 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
20477 serial communications.
20478
20479 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
20480 @cindex timeout for serial communications
20481 @cindex remote timeout
20482 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
20483 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
20484
20485 @item show remotetimeout
20486 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
20487 responses.
20488
20489 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
20490 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
20491 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
20492 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
20493 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
20494 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
20495 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
20496 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
20497
20498 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
20499 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
20500 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
20501 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
20502 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
20503 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
20504 as unlimited.
20505
20506 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
20507 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
20508 a remote hardware watchpoint.
20509
20510 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
20511 @itemx show remote exec-file
20512 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
20513 @cindex executable file, for remote target
20514 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
20515 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
20516 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
20517 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
20518
20519 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
20520 @cindex interrupt remote programs
20521 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
20522 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
20523 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
20524 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
20525 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
20526 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
20527 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
20528 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
20529
20530 @item show interrupt-sequence
20531 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
20532 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
20533 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
20534 also known as Magic SysRq g.
20535
20536 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
20537 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
20538 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
20539 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
20540 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
20541 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
20542
20543 @item show interrupt-on-connect
20544 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
20545 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
20546
20547 @kindex set tcp
20548 @kindex show tcp
20549 @item set tcp auto-retry on
20550 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
20551 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
20552 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
20553 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
20554 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
20555 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
20556 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
20557 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
20558
20559 @item set tcp auto-retry off
20560 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
20561
20562 @item show tcp auto-retry
20563 Show the current auto-retry setting.
20564
20565 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
20566 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
20567 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
20568 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
20569 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
20570 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
20571 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
20572 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
20573 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
20574 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
20575 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
20576
20577 @item show tcp connect-timeout
20578 Show the current connection timeout setting.
20579 @end table
20580
20581 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
20582 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
20583 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
20584 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
20585 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
20586 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
20587 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
20588 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
20589 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
20590
20591 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
20592 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
20593 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
20594 @value{GDBN} developers.
20595
20596 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
20597 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
20598 are:
20599
20600 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
20601 @item Command Name
20602 @tab Remote Packet
20603 @tab Related Features
20604
20605 @item @code{fetch-register}
20606 @tab @code{p}
20607 @tab @code{info registers}
20608
20609 @item @code{set-register}
20610 @tab @code{P}
20611 @tab @code{set}
20612
20613 @item @code{binary-download}
20614 @tab @code{X}
20615 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
20616
20617 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
20618 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
20619 @tab @code{info auxv}
20620
20621 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
20622 @tab @code{qSymbol}
20623 @tab Detecting multiple threads
20624
20625 @item @code{attach}
20626 @tab @code{vAttach}
20627 @tab @code{attach}
20628
20629 @item @code{verbose-resume}
20630 @tab @code{vCont}
20631 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
20632
20633 @item @code{run}
20634 @tab @code{vRun}
20635 @tab @code{run}
20636
20637 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
20638 @tab @code{Z0}
20639 @tab @code{break}
20640
20641 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
20642 @tab @code{Z1}
20643 @tab @code{hbreak}
20644
20645 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
20646 @tab @code{Z2}
20647 @tab @code{watch}
20648
20649 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
20650 @tab @code{Z3}
20651 @tab @code{rwatch}
20652
20653 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
20654 @tab @code{Z4}
20655 @tab @code{awatch}
20656
20657 @item @code{pid-to-exec-file}
20658 @tab @code{qXfer:exec-file:read}
20659 @tab @code{attach}, @code{run}
20660
20661 @item @code{target-features}
20662 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
20663 @tab @code{set architecture}
20664
20665 @item @code{library-info}
20666 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
20667 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
20668
20669 @item @code{memory-map}
20670 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
20671 @tab @code{info mem}
20672
20673 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
20674 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
20675 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
20676
20677 @item @code{read-spu-object}
20678 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
20679 @tab @code{info spu}
20680
20681 @item @code{write-spu-object}
20682 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
20683 @tab @code{info spu}
20684
20685 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
20686 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
20687 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
20688
20689 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
20690 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
20691 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
20692
20693 @item @code{threads}
20694 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
20695 @tab @code{info threads}
20696
20697 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
20698 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
20699 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
20700
20701 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
20702 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
20703 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
20704
20705 @item @code{search-memory}
20706 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
20707 @tab @code{find}
20708
20709 @item @code{supported-packets}
20710 @tab @code{qSupported}
20711 @tab Remote communications parameters
20712
20713 @item @code{catch-syscalls}
20714 @tab @code{QCatchSyscalls}
20715 @tab @code{catch syscall}
20716
20717 @item @code{pass-signals}
20718 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
20719 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
20720
20721 @item @code{program-signals}
20722 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
20723 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
20724
20725 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
20726 @tab @code{vFile:close}
20727 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20728
20729 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
20730 @tab @code{vFile:open}
20731 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20732
20733 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
20734 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
20735 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20736
20737 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
20738 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
20739 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20740
20741 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
20742 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
20743 @tab @code{remote delete}
20744
20745 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
20746 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
20747 @tab Host I/O
20748
20749 @item @code{hostio-fstat-packet}
20750 @tab @code{vFile:fstat}
20751 @tab Host I/O
20752
20753 @item @code{hostio-setfs-packet}
20754 @tab @code{vFile:setfs}
20755 @tab Host I/O
20756
20757 @item @code{noack-packet}
20758 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
20759 @tab Packet acknowledgment
20760
20761 @item @code{osdata}
20762 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
20763 @tab @code{info os}
20764
20765 @item @code{query-attached}
20766 @tab @code{qAttached}
20767 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
20768
20769 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
20770 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
20771 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
20772
20773 @item @code{trace-status}
20774 @tab @code{qTStatus}
20775 @tab @code{tstatus}
20776
20777 @item @code{traceframe-info}
20778 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
20779 @tab Traceframe info
20780
20781 @item @code{install-in-trace}
20782 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
20783 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
20784
20785 @item @code{disable-randomization}
20786 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
20787 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
20788
20789 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
20790 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
20791 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
20792
20793 @item @code{multiprocess-extensions}
20794 @tab @code{multiprocess extensions}
20795 @tab Debug multiple processes and remote process PID awareness
20796
20797 @item @code{swbreak-feature}
20798 @tab @code{swbreak stop reason}
20799 @tab @code{break}
20800
20801 @item @code{hwbreak-feature}
20802 @tab @code{hwbreak stop reason}
20803 @tab @code{hbreak}
20804
20805 @item @code{fork-event-feature}
20806 @tab @code{fork stop reason}
20807 @tab @code{fork}
20808
20809 @item @code{vfork-event-feature}
20810 @tab @code{vfork stop reason}
20811 @tab @code{vfork}
20812
20813 @item @code{exec-event-feature}
20814 @tab @code{exec stop reason}
20815 @tab @code{exec}
20816
20817 @item @code{thread-events}
20818 @tab @code{QThreadEvents}
20819 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
20820
20821 @item @code{no-resumed-stop-reply}
20822 @tab @code{no resumed thread left stop reply}
20823 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
20824
20825 @end multitable
20826
20827 @node Remote Stub
20828 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
20829
20830 @cindex debugging stub, example
20831 @cindex remote stub, example
20832 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
20833 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
20834 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
20835 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
20836 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
20837 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
20838 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
20839 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
20840
20841 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
20842 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
20843 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
20844 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
20845 program, you need:
20846
20847 @enumerate
20848 @item
20849 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
20850 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
20851 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
20852
20853 @item
20854 A C subroutine library to support your program's
20855 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
20856
20857 @item
20858 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
20859 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
20860 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
20861 documentation.
20862 @end enumerate
20863
20864 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
20865 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
20866 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
20867
20868 @table @emph
20869 @item On the host,
20870 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
20871 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
20872 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
20873
20874 @item On the target,
20875 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
20876 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
20877 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
20878
20879 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
20880 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
20881 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
20882 @end table
20883
20884 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
20885 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
20886 @sc{sparc} boards.
20887
20888 @cindex remote serial stub list
20889 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
20890
20891 @table @code
20892
20893 @item i386-stub.c
20894 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
20895 @cindex Intel
20896 @cindex i386
20897 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
20898
20899 @item m68k-stub.c
20900 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
20901 @cindex Motorola 680x0
20902 @cindex m680x0
20903 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
20904
20905 @item sh-stub.c
20906 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
20907 @cindex Renesas
20908 @cindex SH
20909 For Renesas SH architectures.
20910
20911 @item sparc-stub.c
20912 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
20913 @cindex Sparc
20914 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
20915
20916 @item sparcl-stub.c
20917 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
20918 @cindex Fujitsu
20919 @cindex SparcLite
20920 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
20921
20922 @end table
20923
20924 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
20925 recently added stubs.
20926
20927 @menu
20928 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
20929 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
20930 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
20931 @end menu
20932
20933 @node Stub Contents
20934 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
20935
20936 @cindex remote serial stub
20937 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
20938 subroutines:
20939
20940 @table @code
20941 @item set_debug_traps
20942 @findex set_debug_traps
20943 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
20944 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
20945 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
20946 program's startup code.
20947
20948 @item handle_exception
20949 @findex handle_exception
20950 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
20951 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
20952 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
20953 run when a trap is triggered.
20954
20955 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
20956 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
20957 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
20958 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
20959 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
20960 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
20961 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
20962 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
20963 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
20964 machine.
20965
20966 @item breakpoint
20967 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
20968 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
20969 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
20970 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
20971 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
20972 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
20973 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
20974 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
20975 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
20976 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
20977 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
20978
20979 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
20980 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
20981 start of your debugging session.
20982 @end table
20983
20984 @node Bootstrapping
20985 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
20986
20987 @cindex remote stub, support routines
20988 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
20989 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
20990 debugging target machine.
20991
20992 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
20993 serial port.
20994
20995 @table @code
20996 @item int getDebugChar()
20997 @findex getDebugChar
20998 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
20999 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
21000 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
21001
21002 @item void putDebugChar(int)
21003 @findex putDebugChar
21004 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
21005 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
21006 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
21007 @end table
21008
21009 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
21010 @cindex interrupting remote targets
21011 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
21012 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
21013 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
21014 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
21015 remote system to stop.
21016
21017 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
21018 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
21019 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
21020 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
21021
21022 Other routines you need to supply are:
21023
21024 @table @code
21025 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
21026 @findex exceptionHandler
21027 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
21028 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
21029 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
21030 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
21031 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
21032 The @var{exception_number} specifies the exception which should be changed;
21033 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
21034 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
21035 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
21036 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
21037 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
21038 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
21039 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
21040
21041 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
21042 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
21043 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
21044 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
21045 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
21046
21047 @item void flush_i_cache()
21048 @findex flush_i_cache
21049 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
21050 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
21051 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
21052
21053 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
21054 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
21055 @end table
21056
21057 @noindent
21058 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
21059
21060 @table @code
21061 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
21062 @findex memset
21063 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
21064 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
21065 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
21066 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
21067 @end table
21068
21069 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
21070 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
21071 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
21072 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
21073
21074
21075 @node Debug Session
21076 @subsection Putting it All Together
21077
21078 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
21079 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
21080 steps.
21081
21082 @enumerate
21083 @item
21084 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
21085 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
21086 @display
21087 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
21088 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
21089 @end display
21090
21091 @item
21092 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
21093 procedure is called:
21094
21095 @smallexample
21096 set_debug_traps();
21097 breakpoint();
21098 @end smallexample
21099
21100 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
21101 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
21102 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
21103 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
21104 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
21105 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
21106 progress.
21107
21108 @item
21109 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
21110 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
21111
21112 @smallexample
21113 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
21114 @end smallexample
21115
21116 @noindent
21117 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
21118 function in your program, that function is called when
21119 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
21120 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
21121 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
21122
21123 @item
21124 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
21125 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
21126
21127 @item
21128 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
21129 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
21130
21131 @item
21132 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
21133 @c document that. FIXME.
21134 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
21135 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
21136
21137 @item
21138 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
21139 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
21140
21141 @end enumerate
21142
21143 @node Configurations
21144 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
21145
21146 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
21147 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
21148 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
21149
21150 There are three major categories of configurations: native
21151 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
21152 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
21153 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
21154 are quite different from each other.
21155
21156 @menu
21157 * Native::
21158 * Embedded OS::
21159 * Embedded Processors::
21160 * Architectures::
21161 @end menu
21162
21163 @node Native
21164 @section Native
21165
21166 This section describes details specific to particular native
21167 configurations.
21168
21169 @menu
21170 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
21171 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
21172 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
21173 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
21174 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
21175 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
21176 @end menu
21177
21178 @node BSD libkvm Interface
21179 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
21180
21181 @cindex libkvm
21182 @cindex kernel memory image
21183 @cindex kernel crash dump
21184
21185 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
21186 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
21187 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
21188 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
21189 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
21190 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
21191 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
21192 @code{kvm} target:
21193
21194 @smallexample
21195 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
21196 @end smallexample
21197
21198 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
21199 argument:
21200
21201 @smallexample
21202 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
21203 @end smallexample
21204
21205 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
21206 available:
21207
21208 @table @code
21209 @kindex kvm
21210 @item kvm pcb
21211 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
21212
21213 @item kvm proc
21214 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
21215 modern FreeBSD systems.
21216 @end table
21217
21218 @node SVR4 Process Information
21219 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
21220 @cindex /proc
21221 @cindex examine process image
21222 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
21223
21224 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
21225 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
21226 process using file-system subroutines.
21227
21228 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
21229 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
21230 information about the process running your program, or about any
21231 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
21232 @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris, for example.
21233
21234 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
21235 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
21236
21237 @table @code
21238 @kindex info proc
21239 @cindex process ID
21240 @item info proc
21241 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
21242 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
21243 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
21244 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
21245 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
21246 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
21247 executable file's absolute file name.
21248
21249 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
21250 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
21251 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
21252 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
21253 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
21254 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
21255
21256 @item info proc cmdline
21257 @cindex info proc cmdline
21258 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
21259 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21260
21261 @item info proc cwd
21262 @cindex info proc cwd
21263 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
21264 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21265
21266 @item info proc exe
21267 @cindex info proc exe
21268 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
21269 to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21270
21271 @item info proc mappings
21272 @cindex memory address space mappings
21273 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
21274 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
21275 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
21276 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
21277 memory access rights to that range.
21278
21279 @item info proc stat
21280 @itemx info proc status
21281 @cindex process detailed status information
21282 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
21283 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
21284 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
21285 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
21286 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
21287 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
21288 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
21289
21290 @item info proc all
21291 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
21292 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
21293
21294 @ignore
21295 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
21296 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
21297 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
21298 @kindex info proc times
21299 @item info proc times
21300 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
21301 its children.
21302
21303 @kindex info proc id
21304 @item info proc id
21305 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
21306 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
21307 @end ignore
21308
21309 @item set procfs-trace
21310 @kindex set procfs-trace
21311 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
21312 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
21313
21314 @item show procfs-trace
21315 @kindex show procfs-trace
21316 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
21317
21318 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
21319 @kindex set procfs-file
21320 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
21321 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
21322 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
21323 standard output.
21324
21325 @item show procfs-file
21326 @kindex show procfs-file
21327 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
21328
21329 @item proc-trace-entry
21330 @itemx proc-trace-exit
21331 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
21332 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
21333 @kindex proc-trace-entry
21334 @kindex proc-trace-exit
21335 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
21336 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
21337 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
21338 from the @code{syscall} interface.
21339
21340 @item info pidlist
21341 @kindex info pidlist
21342 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
21343 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
21344 processes and all the threads within each process.
21345
21346 @item info meminfo
21347 @kindex info meminfo
21348 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
21349 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
21350 @end table
21351
21352 @node DJGPP Native
21353 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
21354 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
21355 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
21356 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
21357
21358 @cindex DPMI
21359 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
21360 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
21361 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
21362 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
21363
21364 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
21365 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
21366 subsection describes those commands.
21367
21368 @table @code
21369 @kindex info dos
21370 @item info dos
21371 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
21372 information about the target system and important OS structures.
21373
21374 @kindex sysinfo
21375 @cindex MS-DOS system info
21376 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
21377 @item info dos sysinfo
21378 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
21379 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
21380 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
21381
21382 @cindex GDT
21383 @cindex LDT
21384 @cindex IDT
21385 @cindex segment descriptor tables
21386 @cindex descriptor tables display
21387 @item info dos gdt
21388 @itemx info dos ldt
21389 @itemx info dos idt
21390 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
21391 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
21392 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
21393 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
21394 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
21395 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
21396 rights.
21397
21398 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
21399 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
21400 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
21401 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
21402 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
21403
21404 @cindex garbled pointers
21405 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
21406 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
21407 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
21408 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
21409 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
21410 debugged program's data segment:
21411
21412 @smallexample
21413 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
21414 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
21415 @end smallexample
21416
21417 @noindent
21418 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
21419 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
21420
21421 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
21422 @item info dos pde
21423 @itemx info dos pte
21424 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
21425 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
21426 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
21427 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
21428 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
21429 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
21430 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
21431 that is currently in use.
21432
21433 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
21434 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
21435 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
21436 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
21437 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
21438 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
21439 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
21440
21441 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
21442 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
21443 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
21444 controller.
21445
21446 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
21447
21448 @cindex physical address from linear address
21449 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
21450 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
21451 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
21452 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
21453 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
21454 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
21455 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
21456
21457 @smallexample
21458 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
21459 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
21460 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
21461 @end smallexample
21462
21463 @noindent
21464 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
21465 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
21466 attributes of that page.
21467
21468 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
21469 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
21470 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
21471 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
21472 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
21473 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
21474
21475 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
21476 transfer buffer:
21477
21478 @smallexample
21479 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
21480 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
21481 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
21482 @end smallexample
21483
21484 @noindent
21485 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
21486 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
21487 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
21488 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
21489 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
21490
21491 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
21492 @end table
21493
21494 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
21495 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
21496 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
21497 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
21498
21499 @table @code
21500 @kindex set com1base
21501 @kindex set com1irq
21502 @kindex set com2base
21503 @kindex set com2irq
21504 @kindex set com3base
21505 @kindex set com3irq
21506 @kindex set com4base
21507 @kindex set com4irq
21508 @item set com1base @var{addr}
21509 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
21510 port.
21511
21512 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
21513 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
21514 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
21515
21516 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
21517 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
21518 other 3 COM ports.
21519
21520 @kindex show com1base
21521 @kindex show com1irq
21522 @kindex show com2base
21523 @kindex show com2irq
21524 @kindex show com3base
21525 @kindex show com3irq
21526 @kindex show com4base
21527 @kindex show com4irq
21528 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
21529 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
21530 lines used by the COM ports.
21531
21532 @item info serial
21533 @kindex info serial
21534 @cindex DOS serial port status
21535 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
21536 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
21537 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
21538 counts of various errors encountered so far.
21539 @end table
21540
21541
21542 @node Cygwin Native
21543 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
21544 @cindex MS Windows debugging
21545 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
21546 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
21547
21548 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
21549 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
21550
21551 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
21552 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
21553 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
21554 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
21555 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
21556 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
21557 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
21558 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
21559
21560 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
21561 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
21562 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
21563
21564 @table @code
21565 @kindex info w32
21566 @item info w32
21567 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
21568 information about the target system and important OS structures.
21569
21570 @item info w32 selector
21571 This command displays information returned by
21572 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
21573 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
21574 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
21575 Without argument, this command displays information
21576 about the six segment registers.
21577
21578 @item info w32 thread-information-block
21579 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
21580 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
21581 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
21582
21583 @kindex signal-event
21584 @item signal-event @var{id}
21585 This command signals an event with user-provided @var{id}. Used to resume
21586 crashing process when attached to it using MS-Windows JIT debugging (AeDebug).
21587
21588 To use it, create or edit the following keys in
21589 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug} and/or
21590 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug}
21591 (for x86_64 versions):
21592
21593 @itemize @minus
21594 @item
21595 @code{Debugger} (REG_SZ) --- a command to launch the debugger.
21596 Suggested command is: @code{@var{fully-qualified-path-to-gdb.exe} -ex
21597 "attach %ld" -ex "signal-event %ld" -ex "continue"}.
21598
21599 The first @code{%ld} will be replaced by the process ID of the
21600 crashing process, the second @code{%ld} will be replaced by the ID of
21601 the event that blocks the crashing process, waiting for @value{GDBN}
21602 to attach.
21603
21604 @item
21605 @code{Auto} (REG_SZ) --- either @code{1} or @code{0}. @code{1} will
21606 make the system run debugger specified by the Debugger key
21607 automatically, @code{0} will cause a dialog box with ``OK'' and
21608 ``Cancel'' buttons to appear, which allows the user to either
21609 terminate the crashing process (OK) or debug it (Cancel).
21610 @end itemize
21611
21612 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
21613 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
21614 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
21615 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
21616 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
21617 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
21618 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
21619 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
21620 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
21621 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
21622 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
21623
21624 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
21625 @item show cygwin-exceptions
21626 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
21627 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
21628
21629 @kindex set new-console
21630 @item set new-console @var{mode}
21631 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
21632 be started in a new console on next start.
21633 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
21634 be started in the same console as the debugger.
21635
21636 @kindex show new-console
21637 @item show new-console
21638 Displays whether a new console is used
21639 when the debuggee is started.
21640
21641 @kindex set new-group
21642 @item set new-group @var{mode}
21643 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
21644 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
21645 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
21646 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
21647
21648 @kindex show new-group
21649 @item show new-group
21650 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
21651
21652 @kindex set debugevents
21653 @item set debugevents
21654 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
21655 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
21656 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
21657 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
21658 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
21659
21660 @kindex set debugexec
21661 @item set debugexec
21662 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
21663 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
21664
21665 @kindex set debugexceptions
21666 @item set debugexceptions
21667 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
21668 debuggee seen by the debugger.
21669
21670 @kindex set debugmemory
21671 @item set debugmemory
21672 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
21673 and writes by the debugger.
21674
21675 @kindex set shell
21676 @item set shell
21677 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
21678 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
21679
21680 @kindex show shell
21681 @item show shell
21682 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
21683
21684 @end table
21685
21686 @menu
21687 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
21688 @end menu
21689
21690 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
21691 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
21692 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
21693 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
21694
21695 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
21696 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
21697 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
21698 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
21699 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
21700 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
21701 ``minimal symbols''.
21702
21703 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
21704 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
21705 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
21706 program run once to completion.
21707
21708 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
21709
21710 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
21711 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
21712 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
21713 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
21714 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
21715 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
21716 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
21717 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
21718 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
21719
21720 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
21721 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
21722 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
21723 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
21724 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
21725 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
21726
21727 @smallexample
21728 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
21729 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
21730
21731 Non-debugging symbols:
21732 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
21733 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
21734 @end smallexample
21735
21736 @smallexample
21737 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
21738 All functions matching regular expression "!":
21739
21740 Non-debugging symbols:
21741 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
21742 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
21743 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
21744 [etc...]
21745 @end smallexample
21746
21747 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
21748
21749 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
21750 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
21751 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
21752 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
21753 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
21754 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
21755 a function within a DLL without a running program.
21756
21757 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
21758 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
21759 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
21760 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
21761 problem:
21762
21763 @smallexample
21764 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
21765 $1 = 268572168
21766 @end smallexample
21767
21768 @smallexample
21769 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
21770 0x10021610: "\230y\""
21771 @end smallexample
21772
21773 And two possible solutions:
21774
21775 @smallexample
21776 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
21777 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
21778 @end smallexample
21779
21780 @smallexample
21781 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
21782 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
21783 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
21784 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
21785 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
21786 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
21787 @end smallexample
21788
21789 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
21790 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
21791 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
21792 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
21793 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
21794
21795 @smallexample
21796 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
21797 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
21798 @end smallexample
21799
21800 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
21801 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
21802 safe.
21803
21804 @node Hurd Native
21805 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
21806 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
21807
21808 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
21809 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
21810
21811 @table @code
21812 @item set signals
21813 @itemx set sigs
21814 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
21815 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
21816 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
21817 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
21818 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
21819 @code{signals}.
21820
21821 @item show signals
21822 @itemx show sigs
21823 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
21824 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
21825 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
21826
21827 @item set signal-thread
21828 @itemx set sigthread
21829 @kindex set signal-thread
21830 @kindex set sigthread
21831 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
21832 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
21833 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
21834 signal-thread}.
21835
21836 @item show signal-thread
21837 @itemx show sigthread
21838 @kindex show signal-thread
21839 @kindex show sigthread
21840 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
21841 delivered a signal.
21842
21843 @item set stopped
21844 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
21845 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
21846 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
21847 continued by delivering a signal to it.
21848
21849 @item show stopped
21850 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
21851 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
21852 stopped.
21853
21854 @item set exceptions
21855 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
21856 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
21857 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
21858 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
21859 trapping on.
21860
21861 @item show exceptions
21862 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
21863 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
21864
21865 @item set task pause
21866 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
21867 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
21868 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
21869 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
21870 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
21871 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
21872 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
21873 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
21874 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
21875
21876 @item show task pause
21877 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
21878 Show the current state of task suspension.
21879
21880 @item set task detach-suspend-count
21881 @cindex task suspend count
21882 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21883 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
21884 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
21885
21886 @item show task detach-suspend-count
21887 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
21888
21889 @item set task exception-port
21890 @itemx set task excp
21891 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21892 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
21893 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
21894 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
21895
21896 @item set noninvasive
21897 @cindex noninvasive task options
21898 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
21899 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
21900 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
21901 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
21902
21903 @item info send-rights
21904 @itemx info receive-rights
21905 @itemx info port-rights
21906 @itemx info port-sets
21907 @itemx info dead-names
21908 @itemx info ports
21909 @itemx info psets
21910 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21911 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21912 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21913 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21914 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21915 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
21916 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
21917 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
21918 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
21919
21920 @item set thread pause
21921 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
21922 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21923 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
21924 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
21925 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
21926 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
21927 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
21928 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
21929 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
21930 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
21931 only the current thread.
21932
21933 @item show thread pause
21934 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
21935 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
21936
21937 @item set thread run
21938 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
21939
21940 @item show thread run
21941 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
21942
21943 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
21944 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21945 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21946 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
21947 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
21948 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
21949 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
21950
21951 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
21952 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
21953 detaching.
21954
21955 @item set thread exception-port
21956 @itemx set thread excp
21957 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
21958 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
21959 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
21960
21961 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
21962 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
21963 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
21964 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
21965
21966 @item set thread default
21967 @itemx show thread default
21968 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21969 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
21970 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
21971 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
21972 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
21973 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
21974 the non-default commands.
21975 @end table
21976
21977 @node Darwin
21978 @subsection Darwin
21979 @cindex Darwin
21980
21981 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
21982
21983 @table @code
21984 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
21985 @kindex set debug darwin
21986 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
21987 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
21988
21989 @item show debug darwin
21990 @kindex show debug darwin
21991 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
21992
21993 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
21994 @kindex set debug mach-o
21995 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
21996 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
21997 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
21998 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
21999 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
22000 usage.
22001
22002 @item show debug mach-o
22003 @kindex show debug mach-o
22004 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
22005
22006 @item set mach-exceptions on
22007 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
22008 @kindex set mach-exceptions
22009 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
22010 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
22011 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
22012 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
22013
22014 @item show mach-exceptions
22015 @kindex show mach-exceptions
22016 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
22017 @end table
22018
22019
22020 @node Embedded OS
22021 @section Embedded Operating Systems
22022
22023 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
22024 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
22025 architectures.
22026
22027 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
22028 various real-time operating systems.
22029
22030 @node Embedded Processors
22031 @section Embedded Processors
22032
22033 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
22034 configurations.
22035
22036 @cindex send command to simulator
22037 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
22038 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
22039
22040 @table @code
22041 @item sim @var{command}
22042 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
22043 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
22044 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
22045 acceptable commands.
22046 @end table
22047
22048
22049 @menu
22050 * ARC:: Synopsys ARC
22051 * ARM:: ARM
22052 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
22053 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
22054 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
22055 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
22056 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
22057 * CRIS:: CRIS
22058 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
22059 @end menu
22060
22061 @node ARC
22062 @subsection Synopsys ARC
22063 @cindex Synopsys ARC
22064 @cindex ARC specific commands
22065 @cindex ARC600
22066 @cindex ARC700
22067 @cindex ARC EM
22068 @cindex ARC HS
22069
22070 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARC-specific commands:
22071
22072 @table @code
22073 @item set debug arc
22074 @kindex set debug arc
22075 Control the level of ARC specific debug messages. Use 0 for no messages (the
22076 default) and 1 for debug messages. At present higher values offer no further
22077 messages.
22078
22079 @item show debug arc
22080 @kindex show debug arc
22081 Show the level of ARC specific debugging in operation.
22082
22083 @end table
22084
22085 @node ARM
22086 @subsection ARM
22087
22088 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
22089
22090 @table @code
22091 @item set arm disassembler
22092 @kindex set arm
22093 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
22094 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
22095
22096 @item show arm disassembler
22097 @kindex show arm
22098 Show the current disassembly style.
22099
22100 @item set arm apcs32
22101 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
22102 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
22103
22104 @item show arm apcs32
22105 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
22106
22107 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
22108 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
22109 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
22110
22111 @table @code
22112 @item auto
22113 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
22114 @item softfpa
22115 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
22116 processors.
22117 @item fpa
22118 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
22119 @item softvfp
22120 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
22121 @item vfp
22122 VFP co-processor.
22123 @end table
22124
22125 @item show arm fpu
22126 Show the current type of the FPU.
22127
22128 @item set arm abi
22129 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
22130
22131 @item show arm abi
22132 Show the currently used ABI.
22133
22134 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
22135 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
22136 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
22137 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
22138 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
22139 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
22140 register).
22141
22142 @item show arm fallback-mode
22143 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
22144
22145 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
22146 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
22147 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
22148 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
22149 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
22150
22151 @item show arm force-mode
22152 Show the current forced instruction mode.
22153
22154 @item set debug arm
22155 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
22156 target support subsystem.
22157
22158 @item show debug arm
22159 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
22160 @end table
22161
22162 @table @code
22163 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
22164 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
22165
22166 @table @code
22167 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
22168 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support. The argument
22169 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
22170 The default value is @code{all}.
22171
22172 @table @code
22173 @item none
22174 @item demon
22175 @item angel
22176 @item redboot
22177 @item all
22178 @end table
22179 @end table
22180 @end table
22181
22182 @node M68K
22183 @subsection M68k
22184
22185 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support.
22186
22187 @node MicroBlaze
22188 @subsection MicroBlaze
22189 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
22190 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
22191
22192 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
22193 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
22194 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
22195 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
22196 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
22197 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
22198 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
22199 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
22200 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
22201 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
22202 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
22203
22204 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
22205
22206 @table @code
22207 @item target remote :1234
22208 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
22209 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
22210
22211 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
22212 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
22213 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
22214
22215 @item load
22216 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
22217
22218 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
22219 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
22220
22221 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
22222 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
22223 @end table
22224
22225 @node MIPS Embedded
22226 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
22227
22228 @noindent
22229 @value{GDBN} supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
22230
22231 @table @code
22232 @item set mipsfpu double
22233 @itemx set mipsfpu single
22234 @itemx set mipsfpu none
22235 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
22236 @itemx show mipsfpu
22237 @kindex set mipsfpu
22238 @kindex show mipsfpu
22239 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
22240 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
22241 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
22242 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
22243 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
22244 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
22245 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
22246 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
22247 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
22248 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
22249 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
22250 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
22251 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
22252
22253 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
22254 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
22255 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
22256
22257 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
22258 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
22259 @end table
22260
22261 @node PowerPC Embedded
22262 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
22263
22264 @cindex DVC register
22265 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
22266 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
22267
22268 @smallexample
22269 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
22270 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
22271 @end smallexample
22272
22273 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
22274 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
22275 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
22276 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
22277 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
22278 or newer.
22279
22280 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
22281 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
22282 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
22283 watching variables of scalar types.
22284
22285 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
22286 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
22287
22288 @smallexample
22289 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
22290 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
22291 @end smallexample
22292
22293 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
22294 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
22295
22296 @cindex ranged breakpoint
22297 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
22298 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
22299 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
22300 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
22301 use the @code{break-range} command.
22302
22303 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
22304
22305 @table @code
22306 @kindex break-range
22307 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
22308 Set a breakpoint for an address range given by
22309 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}, which can specify a function name,
22310 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
22311 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
22312 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
22313 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
22314 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
22315 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
22316
22317 @kindex set powerpc
22318 @item set powerpc soft-float
22319 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
22320 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
22321 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
22322 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
22323
22324 @item set powerpc vector-abi
22325 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
22326 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
22327 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
22328 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
22329 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
22330 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
22331 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
22332
22333 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
22334 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
22335 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
22336 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
22337 address of its first byte.
22338
22339 @end table
22340
22341 @node AVR
22342 @subsection Atmel AVR
22343 @cindex AVR
22344
22345 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
22346 following AVR-specific commands:
22347
22348 @table @code
22349 @item info io_registers
22350 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
22351 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
22352 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
22353 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
22354 @end table
22355
22356 @node CRIS
22357 @subsection CRIS
22358 @cindex CRIS
22359
22360 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
22361 following CRIS-specific commands:
22362
22363 @table @code
22364 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
22365 @cindex CRIS version
22366 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
22367 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
22368 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
22369
22370 @item show cris-version
22371 Show the current CRIS version.
22372
22373 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
22374 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
22375 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
22376 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
22377 @code{R59}.
22378
22379 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
22380 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
22381
22382 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
22383 @cindex CRIS mode
22384 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
22385 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
22386 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
22387
22388 @item show cris-mode
22389 Show the current CRIS mode.
22390 @end table
22391
22392 @node Super-H
22393 @subsection Renesas Super-H
22394 @cindex Super-H
22395
22396 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
22397 commands:
22398
22399 @table @code
22400 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
22401 @kindex set sh calling-convention
22402 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
22403 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
22404 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
22405 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
22406 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
22407 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
22408 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
22409 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
22410 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
22411 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
22412
22413 @item show sh calling-convention
22414 @kindex show sh calling-convention
22415 Show the current calling convention setting.
22416
22417 @end table
22418
22419
22420 @node Architectures
22421 @section Architectures
22422
22423 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
22424 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
22425
22426 @menu
22427 * AArch64::
22428 * i386::
22429 * Alpha::
22430 * MIPS::
22431 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
22432 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
22433 * PowerPC::
22434 * Nios II::
22435 @end menu
22436
22437 @node AArch64
22438 @subsection AArch64
22439 @cindex AArch64 support
22440
22441 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
22442 following special commands:
22443
22444 @table @code
22445 @item set debug aarch64
22446 @kindex set debug aarch64
22447 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
22448 messages are to be displayed.
22449
22450 @item show debug aarch64
22451 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
22452
22453 @end table
22454
22455 @node i386
22456 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
22457
22458 @table @code
22459 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
22460 @kindex set struct-convention
22461 @cindex struct return convention
22462 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
22463 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
22464 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
22465 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
22466 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
22467 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
22468 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
22469 be returned in a register.
22470
22471 @item show struct-convention
22472 @kindex show struct-convention
22473 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
22474 from functions.
22475 @end table
22476
22477
22478 @subsubsection Intel @dfn{Memory Protection Extensions} (MPX).
22479 @cindex Intel Memory Protection Extensions (MPX).
22480
22481 Memory Protection Extension (MPX) adds the bound registers @samp{BND0}
22482 @footnote{The register named with capital letters represent the architecture
22483 registers.} through @samp{BND3}. Bound registers store a pair of 64-bit values
22484 which are the lower bound and upper bound. Bounds are effective addresses or
22485 memory locations. The upper bounds are architecturally represented in 1's
22486 complement form. A bound having lower bound = 0, and upper bound = 0
22487 (1's complement of all bits set) will allow access to the entire address space.
22488
22489 @samp{BND0} through @samp{BND3} are represented in @value{GDBN} as @samp{bnd0raw}
22490 through @samp{bnd3raw}. Pseudo registers @samp{bnd0} through @samp{bnd3}
22491 display the upper bound performing the complement of one operation on the
22492 upper bound value, i.e.@ when upper bound in @samp{bnd0raw} is 0 in the
22493 @value{GDBN} @samp{bnd0} it will be @code{0xfff@dots{}}. In this sense it
22494 can also be noted that the upper bounds are inclusive.
22495
22496 As an example, assume that the register BND0 holds bounds for a pointer having
22497 access allowed for the range between 0x32 and 0x71. The values present on
22498 bnd0raw and bnd registers are presented as follows:
22499
22500 @smallexample
22501 bnd0raw = @{0x32, 0xffffffff8e@}
22502 bnd0 = @{lbound = 0x32, ubound = 0x71@} : size 64
22503 @end smallexample
22504
22505 This way the raw value can be accessed via bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw. Any
22506 change on bnd0@dots{}bnd3 or bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw is reflect on its
22507 counterpart. When the bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers are displayed via
22508 Python, the display includes the memory size, in bits, accessible to
22509 the pointer.
22510
22511 Bounds can also be stored in bounds tables, which are stored in
22512 application memory. These tables store bounds for pointers by specifying
22513 the bounds pointer's value along with its bounds. Evaluating and changing
22514 bounds located in bound tables is therefore interesting while investigating
22515 bugs on MPX context. @value{GDBN} provides commands for this purpose:
22516
22517 @table @code
22518 @item show mpx bound @var{pointer}
22519 @kindex show mpx bound
22520 Display bounds of the given @var{pointer}.
22521
22522 @item set mpx bound @var{pointer}, @var{lbound}, @var{ubound}
22523 @kindex set mpx bound
22524 Set the bounds of a pointer in the bound table.
22525 This command takes three parameters: @var{pointer} is the pointers
22526 whose bounds are to be changed, @var{lbound} and @var{ubound} are new values
22527 for lower and upper bounds respectively.
22528 @end table
22529
22530 @node Alpha
22531 @subsection Alpha
22532
22533 See the following section.
22534
22535 @node MIPS
22536 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
22537
22538 @cindex stack on Alpha
22539 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
22540 @cindex Alpha stack
22541 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
22542 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
22543 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
22544 find the beginning of a function.
22545
22546 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
22547 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
22548 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
22549 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
22550 commands:
22551
22552 @table @code
22553 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
22554 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
22555 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
22556 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
22557 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
22558 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
22559 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
22560 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
22561
22562 @item show heuristic-fence-post
22563 Display the current limit.
22564 @end table
22565
22566 @noindent
22567 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
22568 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
22569
22570 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
22571 programs:
22572
22573 @table @code
22574 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
22575 @kindex set mips abi
22576 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
22577 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
22578 values of @var{arg} are:
22579
22580 @table @samp
22581 @item auto
22582 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
22583 default).
22584 @item o32
22585 @item o64
22586 @item n32
22587 @item n64
22588 @item eabi32
22589 @item eabi64
22590 @end table
22591
22592 @item show mips abi
22593 @kindex show mips abi
22594 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
22595
22596 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
22597 @kindex set mips compression
22598 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
22599 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
22600 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
22601 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
22602 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
22603 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
22604 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
22605 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
22606 provided by the executable.
22607
22608 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
22609 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
22610 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
22611 identified as such.
22612
22613 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
22614 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
22615 implicitly from an executable.
22616
22617 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
22618 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
22619 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
22620 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
22621 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
22622
22623 @item show mips compression
22624 @kindex show mips compression
22625 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
22626 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
22627
22628 @item set mipsfpu
22629 @itemx show mipsfpu
22630 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
22631
22632 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
22633 @kindex set mips mask-address
22634 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
22635 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
22636 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
22637 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
22638 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
22639
22640 @item show mips mask-address
22641 @kindex show mips mask-address
22642 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
22643 not.
22644
22645 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22646 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22647 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
22648 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
22649 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
22650 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
22651
22652 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22653 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22654 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
22655
22656 @item set debug mips
22657 @kindex set debug mips
22658 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
22659 target code in @value{GDBN}.
22660
22661 @item show debug mips
22662 @kindex show debug mips
22663 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
22664 @end table
22665
22666
22667 @node HPPA
22668 @subsection HPPA
22669 @cindex HPPA support
22670
22671 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
22672 following special commands:
22673
22674 @table @code
22675 @item set debug hppa
22676 @kindex set debug hppa
22677 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
22678 messages are to be displayed.
22679
22680 @item show debug hppa
22681 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
22682
22683 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
22684 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
22685 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
22686 given @var{address}.
22687
22688 @end table
22689
22690
22691 @node SPU
22692 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
22693 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
22694 @cindex SPU
22695
22696 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
22697 it provides the following special commands:
22698
22699 @table @code
22700 @item info spu event
22701 @kindex info spu
22702 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
22703 and pending event status.
22704
22705 @item info spu signal
22706 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
22707 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
22708 notification channels.
22709
22710 @item info spu mailbox
22711 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
22712 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
22713 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
22714
22715 @item info spu dma
22716 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
22717 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
22718 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
22719
22720 @item info spu proxydma
22721 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
22722 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
22723 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
22724
22725 @end table
22726
22727 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
22728 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
22729 special commands:
22730
22731 @table @code
22732 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
22733 @kindex set spu
22734 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
22735 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
22736 function. The default is @code{off}.
22737
22738 @item show spu stop-on-load
22739 @kindex show spu
22740 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
22741
22742 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
22743 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
22744 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
22745 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
22746 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
22747 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
22748
22749 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
22750 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
22751
22752 @end table
22753
22754 @node PowerPC
22755 @subsection PowerPC
22756 @cindex PowerPC architecture
22757
22758 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
22759 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
22760 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
22761 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
22762 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
22763
22764 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
22765 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
22766 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
22767
22768 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
22769 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
22770
22771 @node Nios II
22772 @subsection Nios II
22773 @cindex Nios II architecture
22774
22775 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
22776 it provides the following special commands:
22777
22778 @table @code
22779
22780 @item set debug nios2
22781 @kindex set debug nios2
22782 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
22783 target code in @value{GDBN}.
22784
22785 @item show debug nios2
22786 @kindex show debug nios2
22787 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
22788 @end table
22789
22790 @node Controlling GDB
22791 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
22792
22793 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
22794 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
22795 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
22796 described here.
22797
22798 @menu
22799 * Prompt:: Prompt
22800 * Editing:: Command editing
22801 * Command History:: Command history
22802 * Screen Size:: Screen size
22803 * Numbers:: Numbers
22804 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
22805 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
22806 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
22807 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
22808 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
22809 @end menu
22810
22811 @node Prompt
22812 @section Prompt
22813
22814 @cindex prompt
22815
22816 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
22817 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
22818 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
22819 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
22820 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
22821 which one you are talking to.
22822
22823 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
22824 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
22825 or a prompt that does not.
22826
22827 @table @code
22828 @kindex set prompt
22829 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
22830 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
22831
22832 @kindex show prompt
22833 @item show prompt
22834 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
22835 @end table
22836
22837 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
22838 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
22839 are:
22840
22841 @table @code
22842 @kindex set extended-prompt
22843 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
22844 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
22845 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
22846 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
22847 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
22848 is displayed.
22849
22850 For example:
22851
22852 @smallexample
22853 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
22854 @end smallexample
22855
22856 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
22857 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
22858
22859 @kindex show extended-prompt
22860 @item show extended-prompt
22861 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
22862 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
22863 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
22864 @end table
22865
22866 @node Editing
22867 @section Command Editing
22868 @cindex readline
22869 @cindex command line editing
22870
22871 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
22872 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
22873 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
22874 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
22875 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
22876 debugging sessions.
22877
22878 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
22879 command @code{set}.
22880
22881 @table @code
22882 @kindex set editing
22883 @cindex editing
22884 @item set editing
22885 @itemx set editing on
22886 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
22887
22888 @item set editing off
22889 Disable command line editing.
22890
22891 @kindex show editing
22892 @item show editing
22893 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
22894 @end table
22895
22896 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
22897 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
22898 @end ifset
22899 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
22900 @xref{Command Line Editing},
22901 @end ifclear
22902 for more details about the Readline
22903 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
22904 encouraged to read that chapter.
22905
22906 @node Command History
22907 @section Command History
22908 @cindex command history
22909
22910 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
22911 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
22912 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
22913 history facility.
22914
22915 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
22916 package, to provide the history facility.
22917 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
22918 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
22919 @end ifset
22920 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
22921 @xref{Using History Interactively},
22922 @end ifclear
22923 for the detailed description of the History library.
22924
22925 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
22926 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
22927 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
22928 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
22929 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
22930 pressed on a line by itself.
22931
22932 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
22933 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
22934 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
22935 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
22936
22937 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
22938 history.
22939
22940 @table @code
22941 @cindex history substitution
22942 @cindex history file
22943 @kindex set history filename
22944 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
22945 @item set history filename @var{fname}
22946 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
22947 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
22948 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
22949 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
22950 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
22951 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
22952 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
22953 is not set.
22954
22955 @cindex save command history
22956 @kindex set history save
22957 @item set history save
22958 @itemx set history save on
22959 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
22960 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
22961
22962 @item set history save off
22963 Stop recording command history in a file.
22964
22965 @cindex history size
22966 @kindex set history size
22967 @cindex @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, environment variable
22968 @item set history size @var{size}
22969 @itemx set history size unlimited
22970 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
22971 This defaults to the value of the environment variable @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, or
22972 to 256 if this variable is not set. Non-numeric values of @env{GDBHISTSIZE}
22973 are ignored. If @var{size} is @code{unlimited} or if @env{GDBHISTSIZE} is
22974 either a negative number or the empty string, then the number of commands
22975 @value{GDBN} keeps in the history list is unlimited.
22976
22977 @cindex remove duplicate history
22978 @kindex set history remove-duplicates
22979 @item set history remove-duplicates @var{count}
22980 @itemx set history remove-duplicates unlimited
22981 Control the removal of duplicate history entries in the command history list.
22982 If @var{count} is non-zero, @value{GDBN} will look back at the last @var{count}
22983 history entries and remove the first entry that is a duplicate of the current
22984 entry being added to the command history list. If @var{count} is
22985 @code{unlimited} then this lookbehind is unbounded. If @var{count} is 0, then
22986 removal of duplicate history entries is disabled.
22987
22988 Only history entries added during the current session are considered for
22989 removal. This option is set to 0 by default.
22990
22991 @end table
22992
22993 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
22994 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
22995 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
22996 @end ifset
22997 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
22998 @xref{Event Designators},
22999 @end ifclear
23000 for more details.
23001
23002 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
23003 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
23004 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
23005 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
23006 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
23007 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
23008 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
23009 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
23010
23011 The commands to control history expansion are:
23012
23013 @table @code
23014 @item set history expansion on
23015 @itemx set history expansion
23016 @kindex set history expansion
23017 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
23018
23019 @item set history expansion off
23020 Disable history expansion.
23021
23022 @c @group
23023 @kindex show history
23024 @item show history
23025 @itemx show history filename
23026 @itemx show history save
23027 @itemx show history size
23028 @itemx show history expansion
23029 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
23030 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
23031 @c @end group
23032 @end table
23033
23034 @table @code
23035 @kindex show commands
23036 @cindex show last commands
23037 @cindex display command history
23038 @item show commands
23039 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
23040
23041 @item show commands @var{n}
23042 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
23043
23044 @item show commands +
23045 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
23046 @end table
23047
23048 @node Screen Size
23049 @section Screen Size
23050 @cindex size of screen
23051 @cindex screen size
23052 @cindex pagination
23053 @cindex page size
23054 @cindex pauses in output
23055
23056 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
23057 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
23058 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
23059 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
23060 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
23061 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
23062 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
23063 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
23064
23065 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
23066 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
23067 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
23068 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
23069 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
23070 width} commands:
23071
23072 @table @code
23073 @kindex set height
23074 @kindex set width
23075 @kindex show width
23076 @kindex show height
23077 @item set height @var{lpp}
23078 @itemx set height unlimited
23079 @itemx show height
23080 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
23081 @itemx set width unlimited
23082 @itemx show width
23083 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
23084 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
23085 commands display the current settings.
23086
23087 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
23088 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
23089 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
23090 buffer.
23091
23092 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
23093 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
23094
23095 @item set pagination on
23096 @itemx set pagination off
23097 @kindex set pagination
23098 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
23099 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
23100 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
23101 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
23102
23103 @item show pagination
23104 @kindex show pagination
23105 Show the current pagination mode.
23106 @end table
23107
23108 @node Numbers
23109 @section Numbers
23110 @cindex number representation
23111 @cindex entering numbers
23112
23113 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
23114 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
23115 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
23116 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
23117 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
23118 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
23119 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
23120 both input and output with the commands described below.
23121
23122 @table @code
23123 @kindex set input-radix
23124 @item set input-radix @var{base}
23125 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
23126 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
23127 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
23128 example, any of
23129
23130 @smallexample
23131 set input-radix 012
23132 set input-radix 10.
23133 set input-radix 0xa
23134 @end smallexample
23135
23136 @noindent
23137 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
23138 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
23139 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
23140 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
23141 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
23142 change the radix.
