Per-inferior/Inferior-qualified thread IDs
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-2016 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{} 1988-2016 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) 1988-2016 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 @node Sample Session
545 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
546
547 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
548 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
549 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
550
551 @iftex
552 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
553 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
554 @end iftex
555
556 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
557 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
558
559 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
560 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
561 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
562 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
563 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
564 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
565 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
566 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
567 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
568
569 @smallexample
570 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
571 $ @b{./m4}
572 @b{define(foo,0000)}
573
574 @b{foo}
575 0000
576 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
577
578 @b{bar}
579 0000
580 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
581
582 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
583 @b{baz}
584 @b{Ctrl-d}
585 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
586 @end smallexample
587
588 @noindent
589 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
590
591 @smallexample
592 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
593 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
594 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
595 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
596 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
597 the conditions.
598 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
599 for details.
600
601 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
602 (@value{GDBP})
603 @end smallexample
604
605 @noindent
606 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
607 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
608 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
609 that examples fit in this manual.
610
611 @smallexample
612 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
613 @end smallexample
614
615 @noindent
616 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
617 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
618 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
619 @code{break} command.
620
621 @smallexample
622 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
623 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
624 @end smallexample
625
626 @noindent
627 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
628 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
629 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
630
631 @smallexample
632 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
633 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
634 @b{define(foo,0000)}
635
636 @b{foo}
637 0000
638 @end smallexample
639
640 @noindent
641 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
642 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
643 context where it stops.
644
645 @smallexample
646 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
647
648 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
649 at builtin.c:879
650 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
651 @end smallexample
652
653 @noindent
654 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
655 the next line of the current function.
656
657 @smallexample
658 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
659 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
660 : nil,
661 @end smallexample
662
663 @noindent
664 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
665 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
666 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
667 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
668
669 @smallexample
670 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
671 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
672 at input.c:530
673 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
674 @end smallexample
675
676 @noindent
677 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
678 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
679 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
680 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
681 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
682 stack frame for each active subroutine.
683
684 @smallexample
685 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
686 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
687 at input.c:530
688 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
689 at builtin.c:882
690 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
691 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
692 at macro.c:71
693 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
694 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
695 @end smallexample
696
697 @noindent
698 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
699 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
700 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
701
702 @smallexample
703 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
704 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
705 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
706 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
707 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
708 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
709 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
710 : xstrdup(rq);
711 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
712 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
713 @end smallexample
714
715 @noindent
716 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
717 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
718 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
719 (@code{print}) to see their values.
720
721 @smallexample
722 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
723 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
724 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
725 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
726 @end smallexample
727
728 @noindent
729 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
730 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
731 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
732
733 @smallexample
734 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
735 533 xfree(rquote);
736 534
737 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
738 : xstrdup (lq);
739 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
740 : xstrdup (rq);
741 537
742 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
743 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
744 540 @}
745 541
746 542 void
747 @end smallexample
748
749 @noindent
750 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
751 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
752
753 @smallexample
754 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
755 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
756 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
757 540 @}
758 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
759 $3 = 9
760 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
761 $4 = 7
762 @end smallexample
763
764 @noindent
765 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
766 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
767 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
768 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
769 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
770 assignments.
771
772 @smallexample
773 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
774 $5 = 7
775 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
776 $6 = 9
777 @end smallexample
778
779 @noindent
780 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
781 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
782 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
783 example that caused trouble initially:
784
785 @smallexample
786 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
787 Continuing.
788
789 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
790
791 baz
792 0000
793 @end smallexample
794
795 @noindent
796 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
797 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
798 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
799
800 @smallexample
801 @b{Ctrl-d}
802 Program exited normally.
803 @end smallexample
804
805 @noindent
806 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
807 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
808 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
809
810 @smallexample
811 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
812 @end smallexample
813
814 @node Invocation
815 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
816
817 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
818 The essentials are:
819 @itemize @bullet
820 @item
821 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
822 @item
823 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
824 @end itemize
825
826 @menu
827 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
828 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
829 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
830 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
831 @end menu
832
833 @node Invoking GDB
834 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
835
836 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
837 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
838
839 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
840 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
841
842 The command-line options described here are designed
843 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
844 options may effectively be unavailable.
845
846 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
847 specifying an executable program:
848
849 @smallexample
850 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
851 @end smallexample
852
853 @noindent
854 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
855 specified:
856
857 @smallexample
858 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
859 @end smallexample
860
861 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
862 to debug a running process:
863
864 @smallexample
865 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
866 @end smallexample
867
868 @noindent
869 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
870 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
871
872 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
873 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
874 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
875 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
876 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
877
878 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
879 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
880 option processing.
881 @smallexample
882 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
883 @end smallexample
884 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
885 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
886
887 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
888 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{--silent}
889 (or @code{-q}/@code{--quiet}):
890
891 @smallexample
892 @value{GDBP} --silent
893 @end smallexample
894
895 @noindent
896 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
897 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
898
899 @noindent
900 Type
901
902 @smallexample
903 @value{GDBP} -help
904 @end smallexample
905
906 @noindent
907 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
908 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
909
910 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
911 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
912 @samp{-x} option is used.