23143
23144 @kindex set output-radix
23145 @item set output-radix @var{base}
23146 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
23147 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
23148 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
23149
23150 @kindex show input-radix
23151 @item show input-radix
23152 Display the current default base for numeric input.
23153
23154 @kindex show output-radix
23155 @item show output-radix
23156 Display the current default base for numeric display.
23157
23158 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
23159 @itemx show radix
23160 @kindex set radix
23161 @kindex show radix
23162 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
23163 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
23164 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
23165 default value of 10.
23166
23167 @end table
23168
23169 @node ABI
23170 @section Configuring the Current ABI
23171
23172 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
23173 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
23174 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
23175 current ABI.
23176
23177 @cindex OS ABI
23178 @kindex set osabi
23179 @kindex show osabi
23180 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
23181
23182 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
23183 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
23184 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
23185 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
23186 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
23187 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
23188 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
23189 platform provides.
23190
23191 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
23192 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
23193 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
23194 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
23195
23196 @table @code
23197 @item show osabi
23198 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
23199
23200 @item set osabi
23201 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
23202
23203 @item set osabi @var{abi}
23204 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
23205 @end table
23206
23207 @cindex float promotion
23208
23209 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
23210 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
23211 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
23212 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
23213 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
23214 @code{double} and then passed.
23215
23216 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
23217 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
23218 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
23219
23220 @table @code
23221 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
23222 @item set coerce-float-to-double
23223 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
23224 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
23225 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
23226
23227 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
23228 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
23229 functions.
23230
23231 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
23232 @item show coerce-float-to-double
23233 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
23234 @end table
23235
23236 @kindex set cp-abi
23237 @kindex show cp-abi
23238 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
23239 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
23240 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
23241 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
23242 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
23243 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
23244 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
23245 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
23246 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
23247 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
23248 ``auto''.
23249
23250 @table @code
23251 @item show cp-abi
23252 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
23253
23254 @item set cp-abi
23255 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
23256
23257 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
23258 @itemx set cp-abi auto
23259 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
23260 @end table
23261
23262 @node Auto-loading
23263 @section Automatically loading associated files
23264 @cindex auto-loading
23265
23266 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
23267 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
23268 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
23269 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
23270 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
23271 sources).
23272
23273 @menu
23274 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
23275 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
23276
23277 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
23278 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
23279 @end menu
23280
23281 There are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load.
23282 In addition to these files, @value{GDBN} supports auto-loading code written
23283 in various extension languages. @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
23284
23285 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
23286 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
23287 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23288
23289 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
23290 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
23291
23292 @table @code
23293 @anchor{set auto-load off}
23294 @kindex set auto-load off
23295 @item set auto-load off
23296 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
23297 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
23298 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
23299 @smallexample
23300 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
23301 @end smallexample
23302
23303 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
23304 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
23305 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
23306 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
23307 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
23308 @code{set auto-load no}.
23309
23310 @anchor{show auto-load}
23311 @kindex show auto-load
23312 @item show auto-load
23313 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
23314 or disabled.
23315
23316 @smallexample
23317 (gdb) show auto-load
23318 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
23319 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
23320 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
23321 is on.
23322 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
23323 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
23324 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
23325 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
23326 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
23327 @end smallexample
23328
23329 @anchor{info auto-load}
23330 @kindex info auto-load
23331 @item info auto-load
23332 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
23333 not.
23334
23335 @smallexample
23336 (gdb) info auto-load
23337 gdb-scripts:
23338 Loaded Script
23339 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
23340 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
23341 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
23342 loaded.
23343 python-scripts:
23344 Loaded Script
23345 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
23346 @end smallexample
23347 @end table
23348
23349 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
23350
23351 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
23352 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
23353 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
23354 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
23355 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
23356 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
23357 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
23358 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23359 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23360 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23361 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23362 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23363 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23364 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
23365 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23366 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
23367 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23368 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
23369 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23370 @item @xref{set auto-load guile-scripts}.
23371 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23372 @item @xref{show auto-load guile-scripts}.
23373 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23374 @item @xref{info auto-load guile-scripts}.
23375 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23376 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
23377 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
23378 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
23379 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
23380 @item @xref{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}.
23381 @tab Add directory for auto-loaded scripts location list.
23382 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23383 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
23384 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23385 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
23386 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23387 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
23388 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
23389 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
23390 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
23391 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
23392 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
23393 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
23394 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
23395 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
23396 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
23397 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
23398 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
23399 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
23400 @end multitable
23401
23402 @node Init File in the Current Directory
23403 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
23404 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
23405
23406 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
23407 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
23408 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
23409
23410 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
23411 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23412
23413 @table @code
23414 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
23415 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
23416 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
23417 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
23418 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
23419
23420 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
23421 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
23422 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
23423 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
23424 current directory is enabled or disabled.
23425
23426 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
23427 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
23428 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
23429 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
23430 current directory have been auto-loaded.
23431 @end table
23432
23433 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
23434 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
23435 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
23436
23437 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
23438
23439 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
23440 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
23441
23442 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
23443 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
23444 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
23445 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
23446 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
23447 library.
23448
23449 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
23450 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23451
23452 @table @code
23453 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
23454 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
23455 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
23456 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
23457
23458 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
23459 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
23460 @item show auto-load libthread-db
23461 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
23462 enabled or disabled.
23463
23464 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
23465 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
23466 @item info auto-load libthread-db
23467 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
23468 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
23469 @end table
23470
23471 @node Auto-loading safe path
23472 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
23473 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
23474
23475 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
23476 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
23477 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
23478 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
23479 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
23480
23481 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
23482 get loaded:
23483
23484 @smallexample
23485 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
23486 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
23487 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
23488 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
23489 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
23490 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
23491 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
23492 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
23493 @end smallexample
23494
23495 @noindent
23496 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
23497 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
23498
23499 @smallexample
23500 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
23501 @end smallexample
23502
23503 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
23504
23505 @table @code
23506 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
23507 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
23508 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
23509 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
23510 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
23511 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
23512 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
23513 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
23514 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
23515 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
23516
23517 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
23518 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
23519 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
23520
23521 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
23522 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
23523 @item show auto-load safe-path
23524 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
23525 scripts.
23526
23527 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
23528 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
23529 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
23530 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of directories trusted for
23531 automatic loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited
23532 by the host platform path separator in use.
23533 @end table
23534
23535 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
23536 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
23537 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
23538 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
23539 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
23540
23541 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
23542 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
23543 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
23544 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
23545 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
23546 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
23547 init file in the current directory
23548 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
23549
23550 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
23551 example, you could use one of the following ways:
23552
23553 @table @asis
23554 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
23555 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
23556 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
23557 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
23558
23559 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
23560 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
23561 @value{GDBN} session.
23562
23563 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
23564 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
23565 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
23566 from trusted sources.
23567
23568 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
23569 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
23570 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
23571 trusted sources.
23572 @end table
23573
23574 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
23575 also suppresses any such warning messages:
23576
23577 @table @asis
23578 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
23579 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
23580
23581 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
23582 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
23583 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
23584 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
23585 @end table
23586
23587 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
23588 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
23589 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
23590 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
23591 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
23592 recommended to be entered.
23593
23594 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
23595 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
23596 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
23597
23598 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
23599 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
23600 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
23601 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
23602 be printed.
23603
23604 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
23605 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
23606 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
23607
23608 @smallexample
23609 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
23610 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
23611 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
23612 for objfile "/tmp/true".
23613 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
23614 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
23615 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
23616 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
23617 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
23618 @end smallexample
23619
23620 @table @code
23621 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
23622 @kindex set debug auto-load
23623 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
23624 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
23625
23626 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
23627 @kindex show debug auto-load
23628 @item show debug auto-load
23629 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
23630 on or off.
23631 @end table
23632
23633 @node Messages/Warnings
23634 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
23635
23636 @cindex verbose operation
23637 @cindex optional warnings
23638 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
23639 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
23640 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
23641 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
23642
23643 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
23644 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
23645 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
23646
23647 @table @code
23648 @kindex set verbose
23649 @item set verbose on
23650 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
23651
23652 @item set verbose off
23653 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
23654
23655 @kindex show verbose
23656 @item show verbose
23657 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
23658 @end table
23659
23660 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
23661 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
23662 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
23663 Symbol Files}).
23664
23665 @table @code
23666
23667 @kindex set complaints
23668 @item set complaints @var{limit}
23669 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
23670 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
23671 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
23672 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
23673
23674 @kindex show complaints
23675 @item show complaints
23676 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
23677
23678 @end table
23679
23680 @anchor{confirmation requests}
23681 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
23682 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
23683 you try to run a program which is already running:
23684
23685 @smallexample
23686 (@value{GDBP}) run
23687 The program being debugged has been started already.
23688 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
23689 @end smallexample
23690
23691 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
23692 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
23693
23694 @table @code
23695
23696 @kindex set confirm
23697 @cindex flinching
23698 @cindex confirmation
23699 @cindex stupid questions
23700 @item set confirm off
23701 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
23702 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
23703 automatically disables confirmation requests.
23704
23705 @item set confirm on
23706 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
23707
23708 @kindex show confirm
23709 @item show confirm
23710 Displays state of confirmation requests.
23711
23712 @end table
23713
23714 @cindex command tracing
23715 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
23716 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
23717 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
23718 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
23719
23720 @table @code
23721 @kindex set trace-commands
23722 @cindex command scripts, debugging
23723 @item set trace-commands on
23724 Enable command tracing.
23725 @item set trace-commands off
23726 Disable command tracing.
23727 @item show trace-commands
23728 Display the current state of command tracing.
23729 @end table
23730
23731 @node Debugging Output
23732 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
23733 @cindex optional debugging messages
23734
23735 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
23736 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
23737 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
23738 section documents those commands.
23739
23740 @table @code
23741 @kindex set exec-done-display
23742 @item set exec-done-display
23743 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
23744 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
23745 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
23746 @kindex show exec-done-display
23747 @item show exec-done-display
23748 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
23749 notification.
23750 @kindex set debug
23751 @cindex ARM AArch64
23752 @item set debug aarch64
23753 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
23754 The default is off.
23755 @kindex show debug
23756 @item show debug aarch64
23757 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
23758 ARM AArch64.
23759 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
23760 @cindex architecture debugging info
23761 @item set debug arch
23762 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
23763 @item show debug arch
23764 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
23765 @item set debug aix-solib
23766 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
23767 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
23768 support module. The default is off.
23769 @item show debug aix-thread
23770 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
23771 @item set debug aix-thread
23772 @cindex AIX threads
23773 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
23774 module.
23775 @item show debug aix-thread
23776 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
23777 @item set debug check-physname
23778 @cindex physname
23779 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
23780 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
23781 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
23782 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
23783 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
23784 both ways and display any discrepancies.
23785 @item show debug check-physname
23786 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
23787 @item set debug coff-pe-read
23788 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
23789 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
23790 exported symbols. The default is off.
23791 @item show debug coff-pe-read
23792 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
23793 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
23794 @item set debug dwarf-die
23795 @cindex DWARF DIEs
23796 Dump DWARF DIEs after they are read in.
23797 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
23798 A value of zero turns off the display.
23799 @item show debug dwarf-die
23800 Show the current state of DWARF DIE debugging.
23801 @item set debug dwarf-line
23802 @cindex DWARF Line Tables
23803 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
23804 DWARF line tables. The default is 0 (off).
23805 A value of 1 provides basic information.
23806 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
23807 @item show debug dwarf-line
23808 Show the current state of DWARF line table debugging.
23809 @item set debug dwarf-read
23810 @cindex DWARF Reading
23811 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
23812 DWARF debug info. The default is 0 (off).
23813 A value of 1 provides basic information.
23814 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
23815 @item show debug dwarf-read
23816 Show the current state of DWARF reader debugging.
23817 @item set debug displaced
23818 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
23819 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
23820 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
23821 @item show debug displaced
23822 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
23823 related to displaced stepping.
23824 @item set debug event
23825 @cindex event debugging info
23826 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
23827 default is off.
23828 @item show debug event
23829 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
23830 info.
23831 @item set debug expression
23832 @cindex expression debugging info
23833 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
23834 expression parsing. The default is off.
23835 @item show debug expression
23836 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
23837 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
23838 @item set debug fbsd-lwp
23839 @cindex FreeBSD LWP debug messages
23840 Turns on or off debugging messages from the FreeBSD LWP debug support.
23841 @item show debug fbsd-lwp
23842 Show the current state of FreeBSD LWP debugging messages.
23843 @item set debug frame
23844 @cindex frame debugging info
23845 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
23846 default is off.
23847 @item show debug frame
23848 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
23849 info.
23850 @item set debug gnu-nat
23851 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
23852 Turn on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
23853 @item show debug gnu-nat
23854 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
23855 @item set debug infrun
23856 @cindex inferior debugging info
23857 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
23858 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
23859 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
23860 @item show debug infrun
23861 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
23862 @item set debug jit
23863 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
23864 Turn on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
23865 @item show debug jit
23866 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
23867 @item set debug lin-lwp
23868 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
23869 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
23870 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
23871 @item show debug lin-lwp
23872 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
23873 @item set debug linux-namespaces
23874 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux namespaces debug messages
23875 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux namespaces debug support.
23876 @item show debug linux-namespaces
23877 Show the current state of Linux namespaces debugging messages.
23878 @item set debug mach-o
23879 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
23880 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
23881 processing. The default is off.
23882 @item show debug mach-o
23883 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
23884 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
23885 @item set debug notification
23886 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
23887 Turn on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
23888 The default is off.
23889 @item show debug notification
23890 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
23891 @item set debug observer
23892 @cindex observer debugging info
23893 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
23894 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
23895 @item show debug observer
23896 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
23897 @item set debug overload
23898 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
23899 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
23900 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
23901 is off.
23902 @item show debug overload
23903 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
23904 debugging info.
23905 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
23906 @cindex debug expression parser
23907 @item set debug parser
23908 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
23909 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
23910 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
23911 details. The default is off.
23912 @item show debug parser
23913 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
23914 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
23915 @cindex serial connections, debugging
23916 @cindex debug remote protocol
23917 @cindex remote protocol debugging
23918 @cindex display remote packets
23919 @item set debug remote
23920 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
23921 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
23922 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
23923 @item show debug remote
23924 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
23925 @item set debug serial
23926 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
23927 default is off.
23928 @item show debug serial
23929 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
23930 info.
23931 @item set debug solib-frv
23932 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
23933 Turn on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
23934 @item show debug solib-frv
23935 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
23936 messages.
23937 @item set debug symbol-lookup
23938 @cindex symbol lookup
23939 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol lookup.
23940 The default is 0 (off).
23941 A value of 1 provides basic information.
23942 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
23943 @item show debug symbol-lookup
23944 Show the current state of symbol lookup debugging messages.
23945 @item set debug symfile
23946 @cindex symbol file functions
23947 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
23948 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
23949 @item show debug symfile
23950 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
23951 @item set debug symtab-create
23952 @cindex symbol table creation
23953 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
23954 The default is 0 (off).
23955 A value of 1 provides basic information.
23956 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
23957 @item show debug symtab-create
23958 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
23959 @item set debug target
23960 @cindex target debugging info
23961 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
23962 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
23963 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
23964 value of large memory transfers.
23965 @item show debug target
23966 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
23967 info.
23968 @item set debug timestamp
23969 @cindex timestampping debugging info
23970 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
23971 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
23972 message.
23973 @item show debug timestamp
23974 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
23975 debugging info.
23976 @item set debug varobj
23977 @cindex variable object debugging info
23978 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
23979 info. The default is off.
23980 @item show debug varobj
23981 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
23982 debugging info.
23983 @item set debug xml
23984 @cindex XML parser debugging
23985 Turn on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
23986 @item show debug xml
23987 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
23988 @end table
23989
23990 @node Other Misc Settings
23991 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
23992 @cindex miscellaneous settings
23993
23994 @table @code
23995 @kindex set interactive-mode
23996 @item set interactive-mode
23997 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
23998 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
23999 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
24000 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
24001 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
24002 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
24003 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
24004 is, non-interactively otherwise.
24005
24006 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
24007 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
24008 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
24009 inside a cygwin window.
24010
24011 @kindex show interactive-mode
24012 @item show interactive-mode
24013 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
24014 @end table
24015
24016 @node Extending GDB
24017 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
24018 @cindex extending GDB
24019
24020 @value{GDBN} provides several mechanisms for extension.
24021 @value{GDBN} also provides the ability to automatically load
24022 extensions when it reads a file for debugging. This allows the
24023 user to automatically customize @value{GDBN} for the program
24024 being debugged.
24025
24026 @menu
24027 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of @value{GDBN} Commands
24028 * Python:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Python
24029 * Guile:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Guile
24030 * Auto-loading extensions:: Automatically loading extensions
24031 * Multiple Extension Languages:: Working with multiple extension languages
24032 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
24033 @end menu
24034
24035 To facilitate the use of extension languages, @value{GDBN} is capable
24036 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
24037 can recognize which extension language is being used by looking at
24038 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
24039 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
24040 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
24041
24042 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
24043 setting:
24044
24045 @table @code
24046 @kindex set script-extension
24047 @kindex show script-extension
24048 @item set script-extension off
24049 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
24050
24051 @item set script-extension soft
24052 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
24053 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
24054 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
24055 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
24056
24057 @item set script-extension strict
24058 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
24059 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
24060 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
24061
24062 @item show script-extension
24063 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
24064
24065 @end table
24066
24067 @node Sequences
24068 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
24069
24070 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
24071 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
24072 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
24073 files.
24074
24075 @menu
24076 * Define:: How to define your own commands
24077 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
24078 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
24079 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
24080 * Auto-loading sequences:: Controlling auto-loaded command files
24081 @end menu
24082
24083 @node Define
24084 @subsection User-defined Commands
24085
24086 @cindex user-defined command
24087 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
24088 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
24089 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
24090 @code{define} command. User commands may accept an unlimited number of arguments
24091 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
24092 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$argN}. A trivial example:
24093
24094 @smallexample
24095 define adder
24096 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
24097 end
24098 @end smallexample
24099
24100 @noindent
24101 To execute the command use:
24102
24103 @smallexample
24104 adder 1 2 3
24105 @end smallexample
24106
24107 @noindent
24108 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
24109 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
24110 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
24111 functions calls.
24112
24113 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
24114 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
24115 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
24116 been passed.
24117
24118 @smallexample
24119 define adder
24120 if $argc == 2
24121 print $arg0 + $arg1
24122 end
24123 if $argc == 3
24124 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
24125 end
24126 end
24127 @end smallexample
24128
24129 Combining with the @code{eval} command (@pxref{eval}) makes it easier
24130 to process a variable number of arguments:
24131
24132 @smallexample
24133 define adder
24134 set $i = 0
24135 set $sum = 0
24136 while $i < $argc
24137 eval "set $sum = $sum + $arg%d", $i
24138 set $i = $i + 1
24139 end
24140 print $sum
24141 end
24142 @end smallexample
24143
24144 @table @code
24145
24146 @kindex define
24147 @item define @var{commandname}
24148 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
24149 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
24150 The argument @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
24151 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
24152 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
24153 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
24154
24155 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
24156 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
24157 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
24158
24159 @kindex document
24160 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
24161 @item document @var{commandname}
24162 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
24163 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
24164 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
24165 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
24166 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
24167 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
24168
24169 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
24170 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
24171 does not change the documentation.
24172
24173 @kindex dont-repeat
24174 @cindex don't repeat command
24175 @item dont-repeat
24176 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
24177 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
24178 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
24179
24180 @kindex help user-defined
24181 @item help user-defined
24182 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
24183 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
24184 included (if any).
24185
24186 @kindex show user
24187 @item show user
24188 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
24189 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
24190 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
24191 definitions for all user-defined commands.
24192 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
24193
24194 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
24195 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
24196 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
24197 @item show max-user-call-depth
24198 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
24199 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
24200 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
24201 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
24202 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
24203 @end table
24204
24205 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
24206 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
24207
24208 When user-defined commands are executed, the
24209 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
24210 stops execution of the user-defined command.
24211
24212 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
24213 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
24214 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
24215 messages when used in a user-defined command.
24216
24217 @node Hooks
24218 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
24219 @cindex command hooks
24220 @cindex hooks, for commands
24221 @cindex hooks, pre-command
24222
24223 @kindex hook
24224 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
24225 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
24226 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
24227 before that command.
24228
24229 @cindex hooks, post-command
24230 @kindex hookpost
24231 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
24232 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
24233 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
24234 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
24235 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
24236
24237 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
24238 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
24239
24240 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
24241 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
24242
24243 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
24244 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
24245 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
24246 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
24247 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
24248
24249 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
24250 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
24251 you could define:
24252
24253 @smallexample
24254 define hook-stop
24255 handle SIGALRM nopass
24256 end
24257
24258 define hook-run
24259 handle SIGALRM pass
24260 end
24261
24262 define hook-continue
24263 handle SIGALRM pass
24264 end
24265 @end smallexample
24266
24267 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
24268 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
24269 you could define:
24270
24271 @smallexample
24272 define hook-echo
24273 echo <<<---
24274 end
24275
24276 define hookpost-echo
24277 echo --->>>\n
24278 end
24279
24280 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
24281 <<<---Hello World--->>>
24282 (@value{GDBP})
24283
24284 @end smallexample
24285
24286 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
24287 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
24288 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
24289 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
24290 @c or not?
24291 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
24292 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
24293 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
24294
24295 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
24296 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
24297 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
24298
24299 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
24300 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
24301
24302 @node Command Files
24303 @subsection Command Files
24304
24305 @cindex command files
24306 @cindex scripting commands
24307 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
24308 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
24309 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
24310 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
24311 terminal.
24312
24313 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
24314 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
24315 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
24316 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
24317 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
24318
24319 @table @code
24320 @kindex source
24321 @cindex execute commands from a file
24322 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
24323 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
24324 @end table
24325
24326 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
24327 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
24328 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
24329 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
24330 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
24331
24332 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
24333 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
24334 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
24335 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
24336 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
24337 is not relevant to scripts.
24338
24339 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
24340 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
24341 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
24342 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
24343 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
24344 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
24345 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
24346 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
24347 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
24348 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
24349 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
24350 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
24351 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
24352 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
24353
24354 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
24355 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
24356 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
24357
24358 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
24359 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
24360 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
24361 when called from command files.
24362
24363 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
24364 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
24365 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
24366 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
24367 the next command.
24368
24369 @smallexample
24370 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
24371 @end smallexample
24372
24373 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
24374 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
24375 would be directed to @file{log}.
24376
24377 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
24378 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
24379 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
24380 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
24381 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
24382 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
24383 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
24384 conditionally, etc.
24385
24386 @table @code
24387 @kindex if
24388 @kindex else
24389 @item if
24390 @itemx else
24391 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
24392 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
24393 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
24394 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
24395 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
24396 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
24397 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
24398
24399 @kindex while
24400 @item while
24401 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
24402 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
24403 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
24404 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
24405 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
24406 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
24407
24408 @kindex loop_break
24409 @item loop_break
24410 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
24411 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
24412 line.
24413
24414 @kindex loop_continue
24415 @item loop_continue
24416 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
24417 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
24418 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
24419 the controlling expression.
24420
24421 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
24422 @item end
24423 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
24424 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
24425 @end table
24426
24427
24428 @node Output
24429 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
24430
24431 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
24432 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
24433 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
24434 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
24435 want.
24436
24437 @table @code
24438 @kindex echo
24439 @item echo @var{text}
24440 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
24441 @c because it is not in ANSI.
24442 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
24443 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
24444 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
24445 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
24446 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
24447 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
24448 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
24449 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
24450 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
24451
24452 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
24453 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
24454
24455 @smallexample
24456 echo This is some text\n\
24457 which is continued\n\
24458 onto several lines.\n
24459 @end smallexample
24460
24461 produces the same output as
24462
24463 @smallexample
24464 echo This is some text\n
24465 echo which is continued\n
24466 echo onto several lines.\n
24467 @end smallexample
24468
24469 @kindex output
24470 @item output @var{expression}
24471 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
24472 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
24473 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
24474 on expressions.
24475
24476 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
24477 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
24478 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
24479 Formats}, for more information.
24480
24481 @kindex printf
24482 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
24483 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
24484 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
24485 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
24486 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
24487 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
24488 executing the code below:
24489
24490 @smallexample
24491 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
24492 @end smallexample
24493
24494 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
24495 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
24496 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
24497 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
24498 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
24499 printed.
24500
24501 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
24502
24503 @smallexample
24504 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
24505 @end smallexample
24506
24507 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
24508 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
24509 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
24510
24511 @itemize @bullet
24512 @item
24513 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
24514
24515 @item
24516 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
24517 width.
24518
24519 @item
24520 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
24521 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
24522
24523 @item
24524 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
24525 supported.
24526
24527 @item
24528 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
24529
24530 @item
24531 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
24532 @end itemize
24533
24534 @noindent
24535 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
24536 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
24537 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
24538 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
24539
24540 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
24541 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
24542 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
24543 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
24544 supported.
24545
24546 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
24547 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
24548 together with a floating point specifier.
24549 letters:
24550
24551 @itemize @bullet
24552 @item
24553 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
24554
24555 @item
24556 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
24557
24558 @item
24559 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
24560 @end itemize
24561
24562 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
24563 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
24564 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
24565
24566 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
24567 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
24568
24569 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
24570 @smallexample
24571 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
24572 @end smallexample
24573
24574 @anchor{eval}
24575 @kindex eval
24576 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
24577 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
24578 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
24579
24580 @end table
24581
24582 @node Auto-loading sequences
24583 @subsection Controlling auto-loading native @value{GDBN} scripts
24584 @cindex native script auto-loading
24585
24586 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
24587 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
24588 @value{GDBN} will look for the command file @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}.
24589 @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
24590
24591 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
24592 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
24593
24594 @table @code
24595 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
24596 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
24597 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
24598 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
24599
24600 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
24601 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
24602 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
24603 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
24604 disabled.
24605
24606 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
24607 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
24608 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
24609 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
24610 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
24611 auto-loaded.
24612 @end table
24613
24614 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
24615 matching names are printed.
24616
24617 @c Python docs live in a separate file.
24618 @include python.texi
24619
24620 @c Guile docs live in a separate file.
24621 @include guile.texi
24622
24623 @node Auto-loading extensions
24624 @section Auto-loading extensions
24625 @cindex auto-loading extensions
24626
24627 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for automatically loading extensions
24628 when a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
24629 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library):
24630 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} and the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}
24631 section of modern file formats like ELF.
24632
24633 @menu
24634 * objfile-gdb.ext file: objfile-gdbdotext file. The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
24635 * .debug_gdb_scripts section: dotdebug_gdb_scripts section. The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
24636 * Which flavor to choose?::
24637 @end menu
24638
24639 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
24640 debugging commands and features.
24641
24642 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
24643 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
24644 See the @samp{auto-loading} section of each extension language
24645 for more information.
24646 For @value{GDBN} command files see @ref{Auto-loading sequences}.
24647 For Python files see @ref{Python Auto-loading}.
24648
24649 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
24650 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24651
24652 @node objfile-gdbdotext file
24653 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
24654 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
24655 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
24656 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
24657
24658 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for a file named
24659 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
24660 where @var{objfile} is the object file's name and
24661 where @var{ext} is the file extension for the extension language:
24662
24663 @table @code
24664 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
24665 GDB's own command language
24666 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
24667 Python
24668 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
24669 Guile
24670 @end table
24671
24672 @var{script-name} is formed by ensuring that the file name of @var{objfile}
24673 is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving @code{.} and @code{..}
24674 components, and appending the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} suffix.
24675 If this file exists and is readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a
24676 script in the specified extension language.
24677
24678 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
24679 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
24680
24681 Note that loading of these files requires an accordingly configured
24682 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24683
24684 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
24685 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
24686 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
24687 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
24688 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
24689 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
24690
24691 @table @code
24692 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
24693 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
24694 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
24695 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
24696 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
24697 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
24698
24699 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
24700 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
24701
24702 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
24703 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
24704 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
24705 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
24706
24707 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
24708 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
24709 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
24710 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
24711 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
24712 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
24713 platform.
24714
24715 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
24716 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
24717 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
24718
24719 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
24720 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
24721 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
24722 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
24723
24724 @anchor{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}
24725 @kindex add-auto-load-scripts-directory
24726 @item add-auto-load-scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@dots{}@r{]}
24727 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of auto-loaded scripts locations.
24728 Multiple entries may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use.
24729 @end table
24730
24731 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
24732 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
24733 @var{objfile} is opened.
24734 So your @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
24735 is evaluated more than once.
24736
24737 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
24738 @subsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
24739 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
24740
24741 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
24742 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
24743 it will look for a special section named @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
24744 If this section exists, its contents is a list of null-terminated entries
24745 specifying scripts to load. Each entry begins with a non-null prefix byte that
24746 specifies the kind of entry, typically the extension language and whether the
24747 script is in a file or inlined in @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
24748
24749 The following entries are supported:
24750
24751 @table @code
24752 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_FILE = 1
24753 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_FILE = 3
24754 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT = 4
24755 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_TEXT = 6
24756 @end table
24757
24758 @subsubsection Script File Entries
24759
24760 If the entry specifies a file, @value{GDBN} will look for the file first
24761 in the current directory and then along the source search path
24762 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
24763 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
24764 directory is not relevant to scripts.
24765
24766 File entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
24767 for example, this GCC macro for Python scripts.
24768
24769 @example
24770 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
24771 #define DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT(script_name) \
24772 asm("\
24773 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
24774 .byte 1 /* Python */\n\
24775 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
24776 .popsection \n\
24777 ");
24778 @end example
24779
24780 @noindent
24781 For Guile scripts, replace @code{.byte 1} with @code{.byte 3}.
24782 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
24783
24784 @example
24785 DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
24786 @end example
24787
24788 The script name may include directories if desired.
24789
24790 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
24791 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24792
24793 If the macro invocation is put in a header, any application or library
24794 using this header will get a reference to the specified script,
24795 and with the use of @code{"MS"} attributes on the section, the linker
24796 will remove duplicates.
24797
24798 @subsubsection Script Text Entries
24799
24800 Script text entries allow to put the executable script in the entry
24801 itself instead of loading it from a file.
24802 The first line of the entry, everything after the prefix byte and up to
24803 the first newline (@code{0xa}) character, is the script name, and must not
24804 contain any kind of space character, e.g., spaces or tabs.
24805 The rest of the entry, up to the trailing null byte, is the script to
24806 execute in the specified language. The name needs to be unique among
24807 all script names, as @value{GDBN} executes each script only once based
24808 on its name.
24809
24810 Here is an example from file @file{py-section-script.c} in the @value{GDBN}
24811 testsuite.
24812
24813 @example
24814 #include "symcat.h"
24815 #include "gdb/section-scripts.h"
24816 asm(
24817 ".pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n"
24818 ".byte " XSTRING (SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT) "\n"
24819 ".ascii \"gdb.inlined-script\\n\"\n"
24820 ".ascii \"class test_cmd (gdb.Command):\\n\"\n"
24821 ".ascii \" def __init__ (self):\\n\"\n"
24822 ".ascii \" super (test_cmd, self).__init__ ("
24823 "\\\"test-cmd\\\", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)\\n\"\n"
24824 ".ascii \" def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):\\n\"\n"
24825 ".ascii \" print (\\\"test-cmd output, arg = %s\\\" % arg)\\n\"\n"
24826 ".ascii \"test_cmd ()\\n\"\n"
24827 ".byte 0\n"
24828 ".popsection\n"
24829 );
24830 @end example
24831
24832 Loading of inlined scripts requires a properly configured
24833 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24834 The path to specify in @code{auto-load safe-path} is the path of the file
24835 containing the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
24836
24837 @node Which flavor to choose?
24838 @subsection Which flavor to choose?
24839
24840 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading extensions, it might not always
24841 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
24842
24843 @noindent
24844 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way:
24845
24846 @itemize @bullet
24847 @item
24848 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
24849
24850 @item
24851 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
24852
24853 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
24854 in the source search path.
24855 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
24856 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
24857
24858 @item
24859 Doesn't require source code additions.
24860 @end itemize
24861
24862 @noindent
24863 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
24864
24865 @itemize @bullet
24866 @item
24867 Works with static linking.
24868
24869 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way require an objfile to
24870 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
24871 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
24872 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's
24873 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script.
24874
24875 @item
24876 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
24877
24878 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
24879 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script to.
24880
24881 @item
24882 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
24883
24884 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
24885 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
24886 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
24887 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
24888 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
24889 top of the source tree to the source search path.
24890 @end itemize
24891
24892 @node Multiple Extension Languages
24893 @section Multiple Extension Languages
24894
24895 The Guile and Python extension languages do not share any state,
24896 and generally do not interfere with each other.
24897 There are some things to be aware of, however.
24898
24899 @subsection Python comes first
24900
24901 Python was @value{GDBN}'s first extension language, and to avoid breaking
24902 existing behaviour Python comes first. This is generally solved by the
24903 ``first one wins'' principle. @value{GDBN} maintains a list of enabled
24904 extension languages, and when it makes a call to an extension language,
24905 (say to pretty-print a value), it tries each in turn until an extension
24906 language indicates it has performed the request (e.g., has returned the
24907 pretty-printed form of a value).
24908 This extends to errors while performing such requests: If an error happens
24909 while, for example, trying to pretty-print an object then the error is
24910 reported and any following extension languages are not tried.
24911
24912 @node Aliases
24913 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
24914 @cindex aliases for commands
24915
24916 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
24917 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
24918 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
24919 that involves less typing.
24920
24921 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
24922 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
24923 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
24924
24925 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
24926 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
24927 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
24928
24929 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
24930
24931 @table @code
24932
24933 @kindex alias
24934 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
24935
24936 @end table
24937
24938 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
24939 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
24940 underscores.
24941
24942 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
24943 that is being aliased.
24944
24945 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
24946 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
24947 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
24948
24949 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
24950 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
24951
24952 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
24953 of a command so that there is less to type.
24954 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
24955 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
24956 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
24957 The following will accomplish this.
24958
24959 @smallexample
24960 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
24961 @end smallexample
24962
24963 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
24964 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
24965 for it with the @samp{document} command.
24966 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
24967
24968 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
24969 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
24970 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
24971 of a command.
24972
24973 @smallexample
24974 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
24975 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
24976 (gdb) set p elms 20
24977 (gdb) show p elms
24978 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
24979 @end smallexample
24980
24981 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
24982 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
24983 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
24984
24985 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
24986 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
24987
24988 @smallexample
24989 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
24990 @end smallexample
24991
24992 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
24993 alias for a more complex command.
24994 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
24995
24996 @smallexample
24997 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
24998 (gdb) spe 20
24999 @end smallexample
25000
25001 @node Interpreters
25002 @chapter Command Interpreters
25003 @cindex command interpreters
25004
25005 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
25006 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
25007 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
25008
25009 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
25010 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
25011 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
25012 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
25013
25014 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
25015 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
25016 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
25017 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
25018
25019 @table @code
25020 @item console
25021 @cindex console interpreter
25022 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
25023 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
25024 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
25025
25026 @item mi
25027 @cindex mi interpreter
25028 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
25029 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
25030 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
25031 Interface}.
25032
25033 @item mi2
25034 @cindex mi2 interpreter
25035 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
25036
25037 @item mi1
25038 @cindex mi1 interpreter
25039 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
25040
25041 @end table
25042
25043 @cindex invoke another interpreter
25044
25045 @kindex interpreter-exec
25046 You may execute commands in any interpreter from the current
25047 interpreter using the appropriate command. If you are running the
25048 console interpreter, simply use the @code{interpreter-exec} command:
25049
25050 @smallexample
25051 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
25052 @end smallexample
25053
25054 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
25055 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
25056
25057 Note that @code{interpreter-exec} only changes the interpreter for the
25058 duration of the specified command. It does not change the interpreter
25059 permanently.
25060
25061 @cindex start a new independent interpreter
25062
25063 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, it is
25064 possible to run an independent interpreter on a specified input/output
25065 device (usually a tty).
25066
25067 For example, consider a debugger GUI or IDE that wants to provide a
25068 @value{GDBN} console view. It may do so by embedding a terminal
25069 emulator widget in its GUI, starting @value{GDBN} in the traditional
25070 command-line mode with stdin/stdout/stderr redirected to that
25071 terminal, and then creating an MI interpreter running on a specified
25072 input/output device. The console interpreter created by @value{GDBN}
25073 at startup handles commands the user types in the terminal widget,
25074 while the GUI controls and synchronizes state with @value{GDBN} using
25075 the separate MI interpreter.
25076
25077 To start a new secondary @dfn{user interface} running MI, use the
25078 @code{new-ui} command:
25079
25080 @kindex new-ui
25081 @cindex new user interface
25082 @smallexample
25083 new-ui @var{interpreter} @var{tty}
25084 @end smallexample
25085
25086 The @var{interpreter} parameter specifies the interpreter to run.
25087 This accepts the same values as the @code{interpreter-exec} command.
25088 For example, @samp{console}, @samp{mi}, @samp{mi2}, etc. The
25089 @var{tty} parameter specifies the name of the bidirectional file the
25090 interpreter uses for input/output, usually the name of a
25091 pseudoterminal slave on Unix systems. For example:
25092
25093 @smallexample
25094 (@value{GDBP}) new-ui mi /dev/pts/9
25095 @end smallexample
25096
25097 @noindent
25098 runs an MI interpreter on @file{/dev/pts/9}.
25099
25100 @node TUI
25101 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
25102 @cindex TUI
25103 @cindex Text User Interface
25104
25105 @menu
25106 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
25107 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
25108 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
25109 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
25110 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
25111 @end menu
25112
25113 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
25114 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
25115 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
25116 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
25117 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
25118 is available.
25119
25120 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
25121 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
25122 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
25123 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @command{tui
25124 enable} or @kbd{C-x C-a}. @xref{TUI Commands, ,TUI Commands}, and
25125 @ref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
25126
25127 @node TUI Overview
25128 @section TUI Overview
25129
25130 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
25131
25132 @table @emph
25133 @item command
25134 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
25135 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
25136 managed using readline.
25137
25138 @item source
25139 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
25140 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
25141
25142 @item assembly
25143 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
25144
25145 @item register
25146 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
25147 when their values change.
25148 @end table
25149
25150 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
25151 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
25152 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
25153 indicates the breakpoint type:
25154
25155 @table @code
25156 @item B
25157 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
25158
25159 @item b
25160 Breakpoint which was never hit.
25161
25162 @item H
25163 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
25164
25165 @item h
25166 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
25167 @end table
25168
25169 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
25170
25171 @table @code
25172 @item +
25173 Breakpoint is enabled.
25174
25175 @item -
25176 Breakpoint is disabled.
25177 @end table
25178
25179 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
25180 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
25181 changes.
25182
25183 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
25184 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
25185 layouts:
25186
25187 @itemize @bullet
25188 @item
25189 source only,
25190
25191 @item
25192 assembly only,
25193
25194 @item
25195 source and assembly,
25196
25197 @item
25198 source and registers, or
25199
25200 @item
25201 assembly and registers.
25202 @end itemize
25203
25204 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
25205
25206 @table @emph
25207 @item target
25208 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
25209 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
25210
25211 @item process
25212 Gives the current process or thread number.
25213 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
25214
25215 @item function
25216 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
25217 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
25218 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
25219 the string @code{??} is displayed.
25220
25221 @item line
25222 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
25223 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
25224
25225 @item pc
25226 Indicates the current program counter address.
25227 @end table
25228
25229 @node TUI Keys
25230 @section TUI Key Bindings
25231 @cindex TUI key bindings
25232
25233 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
25234 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
25235 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
25236 @end ifset
25237 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
25238 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
25239 @end ifclear
25240 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
25241 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
25242
25243 @table @kbd
25244 @kindex C-x C-a
25245 @item C-x C-a
25246 @kindex C-x a
25247 @itemx C-x a
25248 @kindex C-x A
25249 @itemx C-x A
25250 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
25251 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
25252 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
25253 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
25254 The screen is then refreshed.
25255
25256 @kindex C-x 1
25257 @item C-x 1
25258 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
25259 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
25260 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
25261
25262 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
25263
25264 @kindex C-x 2
25265 @item C-x 2
25266 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
25267 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
25268 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
25269 previous layout and the new one.
25270
25271 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
25272
25273 @kindex C-x o
25274 @item C-x o
25275 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
25276 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
25277 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
25278
25279 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
25280
25281 @kindex C-x s
25282 @item C-x s
25283 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
25284 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
25285 @end table
25286
25287 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
25288
25289 @table @asis
25290 @kindex PgUp
25291 @item @key{PgUp}
25292 Scroll the active window one page up.
25293
25294 @kindex PgDn
25295 @item @key{PgDn}
25296 Scroll the active window one page down.
25297
25298 @kindex Up
25299 @item @key{Up}
25300 Scroll the active window one line up.
25301
25302 @kindex Down
25303 @item @key{Down}
25304 Scroll the active window one line down.
25305
25306 @kindex Left
25307 @item @key{Left}
25308 Scroll the active window one column left.
25309
25310 @kindex Right
25311 @item @key{Right}
25312 Scroll the active window one column right.
25313
25314 @kindex C-L
25315 @item @kbd{C-L}
25316 Refresh the screen.
25317 @end table
25318
25319 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
25320 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
25321 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
25322 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
25323 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
25324
25325 @node TUI Single Key Mode
25326 @section TUI Single Key Mode
25327 @cindex TUI single key mode
25328
25329 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
25330 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
25331 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
25332
25333 @table @kbd
25334 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25335 @item c
25336 continue
25337
25338 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25339 @item d
25340 down
25341
25342 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25343 @item f
25344 finish
25345
25346 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25347 @item n
25348 next
25349
25350 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25351 @item q
25352 exit the SingleKey mode.
25353
25354 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25355 @item r
25356 run
25357
25358 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25359 @item s
25360 step
25361
25362 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25363 @item u
25364 up
25365
25366 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25367 @item v
25368 info locals
25369
25370 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25371 @item w
25372 where
25373 @end table
25374
25375 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
25376 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
25377 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
25378 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
25379 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
25380 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
25381
25382
25383 @node TUI Commands
25384 @section TUI-specific Commands
25385 @cindex TUI commands
25386
25387 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
25388 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
25389 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
25390 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
25391
25392 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
25393 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
25394 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
25395 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
25396 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
25397
25398 @table @code
25399 @item tui enable
25400 @kindex tui enable
25401 Activate TUI mode. The last active TUI window layout will be used if
25402 TUI mode has prevsiouly been used in the current debugging session,
25403 otherwise a default layout is used.
25404
25405 @item tui disable
25406 @kindex tui disable
25407 Disable TUI mode, returning to the console interpreter.
25408
25409 @item info win
25410 @kindex info win
25411 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
25412
25413 @item layout @var{name}
25414 @kindex layout
25415 Changes which TUI windows are displayed. In each layout the command
25416 window is always displayed, the @var{name} parameter controls which
25417 additional windows are displayed, and can be any of the following:
25418
25419 @table @code
25420 @item next
25421 Display the next layout.
25422
25423 @item prev
25424 Display the previous layout.
25425
25426 @item src
25427 Display the source and command windows.
25428
25429 @item asm
25430 Display the assembly and command windows.
25431
25432 @item split
25433 Display the source, assembly, and command windows.
25434
25435 @item regs
25436 When in @code{src} layout display the register, source, and command
25437 windows. When in @code{asm} or @code{split} layout display the
25438 register, assembler, and command windows.
25439 @end table
25440
25441 @item focus @var{name}
25442 @kindex focus
25443 Changes which TUI window is currently active for scrolling. The
25444 @var{name} parameter can be any of the following:
25445
25446 @table @code
25447 @item next
25448 Make the next window active for scrolling.
25449
25450 @item prev
25451 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
25452
25453 @item src
25454 Make the source window active for scrolling.
25455
25456 @item asm
25457 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
25458
25459 @item regs
25460 Make the register window active for scrolling.
25461
25462 @item cmd
25463 Make the command window active for scrolling.
25464 @end table
25465
25466 @item refresh
25467 @kindex refresh
25468 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
25469
25470 @item tui reg @var{group}
25471 @kindex tui reg
25472 Changes the register group displayed in the tui register window to
25473 @var{group}. If the register window is not currently displayed this
25474 command will cause the register window to be displayed. The list of
25475 register groups, as well as their order is target specific. The
25476 following groups are available on most targets:
25477 @table @code
25478 @item next
25479 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
25480 through all of the available register groups.
25481
25482 @item prev
25483 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
25484 through all of the available register groups in the reverse order to
25485 @var{next}.
25486
25487 @item general
25488 Display the general registers.
25489 @item float
25490 Display the floating point registers.
25491 @item system
25492 Display the system registers.
25493 @item vector
25494 Display the vector registers.
25495 @item all
25496 Display all registers.
25497 @end table
25498
25499 @item update
25500 @kindex update
25501 Update the source window and the current execution point.
25502
25503 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
25504 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
25505 @kindex winheight
25506 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
25507 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
25508 decrease it. The @var{name} parameter can be one of @code{src} (the
25509 source window), @code{cmd} (the command window), @code{asm} (the
25510 disassembly window), or @code{regs} (the register display window).
25511
25512 @item tabset @var{nchars}
25513 @kindex tabset
25514 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters. This
25515 setting affects the display of TAB characters in the source and
25516 assembly windows.
25517 @end table
25518
25519 @node TUI Configuration
25520 @section TUI Configuration Variables
25521 @cindex TUI configuration variables
25522
25523 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
25524
25525 @table @code
25526 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
25527 @kindex set tui border-kind
25528 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
25529 The possible values are the following:
25530 @table @code
25531 @item space
25532 Use a space character to draw the border.
25533
25534 @item ascii
25535 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
25536
25537 @item acs
25538 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
25539 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
25540 @end table
25541
25542 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
25543 @kindex set tui border-mode
25544 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
25545 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
25546 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
25547 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
25548 @table @code
25549 @item normal
25550 Use normal attributes to display the border.
25551
25552 @item standout
25553 Use standout mode.
25554
25555 @item reverse
25556 Use reverse video mode.
25557
25558 @item half
25559 Use half bright mode.
25560
25561 @item half-standout
25562 Use half bright and standout mode.
25563
25564 @item bold
25565 Use extra bright or bold mode.
25566
25567 @item bold-standout
25568 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
25569 @end table
25570 @end table
25571
25572 @node Emacs
25573 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
25574
25575 @cindex Emacs
25576 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
25577 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
25578 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
25579 @value{GDBN}.
25580
25581 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
25582 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
25583 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
25584 created Emacs buffer.
25585 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
25586
25587 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
25588 things:
25589
25590 @itemize @bullet
25591 @item
25592 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
25593 the GUD buffer.
25594
25595 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
25596 and output done by the program you are debugging.
25597
25598 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
25599 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
25600 in this way.
25601
25602 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
25603 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
25604 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
25605 stop.
25606
25607 @item
25608 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
25609
25610 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
25611 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
25612 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
25613 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
25614 and the source.
25615
25616 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
25617 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
25618 @end itemize
25619
25620 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
25621 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
25622 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
25623 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
25624
25625 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
25626 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
25627 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
25628 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
25629 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
25630 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
25631 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
25632 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
25633 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
25634
25635 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
25636 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
25637 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
25638 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
25639
25640 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
25641 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
25642 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
25643 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
25644 one you want.
25645
25646 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
25647 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
25648
25649 @table @kbd
25650 @item C-h m
25651 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
25652
25653 @item C-c C-s
25654 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
25655 update the display window to show the current file and location.
25656
25657 @item C-c C-n
25658 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
25659 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
25660 to show the current file and location.
25661
25662 @item C-c C-i
25663 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
25664 display window accordingly.
25665
25666 @item C-c C-f
25667 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
25668 @code{finish} command.
25669
25670 @item C-c C-r
25671 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
25672 command.
25673
25674 @item C-c <
25675 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
25676 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
25677 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
25678
25679 @item C-c >
25680 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
25681 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
25682 @end table
25683
25684 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
25685 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
25686
25687 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
25688 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
25689 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
25690 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
25691 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
25692 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
25693 speedbar displays watch expressions.
25694
25695 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
25696 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
25697 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
25698 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
25699 frame.
25700
25701 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
25702 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
25703 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
25704 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
25705 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
25706 to correspond properly with the code.
25707
25708 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
25709 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
25710 Emacs Manual}).
25711
25712 @node GDB/MI
25713 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
25714
25715 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
25716
25717 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
25718 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
25719 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
25720 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
25721 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
25722 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
25723
25724 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
25725 in the form of a reference manual.
25726
25727 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
25728 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
25729 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
25730
25731 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
25732
25733 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
25734 This chapter uses the following notation:
25735
25736 @itemize @bullet
25737 @item
25738 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
25739
25740 @item
25741 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
25742 it may or may not be given.
25743
25744 @item
25745 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
25746 may repeat zero or more times.
25747
25748 @item
25749 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
25750 may repeat one or more times.
25751
25752 @item
25753 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
25754 @end itemize
25755
25756 @ignore
25757 @heading Dependencies
25758 @end ignore
25759
25760 @menu
25761 * GDB/MI General Design::
25762 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
25763 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
25764 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
25765 * GDB/MI Output Records::
25766 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
25767 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
25768 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
25769 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
25770 * GDB/MI Program Context::
25771 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
25772 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
25773 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
25774 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
25775 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
25776 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
25777 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
25778 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
25779 * GDB/MI File Commands::
25780 @ignore
25781 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
25782 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
25783 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
25784 @end ignore
25785 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
25786 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
25787 * GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands::
25788 * GDB/MI Support Commands::
25789 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
25790 @end menu
25791
25792 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25793 @node GDB/MI General Design
25794 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
25795 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
25796
25797 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
25798 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
25799 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
25800 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
25801 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
25802 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
25803 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
25804 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
25805 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
25806 a command and reported as part of that command response.
25807
25808 The important examples of notifications are:
25809 @itemize @bullet
25810
25811 @item
25812 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
25813 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
25814 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
25815 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
25816 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
25817 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
25818 command itself was successfully executed.
25819
25820 @item
25821 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
25822 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
25823 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
25824 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
25825 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
25826 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
25827
25828 @item
25829 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
25830 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
25831 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
25832 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
25833 orthogonal frontend design.
25834
25835 @end itemize
25836
25837 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
25838 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
25839 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
25840 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
25841 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
25842 the user interface.
25843
25844
25845 @menu
25846 * Context management::
25847 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
25848 * Thread groups::
25849 @end menu
25850
25851 @node Context management
25852 @subsection Context management
25853
25854 @subsubsection Threads and Frames
25855
25856 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
25857 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
25858 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
25859 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
25860 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
25861 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
25862 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
25863 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
25864 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
25865
25866 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
25867 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
25868 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
25869 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
25870 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
25871 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
25872 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
25873 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
25874 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
25875 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} global
25876 identifier for thread and frame to operate on.
25877
25878 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
25879 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
25880 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
25881 current thread or frame be changed. For example, when stopping on a
25882 breakpoint it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is
25883 hit. For another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} or
25884 @samp{frame} commands via the frontend, it is desirable to change the
25885 frontend's selection to the one specified by user. @value{GDBN}
25886 communicates the suggestion to change current thread and frame using the
25887 @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
25888
25889 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
25890 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
25891 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
25892 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
25893 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
25894 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
25895 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
25896 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
25897 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
25898 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
25899 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
25900 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
25901 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
25902 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
25903 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
25904 @samp{--frame} options.
25905
25906 @subsubsection Language
25907
25908 The execution of several commands depends on which language is selected.
25909 By default, the current language (@pxref{show language}) is used.
25910 But for commands known to be language-sensitive, it is recommended
25911 to use the @samp{--language} option. This option takes one argument,
25912 which is the name of the language to use while executing the command.
25913 For instance:
25914
25915 @smallexample
25916 -data-evaluate-expression --language c "sizeof (void*)"
25917 ^done,value="4"
25918 (gdb)
25919 @end smallexample
25920
25921 The valid language names are the same names accepted by the
25922 @samp{set language} command (@pxref{Manually}), excluding @samp{auto},
25923 @samp{local} or @samp{unknown}.
25924
25925 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
25926 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
25927
25928 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
25929 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
25930 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
25931 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
25932 @code{-gdb-set mi-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
25933 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
25934 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
25935 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
25936 @code{-list-target-features} command.
25937
25938 @table @code
25939 @item -gdb-set mi-async on
25940 @item -gdb-set mi-async off
25941 Set whether MI is in asynchronous mode.
25942
25943 When @code{off}, which is the default, MI execution commands (e.g.,
25944 @code{-exec-continue}) are foreground commands, and @value{GDBN} waits
25945 for the program to stop before processing further commands.
25946
25947 When @code{on}, MI execution commands are background execution
25948 commands (e.g., @code{-exec-continue} becomes the equivalent of the
25949 @code{c&} CLI command), and so @value{GDBN} is capable of processing
25950 MI commands even while the target is running.
25951
25952 @item -gdb-show mi-async
25953 Show whether MI asynchronous mode is enabled.
25954 @end table
25955
25956 Note: In @value{GDBN} version 7.7 and earlier, this option was called
25957 @code{target-async} instead of @code{mi-async}, and it had the effect
25958 of both putting MI in asynchronous mode and making CLI background
25959 commands possible. CLI background commands are now always possible
25960 ``out of the box'' if the target supports them. The old spelling is
25961 kept as a deprecated alias for backwards compatibility.
25962
25963 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
25964 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
25965 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
25966 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
25967 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
25968 are running.
25969
25970 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
25971 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
25972 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
25973 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
25974 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
25975 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
25976 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
25977 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
25978 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
25979 @samp{--thread} option).
25980
25981 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
25982 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
25983 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
25984 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
25985
25986 @node Thread groups
25987 @subsection Thread groups
25988 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
25989 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
25990 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
25991 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
25992 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
25993
25994 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
25995 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
25996 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
25997 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
25998 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
25999 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
26000 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
26001 into processes.
26002
26003 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
26004 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
26005 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
26006 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
26007 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
26008 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
26009 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
26010 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
26011 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
26012 the members of specific thread group.
26013
26014 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
26015 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
26016 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
26017 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
26018 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
26019 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
26020 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
26021 after attaching to that thread group.
26022
26023 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
26024 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
26025 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
26026 such thread groups.
26027
26028 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26029 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
26030 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
26031
26032 @menu
26033 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
26034 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
26035 @end menu
26036
26037 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
26038 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
26039
26040 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
26041 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
26042 @table @code
26043 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
26044 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
26045
26046 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
26047 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
26048 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
26049
26050 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
26051 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
26052 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
26053
26054 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
26055 "any sequence of digits"
26056
26057 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
26058 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
26059
26060 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
26061 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
26062
26063 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
26064 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
26065
26066 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
26067 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
26068 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
26069
26070 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
26071 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
26072
26073 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
26074 @code{CR | CR-LF}
26075 @end table
26076
26077 @noindent
26078 Notes:
26079
26080 @itemize @bullet
26081 @item
26082 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
26083 output is described below.
26084
26085 @item
26086 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
26087 finishes.
26088
26089 @item
26090 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
26091 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
26092 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
26093 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
26094 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
26095 @end itemize
26096
26097 Pragmatics:
26098
26099 @itemize @bullet
26100 @item
26101 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
26102
26103 @item
26104 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
26105 @end itemize
26106
26107 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
26108 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
26109
26110 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
26111 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
26112 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
26113 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
26114 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
26115 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
26116
26117 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
26118 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
26119 @var{token}.
26120
26121 @table @code
26122 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
26123 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
26124
26125 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
26126 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
26127
26128 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
26129 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
26130
26131 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
26132 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
26133
26134 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
26135 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output nl}}
26136
26137 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
26138 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output nl}}
26139
26140 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
26141 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output nl}}
26142
26143 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
26144 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )*}
26145
26146 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
26147 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
26148
26149 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
26150 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
26151 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
26152
26153 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
26154 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
26155
26156 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
26157 @code{ @var{string} }
26158
26159 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
26160 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
26161
26162 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
26163 @code{@var{c-string}}
26164
26165 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
26166 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
26167
26168 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
26169 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
26170 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
26171
26172 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
26173 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
26174
26175 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
26176 @code{"~" @var{c-string nl}}
26177
26178 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
26179 @code{"@@" @var{c-string nl}}
26180
26181 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
26182 @code{"&" @var{c-string nl}}
26183
26184 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
26185 @code{CR | CR-LF}
26186
26187 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
26188 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
26189 @end table
26190
26191 @noindent
26192 Notes:
26193
26194 @itemize @bullet
26195 @item
26196 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
26197
26198 @item
26199 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
26200 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
26201 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
26202 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
26203 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
26204 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
26205 prior command.
26206
26207 @item
26208 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26209 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
26210 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
26211 prefixed by @samp{+}.
26212
26213 @item
26214 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26215 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
26216 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
26217 @samp{*}.
26218
26219 @item
26220 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26221 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
26222 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
26223 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
26224
26225 @item
26226 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26227 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
26228 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
26229 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
26230
26231 @item
26232 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26233 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
26234 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
26235
26236 @item
26237 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26238 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
26239 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
26240 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
26241
26242 @item
26243 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26244 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
26245 @var{values}.
26246
26247
26248 @end itemize
26249
26250 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
26251 details about the various output records.
26252
26253 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26254 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
26255 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
26256
26257 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
26258 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
26259
26260 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
26261 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
26262 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
26263 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
26264 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
26265 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
26266
26267 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
26268 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
26269 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
26270
26271 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26272 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
26273 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
26274 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
26275
26276 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
26277 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
26278
26279 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
26280 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
26281 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
26282 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
26283 might change.
26284
26285 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
26286 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
26287 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
26288 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
26289
26290 @itemize @bullet
26291 @item
26292 New MI commands may be added.
26293
26294 @item
26295 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
26296
26297 @item
26298 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
26299 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
26300
26301 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
26302 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
26303
26304 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
26305 @c resolve inconsistencies.
26306 @end itemize
26307
26308 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
26309 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
26310 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
26311 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
26312 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
26313
26314 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
26315 @c version?
26316
26317 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
26318 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
26319 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
26320 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
26321 @cindex mailing lists
26322
26323 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26324 @node GDB/MI Output Records
26325 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
26326
26327 @menu
26328 * GDB/MI Result Records::
26329 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
26330 * GDB/MI Async Records::
26331 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
26332 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
26333 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
26334 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
26335 @end menu
26336
26337 @node GDB/MI Result Records
26338 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
26339
26340 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26341 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
26342 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
26343 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
26344
26345 @table @code
26346 @findex ^done
26347 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
26348 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
26349 values.
26350
26351 @item "^running"
26352 @findex ^running
26353 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
26354 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
26355 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
26356 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
26357 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
26358 which threads are resumed.
26359
26360 @item "^connected"
26361 @findex ^connected
26362 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
26363
26364 @item "^error" "," "msg=" @var{c-string} [ "," "code=" @var{c-string} ]
26365 @findex ^error
26366 The operation failed. The @code{msg=@var{c-string}} variable contains
26367 the corresponding error message.
26368
26369 If present, the @code{code=@var{c-string}} variable provides an error
26370 code on which consumers can rely on to detect the corresponding
26371 error condition. At present, only one error code is defined:
26372
26373 @table @samp
26374 @item "undefined-command"
26375 Indicates that the command causing the error does not exist.
26376 @end table
26377
26378 @item "^exit"
26379 @findex ^exit
26380 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
26381
26382 @end table
26383
26384 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
26385 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
26386
26387 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
26388 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26389 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
26390 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
26391 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
26392
26393 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
26394 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
26395 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
26396 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
26397 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
26398
26399 @table @code
26400 @item "~" @var{string-output}
26401 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
26402 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
26403
26404 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
26405 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
26406 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
26407 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
26408
26409 @item "&" @var{string-output}
26410 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
26411 internals.
26412 @end table
26413
26414 @node GDB/MI Async Records
26415 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
26416
26417 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26418 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
26419 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
26420 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
26421 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
26422 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
26423
26424 The following is the list of possible async records:
26425
26426 @table @code
26427
26428 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
26429 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field can be the global
26430 thread ID of the the thread that is now running, and it can be
26431 @samp{all} if all threads are running. The frontend should assume
26432 that no interaction with a running thread is possible after this
26433 notification is produced. The frontend should not assume that this
26434 notification is output only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may
26435 emit this notification several times, either for different threads,
26436 because it cannot resume all threads together, or even for a single
26437 thread, if the thread must be stepped though some code before letting
26438 it run freely.
26439
26440 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
26441 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
26442 following values:
26443
26444 @table @code
26445 @item breakpoint-hit
26446 A breakpoint was reached.
26447 @item watchpoint-trigger
26448 A watchpoint was triggered.
26449 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
26450 A read watchpoint was triggered.
26451 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
26452 An access watchpoint was triggered.
26453 @item function-finished
26454 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
26455 @item location-reached
26456 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
26457 @item watchpoint-scope
26458 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
26459 @item end-stepping-range
26460 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
26461 similar CLI command was accomplished.
26462 @item exited-signalled
26463 The inferior exited because of a signal.
26464 @item exited
26465 The inferior exited.
26466 @item exited-normally
26467 The inferior exited normally.
26468 @item signal-received
26469 A signal was received by the inferior.
26470 @item solib-event
26471 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
26472 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
26473 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
26474 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
26475 @item fork
26476 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
26477 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26478 @item vfork
26479 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
26480 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26481 @item syscall-entry
26482 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
26483 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26484 @item syscall-return
26485 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
26486 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26487 @item exec
26488 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
26489 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26490 @end table
26491
26492 The @var{id} field identifies the global thread ID of the thread
26493 that directly caused the stop -- for example by hitting a breakpoint.
26494 Depending on whether all-stop
26495 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
26496 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
26497 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
26498 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
26499 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
26500 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
26501 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
26502 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
26503 if such information is not available.
26504
26505 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
26506 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
26507 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
26508 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
26509 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
26510 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
26511 cannot be used in any way.
26512
26513 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
26514 A thread group became associated with a running program,
26515 either because the program was just started or the thread group
26516 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
26517 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
26518 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
26519
26520 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
26521 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
26522 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
26523 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
26524 thread group. The @var{code} field is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
26525 only when the inferior exited with some code.
26526
26527 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
26528 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
26529 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
26530 contains the global @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
26531 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
26532
26533 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"[,frame="@var{frame}"]
26534 Informs that the selected thread or frame were changed. This notification
26535 is not emitted as result of the @code{-thread-select} or
26536 @code{-stack-select-frame} commands, but is emitted whenever an MI command
26537 that is not documented to change the selected thread and frame actually
26538 changes them. In particular, invoking, directly or indirectly
26539 (via user-defined command), the CLI @code{thread} or @code{frame} commands,
26540 will generate this notification. Changing the thread or frame from another
26541 user interface (see @ref{Interpreters}) will also generate this notification.
26542
26543 The @var{frame} field is only present if the newly selected thread is
26544 stopped. See @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information} for the format of its value.
26545
26546 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
26547 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
26548 that thread.
26549
26550 @item =library-loaded,...
26551 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
26552 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
26553 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
26554 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
26555 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
26556 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
26557 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
26558 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
26559 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
26560 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
26561 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
26562 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
26563 thread groups.
26564
26565 @item =library-unloaded,...
26566 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
26567 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
26568 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
26569 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
26570 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
26571 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
26572 thread groups.
26573
26574 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
26575 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
26576 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
26577 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
26578 frame is @var{tpnum}.
26579
26580 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
26581 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
26582 initial value @var{initial}.
26583
26584 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
26585 @itemx =tsv-deleted
26586 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
26587 trace state variables are deleted.
26588
26589 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
26590 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
26591 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
26592 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
26593 value of trace state variable is known.
26594
26595 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
26596 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
26597 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
26598 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
26599 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
26600 user.
26601
26602 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
26603 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
26604 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
26605
26606 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
26607 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
26608
26609 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}",method="@var{method}"[,format="@var{format}"]
26610 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
26611 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
26612 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
26613 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
26614
26615 The @var{method} field indicates the method used to record execution. If the
26616 method in use supports multiple recording formats, @var{format} will be present
26617 and contain the currently used format. @xref{Process Record and Replay},
26618 for existing method and format values.
26619
26620 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
26621 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
26622 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
26623 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
26624 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
26625 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
26626
26627 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
26628 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
26629 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
26630 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
26631 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
26632 executable code.
26633 @end table
26634
26635 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
26636 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
26637
26638 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
26639 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
26640 following fields:
26641
26642 @table @code
26643 @item number
26644 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
26645 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
26646 @samp{1.2}.
26647
26648 @item type
26649 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
26650 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
26651
26652 @item catch-type
26653 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
26654 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
26655
26656 @item disp
26657 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
26658 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
26659 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
26660
26661 @item enabled
26662 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
26663 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
26664 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
26665
26666 @item addr
26667 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
26668 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
26669 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
26670 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
26671 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
26672
26673 @item func
26674 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
26675 If not known, this field is not present.
26676
26677 @item filename
26678 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
26679 If not known, this field is not present.
26680
26681 @item fullname
26682 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
26683 known. If not known, this field is not present.
26684
26685 @item line
26686 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
26687 If not known, this field is not present.
26688
26689 @item at
26690 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
26691 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
26692 by a symbol name.
26693
26694 @item pending
26695 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
26696 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
26697
26698 @item evaluated-by
26699 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
26700 @samp{target}.
26701
26702 @item thread
26703 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
26704 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
26705
26706 @item task
26707 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
26708 field will hold the task identifier.
26709
26710 @item cond
26711 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
26712
26713 @item ignore
26714 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
26715
26716 @item enable
26717 The enable count of the breakpoint.
26718
26719 @item traceframe-usage
26720 FIXME.
26721
26722 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
26723 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
26724
26725 @item mask
26726 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
26727
26728 @item pass
26729 A tracepoint's pass count.
26730
26731 @item original-location
26732 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
26733 This field is optional.
26734
26735 @item times
26736 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
26737
26738 @item installed
26739 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
26740 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
26741 is not.
26742
26743 @item what
26744 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
26745
26746 @end table
26747
26748 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
26749 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
26750
26751 @smallexample
26752 -> -break-insert main
26753 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
26754 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
26755 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
26756 times="0"@}
26757 <- (gdb)
26758 @end smallexample
26759
26760 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
26761 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
26762
26763 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
26764 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
26765 fields:
26766
26767 @table @code
26768 @item level
26769 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
26770 zero. This field is always present.
26771
26772 @item func
26773 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
26774 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
26775
26776 @item addr
26777 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
26778
26779 @item file
26780 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
26781 address. This field may be absent.
26782
26783 @item line
26784 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
26785 may be absent.
26786
26787 @item from
26788 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
26789 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
26790
26791 @end table
26792
26793 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
26794 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
26795
26796 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
26797 uses a tuple with the following fields:
26798
26799 @table @code
26800 @item id
26801 The global numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
26802 always present.
26803
26804 @item target-id
26805 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
26806
26807 @item details
26808 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
26809 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
26810 frontend. This field is optional.
26811
26812 @item state
26813 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
26814 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
26815
26816 @item core
26817 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
26818 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
26819 @end table
26820
26821 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
26822 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
26823
26824 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
26825 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
26826 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
26827 the @code{exception-name} field.
26828
26829 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26830 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
26831 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
26832 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
26833
26834 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
26835 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
26836 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
26837 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
26838
26839 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
26840 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
26841
26842 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
26843
26844 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
26845 information of the breakpoint.
26846
26847 @smallexample
26848 -> -break-insert main
26849 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
26850 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
26851 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
26852 times="0"@}
26853 <- (gdb)
26854 @end smallexample
26855
26856 @subheading Program Execution
26857
26858 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
26859 reason that execution stopped.
26860
26861 @smallexample
26862 -> -exec-run
26863 <- ^running
26864 <- (gdb)
26865 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
26866 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
26867 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
26868 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
26869 <- (gdb)
26870 -> -exec-continue
26871 <- ^running
26872 <- (gdb)
26873 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
26874 <- (gdb)
26875 @end smallexample
26876
26877 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
26878
26879 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
26880
26881 @smallexample
26882 -> (gdb)
26883 <- -gdb-exit
26884 <- ^exit
26885 @end smallexample
26886
26887 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
26888 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
26889 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
26890 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
26891 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
26892 fails to exit in reasonable time.
26893
26894 @subheading A Bad Command
26895
26896 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
26897
26898 @smallexample
26899 -> -rubbish
26900 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
26901 <- (gdb)
26902 @end smallexample
26903
26904
26905 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26906 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
26907 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
26908
26909 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
26910 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
26911
26912 @subheading Motivation
26913
26914 The motivation for this collection of commands.
26915
26916 @subheading Introduction
26917
26918 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
26919
26920 @subheading Commands
26921
26922 For each command in the block, the following is described:
26923
26924 @subsubheading Synopsis
26925
26926 @smallexample
26927 -command @var{args}@dots{}
26928 @end smallexample
26929
26930 @subsubheading Result
26931
26932 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26933
26934 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
26935
26936 @subsubheading Example
26937
26938 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
26939 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
26940
26941
26942 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26943 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
26944 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
26945
26946 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
26947 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
26948 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
26949 breakpoints.
26950
26951 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
26952 @findex -break-after
26953
26954 @subsubheading Synopsis
26955
26956 @smallexample
26957 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
26958 @end smallexample
26959
26960 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
26961 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
26962 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
26963 @samp{-break-list} command below.
26964
26965 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26966
26967 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
26968
26969 @subsubheading Example
26970
26971 @smallexample
26972 (gdb)
26973 -break-insert main
26974 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
26975 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
26976 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
26977 times="0"@}
26978 (gdb)
26979 -break-after 1 3
26980 ~
26981 ^done
26982 (gdb)
26983 -break-list
26984 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
26985 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26986 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26987 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26988 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26989 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26990 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26991 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26992 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
26993 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
26994 (gdb)
26995 @end smallexample
26996
26997 @ignore
26998 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
26999 @findex -break-catch
27000 @end ignore
27001
27002 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
27003 @findex -break-commands
27004
27005 @subsubheading Synopsis
27006
27007 @smallexample
27008 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
27009 @end smallexample
27010
27011 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
27012 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
27013 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
27014 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
27015 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
27016 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
27017
27018 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27019
27020 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
27021
27022 @subsubheading Example
27023
27024 @smallexample
27025 (gdb)
27026 -break-insert main
27027 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27028 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27029 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27030 times="0"@}
27031 (gdb)
27032 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
27033 ^done
27034 (gdb)
27035 @end smallexample
27036
27037 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
27038 @findex -break-condition
27039
27040 @subsubheading Synopsis
27041
27042 @smallexample
27043 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
27044 @end smallexample
27045
27046 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
27047 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
27048 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
27049 command below).
27050
27051 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27052
27053 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
27054
27055 @subsubheading Example
27056
27057 @smallexample
27058 (gdb)
27059 -break-condition 1 1
27060 ^done
27061 (gdb)
27062 -break-list
27063 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27064 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27065 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27066 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27067 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27068 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27069 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27070 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27071 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27072 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27073 (gdb)
27074 @end smallexample
27075
27076 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
27077 @findex -break-delete
27078
27079 @subsubheading Synopsis
27080
27081 @smallexample
27082 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27083 @end smallexample
27084
27085 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
27086 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
27087
27088 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27089
27090 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
27091
27092 @subsubheading Example
27093
27094 @smallexample
27095 (gdb)
27096 -break-delete 1
27097 ^done
27098 (gdb)
27099 -break-list
27100 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27101 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27102 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27103 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27104 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27105 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27106 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27107 body=[]@}
27108 (gdb)
27109 @end smallexample
27110
27111 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
27112 @findex -break-disable
27113
27114 @subsubheading Synopsis
27115
27116 @smallexample
27117 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27118 @end smallexample
27119
27120 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
27121 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
27122
27123 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27124
27125 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
27126
27127 @subsubheading Example
27128
27129 @smallexample
27130 (gdb)
27131 -break-disable 2
27132 ^done
27133 (gdb)
27134 -break-list
27135 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27136 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27137 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27138 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27139 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27140 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27141 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27142 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
27143 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27144 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27145 (gdb)
27146 @end smallexample
27147
27148 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
27149 @findex -break-enable
27150
27151 @subsubheading Synopsis
27152
27153 @smallexample
27154 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27155 @end smallexample
27156
27157 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
27158
27159 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27160
27161 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
27162
27163 @subsubheading Example
27164
27165 @smallexample
27166 (gdb)
27167 -break-enable 2
27168 ^done
27169 (gdb)
27170 -break-list
27171 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27172 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27173 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27174 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27175 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27176 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27177 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27178 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27179 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27180 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27181 (gdb)
27182 @end smallexample
27183
27184 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
27185 @findex -break-info
27186
27187 @subsubheading Synopsis
27188
27189 @smallexample
27190 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
27191 @end smallexample
27192
27193 @c REDUNDANT???
27194 Get information about a single breakpoint.
27195
27196 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
27197 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
27198 table.
27199
27200 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27201
27202 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
27203
27204 @subsubheading Example
27205 N.A.
27206
27207 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
27208 @findex -break-insert
27209 @anchor{-break-insert}
27210
27211 @subsubheading Synopsis
27212
27213 @smallexample
27214 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
27215 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
27216 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
27217 @end smallexample
27218
27219 @noindent
27220 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
27221
27222 @table @var
27223 @item linespec location
27224 A linespec location. @xref{Linespec Locations}.
27225
27226 @item explicit location
27227 An explicit location. @sc{gdb/mi} explicit locations are
27228 analogous to the CLI's explicit locations using the option names
27229 listed below. @xref{Explicit Locations}.
27230
27231 @table @samp
27232 @item --source @var{filename}
27233 The source file name of the location. This option requires the use
27234 of either @samp{--function} or @samp{--line}.
27235
27236 @item --function @var{function}
27237 The name of a function or method.
27238
27239 @item --label @var{label}
27240 The name of a label.
27241
27242 @item --line @var{lineoffset}
27243 An absolute or relative line offset from the start of the location.
27244 @end table
27245
27246 @item address location
27247 An address location, *@var{address}. @xref{Address Locations}.
27248 @end table
27249
27250 @noindent
27251 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
27252
27253 @table @samp
27254 @item -t
27255 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
27256 @item -h
27257 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
27258 @item -f
27259 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
27260 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
27261 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
27262 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
27263 cannot be parsed.
27264 @item -d
27265 Create a disabled breakpoint.
27266 @item -a
27267 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
27268 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
27269 @item -c @var{condition}
27270 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27271 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
27272 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
27273 @item -p @var{thread-id}
27274 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
27275 @var{thread-id}.
27276 @end table
27277
27278 @subsubheading Result
27279
27280 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
27281 resulting breakpoint.
27282
27283 Note: this format is open to change.
27284 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
27285
27286 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27287
27288 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
27289 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
27290
27291 @subsubheading Example
27292
27293 @smallexample
27294 (gdb)
27295 -break-insert main
27296 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
27297 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
27298 times="0"@}
27299 (gdb)
27300 -break-insert -t foo
27301 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
27302 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27303 times="0"@}
27304 (gdb)
27305 -break-list
27306 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27307 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27308 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27309 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27310 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27311 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27312 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27313 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27314 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
27315 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
27316 times="0"@},
27317 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
27318 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
27319 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27320 times="0"@}]@}
27321 (gdb)
27322 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
27323 @c ~int foo(int, int);
27324 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
27325 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27326 @c times="0"@}
27327 @c (gdb)
27328 @end smallexample
27329
27330 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
27331 @findex -dprintf-insert
27332
27333 @subsubheading Synopsis
27334
27335 @smallexample
27336 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
27337 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
27338 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
27339 [ @var{argument} ]
27340 @end smallexample
27341
27342 @noindent
27343 If supplied, @var{location} may be specified the same way as for
27344 the @code{-break-insert} command. @xref{-break-insert}.
27345
27346 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
27347
27348 @table @samp
27349 @item -t
27350 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
27351 @item -f
27352 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
27353 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
27354 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
27355 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
27356 cannot be parsed.
27357 @item -d
27358 Create a disabled breakpoint.
27359 @item -c @var{condition}
27360 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27361 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
27362 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
27363 to @var{ignore-count}.
27364 @item -p @var{thread-id}
27365 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
27366 @var{thread-id}.
27367 @end table
27368
27369 @subsubheading Result
27370
27371 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
27372 resulting breakpoint.
27373
27374 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
27375
27376 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27377
27378 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
27379
27380 @subsubheading Example
27381
27382 @smallexample
27383 (gdb)
27384 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
27385 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27386 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
27387 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
27388 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
27389 original-location="foo"@}
27390 (gdb)
27391 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
27392 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27393 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
27394 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
27395 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
27396 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
27397 (gdb)
27398 @end smallexample
27399
27400 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
27401 @findex -break-list
27402
27403 @subsubheading Synopsis
27404
27405 @smallexample
27406 -break-list
27407 @end smallexample
27408
27409 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
27410
27411 @table @samp
27412 @item Number
27413 number of the breakpoint
27414 @item Type
27415 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
27416 @item Disposition
27417 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
27418 or @samp{nokeep}
27419 @item Enabled
27420 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
27421 @item Address
27422 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
27423 @item What
27424 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
27425 name, line number
27426 @item Thread-groups
27427 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
27428 @item Times
27429 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
27430 @end table
27431
27432 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
27433 @code{body} field is an empty list.
27434
27435 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27436
27437 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
27438
27439 @subsubheading Example
27440
27441 @smallexample
27442 (gdb)
27443 -break-list
27444 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27445 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27446 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27447 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27448 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27449 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27450 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27451 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27452 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27453 times="0"@},
27454 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27455 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27456 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27457 (gdb)
27458 @end smallexample
27459
27460 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
27461
27462 @smallexample
27463 (gdb)
27464 -break-list
27465 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27466 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27467 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27468 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27469 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27470 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27471 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27472 body=[]@}
27473 (gdb)
27474 @end smallexample
27475
27476 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
27477 @findex -break-passcount
27478
27479 @subsubheading Synopsis
27480
27481 @smallexample
27482 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
27483 @end smallexample
27484
27485 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
27486 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
27487 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
27488 command @samp{passcount}.
27489
27490 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
27491 @findex -break-watch
27492
27493 @subsubheading Synopsis
27494
27495 @smallexample
27496 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
27497 @end smallexample
27498
27499 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
27500 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
27501 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
27502 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
27503 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
27504 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
27505 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
27506 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
27507
27508 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
27509 breakpoints inserted.
27510
27511 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27512
27513 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
27514 @samp{rwatch}.
27515
27516 @subsubheading Example
27517
27518 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
27519
27520 @smallexample
27521 (gdb)
27522 -break-watch x
27523 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
27524 (gdb)
27525 -exec-continue
27526 ^running
27527 (gdb)
27528 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
27529 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
27530 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
27531 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
27532 (gdb)
27533 @end smallexample
27534
27535 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
27536 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
27537 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
27538
27539 @smallexample
27540 (gdb)
27541 -break-watch C
27542 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
27543 (gdb)
27544 -exec-continue
27545 ^running
27546 (gdb)
27547 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
27548 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
27549 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
27550 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27551 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
27552 (gdb)
27553 -exec-continue
27554 ^running
27555 (gdb)
27556 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
27557 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
27558 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
27559 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27560 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
27561 (gdb)
27562 @end smallexample
27563
27564 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
27565 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
27566 deleted.
27567
27568 @smallexample
27569 (gdb)
27570 -break-watch C
27571 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
27572 (gdb)
27573 -break-list
27574 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27575 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27576 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27577 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27578 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27579 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27580 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27581 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27582 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27583 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27584 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
27585 times="1"@},
27586 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
27587 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27588 (gdb)
27589 -exec-continue
27590 ^running
27591 (gdb)
27592 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
27593 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
27594 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
27595 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27596 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
27597 (gdb)
27598 -break-list
27599 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27600 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27601 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27602 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27603 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27604 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27605 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27606 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27607 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27608 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27609 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
27610 times="1"@},
27611 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
27612 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
27613 (gdb)
27614 -exec-continue
27615 ^running
27616 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
27617 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
27618 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
27619 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27620 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
27621 (gdb)
27622 -break-list
27623 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27624 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27625 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27626 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27627 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27628 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27629 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27630 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27631 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27632 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27633 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
27634 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
27635 (gdb)
27636 @end smallexample
27637
27638
27639 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27640 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
27641 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
27642
27643 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
27644 catchpoints.
27645
27646 @menu
27647 * Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
27648 * Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
27649 @end menu
27650
27651 @node Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
27652 @subsection Shared Library @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
27653
27654 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
27655 @findex -catch-load
27656
27657 @subsubheading Synopsis
27658
27659 @smallexample
27660 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
27661 @end smallexample
27662
27663 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
27664 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
27665 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
27666 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
27667 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
27668
27669
27670 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27671
27672 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
27673
27674 @subsubheading Example
27675
27676 @smallexample
27677 -catch-load -t foo.so
27678 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
27679 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
27680 (gdb)
27681 @end smallexample
27682
27683
27684 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
27685 @findex -catch-unload
27686
27687 @subsubheading Synopsis
27688
27689 @smallexample
27690 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
27691 @end smallexample
27692
27693 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
27694 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
27695 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
27696 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
27697 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
27698
27699 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27700
27701 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
27702
27703 @subsubheading Example
27704
27705 @smallexample
27706 -catch-unload -d bar.so
27707 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
27708 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
27709 (gdb)
27710 @end smallexample
27711
27712 @node Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
27713 @subsection Ada Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
27714
27715 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
27716 that stop the execution when Ada exceptions are being raised.
27717
27718 @subheading The @code{-catch-assert} Command
27719 @findex -catch-assert
27720
27721 @subsubheading Synopsis
27722
27723 @smallexample
27724 -catch-assert [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -t ]
27725 @end smallexample
27726
27727 Add a catchpoint for failed Ada assertions.
27728
27729 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
27730
27731 @table @samp
27732 @item -c @var{condition}
27733 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27734 @item -d
27735 Create a disabled catchpoint.
27736 @item -t
27737 Create a temporary catchpoint.
27738 @end table
27739
27740 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27741
27742 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch assert}.
27743
27744 @subsubheading Example
27745
27746 @smallexample
27747 -catch-assert
27748 ^done,bkptno="5",bkpt=@{number="5",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27749 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404888",what="failed Ada assertions",
27750 thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",
27751 original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_assert_failure"@}
27752 (gdb)
27753 @end smallexample
27754
27755 @subheading The @code{-catch-exception} Command
27756 @findex -catch-exception
27757
27758 @subsubheading Synopsis
27759
27760 @smallexample
27761 -catch-exception [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
27762 [ -t ] [ -u ]
27763 @end smallexample
27764
27765 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are raised.
27766 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
27767 gets raised. But it is also possible, by using some of the
27768 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
27769 catchpoints.
27770
27771 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
27772
27773 @table @samp
27774 @item -c @var{condition}
27775 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27776 @item -d
27777 Create a disabled catchpoint.
27778 @item -e @var{exception-name}
27779 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is raised. This option cannot
27780 be used combined with @samp{-u}.
27781 @item -t
27782 Create a temporary catchpoint.
27783 @item -u
27784 Stop only when an unhandled exception gets raised. This option
27785 cannot be used combined with @samp{-e}.
27786 @end table
27787
27788 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27789
27790 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch exception}
27791 and @samp{catch exception unhandled}.
27792
27793 @subsubheading Example
27794
27795 @smallexample
27796 -catch-exception -e Program_Error
27797 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27798 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404874",
27799 what="`Program_Error' Ada exception", thread-groups=["i1"],
27800 times="0",original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_exception"@}
27801 (gdb)
27802 @end smallexample
27803
27804 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27805 @node GDB/MI Program Context
27806 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
27807
27808 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
27809 @findex -exec-arguments
27810
27811
27812 @subsubheading Synopsis
27813
27814 @smallexample
27815 -exec-arguments @var{args}
27816 @end smallexample
27817
27818 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
27819 @samp{-exec-run}.
27820
27821 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27822
27823 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
27824
27825 @subsubheading Example
27826
27827 @smallexample
27828 (gdb)
27829 -exec-arguments -v word
27830 ^done
27831 (gdb)
27832 @end smallexample
27833
27834
27835 @ignore
27836 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
27837 @findex -exec-show-arguments
27838
27839 @subsubheading Synopsis
27840
27841 @smallexample
27842 -exec-show-arguments
27843 @end smallexample
27844
27845 Print the arguments of the program.
27846
27847 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27848
27849 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
27850
27851 @subsubheading Example
27852 N.A.
27853 @end ignore
27854
27855
27856 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
27857 @findex -environment-cd
27858
27859 @subsubheading Synopsis
27860
27861 @smallexample
27862 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
27863 @end smallexample
27864
27865 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
27866
27867 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27868
27869 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
27870
27871 @subsubheading Example
27872
27873 @smallexample
27874 (gdb)
27875 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
27876 ^done
27877 (gdb)
27878 @end smallexample
27879
27880
27881 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
27882 @findex -environment-directory
27883
27884 @subsubheading Synopsis
27885
27886 @smallexample
27887 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
27888 @end smallexample
27889
27890 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
27891 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
27892 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
27893 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
27894 occurs as normal.
27895 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
27896 multiple directories in a single command
27897 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
27898 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
27899 If blanks are needed as
27900 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
27901 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
27902 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
27903 character must not be used
27904 in any directory name.
27905 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
27906
27907 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27908
27909 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
27910
27911 @subsubheading Example
27912
27913 @smallexample
27914 (gdb)
27915 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
27916 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
27917 (gdb)
27918 -environment-directory ""
27919 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
27920 (gdb)
27921 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
27922 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
27923 (gdb)
27924 -environment-directory -r
27925 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
27926 (gdb)
27927 @end smallexample
27928
27929
27930 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
27931 @findex -environment-path
27932
27933 @subsubheading Synopsis
27934
27935 @smallexample
27936 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
27937 @end smallexample
27938
27939 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
27940 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
27941 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
27942 supplied in addition to the
27943 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
27944 occurs as normal.
27945 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
27946 multiple directories in a single command
27947 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
27948 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
27949 If blanks are needed as
27950 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
27951 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
27952 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
27953 character must not be used
27954 in any directory name.
27955 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
27956
27957
27958 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27959
27960 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
27961
27962 @subsubheading Example
27963
27964 @smallexample
27965 (gdb)
27966 -environment-path
27967 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
27968 (gdb)
27969 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
27970 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
27971 (gdb)
27972 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
27973 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
27974 (gdb)
27975 @end smallexample
27976
27977
27978 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
27979 @findex -environment-pwd
27980
27981 @subsubheading Synopsis
27982
27983 @smallexample
27984 -environment-pwd
27985 @end smallexample
27986
27987 Show the current working directory.
27988
27989 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27990
27991 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
27992
27993 @subsubheading Example
27994
27995 @smallexample
27996 (gdb)
27997 -environment-pwd
27998 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
27999 (gdb)
28000 @end smallexample
28001
28002 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28003 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
28004 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
28005
28006
28007 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
28008 @findex -thread-info
28009
28010 @subsubheading Synopsis
28011
28012 @smallexample
28013 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
28014 @end smallexample
28015
28016 Reports information about either a specific thread, if the
28017 @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all threads.
28018 @var{thread-id} is the thread's global thread ID. When printing
28019 information about all threads, also reports the global ID of the
28020 current thread.
28021
28022 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28023
28024 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
28025 about all threads.
28026
28027 @subsubheading Result
28028
28029 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
28030 defined for a given thread:
28031
28032 @table @samp
28033 @item current
28034 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
28035
28036 @item id
28037 The global identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
28038
28039 @item target-id
28040 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
28041
28042 @item details
28043 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
28044 field is optional.
28045
28046 @item name
28047 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
28048 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
28049 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
28050 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
28051 field is omitted.
28052
28053 @item frame
28054 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
28055
28056 @item state
28057 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
28058 values:
28059
28060 @table @code
28061 @item stopped
28062 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
28063 threads.
28064
28065 @item running
28066 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
28067 threads.
28068
28069 @end table
28070
28071 @item core
28072 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
28073 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
28074
28075 @end table
28076
28077 @subsubheading Example
28078
28079 @smallexample
28080 -thread-info
28081 ^done,threads=[
28082 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
28083 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
28084 args=[]@},state="running"@},
28085 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
28086 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
28087 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
28088 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
28089 state="running"@}],
28090 current-thread-id="1"
28091 (gdb)
28092 @end smallexample
28093
28094 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
28095 @findex -thread-list-ids
28096
28097 @subsubheading Synopsis
28098
28099 @smallexample
28100 -thread-list-ids
28101 @end smallexample
28102
28103 Produces a list of the currently known global @value{GDBN} thread ids.
28104 At the end of the list it also prints the total number of such
28105 threads.
28106
28107 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
28108 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
28109
28110 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28111
28112 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
28113
28114 @subsubheading Example
28115
28116 @smallexample
28117 (gdb)
28118 -thread-list-ids
28119 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28120 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
28121 (gdb)
28122 @end smallexample
28123
28124
28125 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
28126 @findex -thread-select
28127
28128 @subsubheading Synopsis
28129
28130 @smallexample
28131 -thread-select @var{thread-id}
28132 @end smallexample
28133
28134 Make thread with global thread number @var{thread-id} the current
28135 thread. It prints the number of the new current thread, and the
28136 topmost frame for that thread.
28137
28138 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
28139 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
28140
28141 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28142
28143 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
28144
28145 @subsubheading Example
28146
28147 @smallexample
28148 (gdb)
28149 -exec-next
28150 ^running
28151 (gdb)
28152 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
28153 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
28154 (gdb)
28155 -thread-list-ids
28156 ^done,
28157 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28158 number-of-threads="3"
28159 (gdb)
28160 -thread-select 3
28161 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
28162 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
28163 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
28164 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
28165 (gdb)
28166 @end smallexample
28167
28168 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28169 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
28170 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
28171
28172 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
28173 @findex -ada-task-info
28174
28175 @subsubheading Synopsis
28176
28177 @smallexample
28178 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
28179 @end smallexample
28180
28181 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
28182 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
28183
28184 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28185
28186 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
28187 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
28188
28189 @subsubheading Result
28190
28191 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
28192 defined for each Ada task:
28193
28194 @table @samp
28195 @item current
28196 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
28197
28198 @item id
28199 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
28200
28201 @item task-id
28202 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
28203
28204 @item thread-id
28205 The global thread identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada
28206 task.
28207
28208 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
28209 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
28210 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
28211
28212 @item parent-id
28213 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
28214 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
28215
28216 @item priority
28217 The base priority of the task.
28218
28219 @item state
28220 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
28221 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
28222
28223 @item name
28224 The name of the task.
28225
28226 @end table
28227
28228 @subsubheading Example
28229
28230 @smallexample
28231 -ada-task-info
28232 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
28233 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
28234 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
28235 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
28236 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
28237 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
28238 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
28239 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
28240 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
28241 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
28242 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
28243 (gdb)
28244 @end smallexample
28245
28246 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28247 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
28248 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
28249
28250 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
28251 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
28252 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
28253 other cases.
28254
28255 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
28256 @findex -exec-continue
28257
28258 @subsubheading Synopsis
28259
28260 @smallexample
28261 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
28262 @end smallexample
28263
28264 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
28265 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
28266 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
28267 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
28268 @itemize @bullet
28269 @item
28270 breakpoints or watchpoints
28271 @item
28272 signals or exceptions
28273 @item
28274 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
28275 @item
28276 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
28277 @end itemize
28278 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
28279 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
28280 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
28281 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
28282 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
28283 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
28284
28285 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28286
28287 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
28288
28289 @subsubheading Example
28290
28291 @smallexample
28292 -exec-continue
28293 ^running
28294 (gdb)
28295 @@Hello world
28296 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
28297 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
28298 line="13"@}
28299 (gdb)
28300 @end smallexample
28301
28302
28303 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
28304 @findex -exec-finish
28305
28306 @subsubheading Synopsis
28307
28308 @smallexample
28309 -exec-finish [--reverse]
28310 @end smallexample
28311
28312 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
28313 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
28314 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
28315 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
28316 function was called.
28317
28318 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28319
28320 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
28321
28322 @subsubheading Example
28323
28324 Function returning @code{void}.
28325
28326 @smallexample
28327 -exec-finish
28328 ^running
28329 (gdb)
28330 @@hello from foo
28331 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
28332 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
28333 (gdb)
28334 @end smallexample
28335
28336 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
28337 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
28338 value itself.
28339
28340 @smallexample
28341 -exec-finish
28342 ^running
28343 (gdb)
28344 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
28345 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
28346 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28347 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
28348 (gdb)
28349 @end smallexample
28350
28351
28352 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
28353 @findex -exec-interrupt
28354
28355 @subsubheading Synopsis
28356
28357 @smallexample
28358 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
28359 @end smallexample
28360
28361 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
28362 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
28363 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
28364 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
28365 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
28366
28367 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
28368 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
28369 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
28370 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
28371
28372 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
28373 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
28374 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
28375 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
28376
28377 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28378
28379 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
28380
28381 @subsubheading Example
28382
28383 @smallexample
28384 (gdb)
28385 111-exec-continue
28386 111^running
28387
28388 (gdb)
28389 222-exec-interrupt
28390 222^done
28391 (gdb)
28392 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
28393 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
28394 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
28395 (gdb)
28396
28397 (gdb)
28398 -exec-interrupt
28399 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
28400 (gdb)
28401 @end smallexample
28402
28403 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
28404 @findex -exec-jump
28405
28406 @subsubheading Synopsis
28407
28408 @smallexample
28409 -exec-jump @var{location}
28410 @end smallexample
28411
28412 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
28413 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
28414 different forms of @var{location}.
28415
28416 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28417
28418 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
28419
28420 @subsubheading Example
28421
28422 @smallexample
28423 -exec-jump foo.c:10
28424 *running,thread-id="all"
28425 ^running
28426 @end smallexample
28427
28428
28429 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
28430 @findex -exec-next
28431
28432 @subsubheading Synopsis
28433
28434 @smallexample
28435 -exec-next [--reverse]
28436 @end smallexample
28437
28438 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
28439 of the next source line is reached.
28440
28441 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
28442 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
28443 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
28444 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
28445 source line where the function was called.
28446
28447
28448 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28449
28450 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
28451
28452 @subsubheading Example
28453
28454 @smallexample
28455 -exec-next
28456 ^running
28457 (gdb)
28458 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
28459 (gdb)
28460 @end smallexample
28461
28462
28463 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
28464 @findex -exec-next-instruction
28465
28466 @subsubheading Synopsis
28467
28468 @smallexample
28469 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
28470 @end smallexample
28471
28472 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
28473 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
28474 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
28475 printed as well.
28476
28477 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
28478 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
28479 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
28480 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
28481 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
28482
28483 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28484
28485 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
28486
28487 @subsubheading Example
28488
28489 @smallexample
28490 (gdb)
28491 -exec-next-instruction
28492 ^running
28493
28494 (gdb)
28495 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28496 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
28497 (gdb)
28498 @end smallexample
28499
28500
28501 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
28502 @findex -exec-return
28503
28504 @subsubheading Synopsis
28505
28506 @smallexample
28507 -exec-return
28508 @end smallexample
28509
28510 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
28511 Displays the new current frame.
28512
28513 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28514
28515 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
28516
28517 @subsubheading Example
28518
28519 @smallexample
28520 (gdb)
28521 200-break-insert callee4
28522 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
28523 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
28524 (gdb)
28525 000-exec-run
28526 000^running
28527 (gdb)
28528 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
28529 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28530 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28531 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
28532 (gdb)
28533 205-break-delete
28534 205^done
28535 (gdb)
28536 111-exec-return
28537 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
28538 args=[@{name="strarg",
28539 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28540 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28541 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28542 (gdb)
28543 @end smallexample
28544
28545
28546 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
28547 @findex -exec-run
28548
28549 @subsubheading Synopsis
28550
28551 @smallexample
28552 -exec-run [ --all | --thread-group N ] [ --start ]
28553 @end smallexample
28554
28555 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
28556 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
28557 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
28558 the program has exited exceptionally.
28559
28560 When neither the @samp{--all} nor the @samp{--thread-group} option
28561 is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
28562 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
28563 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
28564 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
28565
28566 Using the @samp{--start} option instructs the debugger to stop
28567 the execution at the start of the inferior's main subprogram,
28568 following the same behavior as the @code{start} command
28569 (@pxref{Starting}).
28570
28571 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28572
28573 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
28574
28575 @subsubheading Examples
28576
28577 @smallexample
28578 (gdb)
28579 -break-insert main
28580 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
28581 (gdb)
28582 -exec-run
28583 ^running
28584 (gdb)
28585 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
28586 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28587 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
28588 (gdb)
28589 @end smallexample
28590
28591 @noindent
28592 Program exited normally:
28593
28594 @smallexample
28595 (gdb)
28596 -exec-run
28597 ^running
28598 (gdb)
28599 x = 55
28600 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
28601 (gdb)
28602 @end smallexample
28603
28604 @noindent
28605 Program exited exceptionally:
28606
28607 @smallexample
28608 (gdb)
28609 -exec-run
28610 ^running
28611 (gdb)
28612 x = 55
28613 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
28614 (gdb)
28615 @end smallexample
28616
28617 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
28618 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
28619
28620 @smallexample
28621 (gdb)
28622 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
28623 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
28624 @end smallexample
28625
28626
28627 @c @subheading -exec-signal
28628
28629
28630 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
28631 @findex -exec-step
28632
28633 @subsubheading Synopsis
28634
28635 @smallexample
28636 -exec-step [--reverse]
28637 @end smallexample
28638
28639 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
28640 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
28641 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
28642 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
28643 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
28644 previously executed source line.
28645
28646 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28647
28648 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
28649
28650 @subsubheading Example
28651
28652 Stepping into a function:
28653
28654 @smallexample
28655 -exec-step
28656 ^running
28657 (gdb)
28658 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28659 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
28660 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
28661 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
28662 (gdb)
28663 @end smallexample
28664
28665 Regular stepping:
28666
28667 @smallexample
28668 -exec-step
28669 ^running
28670 (gdb)
28671 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
28672 (gdb)
28673 @end smallexample
28674
28675
28676 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
28677 @findex -exec-step-instruction
28678
28679 @subsubheading Synopsis
28680
28681 @smallexample
28682 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
28683 @end smallexample
28684
28685 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
28686 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
28687 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
28688 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
28689 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
28690 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
28691 as well.
28692
28693 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28694
28695 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
28696
28697 @subsubheading Example
28698
28699 @smallexample
28700 (gdb)
28701 -exec-step-instruction
28702 ^running
28703
28704 (gdb)
28705 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28706 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
28707 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
28708 (gdb)
28709 -exec-step-instruction
28710 ^running
28711
28712 (gdb)
28713 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28714 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
28715 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
28716 (gdb)
28717 @end smallexample
28718
28719
28720 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
28721 @findex -exec-until
28722
28723 @subsubheading Synopsis
28724
28725 @smallexample
28726 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
28727 @end smallexample
28728
28729 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
28730 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
28731 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
28732 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
28733
28734 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28735
28736 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
28737
28738 @subsubheading Example
28739
28740 @smallexample
28741 (gdb)
28742 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
28743 ^running
28744 (gdb)
28745 x = 55
28746 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
28747 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
28748 (gdb)
28749 @end smallexample
28750
28751 @ignore
28752 @subheading -file-clear
28753 Is this going away????
28754 @end ignore
28755
28756 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28757 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
28758 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
28759
28760 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
28761 @findex -enable-frame-filters
28762
28763 @smallexample
28764 -enable-frame-filters
28765 @end smallexample
28766
28767 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
28768 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
28769 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
28770 request that this functionality be enabled.
28771
28772 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
28773
28774 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
28775 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
28776
28777 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
28778 @findex -stack-info-frame
28779
28780 @subsubheading Synopsis
28781
28782 @smallexample
28783 -stack-info-frame
28784 @end smallexample
28785
28786 Get info on the selected frame.
28787
28788 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28789
28790 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
28791 (without arguments).
28792
28793 @subsubheading Example
28794
28795 @smallexample
28796 (gdb)
28797 -stack-info-frame
28798 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
28799 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28800 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
28801 (gdb)
28802 @end smallexample
28803
28804 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
28805 @findex -stack-info-depth
28806
28807 @subsubheading Synopsis
28808
28809 @smallexample
28810 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
28811 @end smallexample
28812
28813 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
28814 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
28815
28816 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28817
28818 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
28819
28820 @subsubheading Example
28821
28822 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
28823
28824 @smallexample
28825 (gdb)
28826 -stack-info-depth
28827 ^done,depth="12"
28828 (gdb)
28829 -stack-info-depth 4
28830 ^done,depth="4"
28831 (gdb)
28832 -stack-info-depth 12
28833 ^done,depth="12"
28834 (gdb)
28835 -stack-info-depth 11
28836 ^done,depth="11"
28837 (gdb)
28838 -stack-info-depth 13
28839 ^done,depth="12"
28840 (gdb)
28841 @end smallexample
28842
28843 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
28844 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
28845 @findex -stack-list-arguments
28846
28847 @subsubheading Synopsis
28848
28849 @smallexample
28850 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
28851 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
28852 @end smallexample
28853
28854 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
28855 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
28856 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
28857 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
28858 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
28859 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
28860 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
28861 which case only existing frames will be returned.
28862
28863 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
28864 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
28865 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
28866 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
28867 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
28868 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
28869
28870 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
28871 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
28872 are still displayed, however.
28873
28874 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
28875 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
28876
28877 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28878
28879 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
28880 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
28881 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
28882
28883 @subsubheading Example
28884
28885 @smallexample
28886 (gdb)
28887 -stack-list-frames
28888 ^done,
28889 stack=[
28890 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28891 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28892 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
28893 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
28894 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28895 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
28896 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
28897 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28898 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
28899 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
28900 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28901 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
28902 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
28903 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28904 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
28905 (gdb)
28906 -stack-list-arguments 0
28907 ^done,
28908 stack-args=[
28909 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
28910 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
28911 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
28912 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
28913 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
28914 (gdb)
28915 -stack-list-arguments 1
28916 ^done,
28917 stack-args=[
28918 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
28919 frame=@{level="1",
28920 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
28921 frame=@{level="2",args=[
28922 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
28923 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
28924 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
28925 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
28926 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
28927 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
28928 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
28929 (gdb)
28930 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
28931 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
28932 (gdb)
28933 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
28934 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
28935 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
28936 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
28937 (gdb)
28938 @end smallexample
28939
28940 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
28941
28942
28943 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
28944 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
28945 @findex -stack-list-frames
28946
28947 @subsubheading Synopsis
28948
28949 @smallexample
28950 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
28951 @end smallexample
28952
28953 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
28954 following info:
28955
28956 @table @samp
28957 @item @var{level}
28958 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
28959 @item @var{addr}
28960 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
28961 @item @var{func}
28962 Function name.
28963 @item @var{file}
28964 File name of the source file where the function lives.
28965 @item @var{fullname}
28966 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
28967 @item @var{line}
28968 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
28969 @item @var{from}
28970 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
28971 if the frame's function is not known.
28972 @end table
28973
28974 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
28975 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
28976 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
28977 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
28978 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
28979 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
28980 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
28981 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
28982 Python frame filters will not be executed.
28983
28984 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28985
28986 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
28987
28988 @subsubheading Example
28989
28990 Full stack backtrace:
28991
28992 @smallexample
28993 (gdb)
28994 -stack-list-frames
28995 ^done,stack=
28996 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
28997 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
28998 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28999 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29000 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29001 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29002 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29003 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29004 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29005 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29006 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29007 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29008 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29009 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29010 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29011 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29012 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29013 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29014 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29015 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29016 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29017 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29018 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
29019 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
29020 (gdb)
29021 @end smallexample
29022
29023 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
29024
29025 @smallexample
29026 (gdb)
29027 -stack-list-frames 3 5
29028 ^done,stack=
29029 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29030 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29031 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29032 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29033 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29034 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29035 (gdb)
29036 @end smallexample
29037
29038 Show a single frame:
29039
29040 @smallexample
29041 (gdb)
29042 -stack-list-frames 3 3
29043 ^done,stack=
29044 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29045 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29046 (gdb)
29047 @end smallexample
29048
29049
29050 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
29051 @findex -stack-list-locals
29052 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
29053
29054 @subsubheading Synopsis
29055
29056 @smallexample
29057 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29058 @end smallexample
29059
29060 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
29061 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29062 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29063 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29064 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29065 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
29066 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
29067 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
29068 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
29069 Python frame filters will not be executed.
29070
29071 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
29072 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
29073 variables are still displayed, however.
29074
29075 This command is deprecated in favor of the
29076 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29077
29078 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29079
29080 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
29081
29082 @subsubheading Example
29083
29084 @smallexample
29085 (gdb)
29086 -stack-list-locals 0
29087 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
29088 (gdb)
29089 -stack-list-locals --all-values
29090 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
29091 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
29092 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
29093 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
29094 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
29095 (gdb)
29096 @end smallexample
29097
29098 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
29099 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
29100 @findex -stack-list-variables
29101
29102 @subsubheading Synopsis
29103
29104 @smallexample
29105 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29106 @end smallexample
29107
29108 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
29109 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29110 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29111 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29112 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29113 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
29114 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
29115
29116 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
29117 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
29118 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
29119
29120 @subsubheading Example
29121
29122 @smallexample
29123 (gdb)
29124 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
29125 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
29126 (gdb)
29127 @end smallexample
29128
29129
29130 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
29131 @findex -stack-select-frame
29132
29133 @subsubheading Synopsis
29134
29135 @smallexample
29136 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
29137 @end smallexample
29138
29139 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
29140 the stack.
29141
29142 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
29143 option to every command.
29144
29145 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29146
29147 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
29148 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
29149
29150 @subsubheading Example
29151
29152 @smallexample
29153 (gdb)
29154 -stack-select-frame 2
29155 ^done
29156 (gdb)
29157 @end smallexample
29158
29159 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29160 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
29161 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
29162
29163 @ignore
29164
29165 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29166
29167 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
29168 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
29169 used by @code{Insight}.
29170
29171 The two main reasons for that are:
29172
29173 @enumerate 1
29174 @item
29175 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
29176
29177 @item
29178 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
29179 now).
29180 @end enumerate
29181
29182 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
29183 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
29184 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
29185 hints about their use.
29186
29187 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
29188 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
29189 least, the following operations:
29190
29191 @itemize @bullet
29192 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
29193 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
29194 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
29195 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
29196 @end itemize
29197
29198 @end ignore
29199
29200 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
29201
29202 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29203
29204 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
29205 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
29206 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
29207 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
29208 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
29209 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
29210 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
29211 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
29212 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
29213 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
29214 object, or to change display format.
29215
29216 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
29217 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
29218 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
29219 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
29220 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
29221 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
29222 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
29223 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
29224 child will be created.
29225
29226 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
29227 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
29228 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
29229 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
29230 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
29231
29232 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
29233 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
29234 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
29235 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
29236 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
29237 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
29238 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
29239 variables that frontend has created.
29240
29241 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
29242 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
29243 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
29244 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
29245 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
29246 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
29247 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
29248 implicitly updated.
29249
29250 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
29251 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
29252 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
29253 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
29254 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
29255 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
29256 frame. Consider this example:
29257
29258 @smallexample
29259 void do_work(...)
29260 @{
29261 struct work_state state;
29262
29263 if (...)
29264 do_work(...);
29265 @}
29266 @end smallexample
29267
29268 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
29269 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
29270 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
29271 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
29272 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
29273
29274 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
29275 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
29276 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
29277 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
29278 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
29279 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
29280
29281 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
29282 access this functionality:
29283
29284 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
29285 @item @strong{Operation}
29286 @tab @strong{Description}
29287
29288 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
29289 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
29290 @item @code{-var-create}
29291 @tab create a variable object
29292 @item @code{-var-delete}
29293 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
29294 @item @code{-var-set-format}
29295 @tab set the display format of this variable
29296 @item @code{-var-show-format}
29297 @tab show the display format of this variable
29298 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
29299 @tab tells how many children this object has
29300 @item @code{-var-list-children}
29301 @tab return a list of the object's children
29302 @item @code{-var-info-type}
29303 @tab show the type of this variable object
29304 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
29305 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
29306 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
29307 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
29308 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
29309 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
29310 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
29311 @tab get the value of this variable
29312 @item @code{-var-assign}
29313 @tab set the value of this variable
29314 @item @code{-var-update}
29315 @tab update the variable and its children
29316 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
29317 @tab set frozeness attribute
29318 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
29319 @tab set range of children to display on update
29320 @end multitable
29321
29322 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
29323 how it can be used.
29324
29325 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
29326
29327 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
29328 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
29329
29330 @smallexample
29331 -enable-pretty-printing
29332 @end smallexample
29333
29334 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
29335 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
29336 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
29337 request that this functionality be enabled.
29338
29339 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
29340
29341 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
29342 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
29343
29344 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
29345 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
29346
29347 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
29348 @findex -var-create
29349
29350 @subsubheading Synopsis
29351
29352 @smallexample
29353 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
29354 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
29355 @end smallexample
29356
29357 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
29358 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
29359 register.
29360
29361 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
29362 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
29363 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
29364 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
29365 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
29366
29367 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
29368 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
29369 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
29370 object must be created.
29371
29372 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
29373 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
29374
29375 @itemize @bullet
29376 @item
29377 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
29378
29379 @item
29380 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
29381
29382 @item
29383 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
29384 @end itemize
29385
29386 @cindex dynamic varobj
29387 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
29388 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
29389 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
29390 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
29391 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
29392 compatibility for existing clients.
29393
29394 @subsubheading Result
29395
29396 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
29397 are:
29398
29399 @table @samp
29400 @item name
29401 The name of the varobj.
29402
29403 @item numchild
29404 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
29405 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
29406 @samp{has_more} attribute.
29407
29408 @item value
29409 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
29410 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
29411 will not be interesting.
29412
29413 @item type
29414 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
29415 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
29416 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29417 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
29418 @emph{declared} one.
29419
29420 @item thread-id
29421 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
29422 thread's global identifier.
29423
29424 @item has_more
29425 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
29426 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
29427
29428 @item dynamic
29429 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29430 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29431 then this attribute will not be present.
29432
29433 @item displayhint
29434 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29435 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29436 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29437 @end table
29438
29439 Typical output will look like this:
29440
29441 @smallexample
29442 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
29443 has_more="@var{has_more}"
29444 @end smallexample
29445
29446
29447 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
29448 @findex -var-delete
29449
29450 @subsubheading Synopsis
29451
29452 @smallexample
29453 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
29454 @end smallexample
29455
29456 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
29457 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
29458
29459 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
29460
29461
29462 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
29463 @findex -var-set-format
29464
29465 @subsubheading Synopsis
29466
29467 @smallexample
29468 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
29469 @end smallexample
29470
29471 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
29472 @var{format-spec}.
29473
29474 @anchor{-var-set-format}
29475 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
29476
29477 @smallexample
29478 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
29479 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural | zero-hexadecimal@}
29480 @end smallexample
29481
29482 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
29483 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
29484 for pointers, etc.).
29485
29486 The zero-hexadecimal format has a representation similar to hexadecimal
29487 but with padding zeroes to the left of the value. For example, a 32-bit
29488 hexadecimal value of 0x1234 would be represented as 0x00001234 in the
29489 zero-hexadecimal format.
29490
29491 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
29492 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
29493
29494 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
29495 @findex -var-show-format
29496
29497 @subsubheading Synopsis
29498
29499 @smallexample
29500 -var-show-format @var{name}
29501 @end smallexample
29502
29503 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
29504
29505 @smallexample
29506 @var{format} @expansion{}
29507 @var{format-spec}
29508 @end smallexample
29509
29510
29511 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
29512 @findex -var-info-num-children
29513
29514 @subsubheading Synopsis
29515
29516 @smallexample
29517 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
29518 @end smallexample
29519
29520 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
29521
29522 @smallexample
29523 numchild=@var{n}
29524 @end smallexample
29525
29526 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
29527 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
29528 be available.
29529
29530
29531 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
29532 @findex -var-list-children
29533
29534 @subsubheading Synopsis
29535
29536 @smallexample
29537 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
29538 @end smallexample
29539 @anchor{-var-list-children}
29540
29541 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
29542 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
29543 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
29544 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
29545 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
29546 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
29547 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
29548 and unions.
29549
29550 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
29551 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
29552 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
29553 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
29554 reported.
29555
29556 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
29557 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
29558 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
29559 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
29560 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
29561 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
29562 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
29563 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
29564 the visible items.
29565
29566 For each child the following results are returned:
29567
29568 @table @var
29569
29570 @item name
29571 Name of the variable object created for this child.
29572
29573 @item exp
29574 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
29575 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
29576
29577 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
29578 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
29579
29580 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
29581 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
29582 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
29583 type and value are not present.
29584
29585 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
29586 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
29587 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
29588
29589 @item numchild
29590 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
29591 0.
29592
29593 @item type
29594 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
29595 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29596 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
29597 @emph{declared} one.
29598
29599 @item value
29600 If values were requested, this is the value.
29601
29602 @item thread-id
29603 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the
29604 thread's global thread id. Otherwise this result is not present.
29605
29606 @item frozen
29607 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
29608
29609 @item displayhint
29610 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29611 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29612 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29613
29614 @item dynamic
29615 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29616 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29617 then this attribute will not be present.
29618
29619 @end table
29620
29621 The result may have its own attributes:
29622
29623 @table @samp
29624 @item displayhint
29625 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29626 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29627 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29628
29629 @item has_more
29630 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
29631 remaining after the end of the selected range.
29632 @end table
29633
29634 @subsubheading Example
29635
29636 @smallexample
29637 (gdb)
29638 -var-list-children n
29639 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
29640 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
29641 (gdb)
29642 -var-list-children --all-values n
29643 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
29644 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
29645 @end smallexample
29646
29647
29648 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
29649 @findex -var-info-type
29650
29651 @subsubheading Synopsis
29652
29653 @smallexample
29654 -var-info-type @var{name}
29655 @end smallexample
29656
29657 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
29658 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
29659 @value{GDBN} CLI:
29660
29661 @smallexample
29662 type=@var{typename}
29663 @end smallexample
29664
29665
29666 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
29667 @findex -var-info-expression
29668
29669 @subsubheading Synopsis
29670
29671 @smallexample
29672 -var-info-expression @var{name}
29673 @end smallexample
29674
29675 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
29676 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
29677 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
29678
29679 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
29680 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
29681
29682 @smallexample
29683 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
29684 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
29685 @end smallexample
29686
29687 @noindent
29688 Here, the value of @code{lang} is the language name, which can be
29689 found in @ref{Supported Languages}.
29690
29691 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
29692 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
29693 is of limited use.
29694
29695 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
29696 @findex -var-info-path-expression
29697
29698 @subsubheading Synopsis
29699
29700 @smallexample
29701 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
29702 @end smallexample
29703
29704 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
29705 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
29706 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
29707 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
29708 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
29709 watchpoint from a variable object.
29710
29711 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
29712 and will give an error when invoked on one.
29713
29714 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
29715 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
29716 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
29717 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
29718 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
29719 @smallexample
29720 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
29721 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
29722 @end smallexample
29723
29724 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
29725 @findex -var-show-attributes
29726
29727 @subsubheading Synopsis
29728
29729 @smallexample
29730 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
29731 @end smallexample
29732
29733 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
29734
29735 @smallexample
29736 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
29737 @end smallexample
29738
29739 @noindent
29740 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
29741
29742 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
29743 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
29744
29745 @subsubheading Synopsis
29746
29747 @smallexample
29748 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
29749 @end smallexample
29750
29751 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
29752 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
29753 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
29754 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
29755 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
29756 the current display format will be used. The current display format
29757 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
29758
29759 @smallexample
29760 value=@var{value}
29761 @end smallexample
29762
29763 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
29764 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
29765
29766 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
29767 @findex -var-assign
29768
29769 @subsubheading Synopsis
29770
29771 @smallexample
29772 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
29773 @end smallexample
29774
29775 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
29776 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
29777 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
29778 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
29779
29780 @subsubheading Example
29781
29782 @smallexample
29783 (gdb)
29784 -var-assign var1 3
29785 ^done,value="3"
29786 (gdb)
29787 -var-update *
29788 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
29789 (gdb)
29790 @end smallexample
29791
29792 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
29793 @findex -var-update
29794
29795 @subsubheading Synopsis
29796
29797 @smallexample
29798 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
29799 @end smallexample
29800
29801 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
29802 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
29803 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
29804 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
29805 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
29806 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
29807 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
29808 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
29809 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
29810 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
29811 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
29812 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
29813 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
29814
29815 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
29816 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
29817 diagnostic.
29818
29819 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
29820 only the selected range of children will be reported.
29821
29822 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
29823 @samp{changelist}.
29824
29825 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
29826
29827 @table @samp
29828 @item name
29829 The name of the varobj.
29830
29831 @item value
29832 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
29833 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
29834
29835 @item in_scope
29836 @anchor{-var-update}
29837 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
29838
29839 @table @code
29840 @item "true"
29841 The variable object's current value is valid.
29842
29843 @item "false"
29844 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
29845 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
29846 scope.
29847
29848 @item "invalid"
29849 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
29850 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
29851 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
29852 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
29853 objects.
29854 @end table
29855
29856 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
29857 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
29858
29859 @item type_changed
29860 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
29861 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
29862 be @samp{false}.
29863
29864 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
29865 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
29866 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
29867 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
29868 unset.
29869
29870 @item new_type
29871 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
29872 hold the new type.
29873
29874 @item new_num_children
29875 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
29876 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
29877
29878 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
29879 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
29880 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
29881 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
29882 children which may be available.
29883
29884 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
29885 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
29886 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
29887 only happen at the end of the update range).
29888
29889 @item displayhint
29890 The display hint, if any.
29891
29892 @item has_more
29893 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
29894 available outside the varobj's update range.
29895
29896 @item dynamic
29897 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29898 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29899 then this attribute will not be present.
29900
29901 @item new_children
29902 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
29903 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
29904 be listed in this attribute.
29905 @end table
29906
29907 @subsubheading Example
29908
29909 @smallexample
29910 (gdb)
29911 -var-assign var1 3
29912 ^done,value="3"
29913 (gdb)
29914 -var-update --all-values var1
29915 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
29916 type_changed="false"@}]
29917 (gdb)
29918 @end smallexample
29919
29920 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
29921 @findex -var-set-frozen
29922 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
29923
29924 @subsubheading Synopsis
29925
29926 @smallexample
29927 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
29928 @end smallexample
29929
29930 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
29931 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
29932 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
29933 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
29934 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
29935 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
29936 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
29937 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
29938 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
29939 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
29940 @code{-var-update} does.
29941
29942 @subsubheading Example
29943
29944 @smallexample
29945 (gdb)
29946 -var-set-frozen V 1
29947 ^done
29948 (gdb)
29949 @end smallexample
29950
29951 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
29952 @findex -var-set-update-range
29953 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
29954
29955 @subsubheading Synopsis
29956
29957 @smallexample
29958 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
29959 @end smallexample
29960
29961 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
29962 @code{-var-update}.
29963
29964 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
29965 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
29966 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
29967 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
29968
29969 @subsubheading Example
29970
29971 @smallexample
29972 (gdb)
29973 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
29974 ^done
29975 @end smallexample
29976
29977 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
29978 @findex -var-set-visualizer
29979 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
29980
29981 @subsubheading Synopsis
29982
29983 @smallexample
29984 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
29985 @end smallexample
29986
29987 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
29988
29989 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
29990 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
29991
29992 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
29993 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
29994 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
29995 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
29996 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
29997 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
29998 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
29999
30000 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
30001 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
30002 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
30003 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
30004
30005 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
30006 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Support Commands})
30007 can be used to check this.
30008
30009 @subsubheading Example
30010
30011 Resetting the visualizer:
30012
30013 @smallexample
30014 (gdb)
30015 -var-set-visualizer V None
30016 ^done
30017 @end smallexample
30018
30019 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
30020
30021 @smallexample
30022 (gdb)
30023 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
30024 ^done
30025 @end smallexample
30026
30027 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
30028 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
30029
30030 @smallexample
30031 (gdb)
30032 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
30033 ^done
30034 @end smallexample
30035
30036 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30037 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
30038 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
30039
30040 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
30041 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
30042 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
30043 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
30044
30045 For details about what an addressable memory unit is,
30046 @pxref{addressable memory unit}.
30047
30048 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
30049 @c @subheading -data-assign
30050 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
30051 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
30052 @c set variable
30053 @c @subsubheading Example
30054 @c N.A.
30055
30056 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
30057 @findex -data-disassemble
30058
30059 @subsubheading Synopsis
30060
30061 @smallexample
30062 -data-disassemble
30063 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
30064 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
30065 -- @var{mode}
30066 @end smallexample
30067
30068 @noindent
30069 Where:
30070
30071 @table @samp
30072 @item @var{start-addr}
30073 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
30074 @item @var{end-addr}
30075 is the end address
30076 @item @var{filename}
30077 is the name of the file to disassemble
30078 @item @var{linenum}
30079 is the line number to disassemble around
30080 @item @var{lines}
30081 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
30082 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
30083 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
30084 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
30085 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
30086 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
30087 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
30088 are displayed.
30089 @item @var{mode}
30090 is one of:
30091 @itemize @bullet
30092 @item 0 disassembly only
30093 @item 1 mixed source and disassembly (deprecated)
30094 @item 2 disassembly with raw opcodes
30095 @item 3 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes (deprecated)
30096 @item 4 mixed source and disassembly
30097 @item 5 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes
30098 @end itemize
30099
30100 Modes 1 and 3 are deprecated. The output is ``source centric''
30101 which hasn't proved useful in practice.
30102 @xref{Machine Code}, for a discussion of the difference between
30103 @code{/m} and @code{/s} output of the @code{disassemble} command.
30104 @end table
30105
30106 @subsubheading Result
30107
30108 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
30109 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
30110 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
30111
30112 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
30113 following fields:
30114
30115 @table @code
30116 @item address
30117 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
30118
30119 @item func-name
30120 The name of the function this instruction is within.
30121
30122 @item offset
30123 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
30124
30125 @item inst
30126 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
30127
30128 @item opcodes
30129 This field is only present for modes 2, 3 and 5. This contains the raw opcode
30130 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
30131
30132 @end table
30133
30134 For modes 1, 3, 4 and 5 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
30135 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
30136
30137 @table @code
30138 @item line
30139 The line number within @samp{file}.
30140
30141 @item file
30142 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
30143 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
30144 used.
30145
30146 @item fullname
30147 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
30148 using the source file search path
30149 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
30150 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
30151
30152 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
30153 present in the debug information.
30154
30155 @item line_asm_insn
30156 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
30157 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
30158 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
30159 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
30160 @samp{opcodes}.
30161
30162 @end table
30163
30164 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
30165 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
30166 adjust its format.
30167
30168 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30169
30170 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
30171
30172 @subsubheading Example
30173
30174 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
30175
30176 @smallexample
30177 (gdb)
30178 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
30179 ^done,
30180 asm_insns=[
30181 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30182 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30183 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30184 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30185 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
30186 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
30187 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
30188 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30189 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
30190 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
30191 (gdb)
30192 @end smallexample
30193
30194 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
30195 @code{main}.
30196
30197 @smallexample
30198 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
30199 ^done,asm_insns=[
30200 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30201 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30202 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30203 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30204 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30205 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30206 [@dots{}]
30207 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
30208 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
30209 (gdb)
30210 @end smallexample
30211
30212 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
30213
30214 @smallexample
30215 (gdb)
30216 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
30217 ^done,asm_insns=[
30218 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30219 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30220 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30221 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30222 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30223 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
30224 (gdb)
30225 @end smallexample
30226
30227 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
30228
30229 @smallexample
30230 (gdb)
30231 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
30232 ^done,asm_insns=[
30233 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
30234 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30235 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30236 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
30237 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
30238 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
30239 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30240 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30241 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
30242 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30243 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30244 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
30245 (gdb)
30246 @end smallexample
30247
30248
30249 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
30250 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
30251
30252 @subsubheading Synopsis
30253
30254 @smallexample
30255 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
30256 @end smallexample
30257
30258 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
30259 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
30260 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
30261
30262 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30263
30264 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
30265 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
30266 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
30267
30268 @subsubheading Example
30269
30270 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
30271 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
30272 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
30273 output.
30274
30275 @smallexample
30276 211-data-evaluate-expression A
30277 211^done,value="1"
30278 (gdb)
30279 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
30280 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
30281 (gdb)
30282 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
30283 411^done,value="4"
30284 (gdb)
30285 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
30286 511^done,value="4"
30287 (gdb)
30288 @end smallexample
30289
30290
30291 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
30292 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
30293
30294 @subsubheading Synopsis
30295
30296 @smallexample
30297 -data-list-changed-registers
30298 @end smallexample
30299
30300 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
30301
30302 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30303
30304 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
30305 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
30306
30307 @subsubheading Example
30308
30309 On a PPC MBX board:
30310
30311 @smallexample
30312 (gdb)
30313 -exec-continue
30314 ^running
30315
30316 (gdb)
30317 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
30318 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
30319 line="5"@}
30320 (gdb)
30321 -data-list-changed-registers
30322 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
30323 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
30324 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
30325 (gdb)
30326 @end smallexample
30327
30328
30329 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
30330 @findex -data-list-register-names
30331
30332 @subsubheading Synopsis
30333
30334 @smallexample
30335 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
30336 @end smallexample
30337
30338 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
30339 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
30340 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
30341 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
30342 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
30343 include empty register names.
30344
30345 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30346
30347 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
30348 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
30349 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
30350
30351 @subsubheading Example
30352
30353 For the PPC MBX board:
30354 @smallexample
30355 (gdb)
30356 -data-list-register-names
30357 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
30358 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
30359 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
30360 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
30361 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
30362 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
30363 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
30364 (gdb)
30365 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
30366 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
30367 (gdb)
30368 @end smallexample
30369
30370 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
30371 @findex -data-list-register-values
30372
30373 @subsubheading Synopsis
30374
30375 @smallexample
30376 -data-list-register-values
30377 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
30378 @end smallexample
30379
30380 Display the registers' contents. The format according to which the
30381 registers' contents are to be returned is given by @var{fmt}, followed
30382 by an optional list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A
30383 missing list of numbers indicates that the contents of all the
30384 registers must be returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option
30385 indicates that only the available registers are to be returned.
30386
30387 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
30388
30389 @table @code
30390 @item x
30391 Hexadecimal
30392 @item o
30393 Octal
30394 @item t
30395 Binary
30396 @item d
30397 Decimal
30398 @item r
30399 Raw
30400 @item N
30401 Natural
30402 @end table
30403
30404 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30405
30406 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
30407 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
30408
30409 @subsubheading Example
30410
30411 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
30412 don't appear in the actual output):
30413
30414 @smallexample
30415 (gdb)
30416 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
30417 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30418 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
30419 (gdb)
30420 -data-list-register-values x
30421 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
30422 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30423 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
30424 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
30425 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
30426 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
30427 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
30428 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
30429 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
30430 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30431 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
30432 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
30433 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
30434 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
30435 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
30436 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
30437 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
30438 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
30439 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
30440 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
30441 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
30442 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
30443 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
30444 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
30445 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
30446 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
30447 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
30448 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
30449 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
30450 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
30451 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
30452 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
30453 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30454 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
30455 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
30456 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
30457 (gdb)
30458 @end smallexample
30459
30460
30461 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
30462 @findex -data-read-memory
30463
30464 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
30465
30466 @subsubheading Synopsis
30467
30468 @smallexample
30469 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
30470 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
30471 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
30472 @end smallexample
30473
30474 @noindent
30475 where:
30476
30477 @table @samp
30478 @item @var{address}
30479 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
30480 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30481 quoted using the C convention.
30482
30483 @item @var{word-format}
30484 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
30485 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
30486 ,Output Formats}).
30487
30488 @item @var{word-size}
30489 The size of each memory word in bytes.
30490
30491 @item @var{nr-rows}
30492 The number of rows in the output table.
30493
30494 @item @var{nr-cols}
30495 The number of columns in the output table.
30496
30497 @item @var{aschar}
30498 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
30499 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
30500 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
30501 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
30502
30503 @item @var{byte-offset}
30504 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
30505 @end table
30506
30507 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
30508 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
30509 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
30510 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
30511 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
30512 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
30513 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
30514 @samp{addr}.
30515
30516 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
30517 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
30518 @samp{prev-page}.
30519
30520 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30521
30522 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
30523 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
30524
30525 @subsubheading Example
30526
30527 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
30528 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
30529 word. Display each word in hex.
30530
30531 @smallexample
30532 (gdb)
30533 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
30534 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
30535 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
30536 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
30537 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
30538 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
30539 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
30540 (gdb)
30541 @end smallexample
30542
30543 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
30544 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
30545
30546 @smallexample
30547 (gdb)
30548 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
30549 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
30550 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
30551 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
30552 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
30553 (gdb)
30554 @end smallexample
30555
30556 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
30557 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
30558 used as the non-printable character.
30559
30560 @smallexample
30561 (gdb)
30562 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
30563 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
30564 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
30565 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
30566 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30567 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30568 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30569 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30570 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
30571 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
30572 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
30573 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
30574 (gdb)
30575 @end smallexample
30576
30577 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
30578 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
30579
30580 @subsubheading Synopsis
30581
30582 @smallexample
30583 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{offset} ]
30584 @var{address} @var{count}
30585 @end smallexample
30586
30587 @noindent
30588 where:
30589
30590 @table @samp
30591 @item @var{address}
30592 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
30593 to be read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30594 quoted using the C convention.
30595
30596 @item @var{count}
30597 The number of addressable memory units to read. This should be an integer
30598 literal.
30599
30600 @item @var{offset}
30601 The offset relative to @var{address} at which to start reading. This
30602 should be an integer literal. This option is provided so that a frontend
30603 is not required to first evaluate address and then perform address
30604 arithmetics itself.
30605
30606 @end table
30607
30608 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
30609 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
30610 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
30611 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
30612 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
30613 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
30614
30615 In general, every single memory unit in the region may be readable or not,
30616 and the only way to read every readable unit is to try a read at
30617 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
30618 attempt to read all accessible memory units at either beginning or the end
30619 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
30620 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
30621 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
30622 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
30623
30624 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
30625 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
30626 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
30627 and has the following fields:
30628
30629 @table @code
30630 @item begin
30631 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
30632
30633 @item end
30634 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
30635
30636 @item offset
30637 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
30638 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
30639
30640 @item contents
30641 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
30642
30643 @end table
30644
30645
30646
30647 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30648
30649 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
30650
30651 @subsubheading Example
30652
30653 @smallexample
30654 (gdb)
30655 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
30656 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
30657 end="0xbffff15e",
30658 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
30659 (gdb)
30660 @end smallexample
30661
30662
30663 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
30664 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
30665
30666 @subsubheading Synopsis
30667
30668 @smallexample
30669 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
30670 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
30671 @end smallexample
30672
30673 @noindent
30674 where:
30675
30676 @table @samp
30677 @item @var{address}
30678 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
30679 to be written. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should
30680 be quoted using the C convention.
30681
30682 @item @var{contents}
30683 The hex-encoded data to write. It is an error if @var{contents} does
30684 not represent an integral number of addressable memory units.
30685
30686 @item @var{count}
30687 Optional argument indicating the number of addressable memory units to be
30688 written. If @var{count} is greater than @var{contents}' length,
30689 @value{GDBN} will repeatedly write @var{contents} until it fills
30690 @var{count} memory units.
30691
30692 @end table
30693
30694 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30695
30696 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
30697
30698 @subsubheading Example
30699
30700 @smallexample
30701 (gdb)
30702 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
30703 ^done
30704 (gdb)
30705 @end smallexample
30706
30707 @smallexample
30708 (gdb)
30709 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
30710 ^done
30711 (gdb)
30712 @end smallexample
30713
30714 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30715 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
30716 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
30717
30718 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
30719 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
30720
30721 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
30722 @findex -trace-find
30723
30724 @subsubheading Synopsis
30725
30726 @smallexample
30727 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
30728 @end smallexample
30729
30730 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
30731 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
30732 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
30733
30734 @table @samp
30735
30736 @item none
30737 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
30738
30739 @item frame-number
30740 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
30741 that index.
30742
30743 @item tracepoint-number
30744 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
30745 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
30746
30747 @item pc
30748 An address is required as parameter. Finds
30749 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
30750 address.
30751
30752 @item pc-inside-range
30753 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
30754 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
30755 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
30756
30757 @item pc-outside-range
30758 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
30759 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
30760 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
30761
30762 @item line
30763 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
30764 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
30765 the specified location.
30766
30767 @end table
30768
30769 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
30770 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
30771
30772 @table @samp
30773 @item found
30774 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
30775 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
30776
30777 @item traceframe
30778 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
30779 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
30780
30781 @item tracepoint
30782 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
30783 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
30784
30785 @item frame
30786 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
30787 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
30788 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
30789
30790 @end table
30791
30792 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30793
30794 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
30795
30796 @subheading -trace-define-variable
30797 @findex -trace-define-variable
30798
30799 @subsubheading Synopsis
30800
30801 @smallexample
30802 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
30803 @end smallexample
30804
30805 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
30806 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
30807 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
30808 with the @samp{$} character.
30809
30810 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30811
30812 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
30813
30814 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
30815 @findex -trace-frame-collected
30816
30817 @subsubheading Synopsis
30818
30819 @smallexample
30820 -trace-frame-collected
30821 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
30822 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
30823 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
30824 [--memory-contents]
30825 @end smallexample
30826
30827 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
30828 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
30829 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
30830 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
30831 See the output description table below for more details.
30832
30833 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
30834 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
30835 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
30836 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
30837 memory range and which is a computed expression.
30838
30839 For instance, if the actions were
30840 @smallexample
30841 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
30842 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
30843 @end smallexample
30844
30845 @noindent
30846 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
30847 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
30848 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
30849 objects would be computed expressions.
30850
30851 An example output would be:
30852
30853 @smallexample
30854 (gdb)
30855 -trace-frame-collected
30856 ^done,
30857 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
30858 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
30859 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
30860 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
30861 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
30862 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
30863 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
30864 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
30865 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
30866 ...
30867 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
30868 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
30869 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
30870 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
30871 (gdb)
30872 @end smallexample
30873
30874 Where:
30875
30876 @table @code
30877 @item explicit-variables
30878 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
30879 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
30880 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
30881 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
30882 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
30883 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
30884 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
30885 arrays, structures and unions.
30886
30887 @item computed-expressions
30888 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
30889 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
30890 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
30891 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
30892
30893 @item registers
30894 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
30895 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
30896 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
30897 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
30898 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
30899
30900 @item tvars
30901 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
30902 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
30903 current value are returned.
30904
30905 @item memory
30906 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
30907 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
30908 collected memory range and has the following fields:
30909
30910 @table @code
30911 @item address
30912 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
30913
30914 @item length
30915 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
30916
30917 @item contents
30918 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
30919 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
30920
30921 @end table
30922
30923 @end table
30924
30925 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30926
30927 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
30928
30929 @subsubheading Example
30930
30931 @subheading -trace-list-variables
30932 @findex -trace-list-variables
30933
30934 @subsubheading Synopsis
30935
30936 @smallexample
30937 -trace-list-variables
30938 @end smallexample
30939
30940 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
30941 table has the following fields:
30942
30943 @table @samp
30944 @item name
30945 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
30946
30947 @item initial
30948 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
30949 field is always present.
30950
30951 @item current
30952 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
30953 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
30954 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
30955 presently running.
30956
30957 @end table
30958
30959 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30960
30961 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
30962
30963 @subsubheading Example
30964
30965 @smallexample
30966 (gdb)
30967 -trace-list-variables
30968 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
30969 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
30970 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
30971 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
30972 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
30973 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
30974 (gdb)
30975 @end smallexample
30976
30977 @subheading -trace-save
30978 @findex -trace-save
30979
30980 @subsubheading Synopsis
30981
30982 @smallexample
30983 -trace-save [ -r ] [ -ctf ] @var{filename}
30984 @end smallexample
30985
30986 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
30987 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
30988 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
30989 to perform the save.
30990
30991 By default, this command will save the trace in the tfile format. You can
30992 supply the optional @samp{-ctf} argument to save it the CTF format. See
30993 @ref{Trace Files} for more information about CTF.
30994
30995 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30996
30997 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
30998
30999
31000 @subheading -trace-start
31001 @findex -trace-start
31002
31003 @subsubheading Synopsis
31004
31005 @smallexample
31006 -trace-start
31007 @end smallexample
31008
31009 Starts a tracing experiment. The result of this command does not
31010 have any fields.
31011
31012 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31013
31014 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
31015
31016 @subheading -trace-status
31017 @findex -trace-status
31018
31019 @subsubheading Synopsis
31020
31021 @smallexample
31022 -trace-status
31023 @end smallexample
31024
31025 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
31026 the following fields:
31027
31028 @table @samp
31029
31030 @item supported
31031 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
31032 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
31033 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
31034 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
31035 started. This field is always present.
31036
31037 @item running
31038 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
31039 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
31040 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31041
31042 @item stop-reason
31043 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
31044 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
31045 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
31046 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
31047 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
31048 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
31049 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
31050 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
31051 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31052
31053 @item stopping-tracepoint
31054 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
31055 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
31056 @samp{passcount}.
31057
31058 @item frames
31059 @itemx frames-created
31060 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
31061 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
31062 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
31063 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
31064
31065 @item buffer-size
31066 @itemx buffer-free
31067 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
31068 remaining space. These fields are optional.
31069
31070 @item circular
31071 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
31072 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
31073 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
31074 and may fill up.
31075
31076 @item disconnected
31077 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
31078 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
31079 that the trace run will stop.
31080
31081 @item trace-file
31082 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
31083 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
31084
31085 @end table
31086
31087 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31088
31089 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
31090
31091 @subheading -trace-stop
31092 @findex -trace-stop
31093
31094 @subsubheading Synopsis
31095
31096 @smallexample
31097 -trace-stop
31098 @end smallexample
31099
31100 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
31101 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
31102 @samp{running} fields are not output.
31103
31104 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31105
31106 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
31107
31108
31109 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31110 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
31111 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
31112
31113
31114 @ignore
31115 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
31116 @findex -symbol-info-address
31117
31118 @subsubheading Synopsis
31119
31120 @smallexample
31121 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
31122 @end smallexample
31123
31124 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
31125
31126 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31127
31128 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
31129
31130 @subsubheading Example
31131 N.A.
31132
31133
31134 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
31135 @findex -symbol-info-file
31136
31137 @subsubheading Synopsis
31138
31139 @smallexample
31140 -symbol-info-file
31141 @end smallexample
31142
31143 Show the file for the symbol.
31144
31145 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31146
31147 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
31148 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
31149
31150 @subsubheading Example
31151 N.A.
31152
31153
31154 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
31155 @findex -symbol-info-function
31156
31157 @subsubheading Synopsis
31158
31159 @smallexample
31160 -symbol-info-function
31161 @end smallexample
31162
31163 Show which function the symbol lives in.
31164
31165 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31166
31167 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
31168
31169 @subsubheading Example
31170 N.A.
31171
31172
31173 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
31174 @findex -symbol-info-line
31175
31176 @subsubheading Synopsis
31177
31178 @smallexample
31179 -symbol-info-line
31180 @end smallexample
31181
31182 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
31183
31184 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31185
31186 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
31187 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
31188
31189 @subsubheading Example
31190 N.A.
31191
31192
31193 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
31194 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
31195
31196 @subsubheading Synopsis
31197
31198 @smallexample
31199 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
31200 @end smallexample
31201
31202 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
31203
31204 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31205
31206 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
31207
31208 @subsubheading Example
31209 N.A.
31210
31211
31212 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
31213 @findex -symbol-list-functions
31214
31215 @subsubheading Synopsis
31216
31217 @smallexample
31218 -symbol-list-functions
31219 @end smallexample
31220
31221 List the functions in the executable.
31222
31223 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31224
31225 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
31226 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31227
31228 @subsubheading Example
31229 N.A.
31230 @end ignore
31231
31232
31233 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
31234 @findex -symbol-list-lines
31235
31236 @subsubheading Synopsis
31237
31238 @smallexample
31239 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
31240 @end smallexample
31241
31242 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
31243 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
31244 ascending PC order.
31245
31246 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31247
31248 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31249
31250 @subsubheading Example
31251 @smallexample
31252 (gdb)
31253 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
31254 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
31255 (gdb)
31256 @end smallexample
31257
31258
31259 @ignore
31260 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
31261 @findex -symbol-list-types
31262
31263 @subsubheading Synopsis
31264
31265 @smallexample
31266 -symbol-list-types
31267 @end smallexample
31268
31269 List all the type names.
31270
31271 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31272
31273 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
31274 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31275
31276 @subsubheading Example
31277 N.A.
31278
31279
31280 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
31281 @findex -symbol-list-variables
31282
31283 @subsubheading Synopsis
31284
31285 @smallexample
31286 -symbol-list-variables
31287 @end smallexample
31288
31289 List all the global and static variable names.
31290
31291 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31292
31293 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31294
31295 @subsubheading Example
31296 N.A.
31297
31298
31299 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
31300 @findex -symbol-locate
31301
31302 @subsubheading Synopsis
31303
31304 @smallexample
31305 -symbol-locate
31306 @end smallexample
31307
31308 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31309
31310 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
31311
31312 @subsubheading Example
31313 N.A.
31314
31315
31316 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
31317 @findex -symbol-type
31318
31319 @subsubheading Synopsis
31320
31321 @smallexample
31322 -symbol-type @var{variable}
31323 @end smallexample
31324
31325 Show type of @var{variable}.
31326
31327 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31328
31329 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
31330 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
31331
31332 @subsubheading Example
31333 N.A.
31334 @end ignore
31335
31336
31337 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31338 @node GDB/MI File Commands
31339 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
31340
31341 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
31342 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
31343
31344 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
31345 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
31346
31347 @subsubheading Synopsis
31348
31349 @smallexample
31350 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
31351 @end smallexample
31352
31353 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
31354 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
31355 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
31356 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
31357 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
31358 notification.
31359
31360 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31361
31362 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
31363
31364 @subsubheading Example
31365
31366 @smallexample
31367 (gdb)
31368 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31369 ^done
31370 (gdb)
31371 @end smallexample
31372
31373
31374 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
31375 @findex -file-exec-file
31376
31377 @subsubheading Synopsis
31378
31379 @smallexample
31380 -file-exec-file @var{file}
31381 @end smallexample
31382
31383 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
31384 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
31385 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
31386 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
31387 notification.
31388
31389 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31390
31391 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
31392
31393 @subsubheading Example
31394
31395 @smallexample
31396 (gdb)
31397 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31398 ^done
31399 (gdb)
31400 @end smallexample
31401
31402
31403 @ignore
31404 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
31405 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
31406
31407 @subsubheading Synopsis
31408
31409 @smallexample
31410 -file-list-exec-sections
31411 @end smallexample
31412
31413 List the sections of the current executable file.
31414
31415 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31416
31417 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
31418 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
31419 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
31420
31421 @subsubheading Example
31422 N.A.
31423 @end ignore
31424
31425
31426 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
31427 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
31428
31429 @subsubheading Synopsis
31430
31431 @smallexample
31432 -file-list-exec-source-file
31433 @end smallexample
31434
31435 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
31436 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
31437 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
31438 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
31439
31440 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31441
31442 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
31443
31444 @subsubheading Example
31445
31446 @smallexample
31447 (gdb)
31448 123-file-list-exec-source-file
31449 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
31450 (gdb)
31451 @end smallexample
31452
31453
31454 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
31455 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
31456
31457 @subsubheading Synopsis
31458
31459 @smallexample
31460 -file-list-exec-source-files
31461 @end smallexample
31462
31463 List the source files for the current executable.
31464
31465 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
31466 name) of a source file.
31467
31468 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31469
31470 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
31471 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
31472
31473 @subsubheading Example
31474 @smallexample
31475 (gdb)
31476 -file-list-exec-source-files
31477 ^done,files=[
31478 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
31479 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
31480 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
31481 (gdb)
31482 @end smallexample
31483
31484 @ignore
31485 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
31486 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
31487
31488 @subsubheading Synopsis
31489
31490 @smallexample
31491 -file-list-shared-libraries
31492 @end smallexample
31493
31494 List the shared libraries in the program.
31495
31496 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31497
31498 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
31499
31500 @subsubheading Example
31501 N.A.
31502
31503
31504 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
31505 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
31506
31507 @subsubheading Synopsis
31508
31509 @smallexample
31510 -file-list-symbol-files
31511 @end smallexample
31512
31513 List symbol files.
31514
31515 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31516
31517 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
31518
31519 @subsubheading Example
31520 N.A.
31521 @end ignore
31522
31523
31524 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
31525 @findex -file-symbol-file
31526
31527 @subsubheading Synopsis
31528
31529 @smallexample
31530 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
31531 @end smallexample
31532
31533 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
31534 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
31535 produced, except for a completion notification.
31536
31537 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31538
31539 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
31540
31541 @subsubheading Example
31542
31543 @smallexample
31544 (gdb)
31545 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31546 ^done
31547 (gdb)
31548 @end smallexample
31549
31550 @ignore
31551 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31552 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
31553 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
31554
31555 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
31556
31557 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
31558
31559 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
31560
31561 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
31562
31563 @c @subheading -overlay-map
31564
31565 @c @subheading -overlay-off
31566
31567 @c @subheading -overlay-on
31568
31569 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
31570
31571 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31572 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
31573 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
31574
31575 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
31576
31577 @c @subheading -signal-handle
31578
31579 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
31580
31581 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
31582 @end ignore
31583
31584
31585 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31586 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
31587 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
31588
31589
31590 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
31591 @findex -target-attach
31592
31593 @subsubheading Synopsis
31594
31595 @smallexample
31596 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
31597 @end smallexample
31598
31599 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
31600 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
31601 group, the id previously returned by
31602 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
31603
31604 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31605
31606 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
31607
31608 @subsubheading Example
31609 @smallexample
31610 (gdb)
31611 -target-attach 34
31612 =thread-created,id="1"
31613 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
31614 ^done
31615 (gdb)
31616 @end smallexample
31617
31618 @ignore
31619 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
31620 @findex -target-compare-sections
31621
31622 @subsubheading Synopsis
31623
31624 @smallexample
31625 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
31626 @end smallexample
31627
31628 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
31629 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
31630
31631 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31632
31633 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
31634
31635 @subsubheading Example
31636 N.A.
31637 @end ignore
31638
31639
31640 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
31641 @findex -target-detach
31642
31643 @subsubheading Synopsis
31644
31645 @smallexample
31646 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
31647 @end smallexample
31648
31649 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
31650 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
31651 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
31652
31653 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31654
31655 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
31656
31657 @subsubheading Example
31658
31659 @smallexample
31660 (gdb)
31661 -target-detach
31662 ^done
31663 (gdb)
31664 @end smallexample
31665
31666
31667 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
31668 @findex -target-disconnect
31669
31670 @subsubheading Synopsis
31671
31672 @smallexample
31673 -target-disconnect
31674 @end smallexample
31675
31676 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
31677 generally not resumed.
31678
31679 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31680
31681 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
31682
31683 @subsubheading Example
31684
31685 @smallexample
31686 (gdb)
31687 -target-disconnect
31688 ^done
31689 (gdb)
31690 @end smallexample
31691
31692
31693 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
31694 @findex -target-download
31695
31696 @subsubheading Synopsis
31697
31698 @smallexample
31699 -target-download
31700 @end smallexample
31701
31702 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
31703 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
31704
31705 @table @samp
31706 @item section
31707 The name of the section.
31708 @item section-sent
31709 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
31710 @item section-size
31711 The size of the section.
31712 @item total-sent
31713 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
31714 @item total-size
31715 The size of the overall executable to download.
31716 @end table
31717
31718 @noindent
31719 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
31720 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
31721
31722 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
31723 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
31724
31725 @table @samp
31726 @item section
31727 The name of the section.
31728 @item section-size
31729 The size of the section.
31730 @item total-size
31731 The size of the overall executable to download.
31732 @end table
31733
31734 @noindent
31735 At the end, a summary is printed.
31736
31737 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31738
31739 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
31740
31741 @subsubheading Example
31742
31743 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
31744 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
31745
31746 @smallexample
31747 (gdb)
31748 -target-download
31749 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
31750 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
31751 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
31752 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
31753 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
31754 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
31755 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
31756 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
31757 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
31758 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
31759 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
31760 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
31761 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
31762 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
31763 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
31764 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
31765 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
31766 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
31767 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
31768 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
31769 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
31770 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
31771 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
31772 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
31773 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
31774 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
31775 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
31776 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
31777 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
31778 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
31779 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
31780 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
31781 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
31782 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
31783 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
31784 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
31785 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
31786 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
31787 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
31788 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
31789 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
31790 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
31791 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
31792 write-rate="429"
31793 (gdb)
31794 @end smallexample
31795
31796
31797 @ignore
31798 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
31799 @findex -target-exec-status
31800
31801 @subsubheading Synopsis
31802
31803 @smallexample
31804 -target-exec-status
31805 @end smallexample
31806
31807 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
31808 not, for instance).
31809
31810 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31811
31812 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
31813
31814 @subsubheading Example
31815 N.A.
31816
31817
31818 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
31819 @findex -target-list-available-targets
31820
31821 @subsubheading Synopsis
31822
31823 @smallexample
31824 -target-list-available-targets
31825 @end smallexample
31826
31827 List the possible targets to connect to.
31828
31829 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31830
31831 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
31832
31833 @subsubheading Example
31834 N.A.
31835
31836
31837 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
31838 @findex -target-list-current-targets
31839
31840 @subsubheading Synopsis
31841
31842 @smallexample
31843 -target-list-current-targets
31844 @end smallexample
31845
31846 Describe the current target.
31847
31848 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31849
31850 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
31851 other things).
31852
31853 @subsubheading Example
31854 N.A.
31855
31856
31857 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
31858 @findex -target-list-parameters
31859
31860 @subsubheading Synopsis
31861
31862 @smallexample
31863 -target-list-parameters
31864 @end smallexample
31865
31866 @c ????
31867 @end ignore
31868
31869 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31870
31871 No equivalent.
31872
31873 @subsubheading Example
31874 N.A.
31875
31876 @subheading The @code{-target-flash-erase} Command
31877 @findex -target-flash-erase
31878
31879 @subsubheading Synopsis
31880
31881 @smallexample
31882 -target-flash-erase
31883 @end smallexample
31884
31885 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
31886
31887 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{flash-erase}.
31888
31889 The output is a list of flash regions that have been erased, with starting
31890 addresses and memory region sizes.
31891
31892 @smallexample
31893 (gdb)
31894 -target-flash-erase
31895 ^done,erased-regions=@{address="0x0",size="0x40000"@}
31896 (gdb)
31897 @end smallexample
31898
31899 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
31900 @findex -target-select
31901
31902 @subsubheading Synopsis
31903
31904 @smallexample
31905 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
31906 @end smallexample
31907
31908 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
31909
31910 @table @samp
31911 @item @var{type}
31912 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
31913 @item @var{parameters}
31914 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
31915 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
31916 @end table
31917
31918 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
31919 which the target program is, in the following form:
31920
31921 @smallexample
31922 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
31923 args=[@var{arg list}]
31924 @end smallexample
31925
31926 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31927
31928 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
31929
31930 @subsubheading Example
31931
31932 @smallexample
31933 (gdb)
31934 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
31935 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
31936 (gdb)
31937 @end smallexample
31938
31939 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31940 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
31941 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
31942
31943
31944 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
31945 @findex -target-file-put
31946
31947 @subsubheading Synopsis
31948
31949 @smallexample
31950 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
31951 @end smallexample
31952
31953 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
31954 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
31955
31956 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31957
31958 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
31959
31960 @subsubheading Example
31961
31962 @smallexample
31963 (gdb)
31964 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
31965 ^done
31966 (gdb)
31967 @end smallexample
31968
31969
31970 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
31971 @findex -target-file-get
31972
31973 @subsubheading Synopsis
31974
31975 @smallexample
31976 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
31977 @end smallexample
31978
31979 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
31980 on the host system.
31981
31982 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31983
31984 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
31985
31986 @subsubheading Example
31987
31988 @smallexample
31989 (gdb)
31990 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
31991 ^done
31992 (gdb)
31993 @end smallexample
31994
31995
31996 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
31997 @findex -target-file-delete
31998
31999 @subsubheading Synopsis
32000
32001 @smallexample
32002 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
32003 @end smallexample
32004
32005 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
32006
32007 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32008
32009 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
32010
32011 @subsubheading Example
32012
32013 @smallexample
32014 (gdb)
32015 -target-file-delete remotefile
32016 ^done
32017 (gdb)
32018 @end smallexample
32019
32020
32021 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32022 @node GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands
32023 @section Ada Exceptions @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
32024
32025 @subheading The @code{-info-ada-exceptions} Command
32026 @findex -info-ada-exceptions
32027
32028 @subsubheading Synopsis
32029
32030 @smallexample
32031 -info-ada-exceptions [ @var{regexp}]
32032 @end smallexample
32033
32034 List all Ada exceptions defined within the program being debugged.
32035 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those exceptions whose
32036 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
32037
32038 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32039
32040 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info exceptions}.
32041
32042 @subsubheading Result
32043
32044 The result is a table of Ada exceptions. The following columns are
32045 defined for each exception:
32046
32047 @table @samp
32048 @item name
32049 The name of the exception.
32050
32051 @item address
32052 The address of the exception.
32053
32054 @end table
32055
32056 @subsubheading Example
32057
32058 @smallexample
32059 -info-ada-exceptions aint
32060 ^done,ada-exceptions=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="2",
32061 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
32062 @{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="address",colhdr="Address"@}],
32063 body=[@{name="constraint_error",address="0x0000000000613da0"@},
32064 @{name="const.aint_global_e",address="0x0000000000613b00"@}]@}
32065 @end smallexample
32066
32067 @subheading Catching Ada Exceptions
32068
32069 The commands describing how to ask @value{GDBN} to stop when a program
32070 raises an exception are described at @ref{Ada Exception GDB/MI
32071 Catchpoint Commands}.
32072
32073
32074 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32075 @node GDB/MI Support Commands
32076 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Support Commands
32077
32078 Since new commands and features get regularly added to @sc{gdb/mi},
32079 some commands are available to help front-ends query the debugger
32080 about support for these capabilities. Similarly, it is also possible
32081 to query @value{GDBN} about target support of certain features.
32082
32083 @subheading The @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} Command
32084 @cindex @code{-info-gdb-mi-command}
32085 @findex -info-gdb-mi-command
32086
32087 @subsubheading Synopsis
32088
32089 @smallexample
32090 -info-gdb-mi-command @var{cmd_name}
32091 @end smallexample
32092
32093 Query support for the @sc{gdb/mi} command named @var{cmd_name}.
32094
32095 Note that the dash (@code{-}) starting all @sc{gdb/mi} commands
32096 is technically not part of the command name (@pxref{GDB/MI Input
32097 Syntax}), and thus should be omitted in @var{cmd_name}. However,
32098 for ease of use, this command also accepts the form with the leading
32099 dash.
32100
32101 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32102
32103 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32104
32105 @subsubheading Result
32106
32107 The result is a tuple. There is currently only one field:
32108
32109 @table @samp
32110 @item exists
32111 This field is equal to @code{"true"} if the @sc{gdb/mi} command exists,
32112 @code{"false"} otherwise.
32113
32114 @end table
32115
32116 @subsubheading Example
32117
32118 Here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command does not exist:
32119
32120 @smallexample
32121 -info-gdb-mi-command unsupported-command
32122 ^done,command=@{exists="false"@}
32123 @end smallexample
32124
32125 @noindent
32126 And here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command is known
32127 to the debugger:
32128
32129 @smallexample
32130 -info-gdb-mi-command symbol-list-lines
32131 ^done,command=@{exists="true"@}
32132 @end smallexample
32133
32134 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
32135 @findex -list-features
32136 @cindex supported @sc{gdb/mi} features, list
32137
32138 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
32139 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
32140 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
32141 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
32142 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
32143 startup.
32144
32145 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
32146 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
32147 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
32148 is given below.
32149
32150 Example output:
32151
32152 @smallexample
32153 (gdb) -list-features
32154 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
32155 @end smallexample
32156
32157 The current list of features is:
32158
32159 @ftable @samp
32160 @item frozen-varobjs
32161 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
32162 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
32163 of @code{-varobj-create}.
32164 @item pending-breakpoints
32165 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
32166 command.
32167 @item python
32168 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
32169 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
32170 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
32171 @item thread-info
32172 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
32173 @item data-read-memory-bytes
32174 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
32175 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
32176 @item breakpoint-notifications
32177 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
32178 CLI will be announced via async records.
32179 @item ada-task-info
32180 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
32181 @item language-option
32182 Indicates that all @sc{gdb/mi} commands accept the @option{--language}
32183 option (@pxref{Context management}).
32184 @item info-gdb-mi-command
32185 Indicates support for the @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} command.
32186 @item undefined-command-error-code
32187 Indicates support for the "undefined-command" error code in error result
32188 records, produced when trying to execute an undefined @sc{gdb/mi} command
32189 (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}).
32190 @item exec-run-start-option
32191 Indicates that the @code{-exec-run} command supports the @option{--start}
32192 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}).
32193 @end ftable
32194
32195 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
32196 @findex -list-target-features
32197
32198 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
32199 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
32200 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
32201 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
32202 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
32203 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
32204 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
32205 Example output:
32206
32207 @smallexample
32208 (gdb) -list-target-features
32209 ^done,result=["async"]
32210 @end smallexample
32211
32212 The current list of features is:
32213
32214 @table @samp
32215 @item async
32216 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
32217 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
32218 while the target is running.
32219
32220 @item reverse
32221 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
32222 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
32223
32224 @end table
32225
32226 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32227 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
32228 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
32229
32230 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
32231
32232 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
32233 @findex -gdb-exit
32234
32235 @subsubheading Synopsis
32236
32237 @smallexample
32238 -gdb-exit
32239 @end smallexample
32240
32241 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
32242
32243 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32244
32245 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
32246
32247 @subsubheading Example
32248
32249 @smallexample
32250 (gdb)
32251 -gdb-exit
32252 ^exit
32253 @end smallexample
32254
32255
32256 @ignore
32257 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
32258 @findex -exec-abort
32259
32260 @subsubheading Synopsis
32261
32262 @smallexample
32263 -exec-abort
32264 @end smallexample
32265
32266 Kill the inferior running program.
32267
32268 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32269
32270 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
32271
32272 @subsubheading Example
32273 N.A.
32274 @end ignore
32275
32276
32277 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
32278 @findex -gdb-set
32279
32280 @subsubheading Synopsis
32281
32282 @smallexample
32283 -gdb-set
32284 @end smallexample
32285
32286 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
32287 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
32288
32289 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32290
32291 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
32292
32293 @subsubheading Example
32294
32295 @smallexample
32296 (gdb)
32297 -gdb-set $foo=3
32298 ^done
32299 (gdb)
32300 @end smallexample
32301
32302
32303 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
32304 @findex -gdb-show
32305
32306 @subsubheading Synopsis
32307
32308 @smallexample
32309 -gdb-show
32310 @end smallexample
32311
32312 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
32313
32314 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32315
32316 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
32317
32318 @subsubheading Example
32319
32320 @smallexample
32321 (gdb)
32322 -gdb-show annotate
32323 ^done,value="0"
32324 (gdb)
32325 @end smallexample
32326
32327 @c @subheading -gdb-source
32328
32329
32330 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
32331 @findex -gdb-version
32332
32333 @subsubheading Synopsis
32334
32335 @smallexample
32336 -gdb-version
32337 @end smallexample
32338
32339 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
32340
32341 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32342
32343 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
32344 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
32345
32346 @subsubheading Example
32347
32348 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
32349 @c box in TeX.
32350 @smallexample
32351 (gdb)
32352 -gdb-version
32353 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
32354 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
32355 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
32356 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
32357 ~ certain conditions.
32358 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
32359 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
32360 ~ details.
32361 ~This GDB was configured as
32362 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
32363 ^done
32364 (gdb)
32365 @end smallexample
32366
32367 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
32368 @findex -list-thread-groups
32369
32370 @subheading Synopsis
32371
32372 @smallexample
32373 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
32374 @end smallexample
32375
32376 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
32377 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
32378 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
32379 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
32380 top-level thread groups.
32381
32382 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
32383 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
32384 available on the target.
32385
32386 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
32387 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
32388 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
32389 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
32390 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
32391 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
32392 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
32393 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
32394
32395 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
32396 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
32397 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
32398 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
32399 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
32400 @samp{threads} field.
32401
32402 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
32403 the following caveats:
32404
32405 @itemize @bullet
32406 @item
32407 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
32408 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
32409 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
32410
32411 @item
32412 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
32413 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
32414 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
32415 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
32416 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
32417 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
32418
32419 @end itemize
32420
32421 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
32422 have the following fields:
32423
32424 @table @code
32425 @item id
32426 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
32427 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
32428 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
32429
32430 @item type
32431 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
32432 valid type.
32433
32434 @item pid
32435 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
32436 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
32437
32438 @item exit-code
32439 The exit code of this group's last exited thread, formatted in octal.
32440 This field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process} and
32441 only if the process is not running.
32442
32443 @item num_children
32444 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
32445 absent for an available thread group.
32446
32447 @item threads
32448 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
32449 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
32450 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
32451
32452 @item cores
32453 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
32454 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
32455 such information is not available.
32456
32457 @item executable
32458 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
32459 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
32460 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
32461
32462 @end table
32463
32464 @subheading Example
32465
32466 @smallexample
32467 @value{GDBP}
32468 -list-thread-groups
32469 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
32470 -list-thread-groups 17
32471 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
32472 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
32473 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
32474 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
32475 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
32476 -list-thread-groups --available
32477 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
32478 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
32479 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32480 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32481 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
32482 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
32483 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32484 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32485 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
32486 @end smallexample
32487
32488 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
32489 @findex -info-os
32490
32491 @subsubheading Synopsis
32492
32493 @smallexample
32494 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
32495 @end smallexample
32496
32497 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
32498 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
32499 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
32500 of data of that type.
32501
32502 The types of information available depend on the target operating
32503 system.
32504
32505 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32506
32507 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
32508
32509 @subsubheading Example
32510
32511 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
32512 like this:
32513
32514 @smallexample
32515 @value{GDBP}
32516 -info-os
32517 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="10",nr_cols="3",
32518 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
32519 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
32520 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
32521 body=[item=@{col0="cpus",col1="Listing of all cpus/cores on the system",
32522 col2="CPUs"@},
32523 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
32524 col2="File descriptors"@},
32525 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
32526 col2="Kernel modules"@},
32527 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
32528 col2="Message queues"@},
32529 item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
32530 col2="Processes"@},
32531 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
32532 col2="Process groups"@},
32533 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
32534 col2="Semaphores"@},
32535 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
32536 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
32537 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
32538 col2="Sockets"@},
32539 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
32540 col2="Threads"@}]
32541 @value{GDBP}
32542 -info-os processes
32543 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
32544 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
32545 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
32546 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
32547 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
32548 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
32549 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
32550 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
32551 ...
32552 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
32553 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
32554 (gdb)
32555 @end smallexample
32556
32557 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
32558 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
32559 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
32560 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
32561 @code{info os} omits it.)
32562
32563 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
32564 @findex -add-inferior
32565
32566 @subheading Synopsis
32567
32568 @smallexample
32569 -add-inferior
32570 @end smallexample
32571
32572 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
32573 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
32574 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
32575 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
32576 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
32577 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
32578
32579 @subheading Example
32580
32581 @smallexample
32582 @value{GDBP}
32583 -add-inferior
32584 ^done,inferior="i3"
32585 @end smallexample
32586
32587 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
32588 @findex -interpreter-exec
32589
32590 @subheading Synopsis
32591
32592 @smallexample
32593 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
32594 @end smallexample
32595 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
32596
32597 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
32598
32599 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32600
32601 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
32602
32603 @subheading Example
32604
32605 @smallexample
32606 (gdb)
32607 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
32608 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
32609 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
32610 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
32611 ^done
32612 (gdb)
32613 @end smallexample
32614
32615 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
32616 @findex -inferior-tty-set
32617
32618 @subheading Synopsis
32619
32620 @smallexample
32621 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32622 @end smallexample
32623
32624 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
32625
32626 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32627
32628 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
32629
32630 @subheading Example
32631
32632 @smallexample
32633 (gdb)
32634 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32635 ^done
32636 (gdb)
32637 @end smallexample
32638
32639 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
32640 @findex -inferior-tty-show
32641
32642 @subheading Synopsis
32643
32644 @smallexample
32645 -inferior-tty-show
32646 @end smallexample
32647
32648 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
32649
32650 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32651
32652 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
32653
32654 @subheading Example
32655
32656 @smallexample
32657 (gdb)
32658 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32659 ^done
32660 (gdb)
32661 -inferior-tty-show
32662 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
32663 (gdb)
32664 @end smallexample
32665
32666 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
32667 @findex -enable-timings
32668
32669 @subheading Synopsis
32670
32671 @smallexample
32672 -enable-timings [yes | no]
32673 @end smallexample
32674
32675 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
32676 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
32677 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
32678 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
32679
32680 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32681
32682 No equivalent.
32683
32684 @subheading Example
32685
32686 @smallexample
32687 (gdb)
32688 -enable-timings
32689 ^done
32690 (gdb)
32691 -break-insert main
32692 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
32693 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
32694 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
32695 times="0"@},
32696 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
32697 (gdb)
32698 -enable-timings no
32699 ^done
32700 (gdb)
32701 -exec-run
32702 ^running
32703 (gdb)
32704 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
32705 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
32706 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
32707 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
32708 (gdb)
32709 @end smallexample
32710
32711 @node Annotations
32712 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
32713
32714 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
32715 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
32716 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
32717 relatively high level.
32718
32719 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
32720 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
32721
32722 @ignore
32723 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
32724 @end ignore
32725
32726 @menu
32727 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
32728 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
32729 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
32730 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
32731 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
32732 * Annotations for Running::
32733 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
32734 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
32735 @end menu
32736
32737 @node Annotations Overview
32738 @section What is an Annotation?
32739 @cindex annotations
32740
32741 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
32742 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
32743 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
32744 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
32745 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
32746 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
32747 cannot contain newline characters.
32748
32749 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
32750 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
32751 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
32752 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
32753 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
32754 means those three characters as output.
32755
32756 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
32757 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
32758 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
32759 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
32760 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
32761 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
32762 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
32763 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
32764 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
32765
32766 @table @code
32767 @kindex set annotate
32768 @item set annotate @var{level}
32769 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
32770 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
32771
32772 @item show annotate
32773 @kindex show annotate
32774 Show the current annotation level.
32775 @end table
32776
32777 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
32778
32779 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
32780
32781 @smallexample
32782 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
32783 GNU gdb 6.0
32784 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
32785 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
32786 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
32787 under certain conditions.
32788 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
32789 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
32790 for details.
32791 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
32792
32793 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
32794 (@value{GDBP})
32795 ^Z^Zprompt
32796 @kbd{quit}
32797
32798 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
32799 $
32800 @end smallexample
32801
32802 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
32803 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
32804 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
32805 output from @value{GDBN}.
32806
32807 @node Server Prefix
32808 @section The Server Prefix
32809 @cindex server prefix
32810
32811 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
32812 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
32813 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
32814 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
32815 a transparent manner.
32816
32817 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
32818 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
32819 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
32820 @code{print} command.
32821
32822 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
32823 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
32824
32825 @node Prompting
32826 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
32827
32828 @cindex annotations for prompts
32829 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
32830 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
32831 over, etc.
32832
32833 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
32834 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
32835 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
32836 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
32837 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
32838 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
32839 features the following annotations:
32840
32841 @smallexample
32842 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
32843 ^Z^Zprompt
32844 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
32845 @end smallexample
32846
32847 The input types are
32848
32849 @table @code
32850 @findex pre-prompt annotation
32851 @findex prompt annotation
32852 @findex post-prompt annotation
32853 @item prompt
32854 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
32855
32856 @findex pre-commands annotation
32857 @findex commands annotation
32858 @findex post-commands annotation
32859 @item commands
32860 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
32861 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
32862
32863 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
32864 @findex overload-choice annotation
32865 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
32866 @item overload-choice
32867 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
32868
32869 @findex pre-query annotation
32870 @findex query annotation
32871 @findex post-query annotation
32872 @item query
32873 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
32874
32875 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
32876 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
32877 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
32878 @item prompt-for-continue
32879 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
32880 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
32881 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
32882 presence of annotations.
32883 @end table
32884
32885 @node Errors
32886 @section Errors
32887 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
32888
32889 @findex quit annotation
32890 @smallexample
32891 ^Z^Zquit
32892 @end smallexample
32893
32894 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
32895
32896 @findex error annotation
32897 @smallexample
32898 ^Z^Zerror
32899 @end smallexample
32900
32901 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
32902
32903 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
32904 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
32905 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
32906 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
32907 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
32908 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
32909 to the top level.
32910
32911 @findex error-begin annotation
32912 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
32913
32914 @smallexample
32915 ^Z^Zerror-begin
32916 @end smallexample
32917
32918 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
32919 message.
32920
32921 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
32922 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
32923 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
32924
32925 @node Invalidation
32926 @section Invalidation Notices
32927
32928 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
32929 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
32930 changed.
32931
32932 @table @code
32933 @findex frames-invalid annotation
32934 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
32935
32936 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
32937 have changed.
32938
32939 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
32940 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
32941
32942 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
32943 deleted a breakpoint.
32944 @end table
32945
32946 @node Annotations for Running
32947 @section Running the Program
32948 @cindex annotations for running programs
32949
32950 @findex starting annotation
32951 @findex stopping annotation
32952 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
32953 @code{step} or @code{continue},
32954
32955 @smallexample
32956 ^Z^Zstarting
32957 @end smallexample
32958
32959 is output. When the program stops,
32960
32961 @smallexample
32962 ^Z^Zstopped
32963 @end smallexample
32964
32965 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
32966 annotations describe how the program stopped.
32967
32968 @table @code
32969 @findex exited annotation
32970 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
32971 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
32972 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
32973
32974 @findex signalled annotation
32975 @findex signal-name annotation
32976 @findex signal-name-end annotation
32977 @findex signal-string annotation
32978 @findex signal-string-end annotation
32979 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
32980 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
32981 annotation continues:
32982
32983 @smallexample
32984 @var{intro-text}
32985 ^Z^Zsignal-name
32986 @var{name}
32987 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
32988 @var{middle-text}
32989 ^Z^Zsignal-string
32990 @var{string}
32991 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
32992 @var{end-text}
32993 @end smallexample
32994
32995 @noindent
32996 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
32997 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
32998 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}. The arguments
32999 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
33000 user's benefit and have no particular format.
33001
33002 @findex signal annotation
33003 @item ^Z^Zsignal
33004 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
33005 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
33006 terminated with it.
33007
33008 @findex breakpoint annotation
33009 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
33010 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
33011
33012 @findex watchpoint annotation
33013 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
33014 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
33015 @end table
33016
33017 @node Source Annotations
33018 @section Displaying Source
33019 @cindex annotations for source display
33020
33021 @findex source annotation
33022 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
33023
33024 @smallexample
33025 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
33026 @end smallexample
33027
33028 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
33029 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
33030 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
33031 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
33032 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
33033 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
33034 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
33035 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
33036 source which is being displayed. The @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
33037 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
33038 depend on the language).
33039
33040 @node JIT Interface
33041 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
33042 @cindex just-in-time compilation
33043 @cindex JIT compilation interface
33044
33045 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
33046 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
33047 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
33048 performance while maintaining platform independence.
33049
33050 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
33051 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
33052 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
33053 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
33054 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
33055 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
33056
33057 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
33058 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
33059 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
33060 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
33061 LLVM JIT.
33062
33063 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
33064 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
33065 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
33066 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
33067 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
33068 out about additional code.
33069
33070 @menu
33071 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
33072 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
33073 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
33074 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
33075 @end menu
33076
33077 @node Declarations
33078 @section JIT Declarations
33079
33080 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
33081 implement the interface:
33082
33083 @smallexample
33084 typedef enum
33085 @{
33086 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
33087 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
33088 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
33089 @} jit_actions_t;
33090
33091 struct jit_code_entry
33092 @{
33093 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
33094 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
33095 const char *symfile_addr;
33096 uint64_t symfile_size;
33097 @};
33098
33099 struct jit_descriptor
33100 @{
33101 uint32_t version;
33102 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
33103 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
33104 uint32_t action_flag;
33105 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
33106 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
33107 @};
33108
33109 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
33110 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
33111
33112 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
33113 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
33114 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
33115 @end smallexample
33116
33117 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
33118 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
33119 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
33120
33121 @node Registering Code
33122 @section Registering Code
33123
33124 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
33125
33126 @itemize @bullet
33127 @item
33128 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
33129 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
33130
33131 @item
33132 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
33133 file.
33134
33135 @item
33136 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
33137
33138 @item
33139 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
33140
33141 @item
33142 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
33143 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33144 @end itemize
33145
33146 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
33147 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
33148 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
33149 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
33150
33151 @node Unregistering Code
33152 @section Unregistering Code
33153
33154 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
33155
33156 @itemize @bullet
33157 @item
33158 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
33159
33160 @item
33161 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
33162
33163 @item
33164 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
33165 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33166 @end itemize
33167
33168 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
33169 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
33170
33171 @node Custom Debug Info
33172 @section Custom Debug Info
33173 @cindex custom JIT debug info
33174 @cindex JIT debug info reader
33175
33176 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
33177 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
33178 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
33179 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
33180 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
33181 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
33182 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
33183 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
33184 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
33185
33186 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
33187 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
33188 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
33189 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
33190 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
33191 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
33192 compiler.
33193
33194 @menu
33195 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
33196 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
33197 @end menu
33198
33199 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33200 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33201 @kindex jit-reader-load
33202 @kindex jit-reader-unload
33203
33204 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
33205 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
33206
33207 @table @code
33208 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
33209 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}, which is a shared
33210 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
33211 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
33212 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
33213 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
33214 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
33215
33216 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
33217 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
33218 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
33219 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
33220 @code{jit-reader-load}.
33221
33222 @item jit-reader-unload
33223 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
33224
33225 @end table
33226
33227 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33228 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33229 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
33230
33231 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
33232 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
33233
33234 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
33235 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
33236 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
33237 the system include directory.
33238
33239 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
33240 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
33241 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
33242
33243 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
33244 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
33245
33246 @findex gdb_init_reader
33247 @smallexample
33248 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
33249 @end smallexample
33250
33251 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
33252
33253 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
33254 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
33255 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
33256 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
33257 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
33258 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
33259
33260 @smallexample
33261 struct gdb_reader_funcs
33262 @{
33263 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
33264 int reader_version;
33265
33266 /* For use by the reader. */
33267 void *priv_data;
33268
33269 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
33270 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
33271 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
33272 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
33273 @};
33274 @end smallexample
33275
33276 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
33277 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
33278
33279 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
33280 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
33281 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
33282 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
33283 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
33284 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
33285 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
33286 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
33287 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
33288 target's address space.
33289
33290 @node In-Process Agent
33291 @chapter In-Process Agent
33292 @cindex debugging agent
33293 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
33294 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
33295 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
33296 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
33297 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
33298 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
33299 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
33300 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
33301 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
33302 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
33303 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
33304 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
33305 behavior without interrupting it.
33306
33307 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
33308 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
33309 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
33310 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
33311 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
33312 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
33313 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
33314 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
33315 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
33316
33317 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
33318 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
33319 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
33320 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
33321
33322 @anchor{Control Agent}
33323 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
33324 debugging with the following commands:
33325
33326 @table @code
33327 @kindex set agent on
33328 @item set agent on
33329 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
33330 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
33331 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
33332 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
33333 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
33334 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
33335
33336 @kindex set agent off
33337 @item set agent off
33338 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
33339 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
33340
33341 @kindex show agent
33342 @item show agent
33343 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
33344 the in-process agent.
33345 @end table
33346
33347 @menu
33348 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
33349 @end menu
33350
33351 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
33352 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
33353 @cindex in-process agent protocol
33354
33355 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
33356 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
33357 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
33358 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
33359 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
33360 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
33361 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
33362 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
33363 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
33364
33365 @menu
33366 * IPA Protocol Objects::
33367 * IPA Protocol Commands::
33368 @end menu
33369
33370 @node IPA Protocol Objects
33371 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
33372 @cindex ipa protocol objects
33373
33374 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
33375 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
33376
33377 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
33378 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
33379 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
33380 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
33381
33382 @enumerate
33383 @item
33384 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
33385 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
33386 @item
33387 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
33388 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
33389 the other one.
33390 @end enumerate
33391
33392 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
33393
33394 @enumerate
33395 @item
33396 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
33397 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
33398 @anchor{agent expression object}
33399 @item
33400 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
33401 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
33402 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
33403 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
33404 @item
33405 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
33406 @anchor{tracepoint object}
33407
33408 @end enumerate
33409
33410 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
33411 object:
33412
33413 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
33414 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
33415 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
33416 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
33417 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
33418 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
33419 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33420 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
33421 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
33422 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
33423 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
33424 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
33425 memory address for collecting.
33426 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
33427 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33428 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
33429 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33430 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
33431 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33432 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
33433 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
33434 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
33435 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
33436 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
33437 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
33438 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
33439 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
33440 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
33441 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
33442 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
33443 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
33444 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
33445 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
33446 @ref{agent expression object}
33447 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
33448 @ref{agent expression object}
33449 @item actions @tab variable
33450 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
33451 @end multitable
33452
33453 @node IPA Protocol Commands
33454 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
33455 @cindex ipa protocol commands
33456
33457 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
33458 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
33459
33460 @table @samp
33461
33462 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
33463 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
33464 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
33465 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
33466 in IPA finally.
33467
33468 Replies:
33469 @table @samp
33470 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
33471 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
33472 The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
33473 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
33474 The @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
33475 The @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
33476 @item E @var{NN}
33477 for an error
33478
33479 @end table
33480
33481 @item close
33482 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
33483 is about to kill inferiors.
33484
33485 @item qTfSTM
33486 @xref{qTfSTM}.
33487 @item qTsSTM
33488 @xref{qTsSTM}.
33489 @item qTSTMat
33490 @xref{qTSTMat}.
33491 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
33492 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
33493
33494 Replies:
33495 @table @samp
33496 @item E @var{NN}
33497 for an error
33498 @end table
33499 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
33500 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
33501 @end table
33502
33503 @node GDB Bugs
33504 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
33505 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
33506 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
33507
33508 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
33509
33510 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
33511 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
33512 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
33513 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
33514
33515 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
33516 information that enables us to fix the bug.
33517
33518 @menu
33519 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
33520 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
33521 @end menu
33522
33523 @node Bug Criteria
33524 @section Have You Found a Bug?
33525 @cindex bug criteria
33526
33527 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
33528
33529 @itemize @bullet
33530 @cindex fatal signal
33531 @cindex debugger crash
33532 @cindex crash of debugger
33533 @item
33534 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
33535 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
33536
33537 @cindex error on valid input
33538 @item
33539 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
33540 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
33541 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
33542
33543 @cindex invalid input
33544 @item
33545 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
33546 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
33547 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
33548 for traditional practice''.
33549
33550 @item
33551 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
33552 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
33553 @end itemize
33554
33555 @node Bug Reporting
33556 @section How to Report Bugs
33557 @cindex bug reports
33558 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
33559
33560 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
33561 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
33562 contact that organization first.
33563
33564 You can find contact information for many support companies and
33565 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
33566 distribution.
33567 @c should add a web page ref...
33568
33569 @ifset BUGURL
33570 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
33571 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33572 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
33573 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
33574 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
33575 be used.
33576
33577 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
33578 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
33579 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
33580 @samp{bug-gdb}.
33581
33582 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
33583 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
33584 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
33585 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
33586 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
33587 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
33588 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
33589 bug reports to the mailing list.
33590 @end ifset
33591 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
33592 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33593 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
33594 @end ifclear
33595 @end ifset
33596
33597 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
33598 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
33599 fact or leave it out, state it!
33600
33601 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
33602 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
33603 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
33604 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
33605 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
33606 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
33607 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
33608 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
33609 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
33610
33611 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
33612 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
33613 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
33614 self-contained.
33615
33616 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
33617 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
33618 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
33619 bugs properly.
33620
33621 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
33622
33623 @itemize @bullet
33624 @item
33625 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
33626 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
33627 version}.
33628
33629 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
33630 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
33631
33632 @item
33633 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
33634 version number.
33635
33636 @item
33637 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
33638 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
33639 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
33640 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
33641
33642 @item
33643 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
33644 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
33645
33646 @item
33647 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
33648 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
33649 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
33650 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
33651 those compilers.
33652
33653 @item
33654 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
33655 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
33656 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
33657 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
33658
33659 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
33660 and then we might not encounter the bug.
33661
33662 @item
33663 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
33664 reproduce the bug.
33665
33666 @item
33667 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
33668 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
33669
33670 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
33671 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
33672 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
33673 a chance to make a mistake.
33674
33675 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
33676 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
33677 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
33678 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
33679 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
33680 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
33681 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
33682 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
33683
33684 @pindex script
33685 @cindex recording a session script
33686 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
33687 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
33688 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
33689 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
33690
33691 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
33692 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
33693
33694 @item
33695 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
33696 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
33697 it by context, not by line number.
33698
33699 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
33700 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
33701
33702 @end itemize
33703
33704 Here are some things that are not necessary:
33705
33706 @itemize @bullet
33707 @item
33708 A description of the envelope of the bug.
33709
33710 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
33711 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
33712 changes will not affect it.
33713
33714 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
33715 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
33716 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
33717 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
33718
33719 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
33720 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
33721 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
33722 less time, and so on.
33723
33724 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
33725 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
33726
33727 @item
33728 A patch for the bug.
33729
33730 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
33731 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
33732 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
33733 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
33734
33735 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
33736 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
33737 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
33738 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
33739
33740 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
33741 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
33742 help us to understand.
33743
33744 @item
33745 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
33746
33747 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
33748 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
33749 @end itemize
33750
33751 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
33752 @c and consists of the two following files:
33753 @c rluser.texi
33754 @c hsuser.texi
33755 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
33756 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
33757 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
33758 @include rluser.texi
33759 @include hsuser.texi
33760 @end ifclear
33761
33762 @node In Memoriam
33763 @appendix In Memoriam
33764
33765 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
33766 contributors:
33767
33768 @table @code
33769 @item Fred Fish
33770 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
33771 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
33772 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
33773
33774 @item Michael Snyder
33775 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
33776 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
33777 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
33778 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
33779 @end table
33780
33781 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
33782 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
33783
33784 @node Formatting Documentation
33785 @appendix Formatting Documentation
33786
33787 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
33788 @cindex reference card
33789 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
33790 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
33791 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
33792 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
33793 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
33794 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
33795
33796 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
33797 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
33798
33799 @smallexample
33800 make refcard.dvi
33801 @end smallexample
33802
33803 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
33804 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
33805 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
33806 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
33807 your @sc{dvi} output program.
33808
33809 @cindex documentation
33810
33811 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
33812 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
33813 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
33814 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
33815 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
33816 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
33817
33818 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
33819 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
33820 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
33821 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
33822 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
33823 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
33824 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
33825 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
33826
33827 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
33828 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
33829 @code{makeinfo}.
33830
33831 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
33832 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
33833 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
33834
33835 @smallexample
33836 cd gdb
33837 make gdb.info
33838 @end smallexample
33839
33840 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
33841 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
33842 Texinfo definitions file.
33843
33844 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
33845 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
33846 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
33847 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
33848 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
33849 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
33850 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
33851
33852 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
33853 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
33854 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
33855 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
33856 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
33857 directory.
33858
33859 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
33860 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
33861 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
33862 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
33863
33864 @smallexample
33865 make gdb.dvi
33866 @end smallexample
33867
33868 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
33869
33870 @node Installing GDB
33871 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
33872 @cindex installation
33873
33874 @menu
33875 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
33876 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
33877 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
33878 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
33879 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
33880 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
33881 @end menu
33882
33883 @node Requirements
33884 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
33885 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
33886
33887 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
33888 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
33889
33890 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
33891 @table @asis
33892 @item ISO C90 compiler
33893 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
33894 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
33895
33896 @end table
33897
33898 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
33899 @table @asis
33900 @item Expat
33901 @anchor{Expat}
33902 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
33903 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
33904 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
33905 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
33906 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
33907 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
33908
33909 Expat is used for:
33910
33911 @itemize @bullet
33912 @item
33913 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
33914 @item
33915 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
33916 @item
33917 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
33918 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
33919 @item
33920 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
33921 @item
33922 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
33923 @item
33924 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format},
33925 @pxref{Branch Trace Configuration Format})
33926 @end itemize
33927
33928 @item zlib
33929 @cindex compressed debug sections
33930 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
33931 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
33932 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
33933 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
33934 information in such binaries.
33935
33936 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
33937 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
33938 @url{http://zlib.net}.
33939
33940 @item iconv
33941 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
33942 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
33943 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
33944 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
33945
33946 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
33947 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
33948 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
33949 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
33950
33951 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
33952 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
33953 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
33954
33955 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
33956 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
33957 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
33958 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
33959 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
33960 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
33961 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
33962 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
33963 @end table
33964
33965 @node Running Configure
33966 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
33967 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
33968 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
33969 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
33970 build the @code{gdb} program.
33971 @iftex
33972 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
33973 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
33974 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
33975 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
33976 @end iftex
33977
33978 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
33979 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
33980 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
33981
33982 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
33983 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
33984
33985 @table @code
33986 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
33987 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
33988
33989 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
33990 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
33991
33992 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
33993 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
33994
33995 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
33996 @sc{gnu} include files
33997
33998 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
33999 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
34000
34001 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
34002 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
34003
34004 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
34005 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
34006
34007 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
34008 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
34009
34010 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
34011 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
34012 @end table
34013
34014 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
34015 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
34016 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
34017
34018 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
34019 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
34020 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
34021 argument.
34022
34023 For example:
34024
34025 @smallexample
34026 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34027 ./configure @var{host}
34028 make
34029 @end smallexample
34030
34031 @noindent
34032 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
34033 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
34034 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
34035 correct value by examining your system.)
34036
34037 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
34038 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
34039 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
34040 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
34041
34042 @need 750
34043 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
34044 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
34045 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
34046
34047 @smallexample
34048 sh configure @var{host}
34049 @end smallexample
34050
34051 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
34052 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
34053 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
34054 @file{configure}
34055 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
34056 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
34057
34058 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
34059 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
34060 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
34061 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
34062 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
34063 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
34064 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
34065 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
34066 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34067
34068 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
34069 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
34070 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
34071 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
34072 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
34073
34074 @node Separate Objdir
34075 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
34076
34077 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
34078 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
34079 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
34080 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
34081 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
34082 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
34083 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
34084 program specified there.
34085
34086 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
34087 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
34088 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
34089 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
34090 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
34091 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
34092
34093 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
34094 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
34095
34096 @smallexample
34097 @group
34098 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34099 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
34100 cd ../gdb-sun4
34101 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
34102 make
34103 @end group
34104 @end smallexample
34105
34106 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
34107 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
34108 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
34109 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
34110 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
34111 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
34112
34113 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
34114 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
34115 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
34116 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
34117 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34118
34119 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
34120 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
34121 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
34122 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
34123 You specify a cross-debugging target by
34124 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
34125
34126 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
34127 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
34128 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
34129
34130 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
34131 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
34132 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
34133 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
34134 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
34135
34136 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
34137 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
34138 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
34139 with each other.
34140
34141 @node Config Names
34142 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
34143
34144 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
34145 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
34146 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
34147 of information in the following pattern:
34148
34149 @smallexample
34150 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
34151 @end smallexample
34152
34153 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
34154 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
34155 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
34156
34157 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
34158 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
34159 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
34160 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
34161 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
34162 abbreviations---for example:
34163
34164 @smallexample
34165 % sh config.sub i386-linux
34166 i386-pc-linux-gnu
34167 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
34168 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
34169 % sh config.sub hp9k700
34170 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
34171 % sh config.sub sun4
34172 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
34173 % sh config.sub sun3
34174 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
34175 % sh config.sub i986v
34176 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
34177 @end smallexample
34178
34179 @noindent
34180 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
34181 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
34182
34183 @node Configure Options
34184 @section @file{configure} Options
34185
34186 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
34187 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
34188 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
34189 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
34190
34191 @smallexample
34192 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
34193 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34194 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34195 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
34196 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
34197 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
34198 @var{host}
34199 @end smallexample
34200
34201 @noindent
34202 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
34203 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
34204 @samp{--}.
34205
34206 @table @code
34207 @item --help
34208 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
34209
34210 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
34211 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
34212 @file{@var{dir}}.
34213
34214 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
34215 Configure the source to install programs under directory
34216 @file{@var{dir}}.
34217
34218 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
34219 @need 2000
34220 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
34221 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
34222 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
34223 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
34224 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
34225 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
34226 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
34227 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
34228 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
34229 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
34230 @var{dirname}.
34231
34232 @item --norecursion
34233 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
34234 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
34235
34236 @item --target=@var{target}
34237 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
34238 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
34239 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
34240
34241 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
34242
34243 @item @var{host} @dots{}
34244 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
34245
34246 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
34247 @end table
34248
34249 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
34250 needed for special purposes only.
34251
34252 @node System-wide configuration
34253 @section System-wide configuration and settings
34254 @cindex system-wide init file
34255
34256 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
34257 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
34258 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
34259
34260 Here is the corresponding configure option:
34261
34262 @table @code
34263 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
34264 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
34265 @var{file}.
34266 @end table
34267
34268 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
34269 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
34270
34271 @itemize @bullet
34272 @item
34273 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
34274 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
34275 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
34276 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
34277 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
34278 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
34279
34280 @item
34281 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
34282 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
34283 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34284 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34285 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
34286 @end itemize
34287
34288 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
34289 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
34290 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
34291 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
34292 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
34293 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
34294 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
34295 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
34296 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
34297 reread.
34298
34299 @menu
34300 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
34301 @end menu
34302
34303 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
34304 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
34305 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
34306
34307 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
34308 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
34309 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
34310 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
34311 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
34312 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
34313
34314 The following scripts are currently available:
34315 @itemize @bullet
34316
34317 @item @file{elinos.py}
34318 @pindex elinos.py
34319 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
34320 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
34321 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
34322 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
34323 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
34324 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
34325
34326 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
34327 @pindex wrs-linux.py
34328 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
34329 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
34330 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
34331 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
34332
34333 @end itemize
34334
34335 @node Maintenance Commands
34336 @appendix Maintenance Commands
34337 @cindex maintenance commands
34338 @cindex internal commands
34339
34340 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
34341 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
34342 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
34343 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
34344 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
34345
34346 @table @code
34347 @kindex maint agent
34348 @kindex maint agent-eval
34349 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
34350 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
34351 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
34352 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
34353 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
34354 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
34355 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
34356 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
34357 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
34358 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
34359 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
34360 addition and return the sum.
34361 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
34362 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
34363
34364 @kindex maint agent-printf
34365 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
34366 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
34367 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
34368 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
34369 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
34370
34371 @kindex maint info breakpoints
34372 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
34373 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
34374 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
34375 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
34376 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
34377 is shown:
34378
34379 @table @code
34380 @item breakpoint
34381 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
34382
34383 @item watchpoint
34384 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
34385
34386 @item longjmp
34387 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
34388 @code{longjmp} calls.
34389
34390 @item longjmp resume
34391 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
34392
34393 @item until
34394 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
34395
34396 @item finish
34397 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
34398
34399 @item shlib events
34400 Shared library events.
34401
34402 @end table
34403
34404 @kindex maint info btrace
34405 @item maint info btrace
34406 Pint information about raw branch tracing data.
34407
34408 @kindex maint btrace packet-history
34409 @item maint btrace packet-history
34410 Print the raw branch trace packets that are used to compute the
34411 execution history for the @samp{record btrace} command. Both the
34412 information and the format in which it is printed depend on the btrace
34413 recording format.
34414
34415 @table @code
34416 @item bts
34417 For the BTS recording format, print a list of blocks of sequential
34418 code. For each block, the following information is printed:
34419
34420 @table @asis
34421 @item Block number
34422 Newer blocks have higher numbers. The oldest block has number zero.
34423 @item Lowest @samp{PC}
34424 @item Highest @samp{PC}
34425 @end table
34426
34427 @item pt
34428 For the Intel Processor Trace recording format, print a list of
34429 Intel Processor Trace packets. For each packet, the following
34430 information is printed:
34431
34432 @table @asis
34433 @item Packet number
34434 Newer packets have higher numbers. The oldest packet has number zero.
34435 @item Trace offset
34436 The packet's offset in the trace stream.
34437 @item Packet opcode and payload
34438 @end table
34439 @end table
34440
34441 @kindex maint btrace clear-packet-history
34442 @item maint btrace clear-packet-history
34443 Discards the cached packet history printed by the @samp{maint btrace
34444 packet-history} command. The history will be computed again when
34445 needed.
34446
34447 @kindex maint btrace clear
34448 @item maint btrace clear
34449 Discard the branch trace data. The data will be fetched anew and the
34450 branch trace will be recomputed when needed.
34451
34452 This implicitly truncates the branch trace to a single branch trace
34453 buffer. When updating branch trace incrementally, the branch trace
34454 available to @value{GDBN} may be bigger than a single branch trace
34455 buffer.
34456
34457 @kindex maint set btrace pt skip-pad
34458 @item maint set btrace pt skip-pad
34459 @kindex maint show btrace pt skip-pad
34460 @item maint show btrace pt skip-pad
34461 Control whether @value{GDBN} will skip PAD packets when computing the
34462 packet history.
34463
34464 @kindex set displaced-stepping
34465 @kindex show displaced-stepping
34466 @cindex displaced stepping support
34467 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
34468 @item set displaced-stepping
34469 @itemx show displaced-stepping
34470 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
34471 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
34472 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
34473 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
34474 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
34475
34476 @table @code
34477 @item set displaced-stepping on
34478 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
34479 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
34480
34481 @item set displaced-stepping off
34482 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
34483 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
34484
34485 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
34486 @item set displaced-stepping auto
34487 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
34488 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
34489 architecture supports displaced stepping.
34490 @end table
34491
34492 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
34493 @item maint check-psymtabs
34494 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
34495 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
34496
34497 @kindex maint check-symtabs
34498 @item maint check-symtabs
34499 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
34500
34501 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
34502 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
34503 Expand symbol tables.
34504 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
34505 names matching @var{regexp}.
34506
34507 @kindex maint set catch-demangler-crashes
34508 @kindex maint show catch-demangler-crashes
34509 @cindex demangler crashes
34510 @item maint set catch-demangler-crashes [on|off]
34511 @itemx maint show catch-demangler-crashes
34512 Control whether @value{GDBN} should attempt to catch crashes in the
34513 symbol name demangler. The default is to attempt to catch crashes.
34514 If enabled, the first time a crash is caught, a core file is created,
34515 the offending symbol is displayed and the user is presented with the
34516 option to terminate the current session.
34517
34518 @kindex maint cplus first_component
34519 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
34520 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
34521
34522 @kindex maint cplus namespace
34523 @item maint cplus namespace
34524 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
34525
34526 @kindex maint deprecate
34527 @kindex maint undeprecate
34528 @cindex deprecated commands
34529 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
34530 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
34531 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
34532 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
34533 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
34534 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
34535 the replacement as part of the warning.
34536
34537 @kindex maint dump-me
34538 @item maint dump-me
34539 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
34540 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
34541 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
34542 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
34543
34544 @kindex maint internal-error
34545 @kindex maint internal-warning
34546 @kindex maint demangler-warning
34547 @cindex demangler crashes
34548 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34549 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34550 @itemx maint demangler-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34551
34552 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error},
34553 @code{internal_warning} or @code{demangler_warning} and hence behave
34554 as though an internal problem has been detected. In addition to
34555 reporting the internal problem, these functions give the user the
34556 opportunity to either quit @value{GDBN} or (for @code{internal_error}
34557 and @code{internal_warning}) create a core file of the current
34558 @value{GDBN} session.
34559
34560 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
34561 used as the text of the error or warning message.
34562
34563 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
34564
34565 @smallexample
34566 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
34567 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
34568 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
34569 debugging may prove unreliable.
34570 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34571 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34572 (@value{GDBP})
34573 @end smallexample
34574
34575 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
34576 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
34577 @cindex demangler crashes
34578
34579 @kindex maint set internal-error
34580 @kindex maint show internal-error
34581 @kindex maint set internal-warning
34582 @kindex maint show internal-warning
34583 @kindex maint set demangler-warning
34584 @kindex maint show demangler-warning
34585 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34586 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
34587 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34588 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
34589 @itemx maint set demangler-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34590 @itemx maint show demangler-warning @var{action}
34591 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
34592 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
34593 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
34594 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
34595 described in the table below.
34596
34597 @table @samp
34598 @item quit
34599 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34600 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
34601
34602 @item corefile
34603 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34604 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do. Note
34605 that there is no @code{corefile} option for @code{demangler-warning}:
34606 demangler warnings always create a core file and this cannot be
34607 disabled.
34608 @end table
34609
34610 @kindex maint packet
34611 @item maint packet @var{text}
34612 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
34613 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
34614 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
34615 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
34616 checksum.
34617
34618 @kindex maint print architecture
34619 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34620 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
34621 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
34622
34623 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
34624 @item maint print c-tdesc
34625 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
34626 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
34627 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
34628
34629 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
34630 @item maint print dummy-frames
34631 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
34632
34633 @smallexample
34634 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
34635 @dots{}
34636 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
34637 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
34638 58 return (a + b);
34639 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
34640 @dots{}
34641 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
34642 0xa8206d8: id=@{stack=0xbfffe734,code=0xbfffe73f,!special@}, ptid=process 9353
34643 (@value{GDBP})
34644 @end smallexample
34645
34646 Takes an optional file parameter.
34647
34648 @kindex maint print registers
34649 @kindex maint print raw-registers
34650 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
34651 @kindex maint print register-groups
34652 @kindex maint print remote-registers
34653 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34654 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34655 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34656 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34657 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34658 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
34659
34660 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
34661 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
34662 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
34663 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
34664 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
34665 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
34666 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
34667 and offsets in the `G' packets.
34668
34669 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
34670 write the information.
34671
34672 @kindex maint print reggroups
34673 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34674 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
34675 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
34676 information.
34677
34678 The register groups info looks like this:
34679
34680 @smallexample
34681 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
34682 Group Type
34683 general user
34684 float user
34685 all user
34686 vector user
34687 system user
34688 save internal
34689 restore internal
34690 @end smallexample
34691
34692 @kindex flushregs
34693 @item flushregs
34694 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
34695
34696 @kindex maint print objfiles
34697 @cindex info for known object files
34698 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
34699 Print a dump of all known object files.
34700 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
34701 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
34702 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
34703
34704 @kindex maint print user-registers
34705 @cindex user registers
34706 @item maint print user-registers
34707 List all currently available @dfn{user registers}. User registers
34708 typically provide alternate names for actual hardware registers. They
34709 include the four ``standard'' registers @code{$fp}, @code{$pc},
34710 @code{$sp}, and @code{$ps}. @xref{standard registers}. User
34711 registers can be used in expressions in the same way as the canonical
34712 register names, but only the latter are listed by the @code{info
34713 registers} and @code{maint print registers} commands.
34714
34715 @kindex maint print section-scripts
34716 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
34717 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
34718 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
34719 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
34720 matching @var{regexp}.
34721 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
34722 and the full path if known.
34723 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
34724
34725 @kindex maint print statistics
34726 @cindex bcache statistics
34727 @item maint print statistics
34728 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
34729 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
34730 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
34731 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
34732 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
34733 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
34734 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
34735 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
34736 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
34737 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
34738 lengths.
34739
34740 @kindex maint print target-stack
34741 @cindex target stack description
34742 @item maint print target-stack
34743 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
34744 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
34745 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
34746 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
34747 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
34748 address.
34749
34750 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
34751 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
34752
34753 @kindex maint print type
34754 @cindex type chain of a data type
34755 @item maint print type @var{expr}
34756 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
34757 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
34758 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
34759 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
34760 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
34761
34762 @kindex maint selftest
34763 @cindex self tests
34764 Run any self tests that were compiled in to @value{GDBN}. This will
34765 print a message showing how many tests were run, and how many failed.
34766
34767 @kindex maint set dwarf always-disassemble
34768 @kindex maint show dwarf always-disassemble
34769 @item maint set dwarf always-disassemble
34770 @item maint show dwarf always-disassemble
34771 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
34772 information.
34773
34774 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
34775 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
34776 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
34777 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
34778 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
34779 always see the disassembly form.
34780
34781 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
34782
34783 @smallexample
34784 (gdb) info addr argc
34785 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
34786 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
34787 @end smallexample
34788
34789 For more information on these expressions, see
34790 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
34791
34792 @kindex maint set dwarf max-cache-age
34793 @kindex maint show dwarf max-cache-age
34794 @item maint set dwarf max-cache-age
34795 @itemx maint show dwarf max-cache-age
34796 Control the DWARF compilation unit cache.
34797
34798 @cindex DWARF compilation units cache
34799 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
34800 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF
34801 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
34802 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
34803 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
34804 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
34805 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
34806 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
34807
34808 @kindex maint set profile
34809 @kindex maint show profile
34810 @cindex profiling GDB
34811 @item maint set profile
34812 @itemx maint show profile
34813 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
34814
34815 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
34816 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
34817 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
34818 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
34819 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
34820 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
34821 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
34822
34823 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
34824 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
34825
34826 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
34827 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
34828 @cindex hardware debug registers
34829 @item maint set show-debug-regs
34830 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
34831 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
34832 registers. Use @code{on} to enable, @code{off} to disable. If
34833 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
34834 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
34835 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
34836
34837 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
34838 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
34839 @item maint set show-all-tib
34840 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
34841 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
34842 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
34843 command.
34844
34845 @kindex maint set target-async
34846 @kindex maint show target-async
34847 @item maint set target-async
34848 @itemx maint show target-async
34849 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets operate in synchronous or
34850 asynchronous mode (@pxref{Background Execution}). Normally the
34851 default is asynchronous, if it is available; but this can be changed
34852 to more easily debug problems occurring only in synchronous mode.
34853
34854 @kindex maint set target-non-stop @var{mode} [on|off|auto]
34855 @kindex maint show target-non-stop
34856 @item maint set target-non-stop
34857 @itemx maint show target-non-stop
34858
34859 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets always operate in non-stop
34860 mode even if @code{set non-stop} is @code{off} (@pxref{Non-Stop
34861 Mode}). The default is @code{auto}, meaning non-stop mode is enabled
34862 if supported by the target.
34863
34864 @table @code
34865 @item maint set target-non-stop auto
34866 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} controls the target in
34867 non-stop mode if the target supports it.
34868
34869 @item maint set target-non-stop on
34870 @value{GDBN} controls the target in non-stop mode even if the target
34871 does not indicate support.
34872
34873 @item maint set target-non-stop off
34874 @value{GDBN} does not control the target in non-stop mode even if the
34875 target supports it.
34876 @end table
34877
34878 @kindex maint set per-command
34879 @kindex maint show per-command
34880 @item maint set per-command
34881 @itemx maint show per-command
34882 @cindex resources used by commands
34883
34884 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
34885 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
34886
34887 @table @code
34888 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
34889 @itemx maint show per-command space
34890 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
34891 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
34892 took, following the command's own output.
34893 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
34894 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
34895
34896 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
34897 @itemx maint show per-command time
34898 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
34899 for each command.
34900 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
34901 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
34902 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
34903 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
34904 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
34905 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
34906 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
34907 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
34908 spent by the program been debugged.
34909 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
34910 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
34911
34912 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
34913 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
34914 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
34915 for each command.
34916 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
34917
34918 @enumerate a
34919 @item
34920 number of symbol tables
34921 @item
34922 number of primary symbol tables
34923 @item
34924 number of blocks in the blockvector
34925 @end enumerate
34926 @end table
34927
34928 @kindex maint space
34929 @cindex memory used by commands
34930 @item maint space @var{value}
34931 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
34932 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
34933
34934 @kindex maint time
34935 @cindex time of command execution
34936 @item maint time @var{value}
34937 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
34938 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
34939
34940 @kindex maint translate-address
34941 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
34942 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
34943 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
34944 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
34945 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
34946 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
34947 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
34948
34949 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
34950 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
34951 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
34952
34953 @end table
34954
34955 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
34956 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
34957
34958 @table @code
34959 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
34960 @kindex set watchdog
34961 @cindex watchdog timer
34962 @cindex timeout for commands
34963 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
34964 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
34965 reports and error and the command is aborted.
34966
34967 @item show watchdog
34968 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
34969 @end table
34970
34971 @node Remote Protocol
34972 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
34973
34974 @menu
34975 * Overview::
34976 * Packets::
34977 * Stop Reply Packets::
34978 * General Query Packets::
34979 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
34980 * Tracepoint Packets::
34981 * Host I/O Packets::
34982 * Interrupts::
34983 * Notification Packets::
34984 * Remote Non-Stop::
34985 * Packet Acknowledgment::
34986 * Examples::
34987 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
34988 * Library List Format::
34989 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
34990 * Memory Map Format::
34991 * Thread List Format::
34992 * Traceframe Info Format::
34993 * Branch Trace Format::
34994 * Branch Trace Configuration Format::
34995 @end menu
34996
34997 @node Overview
34998 @section Overview
34999
35000 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
35001 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
35002 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
35003 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
35004
35005 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
35006 transmitted and received data, respectively.
35007
35008 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
35009 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
35010 @cindex remote serial protocol
35011 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
35012 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
35013 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
35014 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
35015 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
35016
35017 @smallexample
35018 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35019 @end smallexample
35020 @noindent
35021
35022 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
35023 @noindent
35024 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
35025 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
35026 eight bit unsigned checksum).
35027
35028 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
35029 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
35030
35031 @smallexample
35032 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35033 @end smallexample
35034
35035 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
35036 @noindent
35037 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
35038 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
35039 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
35040
35041 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
35042 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
35043 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
35044 retransmission):
35045
35046 @smallexample
35047 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35048 <- @code{+}
35049 @end smallexample
35050 @noindent
35051
35052 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
35053 once a connection is established.
35054 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
35055
35056 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
35057 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
35058 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
35059 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
35060 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
35061 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
35062 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
35063
35064 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
35065 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
35066 exceptions).
35067
35068 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
35069 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
35070 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
35071 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
35072
35073 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
35074 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
35075 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
35076
35077 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
35078 @anchor{Binary Data}
35079 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
35080 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
35081 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
35082 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
35083 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
35084 binary data.
35085
35086 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
35087 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
35088 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
35089 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
35090 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
35091 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
35092 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
35093 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
35094 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
35095 (described next).
35096
35097 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
35098 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
35099 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
35100 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
35101 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
35102 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
35103 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
35104 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
35105 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
35106 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
35107 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
35108 3}} more times.
35109
35110 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
35111 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
35112 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
35113 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
35114 @samp{0*"00}.
35115
35116 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
35117 error number. That number is not well defined.
35118
35119 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
35120 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
35121 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
35122 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
35123 on that response.
35124
35125 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
35126 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
35127 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
35128 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
35129 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
35130 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
35131
35132 @node Packets
35133 @section Packets
35134
35135 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
35136 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
35137 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
35138 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
35139
35140 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
35141 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
35142 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
35143 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
35144 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
35145 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
35146 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
35147 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
35148 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
35149 @var{baz}.
35150
35151 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
35152 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
35153 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
35154 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
35155 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
35156 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
35157 pick any thread.
35158
35159 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
35160 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
35161 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
35162 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
35163 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
35164 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
35165 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
35166 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
35167 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
35168 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
35169 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
35170 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
35171 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
35172
35173 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
35174 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
35175 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
35176 more information.
35177
35178 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
35179 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
35180
35181 Here are the packet descriptions.
35182
35183 @table @samp
35184
35185 @item !
35186 @cindex @samp{!} packet
35187 @anchor{extended mode}
35188 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
35189 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
35190 debugged.
35191
35192 Reply:
35193 @table @samp
35194 @item OK
35195 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
35196 @end table
35197
35198 @item ?
35199 @cindex @samp{?} packet
35200 @anchor{? packet}
35201 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
35202 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
35203 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
35204
35205 Reply:
35206 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35207
35208 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
35209 @cindex @samp{A} packet
35210 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
35211 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
35212 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
35213
35214 Reply:
35215 @table @samp
35216 @item OK
35217 The arguments were set.
35218 @item E @var{NN}
35219 An error occurred.
35220 @end table
35221
35222 @item b @var{baud}
35223 @cindex @samp{b} packet
35224 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
35225 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
35226
35227 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
35228 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
35229 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
35230
35231 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
35232 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
35233 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
35234 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
35235 of view, nothing actually happened.}
35236
35237 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
35238 @cindex @samp{B} packet
35239 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
35240 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
35241
35242 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
35243 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
35244
35245 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
35246 @anchor{bc}
35247 @item bc
35248 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
35249 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35250
35251 Reply:
35252 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35253
35254 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
35255 @anchor{bs}
35256 @item bs
35257 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
35258 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35259
35260 Reply:
35261 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35262
35263 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35264 @cindex @samp{c} packet
35265 Continue at @var{addr}, which is the address to resume. If @var{addr}
35266 is omitted, resume at current address.
35267
35268 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35269 packet}.
35270
35271 Reply:
35272 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35273
35274 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35275 @cindex @samp{C} packet
35276 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
35277 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
35278
35279 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35280 packet}.
35281
35282 Reply:
35283 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35284
35285 @item d
35286 @cindex @samp{d} packet
35287 Toggle debug flag.
35288
35289 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
35290 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
35291
35292 @item D
35293 @itemx D;@var{pid}
35294 @cindex @samp{D} packet
35295 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
35296 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
35297 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
35298
35299 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
35300 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
35301 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
35302 big-endian hex string.
35303
35304 Reply:
35305 @table @samp
35306 @item OK
35307 for success
35308 @item E @var{NN}
35309 for an error
35310 @end table
35311
35312 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
35313 @cindex @samp{F} packet
35314 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
35315 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
35316 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
35317
35318 @item g
35319 @anchor{read registers packet}
35320 @cindex @samp{g} packet
35321 Read general registers.
35322
35323 Reply:
35324 @table @samp
35325 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35326 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
35327 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
35328 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
35329 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
35330 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}.
35331
35332 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
35333 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
35334 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
35335 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
35336 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
35337 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
35338 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
35339 have been collected, and both have zero value:
35340
35341 @smallexample
35342 -> @code{g}
35343 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
35344 @end smallexample
35345
35346 @item E @var{NN}
35347 for an error.
35348 @end table
35349
35350 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
35351 @cindex @samp{G} packet
35352 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
35353 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
35354
35355 Reply:
35356 @table @samp
35357 @item OK
35358 for success
35359 @item E @var{NN}
35360 for an error
35361 @end table
35362
35363 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
35364 @cindex @samp{H} packet
35365 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
35366 @samp{G}, et.al.). Depending on the operation to be performed, @var{op}
35367 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
35368 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
35369 option), and @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
35370 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
35371 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35372
35373 Reply:
35374 @table @samp
35375 @item OK
35376 for success
35377 @item E @var{NN}
35378 for an error
35379 @end table
35380
35381 @c FIXME: JTC:
35382 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
35383 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
35384 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
35385 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
35386 @c described. For example:
35387 @c
35388 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35389 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
35390 @c otherwise returns current registers.
35391 @c
35392 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35393 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
35394 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
35395
35396 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
35397 @anchor{cycle step packet}
35398 @cindex @samp{i} packet
35399 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
35400 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
35401 step starting at that address.
35402
35403 @item I
35404 @cindex @samp{I} packet
35405 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
35406 step packet}.
35407
35408 @item k
35409 @cindex @samp{k} packet
35410 Kill request.
35411
35412 The exact effect of this packet is not specified.
35413
35414 For a bare-metal target, it may power cycle or reset the target
35415 system. For that reason, the @samp{k} packet has no reply.
35416
35417 For a single-process target, it may kill that process if possible.
35418
35419 A multiple-process target may choose to kill just one process, or all
35420 that are under @value{GDBN}'s control. For more precise control, use
35421 the vKill packet (@pxref{vKill packet}).
35422
35423 If the target system immediately closes the connection in response to
35424 @samp{k}, @value{GDBN} does not consider the lack of packet
35425 acknowledgment to be an error, and assumes the kill was successful.
35426
35427 If connected using @kbd{target extended-remote}, and the target does
35428 not close the connection in response to a kill request, @value{GDBN}
35429 probes the target state as if a new connection was opened
35430 (@pxref{? packet}).
35431
35432 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
35433 @cindex @samp{m} packet
35434 Read @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
35435 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to
35436 any particular boundary.
35437
35438 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
35439 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
35440 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
35441 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
35442 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
35443 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
35444 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
35445 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
35446
35447 Reply:
35448 @table @samp
35449 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35450 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
35451 The reply may contain fewer addressable memory units than requested if the
35452 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
35453 @item E @var{NN}
35454 @var{NN} is errno
35455 @end table
35456
35457 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35458 @cindex @samp{M} packet
35459 Write @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
35460 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). The data is given by @var{XX@dots{}}; each
35461 byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
35462
35463 Reply:
35464 @table @samp
35465 @item OK
35466 for success
35467 @item E @var{NN}
35468 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
35469 written).
35470 @end table
35471
35472 @item p @var{n}
35473 @cindex @samp{p} packet
35474 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
35475 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
35476 register value is encoded.
35477
35478 Reply:
35479 @table @samp
35480 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35481 the register's value
35482 @item E @var{NN}
35483 for an error
35484 @item @w{}
35485 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
35486 @end table
35487
35488 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
35489 @anchor{write register packet}
35490 @cindex @samp{P} packet
35491 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
35492 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
35493 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
35494
35495 Reply:
35496 @table @samp
35497 @item OK
35498 for success
35499 @item E @var{NN}
35500 for an error
35501 @end table
35502
35503 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35504 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35505 @cindex @samp{q} packet
35506 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
35507 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
35508 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
35509
35510 @item r
35511 @cindex @samp{r} packet
35512 Reset the entire system.
35513
35514 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
35515
35516 @item R @var{XX}
35517 @cindex @samp{R} packet
35518 Restart the program being debugged. The @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
35519 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35520
35521 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
35522
35523 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35524 @cindex @samp{s} packet
35525 Single step, resuming at @var{addr}. If
35526 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
35527
35528 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35529 packet}.
35530
35531 Reply:
35532 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35533
35534 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35535 @anchor{step with signal packet}
35536 @cindex @samp{S} packet
35537 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
35538 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
35539
35540 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35541 packet}.
35542
35543 Reply:
35544 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35545
35546 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
35547 @cindex @samp{t} packet
35548 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
35549 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}, both of which are are 4 byte long.
35550 There must be at least 3 digits in @var{addr}.
35551
35552 @item T @var{thread-id}
35553 @cindex @samp{T} packet
35554 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
35555
35556 Reply:
35557 @table @samp
35558 @item OK
35559 thread is still alive
35560 @item E @var{NN}
35561 thread is dead
35562 @end table
35563
35564 @item v
35565 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
35566 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
35567
35568 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
35569 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
35570 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
35571 The process ID is a
35572 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
35573 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
35574 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
35575
35576 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
35577 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
35578 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
35579 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
35580 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
35581 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
35582 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
35583 @c stopping or restarting threads.
35584
35585 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35586
35587 Reply:
35588 @table @samp
35589 @item E @var{nn}
35590 for an error
35591 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35592 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35593 @item OK
35594 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
35595 @end table
35596
35597 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
35598 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
35599 @anchor{vCont packet}
35600 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
35601
35602 For each inferior thread, the leftmost action with a matching
35603 @var{thread-id} is applied. Threads that don't match any action
35604 remain in their current state. Thread IDs are specified using the
35605 syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}. If multiprocess
35606 extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}) are supported, actions
35607 can be specified to match all threads in a process by using the
35608 @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the @var{thread-id}. An action with no
35609 @var{thread-id} matches all threads. Specifying no actions is an
35610 error.
35611
35612 Currently supported actions are:
35613
35614 @table @samp
35615 @item c
35616 Continue.
35617 @item C @var{sig}
35618 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
35619 @item s
35620 Step.
35621 @item S @var{sig}
35622 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
35623 @item t
35624 Stop.
35625 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
35626 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
35627 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
35628 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
35629 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
35630 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
35631
35632 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
35633 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
35634 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
35635 jumps to @var{start}).
35636
35637 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
35638 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
35639 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
35640
35641 @end table
35642
35643 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
35644 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
35645 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
35646
35647 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
35648 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
35649 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
35650 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
35651 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
35652 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
35653 as an implementation detail.
35654
35655 The server must ignore @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, @samp{S}, and
35656 @samp{r} actions for threads that are already running. Conversely,
35657 the server must ignore @samp{t} actions for threads that are already
35658 stopped.
35659
35660 @emph{Note:} In non-stop mode, a thread is considered running until
35661 @value{GDBN} acknowleges an asynchronous stop notification for it with
35662 the @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}).
35663
35664 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
35665 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}).
35666
35667 Reply:
35668 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35669
35670 @item vCont?
35671 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
35672 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
35673
35674 Reply:
35675 @table @samp
35676 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
35677 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
35678 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
35679 @item @w{}
35680 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
35681 @end table
35682
35683 @anchor{vCtrlC packet}
35684 @item vCtrlC
35685 @cindex @samp{vCtrlC} packet
35686 Interrupt remote target as if a control-C was pressed on the remote
35687 terminal. This is the equivalent to reacting to the @code{^C}
35688 (@samp{\003}, the control-C character) character in all-stop mode
35689 while the target is running, except this works in non-stop mode.
35690 @xref{interrupting remote targets}, for more info on the all-stop
35691 variant.
35692
35693 Reply:
35694 @table @samp
35695 @item E @var{nn}
35696 for an error
35697 @item OK
35698 for success
35699 @end table
35700
35701 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
35702 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
35703 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
35704 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
35705
35706 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
35707 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
35708 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
35709 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
35710 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
35711 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
35712 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
35713 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
35714 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
35715 packet is received.
35716
35717 Reply:
35718 @table @samp
35719 @item OK
35720 for success
35721 @item E @var{NN}
35722 for an error
35723 @end table
35724
35725 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35726 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
35727 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
35728 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
35729 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
35730 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
35731 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
35732 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
35733 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
35734 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
35735 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
35736 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
35737
35738
35739 Reply:
35740 @table @samp
35741 @item OK
35742 for success
35743 @item E.memtype
35744 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
35745 @item E @var{NN}
35746 for an error
35747 @end table
35748
35749 @item vFlashDone
35750 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
35751 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
35752 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
35753 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
35754 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
35755 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
35756 request is completed.
35757
35758 @item vKill;@var{pid}
35759 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
35760 @anchor{vKill packet}
35761 Kill the process with the specified process ID @var{pid}, which is a
35762 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
35763 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
35764 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
35765
35766 Reply:
35767 @table @samp
35768 @item E @var{nn}
35769 for an error
35770 @item OK
35771 for success
35772 @end table
35773
35774 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
35775 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
35776 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
35777 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
35778 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
35779 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
35780 state.
35781
35782 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
35783
35784 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35785
35786 Reply:
35787 @table @samp
35788 @item E @var{nn}
35789 for an error
35790 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35791 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35792 @end table
35793
35794 @item vStopped
35795 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
35796 @xref{Notification Packets}.
35797
35798 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35799 @anchor{X packet}
35800 @cindex @samp{X} packet
35801 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
35802 Memory is specified by its address @var{addr} and number of addressable memory
35803 units @var{length} (@pxref{addressable memory unit});
35804 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
35805
35806 Reply:
35807 @table @samp
35808 @item OK
35809 for success
35810 @item E @var{NN}
35811 for an error
35812 @end table
35813
35814 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
35815 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
35816 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
35817 @cindex @samp{z} packet
35818 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
35819 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
35820 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
35821
35822 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
35823 separately.
35824
35825 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
35826 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
35827 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
35828 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
35829 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
35830 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
35831
35832 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35833 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
35834 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
35835 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
35836 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a software breakpoint at address
35837 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
35838
35839 A software breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
35840 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
35841 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of the
35842 breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm} and
35843 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
35844 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind}
35845 (@pxref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}); if no
35846 architecture-specific value is being used, it should be @samp{0}.
35847 @var{kind} is hex-encoded. @var{cond_list} is an optional list of
35848 conditional expressions in bytecode form that should be evaluated on
35849 the target's side. These are the conditions that should be taken into
35850 consideration when deciding if the breakpoint trigger should be
35851 reported back to @value{GDBN}.
35852
35853 See also the @samp{swbreak} stop reason (@pxref{swbreak stop reason})
35854 for how to best report a software breakpoint event to @value{GDBN}.
35855
35856 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
35857 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
35858
35859 @table @samp
35860
35861 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
35862 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
35863 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
35864
35865 @end table
35866
35867 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
35868 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
35869 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
35870 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
35871 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
35872 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
35873 separators. Each expression has the following form:
35874
35875 @table @samp
35876
35877 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
35878 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
35879 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
35880
35881 @end table
35882
35883 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
35884 code that contains software breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
35885 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
35886 target, is not defined.}
35887
35888 Reply:
35889 @table @samp
35890 @item OK
35891 success
35892 @item @w{}
35893 not supported
35894 @item E @var{NN}
35895 for an error
35896 @end table
35897
35898 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35899 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
35900 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
35901 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
35902 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
35903 address @var{addr}.
35904
35905 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
35906 dependent on being able to modify the target's memory. The
35907 @var{kind}, @var{cond_list}, and @var{cmd_list} arguments have the
35908 same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
35909
35910 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
35911 movement.}
35912
35913 Reply:
35914 @table @samp
35915 @item OK
35916 success
35917 @item @w{}
35918 not supported
35919 @item E @var{NN}
35920 for an error
35921 @end table
35922
35923 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35924 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35925 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
35926 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
35927 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35928 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
35929
35930 Reply:
35931 @table @samp
35932 @item OK
35933 success
35934 @item @w{}
35935 not supported
35936 @item E @var{NN}
35937 for an error
35938 @end table
35939
35940 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35941 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35942 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
35943 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
35944 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35945 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
35946
35947 Reply:
35948 @table @samp
35949 @item OK
35950 success
35951 @item @w{}
35952 not supported
35953 @item E @var{NN}
35954 for an error
35955 @end table
35956
35957 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35958 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35959 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
35960 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
35961 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35962 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
35963
35964 Reply:
35965 @table @samp
35966 @item OK
35967 success
35968 @item @w{}
35969 not supported
35970 @item E @var{NN}
35971 for an error
35972 @end table
35973
35974 @end table
35975
35976 @node Stop Reply Packets
35977 @section Stop Reply Packets
35978 @cindex stop reply packets
35979
35980 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
35981 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
35982 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
35983 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
35984 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
35985 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
35986 @value{GDBN} source code.
35987
35988 In non-stop mode, the server will simply reply @samp{OK} to commands
35989 such as @samp{vCont}; any stop will be the subject of a future
35990 notification. @xref{Remote Non-Stop}.
35991
35992 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
35993 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
35994 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
35995 components.
35996
35997 @table @samp
35998
35999 @item S @var{AA}
36000 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36001 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
36002 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
36003
36004 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
36005 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
36006 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36007 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
36008 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
36009 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
36010 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
36011 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
36012
36013 @itemize @bullet
36014 @item
36015 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
36016 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. The data @var{r} is a
36017 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
36018 two-digit hex number.
36019
36020 @item
36021 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
36022 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36023
36024 @item
36025 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
36026 the core on which the stop event was detected.
36027
36028 @item
36029 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
36030 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
36031 reasons are listed below. The @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
36032 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
36033
36034 @item
36035 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
36036 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
36037 future.
36038 @end itemize
36039
36040 The currently defined stop reasons are:
36041
36042 @table @samp
36043 @item watch
36044 @itemx rwatch
36045 @itemx awatch
36046 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
36047 hex.
36048
36049 @item syscall_entry
36050 @itemx syscall_return
36051 The packet indicates a syscall entry or return, and @var{r} is the
36052 syscall number, in hex.
36053
36054 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
36055 @item library
36056 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
36057 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
36058 list of loaded libraries. The @var{r} part is ignored.
36059
36060 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
36061 @item replaylog
36062 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
36063 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
36064 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
36065 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
36066 for more information.
36067
36068 @item swbreak
36069 @anchor{swbreak stop reason}
36070 The packet indicates a software breakpoint instruction was executed,
36071 irrespective of whether it was @value{GDBN} that planted the
36072 breakpoint or the breakpoint is hardcoded in the program. The @var{r}
36073 part must be left empty.
36074
36075 On some architectures, such as x86, at the architecture level, when a
36076 breakpoint instruction executes the program counter points at the
36077 breakpoint address plus an offset. On such targets, the stub is
36078 responsible for adjusting the PC to point back at the breakpoint
36079 address.
36080
36081 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36082 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36083 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36084 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36085 indicating support.
36086
36087 This packet is required for correct non-stop mode operation.
36088
36089 @item hwbreak
36090 The packet indicates the target stopped for a hardware breakpoint.
36091 The @var{r} part must be left empty.
36092
36093 The same remarks about @samp{qSupported} and non-stop mode above
36094 apply.
36095
36096 @cindex fork events, remote reply
36097 @item fork
36098 The packet indicates that @code{fork} was called, and @var{r}
36099 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
36100 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36101 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
36102 fork events.
36103
36104 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36105 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36106 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36107 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36108 indicating support.
36109
36110 @cindex vfork events, remote reply
36111 @item vfork
36112 The packet indicates that @code{vfork} was called, and @var{r}
36113 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
36114 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36115 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
36116 vfork events.
36117
36118 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36119 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36120 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36121 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36122 indicating support.
36123
36124 @cindex vforkdone events, remote reply
36125 @item vforkdone
36126 The packet indicates that a child process created by a vfork
36127 has either called @code{exec} or terminated, so that the
36128 address spaces of the parent and child process are no longer
36129 shared. The @var{r} part is ignored. This packet is only
36130 applicable to targets that support vforkdone events.
36131
36132 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36133 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36134 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36135 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36136 indicating support.
36137
36138 @cindex exec events, remote reply
36139 @item exec
36140 The packet indicates that @code{execve} was called, and @var{r}
36141 is the absolute pathname of the file that was executed, in hex.
36142 This packet is only applicable to targets that support exec events.
36143
36144 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36145 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36146 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36147 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36148 indicating support.
36149
36150 @cindex thread create event, remote reply
36151 @anchor{thread create event}
36152 @item create
36153 The packet indicates that the thread was just created. The new thread
36154 is stopped until @value{GDBN} sets it running with a resumption packet
36155 (@pxref{vCont packet}). This packet should not be sent by default;
36156 @value{GDBN} requests it with the @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See
36157 also the @samp{w} (@pxref{thread exit event}) remote reply below. The
36158 @var{r} part is ignored.
36159
36160 @end table
36161
36162 @item W @var{AA}
36163 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36164 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
36165 applicable to certain targets.
36166
36167 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
36168 exited process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
36169 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
36170 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
36171 hex strings.
36172
36173 @item X @var{AA}
36174 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36175 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
36176
36177 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
36178 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
36179 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
36180 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
36181 hex strings.
36182
36183 @anchor{thread exit event}
36184 @cindex thread exit event, remote reply
36185 @item w @var{AA} ; @var{tid}
36186
36187 The thread exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This response
36188 should not be sent by default; @value{GDBN} requests it with the
36189 @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See also @ref{thread create event} above.
36190 @var{AA} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
36191
36192 @item N
36193 There are no resumed threads left in the target. In other words, even
36194 though the process is alive, the last resumed thread has exited. For
36195 example, say the target process has two threads: thread 1 and thread
36196 2. The client leaves thread 1 stopped, and resumes thread 2, which
36197 subsequently exits. At this point, even though the process is still
36198 alive, and thus no @samp{W} stop reply is sent, no thread is actually
36199 executing either. The @samp{N} stop reply thus informs the client
36200 that it can stop waiting for stop replies. This packet should not be
36201 sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions did not support it.
36202 @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an appropriate
36203 @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The remote stub must
36204 also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature indicating
36205 support.
36206
36207 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
36208 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
36209 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
36210 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
36211 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
36212
36213 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
36214 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
36215 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
36216 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
36217 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
36218 system calls.
36219
36220 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
36221 this very system call.
36222
36223 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
36224 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
36225 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
36226 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
36227 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
36228 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
36229
36230 @end table
36231
36232 @node General Query Packets
36233 @section General Query Packets
36234 @cindex remote query requests
36235
36236 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
36237 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
36238 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
36239 sending information to and from the stub.
36240
36241 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
36242 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
36243 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
36244 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
36245 conventions:
36246
36247 @itemize @bullet
36248 @item
36249 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
36250 @item
36251 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
36252 letter.
36253 @item
36254 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
36255 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
36256 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
36257 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
36258 @end itemize
36259
36260 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
36261 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
36262 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
36263 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
36264 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
36265 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
36266 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
36267 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
36268 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
36269 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
36270 packet.}.
36271
36272 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
36273 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
36274 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
36275 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
36276 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
36277
36278 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
36279
36280 @table @samp
36281
36282 @item QAgent:1
36283 @itemx QAgent:0
36284 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
36285 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
36286
36287 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
36288 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
36289 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
36290 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
36291 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
36292 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
36293 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
36294 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
36295 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
36296 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
36297 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
36298
36299 @item qC
36300 @cindex current thread, remote request
36301 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
36302 Return the current thread ID.
36303
36304 Reply:
36305 @table @samp
36306 @item QC @var{thread-id}
36307 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
36308 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36309 @item @r{(anything else)}
36310 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
36311 @end table
36312
36313 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
36314 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
36315 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
36316 @anchor{qCRC packet}
36317 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
36318 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
36319 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
36320 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
36321
36322 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
36323 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
36324 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
36325 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
36326 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
36327 detect trailing zeros.
36328
36329 Reply:
36330 @table @samp
36331 @item E @var{NN}
36332 An error (such as memory fault)
36333 @item C @var{crc32}
36334 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
36335 @end table
36336
36337 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
36338 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
36339 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
36340 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
36341 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
36342 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
36343 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
36344 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
36345 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
36346 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
36347 randomization.
36348
36349 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36350
36351 Reply:
36352 @table @samp
36353 @item OK
36354 The request succeeded.
36355
36356 @item E @var{nn}
36357 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36358
36359 @item @w{}
36360 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
36361 by the stub.
36362 @end table
36363
36364 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36365 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36366 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
36367 address space randomization.
36368
36369 @item qfThreadInfo
36370 @itemx qsThreadInfo
36371 @cindex list active threads, remote request
36372 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
36373 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
36374 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
36375 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
36376 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
36377 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
36378 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
36379 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
36380
36381 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
36382
36383 Reply:
36384 @table @samp
36385 @item m @var{thread-id}
36386 A single thread ID
36387 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
36388 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
36389 @item l
36390 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
36391 @end table
36392
36393 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
36394 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
36395 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
36396 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
36397 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
36398 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36399 fields.
36400
36401 @emph{Note: @value{GDBN} will send the @code{qfThreadInfo} query during the
36402 initial connection with the remote target, and the very first thread ID
36403 mentioned in the reply will be stopped by @value{GDBN} in a subsequent
36404 message. Therefore, the stub should ensure that the first thread ID in
36405 the @code{qfThreadInfo} reply is suitable for being stopped by @value{GDBN}.}
36406
36407 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
36408 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
36409 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
36410 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
36411 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
36412
36413 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
36414 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
36415
36416 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
36417 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
36418 information associated with the variable.)
36419
36420 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
36421 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
36422 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
36423 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
36424 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
36425 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
36426
36427 Reply:
36428 @table @samp
36429 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36430 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
36431 local storage requested.
36432
36433 @item E @var{nn}
36434 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36435
36436 @item @w{}
36437 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36438 @end table
36439
36440 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
36441 @cindex get thread information block address
36442 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
36443 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
36444
36445 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
36446
36447 Reply:
36448 @table @samp
36449 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36450 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
36451 thread information block.
36452
36453 @item E @var{nn}
36454 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
36455 address could not be retrieved.
36456
36457 @item @w{}
36458 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36459 @end table
36460
36461 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
36462 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
36463 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
36464 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
36465 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
36466 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
36467 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
36468
36469 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
36470
36471 Reply:
36472 @table @samp
36473 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
36474 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
36475 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
36476 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
36477 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
36478 is a sequence of thread IDs, @var{threadid} (eight hex
36479 digits), from the target. See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
36480 @end table
36481
36482 @item qOffsets
36483 @cindex section offsets, remote request
36484 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
36485 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
36486 image.
36487
36488 Reply:
36489 @table @samp
36490 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
36491 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
36492 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
36493 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
36494 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
36495 segments by the supplied offsets.
36496
36497 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
36498 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
36499 to the @code{Bss} section.}
36500
36501 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
36502 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
36503 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
36504 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
36505 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
36506 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
36507 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
36508 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
36509 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
36510 @end table
36511
36512 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
36513 @cindex thread information, remote request
36514 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
36515 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
36516 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
36517 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
36518
36519 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
36520 (see below).
36521
36522 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
36523
36524 @item QNonStop:1
36525 @itemx QNonStop:0
36526 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
36527 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
36528 @anchor{QNonStop}
36529 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
36530 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
36531
36532 Reply:
36533 @table @samp
36534 @item OK
36535 The request succeeded.
36536
36537 @item E @var{nn}
36538 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36539
36540 @item @w{}
36541 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
36542 the stub.
36543 @end table
36544
36545 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36546 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36547 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
36548 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
36549
36550 @item QCatchSyscalls:1 @r{[};@var{sysno}@r{]}@dots{}
36551 @itemx QCatchSyscalls:0
36552 @cindex catch syscalls from inferior, remote request
36553 @cindex @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
36554 @anchor{QCatchSyscalls}
36555 Enable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}) or disable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:0})
36556 catching syscalls from the inferior process.
36557
36558 For @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}, each listed syscall @var{sysno} (encoded
36559 in hex) should be reported to @value{GDBN}. If no syscall @var{sysno}
36560 is listed, every system call should be reported.
36561
36562 Note that if a syscall not in the list is reported, @value{GDBN} will
36563 still filter the event according to its own list from all corresponding
36564 @code{catch syscall} commands. However, it is more efficient to only
36565 report the requested syscalls.
36566
36567 Multiple @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} packets do not combine; any earlier
36568 @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} list is completely replaced by the new list.
36569
36570 If the inferior process execs, the state of @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is
36571 kept for the new process too. On targets where exec may affect syscall
36572 numbers, for example with exec between 32 and 64-bit processes, the
36573 client should send a new packet with the new syscall list.
36574
36575 Reply:
36576 @table @samp
36577 @item OK
36578 The request succeeded.
36579
36580 @item E @var{nn}
36581 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36582
36583 @item @w{}
36584 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is not supported by
36585 the stub.
36586 @end table
36587
36588 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote catch-syscalls}
36589 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote catch-syscalls}).
36590 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36591 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36592
36593 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
36594 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
36595 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
36596 @anchor{QPassSignals}
36597 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
36598 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
36599 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
36600 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
36601 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
36602 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
36603 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
36604 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
36605 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
36606
36607 Reply:
36608 @table @samp
36609 @item OK
36610 The request succeeded.
36611
36612 @item E @var{nn}
36613 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36614
36615 @item @w{}
36616 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
36617 the stub.
36618 @end table
36619
36620 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
36621 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
36622 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36623 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36624
36625 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
36626 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
36627 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
36628 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
36629 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
36630 Others should be silently discarded.
36631
36632 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
36633 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
36634 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
36635 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
36636 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
36637 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
36638 signals.
36639
36640 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
36641 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
36642
36643 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
36644 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
36645 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
36646 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
36647 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
36648
36649 Reply:
36650 @table @samp
36651 @item OK
36652 The request succeeded.
36653
36654 @item E @var{nn}
36655 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36656
36657 @item @w{}
36658 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
36659 by the stub.
36660 @end table
36661
36662 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
36663 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
36664 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36665 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36666
36667 @anchor{QThreadEvents}
36668 @item QThreadEvents:1
36669 @itemx QThreadEvents:0
36670 @cindex thread create/exit events, remote request
36671 @cindex @samp{QThreadEvents} packet
36672
36673 Enable (@samp{QThreadEvents:1}) or disable (@samp{QThreadEvents:0})
36674 reporting of thread create and exit events. @xref{thread create
36675 event}, for the reply specifications. For example, this is used in
36676 non-stop mode when @value{GDBN} stops a set of threads and
36677 synchronously waits for the their corresponding stop replies. Without
36678 exit events, if one of the threads exits, @value{GDBN} would hang
36679 forever not knowing that it should no longer expect a stop for that
36680 same thread. @value{GDBN} does not enable this feature unless the
36681 stub reports that it supports it by including @samp{QThreadEvents+} in
36682 its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36683
36684 Reply:
36685 @table @samp
36686 @item OK
36687 The request succeeded.
36688
36689 @item E @var{nn}
36690 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36691
36692 @item @w{}
36693 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QThreadEvents} is not supported by
36694 the stub.
36695 @end table
36696
36697 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote thread-events}
36698 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote thread-events}).
36699
36700 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
36701 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
36702 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
36703 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
36704 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
36705 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
36706 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
36707 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
36708 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
36709
36710 Reply:
36711 @table @samp
36712 @item OK
36713 A command response with no output.
36714 @item @var{OUTPUT}
36715 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
36716 @item E @var{NN}
36717 Indicate a badly formed request.
36718 @item @w{}
36719 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
36720 @end table
36721
36722 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
36723 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
36724 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
36725 packets.)
36726
36727 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
36728 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
36729 @ifnotinfo
36730 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
36731 @end ifnotinfo
36732 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
36733 @anchor{qSearch memory}
36734 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
36735 Both @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex;
36736 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, also hex encoded.
36737
36738 Reply:
36739 @table @samp
36740 @item 0
36741 The pattern was not found.
36742 @item 1,address
36743 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
36744 @item E @var{NN}
36745 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
36746 @item @w{}
36747 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
36748 @end table
36749
36750 @item QStartNoAckMode
36751 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
36752 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
36753 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
36754 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
36755
36756 Reply:
36757 @table @samp
36758 @item OK
36759 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
36760 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
36761 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
36762 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
36763 @item @w{}
36764 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
36765 @end table
36766
36767 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
36768 @cindex supported packets, remote query
36769 @cindex features of the remote protocol
36770 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
36771 @anchor{qSupported}
36772 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
36773 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
36774 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
36775 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
36776 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
36777 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
36778 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
36779 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
36780 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
36781 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
36782 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
36783 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
36784 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
36785 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
36786
36787 Reply:
36788 @table @samp
36789 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
36790 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
36791 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
36792 possible forms).
36793 @item @w{}
36794 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
36795 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
36796 @end table
36797
36798 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
36799 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
36800 are:
36801
36802 @table @samp
36803 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
36804 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
36805 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
36806 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
36807 @item @var{name}+
36808 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
36809 need an associated value.
36810 @item @var{name}-
36811 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
36812 @item @var{name}?
36813 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
36814 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
36815 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
36816 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
36817 @end table
36818
36819 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
36820 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
36821 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
36822 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
36823 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
36824
36825 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
36826 are defined:
36827
36828 @table @samp
36829 @item multiprocess
36830 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
36831 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
36832 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
36833 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36834 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
36835
36836 @item xmlRegisters
36837 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
36838 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
36839 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
36840 description.
36841
36842 @item qRelocInsn
36843 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
36844 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
36845 instruction reply packet}).
36846
36847 @item swbreak
36848 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the swbreak stop
36849 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
36850
36851 @item hwbreak
36852 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the hwbreak stop
36853 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
36854
36855 @item fork-events
36856 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports fork event
36857 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
36858 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
36859 including @samp{fork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36860
36861 @item vfork-events
36862 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports vfork event
36863 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
36864 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
36865 including @samp{vfork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36866
36867 @item exec-events
36868 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports exec event
36869 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
36870 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
36871 including @samp{exec-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36872
36873 @item vContSupported
36874 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} wants to know the
36875 supported actions in the reply to @samp{vCont?} packet.
36876 @end table
36877
36878 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
36879 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
36880 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
36881 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
36882 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
36883 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
36884 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
36885 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
36886 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
36887 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
36888 all the features it supports.
36889
36890 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
36891 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
36892
36893 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
36894 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
36895 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
36896 form response.
36897
36898 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
36899 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
36900 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
36901 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
36902
36903 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
36904 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
36905 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
36906 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
36907 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
36908
36909 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
36910
36911 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
36912 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
36913 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
36914 @item Feature Name
36915 @tab Value Required
36916 @tab Default
36917 @tab Probe Allowed
36918
36919 @item @samp{PacketSize}
36920 @tab Yes
36921 @tab @samp{-}
36922 @tab No
36923
36924 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
36925 @tab No
36926 @tab @samp{-}
36927 @tab Yes
36928
36929 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
36930 @tab No
36931 @tab @samp{-}
36932 @tab Yes
36933
36934 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
36935 @tab No
36936 @tab @samp{-}
36937 @tab Yes
36938
36939 @item @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read}
36940 @tab No
36941 @tab @samp{-}
36942 @tab Yes
36943
36944 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
36945 @tab No
36946 @tab @samp{-}
36947 @tab Yes
36948
36949 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
36950 @tab No
36951 @tab @samp{-}
36952 @tab Yes
36953
36954 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
36955 @tab No
36956 @tab @samp{-}
36957 @tab Yes
36958
36959 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
36960 @tab No
36961 @tab @samp{-}
36962 @tab No
36963
36964 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
36965 @tab No
36966 @tab @samp{-}
36967 @tab Yes
36968
36969 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
36970 @tab No
36971 @tab @samp{-}
36972 @tab Yes
36973
36974 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
36975 @tab No
36976 @tab @samp{-}
36977 @tab Yes
36978
36979 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
36980 @tab No
36981 @tab @samp{-}
36982 @tab Yes
36983
36984 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
36985 @tab No
36986 @tab @samp{-}
36987 @tab Yes
36988
36989 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
36990 @tab No
36991 @tab @samp{-}
36992 @tab Yes
36993
36994 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
36995 @tab No
36996 @tab @samp{-}
36997 @tab Yes
36998
36999 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37000 @tab No
37001 @tab @samp{-}
37002 @tab Yes
37003
37004 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37005 @tab No
37006 @tab @samp{-}
37007 @tab Yes
37008
37009 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37010 @tab No
37011 @tab @samp{-}
37012 @tab Yes
37013
37014 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
37015 @tab Yes
37016 @tab @samp{-}
37017 @tab Yes
37018
37019 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
37020 @tab Yes
37021 @tab @samp{-}
37022 @tab Yes
37023
37024 @item @samp{Qbtrace:pt}
37025 @tab Yes
37026 @tab @samp{-}
37027 @tab Yes
37028
37029 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size}
37030 @tab Yes
37031 @tab @samp{-}
37032 @tab Yes
37033
37034 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size}
37035 @tab Yes
37036 @tab @samp{-}
37037 @tab Yes
37038
37039 @item @samp{QNonStop}
37040 @tab No
37041 @tab @samp{-}
37042 @tab Yes
37043
37044 @item @samp{QCatchSyscalls}
37045 @tab No
37046 @tab @samp{-}
37047 @tab Yes
37048
37049 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
37050 @tab No
37051 @tab @samp{-}
37052 @tab Yes
37053
37054 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
37055 @tab No
37056 @tab @samp{-}
37057 @tab Yes
37058
37059 @item @samp{multiprocess}
37060 @tab No
37061 @tab @samp{-}
37062 @tab No
37063
37064 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
37065 @tab No
37066 @tab @samp{-}
37067 @tab No
37068
37069 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
37070 @tab No
37071 @tab @samp{-}
37072 @tab No
37073
37074 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
37075 @tab No
37076 @tab @samp{-}
37077 @tab No
37078
37079 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
37080 @tab No
37081 @tab @samp{-}
37082 @tab No
37083
37084 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
37085 @tab No
37086 @tab @samp{-}
37087 @tab No
37088
37089 @item @samp{QAgent}
37090 @tab No
37091 @tab @samp{-}
37092 @tab No
37093
37094 @item @samp{QAllow}
37095 @tab No
37096 @tab @samp{-}
37097 @tab No
37098
37099 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
37100 @tab No
37101 @tab @samp{-}
37102 @tab No
37103
37104 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
37105 @tab No
37106 @tab @samp{-}
37107 @tab No
37108
37109 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
37110 @tab No
37111 @tab @samp{-}
37112 @tab No
37113
37114 @item @samp{tracenz}
37115 @tab No
37116 @tab @samp{-}
37117 @tab No
37118
37119 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
37120 @tab No
37121 @tab @samp{-}
37122 @tab No
37123
37124 @item @samp{swbreak}
37125 @tab No
37126 @tab @samp{-}
37127 @tab No
37128
37129 @item @samp{hwbreak}
37130 @tab No
37131 @tab @samp{-}
37132 @tab No
37133
37134 @item @samp{fork-events}
37135 @tab No
37136 @tab @samp{-}
37137 @tab No
37138
37139 @item @samp{vfork-events}
37140 @tab No
37141 @tab @samp{-}
37142 @tab No
37143
37144 @item @samp{exec-events}
37145 @tab No
37146 @tab @samp{-}
37147 @tab No
37148
37149 @item @samp{QThreadEvents}
37150 @tab No
37151 @tab @samp{-}
37152 @tab No
37153
37154 @item @samp{no-resumed}
37155 @tab No
37156 @tab @samp{-}
37157 @tab No
37158
37159 @end multitable
37160
37161 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
37162
37163 @table @samp
37164 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
37165 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
37166 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
37167 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
37168 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
37169 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
37170 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
37171 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
37172 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
37173 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
37174
37175 @item qXfer:auxv:read
37176 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
37177 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
37178
37179 @item qXfer:btrace:read
37180 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37181 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
37182
37183 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read
37184 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
37185 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}).
37186
37187 @item qXfer:exec-file:read
37188 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read} packet
37189 (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}).
37190
37191 @item qXfer:features:read
37192 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
37193 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
37194
37195 @item qXfer:libraries:read
37196 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
37197 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
37198
37199 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
37200 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
37201 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
37202
37203 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
37204 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
37205 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
37206 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
37207
37208 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
37209 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
37210 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
37211
37212 @item qXfer:sdata:read
37213 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
37214 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
37215
37216 @item qXfer:spu:read
37217 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
37218 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
37219
37220 @item qXfer:spu:write
37221 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
37222 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
37223
37224 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
37225 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
37226 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
37227
37228 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
37229 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
37230 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
37231
37232 @item qXfer:threads:read
37233 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
37234 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
37235
37236 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
37237 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37238 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
37239
37240 @item qXfer:uib:read
37241 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37242 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
37243
37244 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
37245 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37246 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
37247
37248 @item QNonStop
37249 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
37250 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
37251
37252 @item QCatchSyscalls
37253 The remote stub understands the @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
37254 (@pxref{QCatchSyscalls}).
37255
37256 @item QPassSignals
37257 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37258 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
37259
37260 @item QStartNoAckMode
37261 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
37262 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
37263
37264 @item multiprocess
37265 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
37266 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
37267 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
37268 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
37269 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
37270 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
37271 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
37272 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
37273 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
37274 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
37275 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
37276
37277 @item qXfer:osdata:read
37278 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
37279 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
37280
37281 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
37282 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
37283 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
37284 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
37285
37286 @item ConditionalTracepoints
37287 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
37288 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
37289
37290 @item ReverseContinue
37291 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
37292 (@pxref{bc}).
37293
37294 @item ReverseStep
37295 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
37296 (@pxref{bs}).
37297
37298 @item TracepointSource
37299 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
37300 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
37301
37302 @item QAgent
37303 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
37304
37305 @item QAllow
37306 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
37307
37308 @item QDisableRandomization
37309 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
37310
37311 @item StaticTracepoint
37312 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
37313 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
37314
37315 @item InstallInTrace
37316 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
37317 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
37318
37319 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
37320 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
37321 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
37322 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
37323
37324 @item QTBuffer:size
37325 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
37326 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
37327
37328 @item tracenz
37329 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
37330 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
37331 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
37332
37333 @item BreakpointCommands
37334 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
37335 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
37336 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
37337
37338 @item Qbtrace:off
37339 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
37340
37341 @item Qbtrace:bts
37342 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
37343
37344 @item Qbtrace:pt
37345 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:pt} packet.
37346
37347 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size
37348 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size} packet.
37349
37350 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size
37351 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size} packet.
37352
37353 @item swbreak
37354 The remote stub reports the @samp{swbreak} stop reason for memory
37355 breakpoints.
37356
37357 @item hwbreak
37358 The remote stub reports the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason for hardware
37359 breakpoints.
37360
37361 @item fork-events
37362 The remote stub reports the @samp{fork} stop reason for fork events.
37363
37364 @item vfork-events
37365 The remote stub reports the @samp{vfork} stop reason for vfork events
37366 and vforkdone events.
37367
37368 @item exec-events
37369 The remote stub reports the @samp{exec} stop reason for exec events.
37370
37371 @item vContSupported
37372 The remote stub reports the supported actions in the reply to
37373 @samp{vCont?} packet.
37374
37375 @item QThreadEvents
37376 The remote stub understands the @samp{QThreadEvents} packet.
37377
37378 @item no-resumed
37379 The remote stub reports the @samp{N} stop reply.
37380
37381 @end table
37382
37383 @item qSymbol::
37384 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
37385 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
37386 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
37387 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
37388
37389 Reply:
37390 @table @samp
37391 @item OK
37392 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37393 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37394 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
37395 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
37396 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
37397 below.
37398 @end table
37399
37400 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
37401 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
37402
37403 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
37404 target has previously requested.
37405
37406 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
37407 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
37408 will be empty.
37409
37410 Reply:
37411 @table @samp
37412 @item OK
37413 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37414 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37415 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
37416 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
37417 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
37418 @end table
37419
37420 @item qTBuffer
37421 @itemx QTBuffer
37422 @itemx QTDisconnected
37423 @itemx QTDP
37424 @itemx QTDPsrc
37425 @itemx QTDV
37426 @itemx qTfP
37427 @itemx qTfV
37428 @itemx QTFrame
37429 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
37430
37431 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
37432
37433 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
37434 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
37435 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
37436 Obtain from the target OS a printable string description of thread
37437 attributes for the thread @var{thread-id}; see @ref{thread-id syntax},
37438 for the forms of @var{thread-id}. This
37439 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
37440 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
37441 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
37442 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
37443 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
37444
37445 Reply:
37446 @table @samp
37447 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
37448 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
37449 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
37450 the thread's attributes.
37451 @end table
37452
37453 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
37454 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
37455 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
37456 packets.)
37457
37458 @item QTNotes
37459 @itemx qTP
37460 @itemx QTSave
37461 @itemx qTsP
37462 @itemx qTsV
37463 @itemx QTStart
37464 @itemx QTStop
37465 @itemx QTEnable
37466 @itemx QTDisable
37467 @itemx QTinit
37468 @itemx QTro
37469 @itemx qTStatus
37470 @itemx qTV
37471 @itemx qTfSTM
37472 @itemx qTsSTM
37473 @itemx qTSTMat
37474 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
37475
37476 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37477 @cindex read special object, remote request
37478 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
37479 @anchor{qXfer read}
37480 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
37481 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
37482 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
37483 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
37484 additional details about what data to access.
37485
37486 Reply:
37487 @table @samp
37488 @item m @var{data}
37489 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
37490 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
37491 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
37492 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
37493 It is possible for @var{data} to have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
37494 request.
37495
37496 @item l @var{data}
37497 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
37498 There is no more data to be read. It is possible for @var{data} to
37499 have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the request.
37500
37501 @item l
37502 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
37503 There is no more data to be read.
37504
37505 @item E00
37506 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
37507
37508 @item E @var{nn}
37509 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
37510 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
37511
37512 @item @w{}
37513 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
37514 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
37515 @end table
37516
37517 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
37518 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
37519 formats, listed above.
37520
37521 @table @samp
37522 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37523 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
37524 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
37525 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
37526
37527 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37528 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37529
37530 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37531 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
37532
37533 Return a description of the current branch trace.
37534 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
37535 packet may have one of the following values:
37536
37537 @table @code
37538 @item all
37539 Returns all available branch trace.
37540
37541 @item new
37542 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
37543 the last read request.
37544
37545 @item delta
37546 Returns the new branch trace since the last read request. Adds a new
37547 block to the end of the trace that begins at zero and ends at the source
37548 location of the first branch in the trace buffer. This extra block is
37549 used to stitch traces together.
37550
37551 If the trace buffer overflowed, returns an error indicating the overflow.
37552 @end table
37553
37554 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
37555 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37556
37557 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37558 @anchor{qXfer btrace-conf read}
37559
37560 Return a description of the current branch trace configuration.
37561 @xref{Branch Trace Configuration Format}.
37562
37563 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
37564 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37565
37566 @item qXfer:exec-file:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37567 @anchor{qXfer executable filename read}
37568 Return the full absolute name of the file that was executed to create
37569 a process running on the remote system. The annex specifies the
37570 numeric process ID of the process to query, encoded as a hexadecimal
37571 number. If the annex part is empty the remote stub should return the
37572 filename corresponding to the currently executing process.
37573
37574 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37575 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37576
37577 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37578 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
37579 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
37580 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
37581 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
37582
37583 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37584 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37585
37586 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37587 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
37588 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
37589 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37590 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37591
37592 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
37593 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
37594 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
37595
37596 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37597 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37598
37599 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37600 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
37601 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
37602 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
37603 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
37604 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
37605 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37606 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
37607
37608 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
37609 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
37610
37611 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37612 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37613
37614 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
37615 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
37616 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
37617 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
37618
37619 @table @code
37620 @item start=@var{address}
37621 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
37622 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
37623 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
37624 chosen as the starting point.
37625
37626 @item prev=@var{address}
37627 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
37628 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
37629 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
37630 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
37631 exists prior to the starting point.
37632
37633 @end table
37634
37635 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
37636 ignored.
37637
37638 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37639 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
37640 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
37641 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37642 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37643
37644 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37645 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37646
37647 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37648 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
37649
37650 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
37651 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
37652 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
37653 Action Lists}.
37654
37655 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37656 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37657 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37658
37659 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37660 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
37661 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
37662 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
37663 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37664
37665 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37666 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37667 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37668
37669 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37670 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
37671 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
37672 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
37673 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
37674 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
37675 in that context to be accessed.
37676
37677 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37678 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37679 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37680
37681 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37682 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
37683 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
37684 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37685 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37686
37687 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37688 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37689
37690 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37691 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
37692
37693 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
37694 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
37695 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37696
37697 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37698 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37699
37700 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37701 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
37702
37703 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
37704 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
37705
37706 This packet is not probed by default.
37707
37708 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37709 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
37710 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
37711 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
37712 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
37713
37714 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37715 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37716
37717 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37718 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
37719 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
37720 @xref{Operating System Information}.
37721
37722 @end table
37723
37724 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37725 @cindex write data into object, remote request
37726 @anchor{qXfer write}
37727 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
37728 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
37729 into the data. The binary-encoded data (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be
37730 written is given by @var{data}@dots{}. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
37731 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
37732 to access.
37733
37734 Reply:
37735 @table @samp
37736 @item @var{nn}
37737 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
37738 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
37739
37740 @item E00
37741 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
37742
37743 @item E @var{nn}
37744 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
37745 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
37746
37747 @item @w{}
37748 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
37749 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
37750 @end table
37751
37752 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
37753 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
37754 formats, listed above.
37755
37756 @table @samp
37757 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37758 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
37759 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
37760 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
37761 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
37762
37763 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37764 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37765 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37766
37767 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37768 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
37769 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
37770 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
37771 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
37772 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
37773 in that context to be accessed.
37774
37775 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37776 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37777 @end table
37778
37779 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
37780 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
37781 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
37782 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
37783 must respond with an empty packet.
37784
37785 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
37786 @cindex query attached, remote request
37787 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
37788 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
37789 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
37790 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
37791 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
37792 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
37793 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
37794
37795 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
37796 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
37797 the @code{quit} command.
37798
37799 Reply:
37800 @table @samp
37801 @item 1
37802 The remote server attached to an existing process.
37803 @item 0
37804 The remote server created a new process.
37805 @item E @var{NN}
37806 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37807 @end table
37808
37809 @item Qbtrace:bts
37810 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Branch Trace Store.
37811
37812 Reply:
37813 @table @samp
37814 @item OK
37815 Branch tracing has been enabled.
37816 @item E.errtext
37817 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37818 @end table
37819
37820 @item Qbtrace:pt
37821 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Intel Processor Trace.
37822
37823 Reply:
37824 @table @samp
37825 @item OK
37826 Branch tracing has been enabled.
37827 @item E.errtext
37828 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37829 @end table
37830
37831 @item Qbtrace:off
37832 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
37833
37834 Reply:
37835 @table @samp
37836 @item OK
37837 Branch tracing has been disabled.
37838 @item E.errtext
37839 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37840 @end table
37841
37842 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size=@var{value}
37843 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
37844 btrace recording method in bts format.
37845
37846 Reply:
37847 @table @samp
37848 @item OK
37849 The ring buffer size has been set.
37850 @item E.errtext
37851 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37852 @end table
37853
37854 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size=@var{value}
37855 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
37856 btrace recording method in pt format.
37857
37858 Reply:
37859 @table @samp
37860 @item OK
37861 The ring buffer size has been set.
37862 @item E.errtext
37863 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37864 @end table
37865
37866 @end table
37867
37868 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
37869 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
37870
37871 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
37872 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
37873 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
37874
37875 @menu
37876 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
37877 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
37878 @end menu
37879
37880 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
37881 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
37882
37883 @menu
37884 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
37885 @end menu
37886
37887 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
37888 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
37889 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
37890
37891 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
37892
37893 @table @r
37894
37895 @item 2
37896 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
37897
37898 @item 3
37899 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
37900
37901 @item 4
37902 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
37903
37904 @end table
37905
37906 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
37907 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
37908
37909 @menu
37910 * MIPS Register packet Format::
37911 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
37912 @end menu
37913
37914 @node MIPS Register packet Format
37915 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
37916 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
37917
37918 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
37919 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
37920 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
37921 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
37922 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
37923 most-significant -- least-significant.
37924
37925 @table @r
37926
37927 @item MIPS32
37928 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
37929 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
37930 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
37931
37932 @item MIPS64
37933 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
37934 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
37935 as @code{MIPS32}.
37936
37937 @end table
37938
37939 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
37940 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
37941 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
37942
37943 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
37944
37945 @table @r
37946
37947 @item 2
37948 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
37949
37950 @item 3
37951 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
37952
37953 @item 4
37954 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
37955
37956 @item 5
37957 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
37958
37959 @end table
37960
37961 @node Tracepoint Packets
37962 @section Tracepoint Packets
37963 @cindex tracepoint packets
37964 @cindex packets, tracepoint
37965
37966 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
37967 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
37968
37969 @table @samp
37970
37971 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
37972 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
37973 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
37974 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
37975 the tracepoint is disabled. The @var{step} gives the tracepoint's step
37976 count, and @var{pass} gives its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
37977 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
37978 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
37979 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
37980 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
37981 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
37982 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
37983 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
37984 actions.
37985
37986 Replies:
37987 @table @samp
37988 @item OK
37989 The packet was understood and carried out.
37990 @item qRelocInsn
37991 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
37992 @item @w{}
37993 The packet was not recognized.
37994 @end table
37995
37996 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
37997 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. The @var{n} and
37998 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
37999 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
38000 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
38001 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
38002 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
38003
38004 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
38005 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
38006 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
38007 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
38008 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
38009 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
38010 tracepoint actions.
38011
38012 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
38013 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
38014 following forms:
38015
38016 @table @samp
38017
38018 @item R @var{mask}
38019 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask},
38020 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
38021 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
38022 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
38023 not fit in a 32-bit word.
38024
38025 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
38026 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
38027 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
38028 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
38029 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
38030 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
38031 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
38032
38033 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38034 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
38035 it directs. The agent expression @var{expr} is as described in
38036 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
38037 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
38038 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
38039 packet).
38040
38041 @end table
38042
38043 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
38044 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
38045 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
38046 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
38047 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
38048 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
38049 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
38050 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
38051
38052 Replies:
38053 @table @samp
38054 @item OK
38055 The packet was understood and carried out.
38056 @item qRelocInsn
38057 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38058 @item @w{}
38059 The packet was not recognized.
38060 @end table
38061
38062 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
38063 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
38064 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
38065 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
38066 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. The @var{type}
38067 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
38068 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
38069 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
38070
38071 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
38072 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
38073 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
38074 fit in a single packet.
38075 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
38076 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
38077
38078 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
38079 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
38080 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
38081 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
38082
38083 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
38084 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
38085 query packets.
38086
38087 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
38088 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
38089 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
38090 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
38091 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
38092 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
38093 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
38094 be found.
38095
38096 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}:@var{builtin}:@var{name}
38097 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
38098 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
38099 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
38100 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
38101 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
38102 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
38103 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
38104 mentioned in expressions. The value @var{builtin} should be 1 (one)
38105 if the trace state variable is builtin and 0 (zero) if it is not builtin.
38106 @value{GDBN} only sets @var{builtin} to 1 if a previous @samp{qTfV} or
38107 @samp{qTsV} packet had it set. The contents of @var{name} is the
38108 hex-encoded name (without the leading @samp{$}) of the trace state
38109 variable.
38110
38111 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
38112 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
38113 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
38114 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
38115 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
38116
38117 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
38118 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
38119 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
38120 one of the following forms:
38121
38122 @table @samp
38123 @item F @var{f}
38124 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
38125 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
38126 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
38127
38128 @item T @var{t}
38129 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
38130 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
38131
38132 @end table
38133
38134 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
38135 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38136 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
38137 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
38138
38139 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
38140 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38141 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
38142 is a hexadecimal number.
38143
38144 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
38145 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38146 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
38147 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
38148 numbers.
38149
38150 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
38151 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
38152 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
38153
38154 @item qTMinFTPILen
38155 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
38156 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
38157 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
38158 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
38159 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
38160 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
38161 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
38162 arrange for that.
38163
38164 Replies:
38165
38166 @table @samp
38167 @item 0
38168 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
38169 @item @var{length}
38170 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length}
38171 is a hexadecimal number greater or equal to 1. A reply
38172 of 1 means that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction
38173 regardless of size.
38174 @item E
38175 An error has occurred.
38176 @item @w{}
38177 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
38178 @end table
38179
38180 @item QTStart
38181 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
38182 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
38183 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
38184 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
38185 instruction reply packet}).
38186
38187 @item QTStop
38188 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
38189 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
38190
38191 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38192 @anchor{QTEnable}
38193 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
38194 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38195 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
38196 of data from it will resume.
38197
38198 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38199 @anchor{QTDisable}
38200 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
38201 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38202 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
38203 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
38204
38205 @item QTinit
38206 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
38207 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
38208
38209 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
38210 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
38211 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
38212 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
38213 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
38214
38215 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
38216 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
38217 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
38218 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
38219
38220 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
38221 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
38222 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
38223 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
38224 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
38225 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
38226
38227 @item qTStatus
38228 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
38229 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
38230
38231 The reply has the form:
38232
38233 @table @samp
38234
38235 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
38236 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
38237 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
38238 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
38239
38240 @end table
38241
38242 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
38243 explanations as one of the optional fields:
38244
38245 @table @samp
38246
38247 @item tnotrun:0
38248 No trace has been run yet.
38249
38250 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
38251 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
38252 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
38253 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
38254 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
38255
38256 @item tfull:0
38257 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
38258
38259 @item tdisconnected:0
38260 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
38261
38262 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
38263 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
38264
38265 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
38266 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
38267 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
38268 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression); it
38269 is hex encoded.
38270
38271 @item tunknown:0
38272 The trace stopped for some other reason.
38273
38274 @end table
38275
38276 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
38277 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
38278 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
38279 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
38280 trace.
38281
38282 @table @samp
38283
38284 @item tframes:@var{n}
38285 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
38286
38287 @item tcreated:@var{n}
38288 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
38289 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
38290
38291 @item tsize:@var{n}
38292 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
38293
38294 @item tfree:@var{n}
38295 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
38296
38297 @item circular:@var{n}
38298 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
38299 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
38300 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
38301 and may fill up.
38302
38303 @item disconn:@var{n}
38304 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
38305 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
38306 that the trace run will stop.
38307
38308 @end table
38309
38310 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
38311 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
38312 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
38313 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
38314 address @var{addr}.
38315
38316 Replies:
38317 @table @samp
38318 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
38319 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
38320 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
38321 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
38322 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
38323
38324 @end table
38325
38326 @item qTV:@var{var}
38327 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
38328 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
38329 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
38330
38331 Replies:
38332 @table @samp
38333 @item V@var{value}
38334 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
38335 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
38336 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
38337 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
38338 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
38339 program is running.
38340
38341 @item U
38342 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
38343 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
38344 was not collected.
38345 @end table
38346
38347 @item qTfP
38348 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
38349 @itemx qTsP
38350 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
38351 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
38352 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
38353 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
38354 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
38355 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
38356
38357 @item qTfV
38358 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
38359 @itemx qTsV
38360 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
38361 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
38362 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
38363 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
38364 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
38365 trace state variables.
38366
38367 @item qTfSTM
38368 @itemx qTsSTM
38369 @anchor{qTfSTM}
38370 @anchor{qTsSTM}
38371 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
38372 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
38373 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
38374 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
38375 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
38376 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
38377
38378 Reply:
38379 @table @samp
38380 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
38381 A single marker
38382 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
38383 a comma-separated list of markers
38384 @item l
38385 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
38386 @item E @var{nn}
38387 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38388 @item @w{}
38389 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
38390 stub.
38391 @end table
38392
38393 The @var{address} is encoded in hex;
38394 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
38395
38396 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38397 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
38398 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
38399 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
38400 @dfn{last}).
38401
38402 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
38403 @anchor{qTSTMat}
38404 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
38405 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
38406 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
38407 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
38408 tracepoint markers.
38409
38410 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
38411 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
38412 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
38413 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. The @var{filename} is encoded
38414 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
38415 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
38416
38417 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
38418 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
38419 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
38420 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
38421 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
38422 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
38423 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
38424 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
38425 available.
38426
38427 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
38428 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
38429 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
38430
38431 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
38432 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
38433 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
38434 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
38435 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
38436 use whatever size it prefers.
38437
38438 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
38439 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
38440 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
38441 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
38442 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
38443
38444 @end table
38445
38446 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
38447 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
38448 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
38449 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
38450 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
38451 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
38452 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
38453 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
38454 it had executed in the original location.
38455
38456 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
38457 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
38458 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
38459 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
38460 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
38461 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
38462 format of the request is:
38463
38464 @table @samp
38465 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
38466
38467 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
38468 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
38469 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
38470 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
38471 memory starting at @var{to}.
38472 @end table
38473
38474 Replies:
38475 @table @samp
38476 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
38477 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. The @var{adjusted_size} is
38478 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
38479 @item E @var{NN}
38480 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
38481 relocating the instruction.
38482 @end table
38483
38484 @node Host I/O Packets
38485 @section Host I/O Packets
38486 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
38487 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
38488
38489 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
38490 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
38491 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
38492 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
38493 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
38494 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
38495 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
38496 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
38497 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
38498 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
38499
38500 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
38501 its arguments. They have this format:
38502
38503 @table @samp
38504
38505 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
38506 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
38507 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
38508 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
38509 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
38510 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
38511 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
38512 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
38513 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
38514
38515 @end table
38516
38517 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
38518
38519 @table @samp
38520
38521 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
38522 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
38523 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
38524 @var{errno} will be included in the result specifying a
38525 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
38526 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
38527 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
38528 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
38529 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
38530 @var{attachment}.
38531
38532 @item @w{}
38533 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
38534
38535 @end table
38536
38537 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
38538
38539 @table @samp
38540 @item vFile:open: @var{filename}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
38541 Open a file at @var{filename} and return a file descriptor for it, or
38542 return -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string,
38543 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
38544 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
38545 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
38546 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
38547
38548 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
38549 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
38550 -1 if an error occurs.
38551
38552 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
38553 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
38554 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
38555 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
38556 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
38557 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
38558 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
38559 @var{count} was zero.
38560
38561 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
38562 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
38563 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
38564 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
38565 some characters were escaped.
38566
38567 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
38568 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
38569 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
38570 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
38571 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
38572 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
38573 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
38574 error occurred.
38575
38576 @item vFile:fstat: @var{fd}
38577 Get information about the open file corresponding to @var{fd}.
38578 On success the information is returned as a binary attachment
38579 and the return value is the size of this attachment in bytes.
38580 If an error occurs the return value is -1. The format of the
38581 returned binary attachment is as described in @ref{struct stat}.
38582
38583 @item vFile:unlink: @var{filename}
38584 Delete the file at @var{filename} on the target. Return 0,
38585 or -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string.
38586
38587 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
38588 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
38589 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
38590
38591 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
38592 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
38593 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
38594 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
38595 some characters were escaped.
38596
38597 @item vFile:setfs: @var{pid}
38598 Select the filesystem on which @code{vFile} operations with
38599 @var{filename} arguments will operate. This is required for
38600 @value{GDBN} to be able to access files on remote targets where
38601 the remote stub does not share a common filesystem with the
38602 inferior(s).
38603
38604 If @var{pid} is nonzero, select the filesystem as seen by process
38605 @var{pid}. If @var{pid} is zero, select the filesystem as seen by
38606 the remote stub. Return 0 on success, or -1 if an error occurs.
38607 If @code{vFile:setfs:} indicates success, the selected filesystem
38608 remains selected until the next successful @code{vFile:setfs:}
38609 operation.
38610
38611 @end table
38612
38613 @node Interrupts
38614 @section Interrupts
38615 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
38616 @anchor{interrupting remote targets}
38617
38618 In all-stop mode, when a program on the remote target is running,
38619 @value{GDBN} may attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C},
38620 @code{BREAK} or a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}, control of which
38621 is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
38622
38623 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
38624 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
38625 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
38626 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
38627 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
38628
38629 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
38630 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
38631 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
38632 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
38633 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
38634 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
38635 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
38636 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
38637
38638 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
38639 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
38640 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
38641
38642 In non-stop mode, because packet resumptions are asynchronous
38643 (@pxref{vCont packet}), @value{GDBN} is always free to send a remote
38644 command to the remote stub, even when the target is running. For that
38645 reason, @value{GDBN} instead sends a regular packet (@pxref{vCtrlC
38646 packet}) with the usual packet framing instead of the single byte
38647 @code{0x03}.
38648
38649 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
38650 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
38651 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
38652 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
38653 currently-executing threads and processes.
38654 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
38655 running program, it should send one of the stop
38656 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
38657 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
38658 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
38659 Interrupts received while the
38660 program is stopped are queued and the program will be interrupted when
38661 it is resumed next time.
38662
38663 @node Notification Packets
38664 @section Notification Packets
38665 @cindex notification packets
38666 @cindex packets, notification
38667
38668 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
38669 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
38670 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
38671 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
38672 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
38673 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
38674 is not a problem.
38675
38676 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
38677 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
38678 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
38679 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
38680 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
38681 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
38682 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
38683
38684 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
38685 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
38686
38687 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
38688 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
38689 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
38690 not they understand it.
38691
38692 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
38693 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
38694 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
38695 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
38696 recipients.
38697
38698 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
38699 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
38700 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
38701 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
38702 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
38703
38704 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
38705 @table @samp
38706 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
38707 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
38708 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
38709 carrying the specific information about the notification, and
38710 @var{name} specifying the name of the notification.
38711 @item @var{ack}
38712 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
38713 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
38714 @end table
38715
38716 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
38717 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
38718
38719 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
38720 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
38721 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
38722 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
38723 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
38724 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
38725 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
38726 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
38727 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
38728 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
38729
38730 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
38731 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
38732 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
38733 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
38734 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
38735 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
38736
38737 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
38738 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
38739 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
38740 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
38741 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
38742
38743 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
38744 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
38745 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
38746 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
38747 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
38748 normally.
38749
38750 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
38751 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
38752 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
38753 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
38754 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
38755 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
38756 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
38757 the process shall be repeated.
38758
38759 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
38760 following example:
38761 @smallexample
38762 <- @code{%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
38763 @code{...}
38764 -> @code{vStopped}
38765 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
38766 -> @code{vStopped}
38767 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
38768 -> @code{vStopped}
38769 <- @code{OK}
38770 @end smallexample
38771
38772 The following notifications are defined:
38773 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
38774
38775 @item Notification
38776 @tab Ack
38777 @tab Event
38778 @tab Description
38779
38780 @item Stop
38781 @tab vStopped
38782 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
38783 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
38784 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
38785 @value{GDBN}.
38786 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
38787
38788 @end multitable
38789
38790 @node Remote Non-Stop
38791 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
38792
38793 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
38794 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
38795 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
38796 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38797
38798 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
38799 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
38800 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
38801 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
38802 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
38803 probe the target state after a mode change.
38804
38805 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
38806 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
38807 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
38808 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
38809 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
38810 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
38811 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
38812 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
38813 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
38814 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
38815 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
38816
38817 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
38818 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
38819 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
38820 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
38821 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
38822 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
38823 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
38824 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
38825 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
38826 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
38827 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
38828 @samp{OK}.
38829
38830 If the stub supports non-stop mode, it should also support the
38831 @samp{swbreak} stop reason if software breakpoints are supported, and
38832 the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason if hardware breakpoints are supported
38833 (@pxref{swbreak stop reason}). This is because given the asynchronous
38834 nature of non-stop mode, between the time a thread hits a breakpoint
38835 and the time the event is finally processed by @value{GDBN}, the
38836 breakpoint may have already been removed from the target. Due to
38837 this, @value{GDBN} needs to be able to tell whether a trap stop was
38838 caused by a delayed breakpoint event, which should be ignored, as
38839 opposed to a random trap signal, which should be reported to the user.
38840 Note the @samp{swbreak} feature implies that the target is responsible
38841 for adjusting the PC when a software breakpoint triggers, if
38842 necessary, such as on the x86 architecture.
38843
38844 @node Packet Acknowledgment
38845 @section Packet Acknowledgment
38846
38847 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
38848 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
38849 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
38850 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
38851 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
38852 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
38853 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
38854
38855 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
38856 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
38857 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
38858 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
38859 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
38860
38861 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
38862 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
38863 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
38864 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
38865
38866 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
38867 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
38868 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
38869 @pxref{qSupported}.
38870 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
38871 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
38872 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
38873 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
38874 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
38875 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
38876 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
38877
38878 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
38879 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
38880 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
38881 connection.
38882 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
38883 new connection is established,
38884 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
38885 for the current connection, once disabled.
38886
38887 @node Examples
38888 @section Examples
38889
38890 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
38891 does not get any direct output:
38892
38893 @smallexample
38894 -> @code{R00}
38895 <- @code{+}
38896 @emph{target restarts}
38897 -> @code{?}
38898 <- @code{+}
38899 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
38900 -> @code{+}
38901 @end smallexample
38902
38903 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
38904
38905 @smallexample
38906 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
38907 <- @code{+}
38908 -> @code{s}
38909 <- @code{+}
38910 @emph{time passes}
38911 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
38912 -> @code{+}
38913 -> @code{g}
38914 <- @code{+}
38915 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
38916 -> @code{+}
38917 @end smallexample
38918
38919 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
38920 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
38921 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
38922
38923 @menu
38924 * File-I/O Overview::
38925 * Protocol Basics::
38926 * The F Request Packet::
38927 * The F Reply Packet::
38928 * The Ctrl-C Message::
38929 * Console I/O::
38930 * List of Supported Calls::
38931 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
38932 * Constants::
38933 * File-I/O Examples::
38934 @end menu
38935
38936 @node File-I/O Overview
38937 @subsection File-I/O Overview
38938 @cindex file-i/o overview
38939
38940 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
38941 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
38942 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
38943 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
38944 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
38945 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
38946
38947 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
38948 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
38949 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
38950 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
38951 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
38952
38953 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
38954 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
38955 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
38956 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
38957 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
38958 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
38959 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
38960
38961 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
38962 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
38963 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
38964 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
38965 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
38966
38967 @smallexample
38968 (@value{GDBP}) continue
38969 <- target requests 'system call X'
38970 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
38971 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
38972 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
38973 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
38974 @end smallexample
38975
38976 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
38977 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
38978 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
38979 system are not supported by this protocol.
38980
38981 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
38982
38983 @node Protocol Basics
38984 @subsection Protocol Basics
38985 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
38986
38987 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
38988 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
38989 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
38990 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
38991 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
38992 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
38993 to call the appropriate host system call:
38994
38995 @itemize @bullet
38996 @item
38997 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
38998
38999 @item
39000 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
39001 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
39002 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
39003 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
39004
39005 @end itemize
39006
39007 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
39008
39009 @itemize @bullet
39010 @item
39011 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
39012 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
39013 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
39014 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
39015 packet.
39016
39017 @item
39018 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
39019 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
39020
39021 @item
39022 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
39023
39024 @item
39025 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
39026
39027 @item
39028 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
39029 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
39030 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
39031 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
39032 packet.
39033
39034 @end itemize
39035
39036 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
39037 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
39038
39039 @itemize @bullet
39040 @item
39041 Return value.
39042
39043 @item
39044 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
39045
39046 @item
39047 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
39048
39049 @end itemize
39050
39051 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
39052 the latest continue or step action.
39053
39054 @node The F Request Packet
39055 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
39056 @cindex file-i/o request packet
39057 @cindex @code{F} request packet
39058
39059 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
39060
39061 @table @samp
39062 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
39063
39064 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
39065 This is just the name of the function.
39066
39067 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
39068 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
39069 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
39070 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
39071 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
39072 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
39073 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
39074
39075 @end table
39076
39077
39078
39079 @node The F Reply Packet
39080 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
39081 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
39082 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
39083
39084 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
39085
39086 @table @samp
39087
39088 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
39089
39090 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
39091
39092 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
39093 representation.
39094 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
39095
39096 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
39097 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
39098 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
39099
39100 @smallexample
39101 F0,0,C
39102 @end smallexample
39103
39104 @noindent
39105 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
39106
39107 @smallexample
39108 F-1,4,C
39109 @end smallexample
39110
39111 @noindent
39112 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
39113
39114 @end table
39115
39116
39117 @node The Ctrl-C Message
39118 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
39119 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
39120
39121 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
39122 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
39123 the target should behave as if it had
39124 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
39125 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
39126 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
39127 packet.
39128
39129 It's important for the target to know in which
39130 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
39131
39132 @itemize @bullet
39133 @item
39134 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
39135
39136 @item
39137 The system call on the host has been finished.
39138
39139 @end itemize
39140
39141 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
39142 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
39143 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
39144 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
39145 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
39146 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
39147
39148 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
39149 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
39150 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
39151 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
39152 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
39153 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
39154 or the full action has been completed.
39155
39156 @node Console I/O
39157 @subsection Console I/O
39158 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
39159
39160 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
39161 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
39162 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
39163 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
39164 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
39165 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
39166 conditions is met:
39167
39168 @itemize @bullet
39169 @item
39170 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
39171 @code{read}
39172 system call is treated as finished.
39173
39174 @item
39175 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
39176 newline.
39177
39178 @item
39179 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
39180 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
39181
39182 @end itemize
39183
39184 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
39185 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
39186 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
39187 is stopped at the user's request.
39188
39189
39190 @node List of Supported Calls
39191 @subsection List of Supported Calls
39192 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
39193
39194 @menu
39195 * open::
39196 * close::
39197 * read::
39198 * write::
39199 * lseek::
39200 * rename::
39201 * unlink::
39202 * stat/fstat::
39203 * gettimeofday::
39204 * isatty::
39205 * system::
39206 @end menu
39207
39208 @node open
39209 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
39210 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
39211
39212 @table @asis
39213 @item Synopsis:
39214 @smallexample
39215 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
39216 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
39217 @end smallexample
39218
39219 @item Request:
39220 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
39221
39222 @noindent
39223 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39224
39225 @table @code
39226 @item O_CREAT
39227 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
39228 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
39229 are concerned.
39230
39231 @item O_EXCL
39232 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
39233 an error and open() fails.
39234
39235 @item O_TRUNC
39236 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
39237 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
39238 truncated to zero length.
39239
39240 @item O_APPEND
39241 The file is opened in append mode.
39242
39243 @item O_RDONLY
39244 The file is opened for reading only.
39245
39246 @item O_WRONLY
39247 The file is opened for writing only.
39248
39249 @item O_RDWR
39250 The file is opened for reading and writing.
39251 @end table
39252
39253 @noindent
39254 Other bits are silently ignored.
39255
39256
39257 @noindent
39258 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39259
39260 @table @code
39261 @item S_IRUSR
39262 User has read permission.
39263
39264 @item S_IWUSR
39265 User has write permission.
39266
39267 @item S_IRGRP
39268 Group has read permission.
39269
39270 @item S_IWGRP
39271 Group has write permission.
39272
39273 @item S_IROTH
39274 Others have read permission.
39275
39276 @item S_IWOTH
39277 Others have write permission.
39278 @end table
39279
39280 @noindent
39281 Other bits are silently ignored.
39282
39283
39284 @item Return value:
39285 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
39286 occurred.
39287
39288 @item Errors:
39289
39290 @table @code
39291 @item EEXIST
39292 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
39293
39294 @item EISDIR
39295 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
39296
39297 @item EACCES
39298 The requested access is not allowed.
39299
39300 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39301 @var{pathname} was too long.
39302
39303 @item ENOENT
39304 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
39305
39306 @item ENODEV
39307 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
39308
39309 @item EROFS
39310 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
39311 write access was requested.
39312
39313 @item EFAULT
39314 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
39315
39316 @item ENOSPC
39317 No space on device to create the file.
39318
39319 @item EMFILE
39320 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
39321
39322 @item ENFILE
39323 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
39324 has been reached.
39325
39326 @item EINTR
39327 The call was interrupted by the user.
39328 @end table
39329
39330 @end table
39331
39332 @node close
39333 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
39334 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
39335
39336 @table @asis
39337 @item Synopsis:
39338 @smallexample
39339 int close(int fd);
39340 @end smallexample
39341
39342 @item Request:
39343 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
39344
39345 @item Return value:
39346 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
39347
39348 @item Errors:
39349
39350 @table @code
39351 @item EBADF
39352 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
39353
39354 @item EINTR
39355 The call was interrupted by the user.
39356 @end table
39357
39358 @end table
39359
39360 @node read
39361 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
39362 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
39363
39364 @table @asis
39365 @item Synopsis:
39366 @smallexample
39367 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
39368 @end smallexample
39369
39370 @item Request:
39371 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39372
39373 @item Return value:
39374 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
39375 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
39376 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
39377
39378 @item Errors:
39379
39380 @table @code
39381 @item EBADF
39382 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39383 reading.
39384
39385 @item EFAULT
39386 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39387
39388 @item EINTR
39389 The call was interrupted by the user.
39390 @end table
39391
39392 @end table
39393
39394 @node write
39395 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
39396 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
39397
39398 @table @asis
39399 @item Synopsis:
39400 @smallexample
39401 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
39402 @end smallexample
39403
39404 @item Request:
39405 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39406
39407 @item Return value:
39408 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
39409 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
39410 is returned.
39411
39412 @item Errors:
39413
39414 @table @code
39415 @item EBADF
39416 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39417 writing.
39418
39419 @item EFAULT
39420 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39421
39422 @item EFBIG
39423 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
39424 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
39425
39426 @item ENOSPC
39427 No space on device to write the data.
39428
39429 @item EINTR
39430 The call was interrupted by the user.
39431 @end table
39432
39433 @end table
39434
39435 @node lseek
39436 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
39437 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
39438
39439 @table @asis
39440 @item Synopsis:
39441 @smallexample
39442 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
39443 @end smallexample
39444
39445 @item Request:
39446 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
39447
39448 @var{flag} is one of:
39449
39450 @table @code
39451 @item SEEK_SET
39452 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
39453
39454 @item SEEK_CUR
39455 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
39456 bytes.
39457
39458 @item SEEK_END
39459 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
39460 bytes.
39461 @end table
39462
39463 @item Return value:
39464 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
39465 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
39466 value of -1 is returned.
39467
39468 @item Errors:
39469
39470 @table @code
39471 @item EBADF
39472 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
39473
39474 @item ESPIPE
39475 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
39476
39477 @item EINVAL
39478 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
39479
39480 @item EINTR
39481 The call was interrupted by the user.
39482 @end table
39483
39484 @end table
39485
39486 @node rename
39487 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
39488 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
39489
39490 @table @asis
39491 @item Synopsis:
39492 @smallexample
39493 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
39494 @end smallexample
39495
39496 @item Request:
39497 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
39498
39499 @item Return value:
39500 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39501
39502 @item Errors:
39503
39504 @table @code
39505 @item EISDIR
39506 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
39507 directory.
39508
39509 @item EEXIST
39510 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
39511
39512 @item EBUSY
39513 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
39514 process.
39515
39516 @item EINVAL
39517 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
39518 of itself.
39519
39520 @item ENOTDIR
39521 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
39522 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
39523 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
39524
39525 @item EFAULT
39526 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
39527
39528 @item EACCES
39529 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39530
39531 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39532
39533 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
39534
39535 @item ENOENT
39536 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
39537
39538 @item EROFS
39539 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
39540
39541 @item ENOSPC
39542 The device containing the file has no room for the new
39543 directory entry.
39544
39545 @item EINTR
39546 The call was interrupted by the user.
39547 @end table
39548
39549 @end table
39550
39551 @node unlink
39552 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
39553 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
39554
39555 @table @asis
39556 @item Synopsis:
39557 @smallexample
39558 int unlink(const char *pathname);
39559 @end smallexample
39560
39561 @item Request:
39562 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
39563
39564 @item Return value:
39565 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39566
39567 @item Errors:
39568
39569 @table @code
39570 @item EACCES
39571 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39572
39573 @item EPERM
39574 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
39575
39576 @item EBUSY
39577 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
39578 being used by another process.
39579
39580 @item EFAULT
39581 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39582
39583 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39584 @var{pathname} was too long.
39585
39586 @item ENOENT
39587 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
39588
39589 @item ENOTDIR
39590 A component of the path is not a directory.
39591
39592 @item EROFS
39593 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
39594
39595 @item EINTR
39596 The call was interrupted by the user.
39597 @end table
39598
39599 @end table
39600
39601 @node stat/fstat
39602 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
39603 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
39604 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
39605
39606 @table @asis
39607 @item Synopsis:
39608 @smallexample
39609 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
39610 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
39611 @end smallexample
39612
39613 @item Request:
39614 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
39615 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
39616
39617 @item Return value:
39618 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39619
39620 @item Errors:
39621
39622 @table @code
39623 @item EBADF
39624 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
39625
39626 @item ENOENT
39627 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
39628 path is an empty string.
39629
39630 @item ENOTDIR
39631 A component of the path is not a directory.
39632
39633 @item EFAULT
39634 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39635
39636 @item EACCES
39637 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39638
39639 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39640 @var{pathname} was too long.
39641
39642 @item EINTR
39643 The call was interrupted by the user.
39644 @end table
39645
39646 @end table
39647
39648 @node gettimeofday
39649 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
39650 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
39651
39652 @table @asis
39653 @item Synopsis:
39654 @smallexample
39655 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
39656 @end smallexample
39657
39658 @item Request:
39659 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
39660
39661 @item Return value:
39662 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
39663
39664 @item Errors:
39665
39666 @table @code
39667 @item EINVAL
39668 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
39669
39670 @item EFAULT
39671 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39672 @end table
39673
39674 @end table
39675
39676 @node isatty
39677 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
39678 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
39679
39680 @table @asis
39681 @item Synopsis:
39682 @smallexample
39683 int isatty(int fd);
39684 @end smallexample
39685
39686 @item Request:
39687 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
39688
39689 @item Return value:
39690 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
39691
39692 @item Errors:
39693
39694 @table @code
39695 @item EINTR
39696 The call was interrupted by the user.
39697 @end table
39698
39699 @end table
39700
39701 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
39702 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
39703 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
39704 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
39705 needed.
39706
39707
39708 @node system
39709 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
39710 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
39711
39712 @table @asis
39713 @item Synopsis:
39714 @smallexample
39715 int system(const char *command);
39716 @end smallexample
39717
39718 @item Request:
39719 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
39720
39721 @item Return value:
39722 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
39723 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
39724 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
39725 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
39726 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
39727 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
39728 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
39729
39730 @item Errors:
39731
39732 @table @code
39733 @item EINTR
39734 The call was interrupted by the user.
39735 @end table
39736
39737 @end table
39738
39739 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
39740 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
39741 the host is simplified before it's returned
39742 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
39743 is discarded, and the return value consists
39744 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
39745
39746 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
39747 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
39748 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
39749
39750 @table @code
39751 @item set remote system-call-allowed
39752 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
39753 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
39754 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
39755
39756 @item show remote system-call-allowed
39757 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
39758 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
39759 protocol.
39760 @end table
39761
39762 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
39763 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
39764 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
39765
39766 @menu
39767 * Integral Datatypes::
39768 * Pointer Values::
39769 * Memory Transfer::
39770 * struct stat::
39771 * struct timeval::
39772 @end menu
39773
39774 @node Integral Datatypes
39775 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
39776 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
39777
39778 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
39779 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
39780 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
39781
39782 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
39783 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
39784
39785 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
39786
39787 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
39788 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
39789
39790 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
39791
39792 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
39793 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
39794 byte order.
39795
39796 @node Pointer Values
39797 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
39798 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
39799
39800 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
39801 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
39802 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
39803 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
39804
39805 @smallexample
39806 @code{1aaf/12}
39807 @end smallexample
39808
39809 @noindent
39810 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
39811 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
39812 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
39813 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
39814
39815 @smallexample
39816 @code{123456/d}
39817 @end smallexample
39818
39819 @node Memory Transfer
39820 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
39821 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
39822
39823 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
39824 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
39825 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
39826 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
39827 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
39828 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
39829 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
39830
39831
39832 @node struct stat
39833 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
39834 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
39835
39836 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
39837 is defined as follows:
39838
39839 @smallexample
39840 struct stat @{
39841 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
39842 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
39843 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
39844 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
39845 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
39846 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
39847 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
39848 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
39849 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
39850 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
39851 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
39852 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
39853 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
39854 @};
39855 @end smallexample
39856
39857 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
39858 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
39859 structure is of size 64 bytes.
39860
39861 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
39862 range of values.
39863
39864 @table @code
39865
39866 @item st_dev
39867 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
39868
39869 @item st_ino
39870 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
39871
39872 @item st_mode
39873 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
39874 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
39875
39876 @item st_uid
39877 @itemx st_gid
39878 @itemx st_rdev
39879 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
39880
39881 @item st_atime
39882 @itemx st_mtime
39883 @itemx st_ctime
39884 These values have a host and file system dependent
39885 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
39886 support exact timing values.
39887 @end table
39888
39889 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
39890 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
39891 continuing.
39892
39893 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
39894 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
39895 get truncated on the target.
39896
39897 @node struct timeval
39898 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
39899 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
39900
39901 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
39902 is defined as follows:
39903
39904 @smallexample
39905 struct timeval @{
39906 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
39907 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
39908 @};
39909 @end smallexample
39910
39911 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
39912 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
39913 structure is of size 8 bytes.
39914
39915 @node Constants
39916 @subsection Constants
39917 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
39918
39919 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
39920 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
39921 values before and after the call as needed.
39922
39923 @menu
39924 * Open Flags::
39925 * mode_t Values::
39926 * Errno Values::
39927 * Lseek Flags::
39928 * Limits::
39929 @end menu
39930
39931 @node Open Flags
39932 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
39933 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
39934
39935 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
39936
39937 @smallexample
39938 O_RDONLY 0x0
39939 O_WRONLY 0x1
39940 O_RDWR 0x2
39941 O_APPEND 0x8
39942 O_CREAT 0x200
39943 O_TRUNC 0x400
39944 O_EXCL 0x800
39945 @end smallexample
39946
39947 @node mode_t Values
39948 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
39949 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
39950
39951 All values are given in octal representation.
39952
39953 @smallexample
39954 S_IFREG 0100000
39955 S_IFDIR 040000
39956 S_IRUSR 0400
39957 S_IWUSR 0200
39958 S_IXUSR 0100
39959 S_IRGRP 040
39960 S_IWGRP 020
39961 S_IXGRP 010
39962 S_IROTH 04
39963 S_IWOTH 02
39964 S_IXOTH 01
39965 @end smallexample
39966
39967 @node Errno Values
39968 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
39969 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
39970
39971 All values are given in decimal representation.
39972
39973 @smallexample
39974 EPERM 1
39975 ENOENT 2
39976 EINTR 4
39977 EBADF 9
39978 EACCES 13
39979 EFAULT 14
39980 EBUSY 16
39981 EEXIST 17
39982 ENODEV 19
39983 ENOTDIR 20
39984 EISDIR 21
39985 EINVAL 22
39986 ENFILE 23
39987 EMFILE 24
39988 EFBIG 27
39989 ENOSPC 28
39990 ESPIPE 29
39991 EROFS 30
39992 ENAMETOOLONG 91
39993 EUNKNOWN 9999
39994 @end smallexample
39995
39996 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
39997 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
39998
39999 @node Lseek Flags
40000 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
40001 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
40002
40003 @smallexample
40004 SEEK_SET 0
40005 SEEK_CUR 1
40006 SEEK_END 2
40007 @end smallexample
40008
40009 @node Limits
40010 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
40011 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
40012
40013 All values are given in decimal representation.
40014
40015 @smallexample
40016 INT_MIN -2147483648
40017 INT_MAX 2147483647
40018 UINT_MAX 4294967295
40019 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
40020 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
40021 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
40022 @end smallexample
40023
40024 @node File-I/O Examples
40025 @subsection File-I/O Examples
40026 @cindex file-i/o examples
40027
40028 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40029 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
40030
40031 @smallexample
40032 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
40033 @emph{request memory read from target}
40034 -> @code{m1234,6}
40035 <- XXXXXX
40036 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
40037 -> @code{F6}
40038 @end smallexample
40039
40040 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40041 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
40042
40043 @smallexample
40044 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40045 @emph{request memory write to target}
40046 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40047 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
40048 -> @code{F6}
40049 @end smallexample
40050
40051 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
40052 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
40053
40054 @smallexample
40055 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40056 -> @code{F-1,9}
40057 @end smallexample
40058
40059 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
40060 host is called:
40061
40062 @smallexample
40063 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40064 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
40065 <- @code{T02}
40066 @end smallexample
40067
40068 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
40069 host is called:
40070
40071 @smallexample
40072 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40073 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40074 <- @code{T02}
40075 @end smallexample
40076
40077 @node Library List Format
40078 @section Library List Format
40079 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40080
40081 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
40082 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
40083 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
40084 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
40085 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
40086 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
40087 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
40088 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
40089 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
40090 are loaded.
40091
40092 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
40093 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
40094 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
40095 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
40096
40097 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
40098 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
40099 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
40100 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
40101 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
40102 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
40103
40104 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40105 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40106
40107 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
40108 offset, looks like this:
40109
40110 @smallexample
40111 <library-list>
40112 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
40113 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
40114 </library>
40115 </library-list>
40116 @end smallexample
40117
40118 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
40119 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
40120
40121 @smallexample
40122 <library-list>
40123 <library name="sharedlib.o">
40124 <section address="0x10000000"/>
40125 <section address="0x20000000"/>
40126 <section address="0x30000000"/>
40127 </library>
40128 </library-list>
40129 @end smallexample
40130
40131 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
40132
40133 @smallexample
40134 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
40135 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
40136 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40137 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
40138 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40139 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
40140 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40141 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
40142 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40143 @end smallexample
40144
40145 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
40146 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
40147 section for each library.
40148
40149 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40150 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40151 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40152
40153 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
40154 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
40155 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
40156 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
40157
40158 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
40159 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
40160 target, the following parameters are reported:
40161
40162 @itemize @minus
40163 @item
40164 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
40165 @code{struct link_map}.
40166 @item
40167 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
40168 (Thread Local Storage) access.
40169 @item
40170 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
40171 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
40172 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
40173 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
40174 @item
40175 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
40176 @end itemize
40177
40178 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
40179 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
40180 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
40181
40182 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40183 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40184
40185 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
40186 looks like this:
40187
40188 @smallexample
40189 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
40190 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
40191 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
40192 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
40193 l_ld="0x152350"/>
40194 </library-list-svr>
40195 @end smallexample
40196
40197 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
40198
40199 @smallexample
40200 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
40201 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
40202 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40203 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
40204 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
40205 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40206 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
40207 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
40208 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
40209 @end smallexample
40210
40211 @node Memory Map Format
40212 @section Memory Map Format
40213 @cindex memory map format
40214
40215 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
40216 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
40217 memory map.
40218
40219 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
40220 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
40221 lists memory regions.
40222
40223 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40224 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
40225
40226 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40227
40228 @smallexample
40229 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40230 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
40231 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40232 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
40233 <memory-map>
40234 region...
40235 </memory-map>
40236 @end smallexample
40237
40238 Each region can be either:
40239
40240 @itemize
40241
40242 @item
40243 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
40244 bytes from there:
40245
40246 @smallexample
40247 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40248 @end smallexample
40249
40250
40251 @item
40252 A region of read-only memory:
40253
40254 @smallexample
40255 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40256 @end smallexample
40257
40258
40259 @item
40260 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
40261 bytes in length:
40262
40263 @smallexample
40264 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
40265 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
40266 </memory>
40267 @end smallexample
40268
40269 @end itemize
40270
40271 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
40272 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
40273 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
40274
40275 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
40276
40277 @smallexample
40278 <!-- ................................................... -->
40279 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
40280 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
40281 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
40282 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
40283 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
40284 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
40285 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
40286 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
40287 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
40288 and its type, or device. -->
40289 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
40290 start CDATA #REQUIRED
40291 length CDATA #REQUIRED
40292 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
40293 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
40294 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
40295 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40296 @end smallexample
40297
40298 @node Thread List Format
40299 @section Thread List Format
40300 @cindex thread list format
40301
40302 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
40303 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
40304 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
40305 the following structure:
40306
40307 @smallexample
40308 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40309 <threads>
40310 <thread id="id" core="0" name="name">
40311 ... description ...
40312 </thread>
40313 </threads>
40314 @end smallexample
40315
40316 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
40317 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
40318 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
40319 the thread was last executing on. The @samp{name} attribute, if
40320 present, specifies the human-readable name of the thread. The content
40321 of the of @samp{thread} element is interpreted as human-readable
40322 auxiliary information.
40323
40324 @node Traceframe Info Format
40325 @section Traceframe Info Format
40326 @cindex traceframe info format
40327
40328 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
40329 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
40330 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
40331 collected in a traceframe.
40332
40333 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
40334 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
40335
40336 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40337 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40338
40339 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40340
40341 @smallexample
40342 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40343 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
40344 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40345 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
40346 <traceframe-info>
40347 block...
40348 </traceframe-info>
40349 @end smallexample
40350
40351 Each traceframe block can be either:
40352
40353 @itemize
40354
40355 @item
40356 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
40357 @var{length} bytes from there:
40358
40359 @smallexample
40360 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40361 @end smallexample
40362
40363 @item
40364 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
40365 collected:
40366
40367 @smallexample
40368 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
40369 @end smallexample
40370
40371 @end itemize
40372
40373 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
40374
40375 @smallexample
40376 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
40377 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40378
40379 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
40380 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
40381 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
40382 <!ELEMENT tvar>
40383 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
40384 @end smallexample
40385
40386 @node Branch Trace Format
40387 @section Branch Trace Format
40388 @cindex branch trace format
40389
40390 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
40391 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
40392 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
40393 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
40394
40395 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
40396 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
40397
40398 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40399 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40400
40401 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40402
40403 @smallexample
40404 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40405 <!DOCTYPE btrace
40406 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
40407 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
40408 <btrace>
40409 block...
40410 </btrace>
40411 @end smallexample
40412
40413 @itemize
40414
40415 @item
40416 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
40417 and ending at @var{end}:
40418
40419 @smallexample
40420 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
40421 @end smallexample
40422
40423 @end itemize
40424
40425 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
40426
40427 @smallexample
40428 <!ELEMENT btrace (block* | pt) >
40429 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40430
40431 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
40432 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
40433 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
40434
40435 <!ELEMENT pt (pt-config?, raw?)>
40436
40437 <!ELEMENT pt-config (cpu?)>
40438
40439 <!ELEMENT cpu EMPTY>
40440 <!ATTLIST cpu vendor CDATA #REQUIRED
40441 family CDATA #REQUIRED
40442 model CDATA #REQUIRED
40443 stepping CDATA #REQUIRED>
40444
40445 <!ELEMENT raw (#PCDATA)>
40446 @end smallexample
40447
40448 @node Branch Trace Configuration Format
40449 @section Branch Trace Configuration Format
40450 @cindex branch trace configuration format
40451
40452 For each inferior thread, @value{GDBN} can obtain the branch trace
40453 configuration using the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
40454 (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}) packet.
40455
40456 The configuration describes the branch trace format and configuration
40457 settings for that format. The following information is described:
40458
40459 @table @code
40460 @item bts
40461 This thread uses the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) format.
40462 @table @code
40463 @item size
40464 The size of the @acronym{BTS} ring buffer in bytes.
40465 @end table
40466 @item pt
40467 This thread uses the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} (@acronym{Intel
40468 PT}) format.
40469 @table @code
40470 @item size
40471 The size of the @acronym{Intel PT} ring buffer in bytes.
40472 @end table
40473 @end table
40474
40475 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40476 branch trace configuration discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40477
40478 The formal DTD for the branch trace configuration format is given below:
40479
40480 @smallexample
40481 <!ELEMENT btrace-conf (bts?, pt?)>
40482 <!ATTLIST btrace-conf version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40483
40484 <!ELEMENT bts EMPTY>
40485 <!ATTLIST bts size CDATA #IMPLIED>
40486
40487 <!ELEMENT pt EMPTY>
40488 <!ATTLIST pt size CDATA #IMPLIED>
40489 @end smallexample
40490
40491 @include agentexpr.texi
40492
40493 @node Target Descriptions
40494 @appendix Target Descriptions
40495 @cindex target descriptions
40496
40497 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
40498 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
40499 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
40500 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
40501 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
40502 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
40503 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
40504
40505 @itemize @bullet
40506 @item
40507 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
40508 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
40509 @item
40510 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
40511 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
40512 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
40513 @item
40514 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
40515 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
40516 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
40517 @end itemize
40518
40519 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
40520 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
40521 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
40522 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
40523 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
40524
40525 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40526 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
40527
40528 @menu
40529 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
40530 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
40531 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
40532 descriptions.
40533 * Enum Target Types:: How to define enum target types.
40534 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
40535 @end menu
40536
40537 @node Retrieving Descriptions
40538 @section Retrieving Descriptions
40539
40540 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
40541 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
40542 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
40543 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
40544 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
40545 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
40546 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
40547 Format}.
40548
40549 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
40550 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
40551 specify a file are:
40552
40553 @table @code
40554 @cindex set tdesc filename
40555 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
40556 Read the target description from @var{path}.
40557
40558 @cindex unset tdesc filename
40559 @item unset tdesc filename
40560 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
40561 will use the description supplied by the current target.
40562
40563 @cindex show tdesc filename
40564 @item show tdesc filename
40565 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
40566 @end table
40567
40568
40569 @node Target Description Format
40570 @section Target Description Format
40571 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
40572
40573 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
40574 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
40575 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
40576 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
40577 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
40578 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
40579 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
40580
40581 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
40582 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
40583 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
40584 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
40585 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
40586
40587 Here is a simple target description:
40588
40589 @smallexample
40590 <target version="1.0">
40591 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
40592 </target>
40593 @end smallexample
40594
40595 @noindent
40596 This minimal description only says that the target uses
40597 the x86-64 architecture.
40598
40599 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
40600 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
40601 are explained further below.
40602
40603 @smallexample
40604 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40605 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
40606 <target version="1.0">
40607 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
40608 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
40609 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
40610 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
40611 </target>
40612 @end smallexample
40613
40614 @noindent
40615 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
40616 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
40617 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
40618 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
40619 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
40620 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
40621 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
40622 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
40623 the version mismatch.
40624
40625 @subsection Inclusion
40626 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
40627 @cindex XInclude
40628 @ifnotinfo
40629 @cindex <xi:include>
40630 @end ifnotinfo
40631
40632 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
40633 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
40634 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
40635 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
40636 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
40637
40638 @smallexample
40639 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
40640 @end smallexample
40641
40642 @noindent
40643 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
40644 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
40645 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
40646 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
40647 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
40648 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
40649 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
40650 original description.
40651
40652 @subsection Architecture
40653 @cindex <architecture>
40654
40655 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
40656
40657 @smallexample
40658 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
40659 @end smallexample
40660
40661 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
40662 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
40663
40664 @subsection OS ABI
40665 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
40666
40667 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
40668 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
40669
40670 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
40671
40672 @smallexample
40673 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
40674 @end smallexample
40675
40676 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
40677 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
40678
40679 @subsection Compatible Architecture
40680 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
40681
40682 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
40683 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
40684
40685 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
40686
40687 @smallexample
40688 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
40689 @end smallexample
40690
40691 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
40692 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
40693
40694 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
40695 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
40696 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
40697 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
40698 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
40699 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
40700 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
40701
40702 @smallexample
40703 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
40704 <compatible>spu</compatible>
40705 @end smallexample
40706
40707 @subsection Features
40708 @cindex <feature>
40709
40710 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
40711 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
40712 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
40713 has this form:
40714
40715 @smallexample
40716 <feature name="@var{name}">
40717 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
40718 @var{reg}@dots{}
40719 </feature>
40720 @end smallexample
40721
40722 @noindent
40723 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
40724 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
40725 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
40726 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
40727
40728 @subsection Types
40729
40730 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
40731 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
40732 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
40733 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
40734 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite
40735 and enum types.
40736
40737 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
40738 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
40739 Types must be defined before they are used.
40740
40741 @cindex <vector>
40742 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
40743 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
40744 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
40745 @var{count}:
40746
40747 @smallexample
40748 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
40749 @end smallexample
40750
40751 @cindex <union>
40752 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
40753 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
40754 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
40755 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
40756
40757 @smallexample
40758 <union id="@var{id}">
40759 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
40760 @dots{}
40761 </union>
40762 @end smallexample
40763
40764 @cindex <struct>
40765 @cindex <flags>
40766 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
40767 it with either a structure type or a flags type.
40768 A flags type may only contain bitfields.
40769 A structure type may either contain only bitfields or contain no bitfields.
40770 If the value contains only bitfields, its total size in bytes must be
40771 specified.
40772
40773 Non-bitfield values have a @var{name} and @var{type}.
40774
40775 @smallexample
40776 <struct id="@var{id}">
40777 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
40778 @dots{}
40779 </struct>
40780 @end smallexample
40781
40782 Both @var{name} and @var{type} values are required.
40783 No implicit padding is added.
40784
40785 Bitfield values have a @var{name}, @var{start}, @var{end} and @var{type}.
40786
40787 @smallexample
40788 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
40789 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
40790 @dots{}
40791 </struct>
40792 @end smallexample
40793
40794 @smallexample
40795 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
40796 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
40797 @dots{}
40798 </flags>
40799 @end smallexample
40800
40801 The @var{name} value is required.
40802 Bitfield values may be named with the empty string, @samp{""},
40803 in which case the field is ``filler'' and its value is not printed.
40804 Not all bits need to be specified, so ``filler'' fields are optional.
40805
40806 The @var{start} and @var{end} values are required, and @var{type}
40807 is optional.
40808 The field's @var{start} must be less than or equal to its @var{end},
40809 and zero represents the least significant bit.
40810
40811 The default value of @var{type} is @code{bool} for single bit fields,
40812 and an unsigned integer otherwise.
40813
40814 Which to choose? Structures or flags?
40815
40816 Registers defined with @samp{flags} have these advantages over
40817 defining them with @samp{struct}:
40818
40819 @itemize @bullet
40820 @item
40821 Arithmetic may be performed on them as if they were integers.
40822 @item
40823 They are printed in a more readable fashion.
40824 @end itemize
40825
40826 Registers defined with @samp{struct} have one advantage over
40827 defining them with @samp{flags}:
40828
40829 @itemize @bullet
40830 @item
40831 One can fetch individual fields like in @samp{C}.
40832
40833 @smallexample
40834 (gdb) print $my_struct_reg.field3
40835 $1 = 42
40836 @end smallexample
40837
40838 @end itemize
40839
40840 @subsection Registers
40841 @cindex <reg>
40842
40843 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
40844
40845 @smallexample
40846 <reg name="@var{name}"
40847 bitsize="@var{size}"
40848 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
40849 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
40850 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
40851 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
40852 @end smallexample
40853
40854 @noindent
40855 The components are as follows:
40856
40857 @table @var
40858
40859 @item name
40860 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
40861
40862 @item bitsize
40863 The register's size, in bits.
40864
40865 @item regnum
40866 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
40867 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
40868 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
40869 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
40870 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
40871 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
40872 in order of increasing register number.
40873
40874 @item save-restore
40875 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
40876 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
40877 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
40878 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
40879 ABI.
40880
40881 @item type
40882 The type of the register. It may be a predefined type, a type
40883 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
40884 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
40885 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
40886 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
40887 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
40888
40889 @item group
40890 The register group to which this register belongs. It must
40891 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
40892 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
40893 in @code{info registers}.
40894
40895 @end table
40896
40897 @node Predefined Target Types
40898 @section Predefined Target Types
40899 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
40900
40901 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
40902 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
40903 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
40904 types. The currently supported types are:
40905
40906 @table @code
40907
40908 @item bool
40909 Boolean type, occupying a single bit.
40910
40911 @item int8
40912 @itemx int16
40913 @itemx int32
40914 @itemx int64
40915 @itemx int128
40916 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
40917
40918 @item uint8
40919 @itemx uint16
40920 @itemx uint32
40921 @itemx uint64
40922 @itemx uint128
40923 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
40924
40925 @item code_ptr
40926 @itemx data_ptr
40927 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
40928 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
40929 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
40930 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
40931 may be marked as data pointers.
40932
40933 @item ieee_single
40934 Single precision IEEE floating point.
40935
40936 @item ieee_double
40937 Double precision IEEE floating point.
40938
40939 @item arm_fpa_ext
40940 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
40941
40942 @item i387_ext
40943 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
40944
40945 @item i386_eflags
40946 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
40947
40948 @item i386_mxcsr
40949 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
40950
40951 @end table
40952
40953 @node Enum Target Types
40954 @section Enum Target Types
40955 @cindex target descriptions, enum types
40956
40957 Enum target types are useful in @samp{struct} and @samp{flags}
40958 register descriptions. @xref{Target Description Format}.
40959
40960 Enum types have a name, size and a list of name/value pairs.
40961
40962 @smallexample
40963 <enum id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
40964 <evalue name="@var{name}" value="@var{value}"/>
40965 @dots{}
40966 </enum>
40967 @end smallexample
40968
40969 Enums must be defined before they are used.
40970
40971 @smallexample
40972 <enum id="levels_type" size="4">
40973 <evalue name="low" value="0"/>
40974 <evalue name="high" value="1"/>
40975 </enum>
40976 <flags id="flags_type" size="4">
40977 <field name="X" start="0"/>
40978 <field name="LEVEL" start="1" end="1" type="levels_type"/>
40979 </flags>
40980 <reg name="flags" bitsize="32" type="flags_type"/>
40981 @end smallexample
40982
40983 Given that description, a value of 3 for the @samp{flags} register
40984 would be printed as:
40985
40986 @smallexample
40987 (gdb) info register flags
40988 flags 0x3 [ X LEVEL=high ]
40989 @end smallexample
40990
40991 @node Standard Target Features
40992 @section Standard Target Features
40993 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
40994
40995 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
40996 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
40997 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
40998 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
40999 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
41000 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
41001 can recognize them.
41002
41003 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
41004 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
41005 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
41006 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
41007 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
41008 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
41009 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
41010 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
41011
41012 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
41013 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
41014 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
41015
41016 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
41017 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
41018 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
41019 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
41020
41021 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
41022 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
41023 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
41024
41025 @menu
41026 * AArch64 Features::
41027 * ARC Features::
41028 * ARM Features::
41029 * i386 Features::
41030 * MicroBlaze Features::
41031 * MIPS Features::
41032 * M68K Features::
41033 * NDS32 Features::
41034 * Nios II Features::
41035 * PowerPC Features::
41036 * S/390 and System z Features::
41037 * Sparc Features::
41038 * TIC6x Features::
41039 @end menu
41040
41041
41042 @node AArch64 Features
41043 @subsection AArch64 Features
41044 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
41045
41046 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
41047 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
41048 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
41049
41050 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
41051 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
41052 and @samp{fpcr}.
41053
41054 @node ARC Features
41055 @subsection ARC Features
41056 @cindex target descriptions, ARC Features
41057
41058 ARC processors are highly configurable, so even core registers and their number
41059 are not completely predetermined. In addition flags and PC registers which are
41060 important to @value{GDBN} are not ``core'' registers in ARC. It is required
41061 that one of the core registers features is present.
41062 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is mandatory.
41063
41064 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and ARC HS
41065 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
41066 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
41067 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain register @samp{ilink}
41068 and any of extension core registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
41069 @samp{ilink} and extension core registers are not available to read/write, when
41070 debugging GNU/Linux applications, thus @samp{ilink} is made optional.
41071
41072 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core-reduced.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and
41073 ARC HS targets with a reduced register file. It should contain registers
41074 @samp{r0} through @samp{r3}, @samp{r10} through @samp{r15}, @samp{gp},
41075 @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink}, @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}.
41076 This feature may contain register @samp{ilink} and any of extension core
41077 registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
41078
41079 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.arcompact} feature is required for ARCompact
41080 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
41081 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
41082 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain registers
41083 @samp{ilink1}, @samp{ilink2} and any of extension core registers @samp{r32}
41084 through @samp{r59/acch}. @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} and extension core
41085 registers are not available when debugging GNU/Linux applications. The only
41086 difference with @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is in the names of
41087 @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} registers and that @samp{r30} is mandatory in
41088 ARC v2, but @samp{ilink2} is optional on ARCompact.
41089
41090 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is required for all ARC
41091 targets. It should contain registers @samp{pc} and @samp{status32}.
41092
41093 @node ARM Features
41094 @subsection ARM Features
41095 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
41096
41097 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
41098 ARM targets.
41099 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
41100 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
41101
41102 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
41103 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
41104 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
41105 and @samp{xpsr}.
41106
41107 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
41108 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
41109
41110 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
41111 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
41112 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
41113 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
41114
41115 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
41116 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
41117 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
41118 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
41119 halves of the double-precision registers.
41120
41121 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
41122 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
41123 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
41124 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
41125 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
41126 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
41127
41128 @node i386 Features
41129 @subsection i386 Features
41130 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
41131
41132 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
41133 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41134
41135 @itemize @minus
41136 @item
41137 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
41138 @item
41139 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
41140 @item
41141 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
41142 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
41143 @item
41144 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
41145 @item
41146 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
41147 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
41148 @end itemize
41149
41150 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
41151
41152 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
41153 describe registers:
41154
41155 @itemize @minus
41156 @item
41157 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
41158 @item
41159 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
41160 @item
41161 @samp{mxcsr}
41162 @end itemize
41163
41164 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
41165 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
41166 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
41167
41168 @itemize @minus
41169 @item
41170 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
41171 @item
41172 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
41173 @end itemize
41174
41175 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.mpx} is an optional feature representing Intel
41176 Memory Protection Extension (MPX). It should describe the following registers:
41177
41178 @itemize @minus
41179 @item
41180 @samp{bnd0raw} through @samp{bnd3raw} for i386 and amd64.
41181 @item
41182 @samp{bndcfgu} and @samp{bndstatus} for i386 and amd64.
41183 @end itemize
41184
41185 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
41186 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
41187
41188 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.segments} feature is optional. It should
41189 describe two system registers: @samp{fs_base} and @samp{gs_base}.
41190
41191 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx512} feature is optional and requires the
41192 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature. It should
41193 describe additional @sc{xmm} registers:
41194
41195 @itemize @minus
41196 @item
41197 @samp{xmm16h} through @samp{xmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41198 @end itemize
41199
41200 It should describe the upper 128 bits of additional @sc{ymm} registers:
41201
41202 @itemize @minus
41203 @item
41204 @samp{ymm16h} through @samp{ymm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41205 @end itemize
41206
41207 It should
41208 describe the upper 256 bits of @sc{zmm} registers:
41209
41210 @itemize @minus
41211 @item
41212 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm7h} for i386.
41213 @item
41214 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm15h} for amd64.
41215 @end itemize
41216
41217 It should
41218 describe the additional @sc{zmm} registers:
41219
41220 @itemize @minus
41221 @item
41222 @samp{zmm16h} through @samp{zmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41223 @end itemize
41224
41225 @node MicroBlaze Features
41226 @subsection MicroBlaze Features
41227 @cindex target descriptions, MicroBlaze features
41228
41229 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.core} feature is required for MicroBlaze
41230 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
41231 @samp{rpc}, @samp{rmsr}, @samp{rear}, @samp{resr}, @samp{rfsr}, @samp{rbtr},
41232 @samp{rpvr}, @samp{rpvr1} through @samp{rpvr11}, @samp{redr}, @samp{rpid},
41233 @samp{rzpr}, @samp{rtlbx}, @samp{rtlbsx}, @samp{rtlblo}, and @samp{rtlbhi}.
41234
41235 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.stack-protect} feature is optional.
41236 If present, it should contain registers @samp{rshr} and @samp{rslr}
41237
41238 @node MIPS Features
41239 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
41240 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
41241
41242 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
41243 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
41244 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
41245 on the target.
41246
41247 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
41248 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
41249 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41250
41251 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
41252 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
41253 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
41254 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41255
41256 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
41257 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
41258 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
41259 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41260
41261 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
41262 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
41263 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
41264
41265 @node M68K Features
41266 @subsection M68K Features
41267 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
41268
41269 @table @code
41270 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
41271 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
41272 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
41273 One of those features must be always present.
41274 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
41275 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
41276 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
41277 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
41278
41279 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
41280 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
41281 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
41282 @samp{fpiaddr}.
41283 @end table
41284
41285 @node NDS32 Features
41286 @subsection NDS32 Features
41287 @cindex target descriptions, NDS32 features
41288
41289 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.core} feature is required for NDS32
41290 targets. It should contain at least registers @samp{r0} through
41291 @samp{r10}, @samp{r15}, @samp{fp}, @samp{gp}, @samp{lp}, @samp{sp},
41292 and @samp{pc}.
41293
41294 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
41295 it should contain 64-bit double-precision floating-point registers
41296 @samp{fd0} through @emph{fdN}, which should be @samp{fd3}, @samp{fd7},
41297 @samp{fd15}, or @samp{fd31} based on the FPU configuration implemented.
41298
41299 @emph{Note:} The first sixteen 64-bit double-precision floating-point
41300 registers are overlapped with the thirty-two 32-bit single-precision
41301 floating-point registers. The 32-bit single-precision registers, if
41302 not being listed explicitly, will be synthesized from halves of the
41303 overlapping 64-bit double-precision registers. Listing 32-bit
41304 single-precision registers explicitly is deprecated, and the
41305 support to it could be totally removed some day.
41306
41307 @node Nios II Features
41308 @subsection Nios II Features
41309 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
41310
41311 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
41312 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
41313 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
41314 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
41315 @samp{mpuacc}).
41316
41317 @node PowerPC Features
41318 @subsection PowerPC Features
41319 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
41320
41321 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
41322 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
41323 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
41324 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41325
41326 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
41327 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
41328
41329 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
41330 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
41331 and @samp{vrsave}.
41332
41333 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
41334 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
41335 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
41336 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
41337 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
41338 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
41339
41340 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
41341 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
41342 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
41343 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
41344 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
41345 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
41346 user.
41347
41348 @node S/390 and System z Features
41349 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
41350 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
41351 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
41352
41353 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
41354 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
41355 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
41356 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
41357 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
41358 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
41359 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
41360 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
41361 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
41362
41363 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
41364 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
41365 @samp{fpc}.
41366
41367 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
41368 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
41369
41370 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
41371 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
41372 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
41373 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
41374 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
41375 32-bit wide.
41376
41377 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
41378 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
41379 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
41380
41381 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.vx} feature is optional. It should contain
41382 64-bit wide registers @samp{v0l} through @samp{v15l}, which will be
41383 combined by @value{GDBN} with the floating point registers @samp{f0}
41384 through @samp{f15} to present the 128-bit wide vector registers
41385 @samp{v0} through @samp{v15}. In addition, this feature should
41386 contain the 128-bit wide vector registers @samp{v16} through
41387 @samp{v31}.
41388
41389 @node Sparc Features
41390 @subsection Sparc Features
41391 @cindex target descriptions, sparc32 features
41392 @cindex target descriptions, sparc64 features
41393 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
41394 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41395
41396 @itemize @minus
41397 @item
41398 @samp{g0} through @samp{g7}
41399 @item
41400 @samp{o0} through @samp{o7}
41401 @item
41402 @samp{l0} through @samp{l7}
41403 @item
41404 @samp{i0} through @samp{i7}
41405 @end itemize
41406
41407 They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41408
41409 Also the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.fpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
41410 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41411
41412 @itemize @minus
41413 @item
41414 @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}
41415 @item
41416 @samp{f32} through @samp{f62} for sparc64
41417 @end itemize
41418
41419 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cp0} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
41420 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41421
41422 @itemize @minus
41423 @item
41424 @samp{y}, @samp{psr}, @samp{wim}, @samp{tbr}, @samp{pc}, @samp{npc},
41425 @samp{fsr}, and @samp{csr} for sparc32
41426 @item
41427 @samp{pc}, @samp{npc}, @samp{state}, @samp{fsr}, @samp{fprs}, and @samp{y}
41428 for sparc64
41429 @end itemize
41430
41431 @node TIC6x Features
41432 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
41433 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
41434 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
41435 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
41436 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
41437 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
41438
41439 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
41440 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
41441 through @samp{B31}.
41442
41443 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
41444 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
41445
41446 @node Operating System Information
41447 @appendix Operating System Information
41448 @cindex operating system information
41449
41450 @menu
41451 * Process list::
41452 @end menu
41453
41454 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
41455 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
41456 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
41457 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
41458 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
41459 on a different aspect of target.
41460
41461 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
41462 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
41463 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
41464 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
41465
41466 @node Process list
41467 @appendixsection Process list
41468 @cindex operating system information, process list
41469
41470 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
41471 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
41472 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
41473 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
41474
41475 An example document is:
41476
41477 @smallexample
41478 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41479 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
41480 <osdata type="processes">
41481 <item>
41482 <column name="pid">1</column>
41483 <column name="user">root</column>
41484 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
41485 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
41486 </item>
41487 </osdata>
41488 @end smallexample
41489
41490 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
41491 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
41492 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
41493 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
41494 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
41495 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
41496 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
41497
41498 @node Trace File Format
41499 @appendix Trace File Format
41500 @cindex trace file format
41501
41502 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
41503 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
41504
41505 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
41506 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
41507 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
41508 in the future.
41509
41510 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
41511 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
41512 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
41513 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
41514 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
41515 of this section.
41516
41517 @table @code
41518 @item R @var{size}
41519 Specifies the size of a register block in bytes. This is equal to the
41520 size of a @code{g} packet payload in the remote protocol. @var{size}
41521 is an ascii decimal number. There should be only one such line in
41522 a single trace file.
41523
41524 @item status @var{status}
41525 Trace status. @var{status} has the same format as a @code{qTStatus}
41526 remote packet reply. There should be only one such line in a single trace
41527 file.
41528
41529 @item tp @var{payload}
41530 Tracepoint definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
41531 @code{qTfP}/@code{qTsP} remote packet reply payload. A single tracepoint
41532 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
41533 reply packets.
41534
41535 @item tsv @var{payload}
41536 Trace state variable definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
41537 @code{qTfV}/@code{qTsV} remote packet reply payload. A single variable
41538 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
41539 reply packets.
41540
41541 @item tdesc @var{payload}
41542 Target description in XML format. The @var{payload} is a single line of
41543 the XML file. All such lines should be concatenated together to get
41544 the original XML file. This file is in the same format as @code{qXfer}
41545 @code{features} payload, and corresponds to the main @code{target.xml}
41546 file. Includes are not allowed.
41547
41548 @end table
41549
41550 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
41551 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
41552 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
41553 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
41554 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
41555 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
41556 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
41557 endianness.
41558
41559 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
41560
41561 @table @code
41562 @item R @var{bytes}
41563 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
41564 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
41565 actual bytes, in target order, not a hexadecimal encoding.
41566
41567 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
41568 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
41569 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
41570 @var{length} bytes.
41571
41572 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
41573 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
41574 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
41575
41576 @end table
41577
41578 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
41579 of blocks.
41580
41581 @node Index Section Format
41582 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
41583 @cindex .gdb_index section format
41584 @cindex index section format
41585
41586 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
41587 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
41588 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
41589 description.
41590
41591 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
41592 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
41593 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
41594 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
41595 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
41596 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
41597
41598 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
41599
41600 @enumerate
41601 @item
41602 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
41603 unless otherwise noted:
41604
41605 @enumerate
41606 @item
41607 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
41608 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
41609 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
41610 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
41611 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
41612 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
41613 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
41614
41615 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
41616 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
41617 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
41618 currently not flagged as deprecated.
41619
41620 @item
41621 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
41622
41623 @item
41624 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
41625 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
41626 to the next offset.
41627
41628 @item
41629 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
41630
41631 @item
41632 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
41633
41634 @item
41635 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
41636 @end enumerate
41637
41638 @item
41639 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
41640 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
41641 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
41642 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
41643 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
41644 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
41645 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
41646 CU indices.
41647
41648 @item
41649 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
41650 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
41651 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
41652 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
41653
41654 @item
41655 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
41656 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
41657
41658 @enumerate
41659 @item
41660 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
41661
41662 @item
41663 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
41664 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
41665
41666 @item
41667 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
41668 @end enumerate
41669
41670 @item
41671 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
41672 the hash table is always a power of 2.
41673
41674 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
41675 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
41676 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
41677 constant pool.
41678
41679 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
41680 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
41681 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
41682
41683 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
41684 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
41685 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
41686 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
41687 index version:
41688
41689 @table @asis
41690 @item Version 4
41691 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
41692
41693 @item Versions 5 to 7
41694 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
41695 @end table
41696
41697 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
41698
41699 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
41700 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
41701 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
41702 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
41703 collision.
41704
41705 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
41706 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
41707 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
41708 the code.
41709
41710 @item
41711 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
41712 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
41713 strings.
41714
41715 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
41716 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
41717 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
41718 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
41719 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
41720 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
41721
41722 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
41723 @end enumerate
41724
41725 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
41726 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
41727 CU index+attributes value for each use.
41728
41729 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
41730 (bit 0 = LSB):
41731
41732 @table @asis
41733
41734 @item Bits 0-23
41735 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
41736 @item Bits 24-27
41737 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
41738 @item Bits 28-30
41739 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
41740
41741 @table @asis
41742 @item 0
41743 This value is reserved and should not be used.
41744 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
41745 with previous versions of the index.
41746 @item 1
41747 The symbol is a type.
41748 @item 2
41749 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
41750 @item 3
41751 The symbol is a function.
41752 @item 4
41753 Any other kind of symbol.
41754 @item 5,6,7
41755 These values are reserved.
41756 @end table
41757
41758 @item Bit 31
41759 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
41760
41761 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
41762 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
41763 @value{GDBN} sources.
41764
41765 @end table
41766
41767 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
41768 global/static attributes in the index.
41769
41770 @smallexample
41771 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
41772 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
41773 switch (die->tag)
41774 @{
41775 case DW_TAG_typedef:
41776 case DW_TAG_base_type:
41777 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
41778 kind = TYPE;
41779 is_static = 1;
41780 break;
41781 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
41782 kind = VARIABLE;
41783 is_static = language != CPLUS;
41784 break;
41785 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
41786 kind = FUNCTION;
41787 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
41788 break;
41789 case DW_TAG_constant:
41790 kind = VARIABLE;
41791 is_static = ! is_external;
41792 break;
41793 case DW_TAG_variable:
41794 kind = VARIABLE;
41795 is_static = ! is_external;
41796 break;
41797 case DW_TAG_namespace:
41798 kind = TYPE;
41799 is_static = 0;
41800 break;
41801 case DW_TAG_class_type:
41802 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
41803 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
41804 case DW_TAG_union_type:
41805 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
41806 kind = TYPE;
41807 is_static = language != CPLUS;
41808 break;
41809 default:
41810 assert (0);
41811 @}
41812 @end smallexample
41813
41814 @node Man Pages
41815 @appendix Manual pages
41816 @cindex Man pages
41817
41818 @menu
41819 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
41820 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
41821 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
41822 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
41823 @end menu
41824
41825 @node gdb man
41826 @heading gdb man
41827
41828 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
41829
41830 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
41831 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
41832 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
41833 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
41834 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
41835 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
41836 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
41837 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
41838 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
41839 @c man end
41840
41841 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
41842 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
41843 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
41844 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
41845
41846 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
41847 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
41848
41849 @itemize @bullet
41850 @item
41851 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
41852
41853 @item
41854 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
41855
41856 @item
41857 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
41858
41859 @item
41860 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
41861 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
41862 @end itemize
41863
41864 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
41865 Modula-2.
41866
41867 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
41868 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
41869 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
41870 by using the command @code{help}.
41871
41872 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
41873 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
41874 executable program as the argument:
41875
41876 @smallexample
41877 gdb program
41878 @end smallexample
41879
41880 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
41881
41882 @smallexample
41883 gdb program core
41884 @end smallexample
41885
41886 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
41887 to debug a running process:
41888
41889 @smallexample
41890 gdb program 1234
41891 gdb -p 1234
41892 @end smallexample
41893
41894 @noindent
41895 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
41896 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
41897 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
41898
41899 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
41900
41901 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
41902 @table @env
41903 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{function}
41904 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
41905
41906 @item run [@var{arglist}]
41907 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
41908
41909 @item bt
41910 Backtrace: display the program stack.
41911
41912 @item print @var{expr}
41913 Display the value of an expression.
41914
41915 @item c
41916 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
41917
41918 @item next
41919 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
41920 function calls in the line.
41921
41922 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
41923 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
41924
41925 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
41926 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
41927
41928 @item step
41929 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
41930 function calls in the line.
41931
41932 @item help [@var{name}]
41933 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
41934 about using @value{GDBN}.
41935
41936 @item quit
41937 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
41938 @end table
41939
41940 @ifset man
41941 For full details on @value{GDBN},
41942 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
41943 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
41944 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
41945 @end ifset
41946 @c man end
41947
41948 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
41949 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
41950 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
41951 encountered with no
41952 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
41953 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
41954 Many options have
41955 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
41956 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
41957 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
41958 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
41959 more usual convention.)
41960
41961 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
41962 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
41963 option is used.
41964
41965 @table @env
41966 @item -help
41967 @itemx -h
41968 List all options, with brief explanations.
41969
41970 @item -symbols=@var{file}
41971 @itemx -s @var{file}
41972 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
41973
41974 @item -write
41975 Enable writing into executable and core files.
41976
41977 @item -exec=@var{file}
41978 @itemx -e @var{file}
41979 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
41980 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
41981 dump.
41982
41983 @item -se=@var{file}
41984 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
41985 file.
41986
41987 @item -core=@var{file}
41988 @itemx -c @var{file}
41989 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
41990
41991 @item -command=@var{file}
41992 @itemx -x @var{file}
41993 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
41994
41995 @item -ex @var{command}
41996 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
41997
41998 @item -directory=@var{directory}
41999 @itemx -d @var{directory}
42000 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
42001
42002 @item -nh
42003 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
42004
42005 @item -nx
42006 @itemx -n
42007 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
42008
42009 @item -quiet
42010 @itemx -q
42011 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
42012 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
42013
42014 @item -batch
42015 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
42016 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
42017 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
42018 commands in the command files.
42019
42020 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
42021 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
42022 more useful, the message
42023
42024 @smallexample
42025 Program exited normally.
42026 @end smallexample
42027
42028 @noindent
42029 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
42030 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
42031
42032 @item -cd=@var{directory}
42033 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
42034 instead of the current directory.
42035
42036 @item -fullname
42037 @itemx -f
42038 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
42039 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
42040 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
42041 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
42042 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
42043 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
42044 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
42045 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
42046
42047 @item -b @var{bps}
42048 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
42049 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
42050
42051 @item -tty=@var{device}
42052 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
42053 @end table
42054 @c man end
42055
42056 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
42057 @ifset man
42058 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42059 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42060 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42061
42062 @smallexample
42063 info gdb
42064 @end smallexample
42065
42066 @noindent
42067 should give you access to the complete manual.
42068
42069 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42070 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42071 @end ifset
42072 @c man end
42073
42074 @node gdbserver man
42075 @heading gdbserver man
42076
42077 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
42078 @format
42079 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
42080 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
42081
42082 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42083
42084 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42085 @c man end
42086 @end format
42087
42088 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
42089 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
42090 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
42091
42092 @ifclear man
42093 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
42094 @end ifclear
42095 @ifset man
42096 Usage (server (target) side):
42097 @end ifset
42098
42099 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
42100 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
42101 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
42102 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
42103
42104 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
42105 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
42106 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
42107
42108 @smallexample
42109 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
42110 @end smallexample
42111
42112 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
42113
42114 @smallexample
42115 @ifset man
42116 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
42117 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
42118 @end ifset
42119 @ifclear man
42120 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
42121 @end ifclear
42122 @end smallexample
42123
42124 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
42125 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
42126 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
42127
42128 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
42129
42130 @smallexample
42131 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
42132 @end smallexample
42133
42134 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
42135 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
42136 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
42137 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
42138 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
42139 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
42140 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
42141 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
42142 print an error message and exit.
42143
42144 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
42145 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
42146
42147 @smallexample
42148 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42149 @end smallexample
42150
42151 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
42152 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
42153
42154 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
42155 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
42156 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
42157 the program you want to debug.
42158
42159 @smallexample
42160 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42161 @end smallexample
42162
42163 @ifclear man
42164 @subheading Usage (host side)
42165 @end ifclear
42166 @ifset man
42167 Usage (host side):
42168 @end ifset
42169
42170 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
42171 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
42172 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
42173 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
42174 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
42175 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
42176 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
42177 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
42178 descriptor. For example:
42179
42180 @smallexample
42181 @ifset man
42182 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
42183 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
42184 @end ifset
42185 @ifclear man
42186 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
42187 @end ifclear
42188 @end smallexample
42189
42190 @noindent
42191 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
42192
42193 @smallexample
42194 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
42195 @end smallexample
42196
42197 @noindent
42198 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
42199 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
42200 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
42201 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
42202 `Connection refused'.
42203
42204 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
42205 described in
42206 @ifset man
42207 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
42208 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
42209 @end ifset
42210 @ifclear man
42211 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
42212 @end ifclear
42213 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
42214
42215 @smallexample
42216 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
42217 @end smallexample
42218
42219 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
42220 case.
42221 @c man end
42222
42223 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
42224 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
42225
42226 @itemize @bullet
42227
42228 @item
42229 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
42230
42231 @smallexample
42232 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
42233 @end smallexample
42234
42235 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
42236 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
42237 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
42238 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
42239 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
42240 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
42241 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
42242
42243 @item
42244 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
42245 program:
42246
42247 @smallexample
42248 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42249 @end smallexample
42250
42251 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
42252 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
42253 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
42254 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
42255
42256 @item
42257 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
42258
42259 @smallexample
42260 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42261 @end smallexample
42262
42263 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
42264 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
42265 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
42266 debug several processes in the same session.
42267 @end itemize
42268
42269 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
42270
42271 @table @env
42272
42273 @item --help
42274 List all options, with brief explanations.
42275
42276 @item --version
42277 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
42278
42279 @item --attach
42280 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
42281
42282 @smallexample
42283 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42284 @end smallexample
42285
42286 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
42287 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
42288
42289 @item --multi
42290 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
42291 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
42292 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
42293 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
42294
42295 @smallexample
42296 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42297 @end smallexample
42298
42299 @item --debug
42300 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
42301 process.
42302 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
42303 the developers.
42304
42305 @item --remote-debug
42306 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
42307 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
42308 the developers.
42309
42310 @item --debug-format=option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
42311 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to include extra information in each line
42312 of debugging output.
42313 @xref{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}.
42314
42315 @item --wrapper
42316 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
42317 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
42318 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
42319 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
42320
42321 @item --once
42322 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
42323 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
42324 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
42325 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
42326
42327 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
42328
42329 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
42330 @c QDisableRandomization.
42331
42332 @end table
42333 @c man end
42334
42335 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
42336 @ifset man
42337 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42338 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42339 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42340
42341 @smallexample
42342 info gdb
42343 @end smallexample
42344
42345 should give you access to the complete manual.
42346
42347 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42348 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42349 @end ifset
42350 @c man end
42351
42352 @node gcore man
42353 @heading gcore
42354
42355 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
42356
42357 @format
42358 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
42359 gcore [-o @var{filename}] @var{pid}
42360 @c man end
42361 @end format
42362
42363 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
42364 Generate a core dump of a running program with process ID @var{pid}.
42365 Produced file is equivalent to a kernel produced core file as if the process
42366 crashed (and if @kbd{ulimit -c} were used to set up an appropriate core dump
42367 limit). Unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} the program remains
42368 running without any change.
42369 @c man end
42370
42371 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
42372 @table @env
42373 @item -o @var{filename}
42374 The optional argument
42375 @var{filename} specifies the file name where to put the core dump.
42376 If not specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}},
42377 where @var{pid} is the running program process ID.
42378 @end table
42379 @c man end
42380
42381 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
42382 @ifset man
42383 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42384 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42385 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42386
42387 @smallexample
42388 info gdb
42389 @end smallexample
42390
42391 @noindent
42392 should give you access to the complete manual.
42393
42394 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42395 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42396 @end ifset
42397 @c man end
42398
42399 @node gdbinit man
42400 @heading gdbinit
42401
42402 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
42403
42404 @format
42405 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
42406 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
42407 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
42408 @end ifset
42409
42410 ~/.gdbinit
42411
42412 ./.gdbinit
42413 @c man end
42414 @end format
42415
42416 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
42417 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
42418 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
42419 described in
42420 @ifset man
42421 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
42422 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
42423 @end ifset
42424 @ifclear man
42425 @ref{Sequences}.
42426 @end ifclear
42427
42428 Please read more in
42429 @ifset man
42430 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
42431 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
42432 @end ifset
42433 @ifclear man
42434 @ref{Startup}.
42435 @end ifclear
42436
42437 @table @env
42438 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
42439 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
42440 @end ifset
42441 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
42442 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
42443 @end ifclear
42444 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
42445 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
42446 See more in
42447 @ifset man
42448 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
42449 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
42450 @end ifset
42451 @ifclear man
42452 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
42453 @end ifclear
42454
42455 @item ~/.gdbinit
42456 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
42457 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
42458
42459 @item ./.gdbinit
42460 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
42461 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
42462 See more in
42463 @ifset man
42464 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
42465 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
42466 @end ifset
42467 @ifclear man
42468 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
42469 @end ifclear
42470 @end table
42471 @c man end
42472
42473 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
42474 @ifset man
42475 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
42476
42477 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42478 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42479 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42480
42481 @smallexample
42482 info gdb
42483 @end smallexample
42484
42485 should give you access to the complete manual.
42486
42487 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42488 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42489 @end ifset
42490 @c man end
42491
42492 @include gpl.texi
42493
42494 @node GNU Free Documentation License
42495 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
42496 @include fdl.texi
42497
42498 @node Concept Index
42499 @unnumbered Concept Index
42500
42501 @printindex cp
42502
42503 @node Command and Variable Index
42504 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
42505
42506 @printindex fn
42507
42508 @tex
42509 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
42510 % meantime:
42511 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
42512 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
42513 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
42514 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
42515 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
42516 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
42517 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
42518 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
42519 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
42520 \page\colophon
42521 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
42522 @end tex
42523
42524 @bye
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