913
914
915 @menu
916 * File Options:: Choosing files
917 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
918 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
919 @end menu
920
921 @node File Options
922 @subsection Choosing Files
923
924 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
925 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
926 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
927 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
928 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
929 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
930 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
931 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
932 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
933 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
934 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
935 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
936 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
937
938 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
939 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
940 argument and ignore it.
941
942 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
943 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
944 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
945 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
946 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
947
948 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
949 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
950 @c it.
951
952 @table @code
953 @item -symbols @var{file}
954 @itemx -s @var{file}
955 @cindex @code{--symbols}
956 @cindex @code{-s}
957 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
958
959 @item -exec @var{file}
960 @itemx -e @var{file}
961 @cindex @code{--exec}
962 @cindex @code{-e}
963 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
964 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
965
966 @item -se @var{file}
967 @cindex @code{--se}
968 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
969 file.
970
971 @item -core @var{file}
972 @itemx -c @var{file}
973 @cindex @code{--core}
974 @cindex @code{-c}
975 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
976
977 @item -pid @var{number}
978 @itemx -p @var{number}
979 @cindex @code{--pid}
980 @cindex @code{-p}
981 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
982
983 @item -command @var{file}
984 @itemx -x @var{file}
985 @cindex @code{--command}
986 @cindex @code{-x}
987 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
988 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
989 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
990
991 @item -eval-command @var{command}
992 @itemx -ex @var{command}
993 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
994 @cindex @code{-ex}
995 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
996
997 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
998 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
999
1000 @smallexample
1001 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1002 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1003 @end smallexample
1004
1005 @item -init-command @var{file}
1006 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1007 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1008 @cindex @code{-ix}
1009 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1010 after loading gdbinit files).
1011 @xref{Startup}.
1012
1013 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1014 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1015 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1016 @cindex @code{-iex}
1017 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1018 after loading gdbinit files).
1019 @xref{Startup}.
1020
1021 @item -directory @var{directory}
1022 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1023 @cindex @code{--directory}
1024 @cindex @code{-d}
1025 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1026
1027 @item -r
1028 @itemx -readnow
1029 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1030 @cindex @code{-r}
1031 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1032 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1033 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1034
1035 @end table
1036
1037 @node Mode Options
1038 @subsection Choosing Modes
1039
1040 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1041 batch mode or quiet mode.
1042
1043 @table @code
1044 @anchor{-nx}
1045 @item -nx
1046 @itemx -n
1047 @cindex @code{--nx}
1048 @cindex @code{-n}
1049 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1050 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1051
1052 @table @code
1053 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1054 This is the system-wide init file.
1055 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1056 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1057 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1058 have been processed.
1059 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1060 This is the init file in your home directory.
1061 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1062 command options have been processed.
1063 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1064 This is the init file in the current directory.
1065 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1066 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1067 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1068 @end table
1069
1070 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1071 For documentation on how to write command files,
1072 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1073
1074 @anchor{-nh}
1075 @item -nh
1076 @cindex @code{--nh}
1077 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1078 in your home directory.
1079 @xref{Startup}.
1080
1081 @item -quiet
1082 @itemx -silent
1083 @itemx -q
1084 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1085 @cindex @code{--silent}
1086 @cindex @code{-q}
1087 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1088 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1089
1090 @item -batch
1091 @cindex @code{--batch}
1092 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1093 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1094 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1095 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1096 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1097 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1098 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1099
1100 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1101 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1102 make this more useful, the message
1103
1104 @smallexample
1105 Program exited normally.
1106 @end smallexample
1107
1108 @noindent
1109 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1110 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1111 mode.
1112
1113 @item -batch-silent
1114 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1115 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1116 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1117 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1118 for an interactive session.
1119
1120 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1121 messages, for example.
1122
1123 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1124 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1125
1126 @item -return-child-result
1127 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1128 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1129 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1130
1131 @itemize @bullet
1132 @item
1133 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1134 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1135 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1136 @item
1137 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1138 @item
1139 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1140 the exit code will be -1.
1141 @end itemize
1142
1143 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1144 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1145 interface.
1146
1147 @item -nowindows
1148 @itemx -nw
1149 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1150 @cindex @code{-nw}
1151 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1152 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1153 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1154
1155 @item -windows
1156 @itemx -w
1157 @cindex @code{--windows}
1158 @cindex @code{-w}
1159 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1160 used if possible.
1161
1162 @item -cd @var{directory}
1163 @cindex @code{--cd}
1164 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1165 instead of the current directory.
1166
1167 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1168 @itemx -D @var{directory}
1169 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1170 @cindex @code{-D}
1171 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1172 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1173 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1174
1175 @item -fullname
1176 @itemx -f
1177 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1178 @cindex @code{-f}
1179 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1180 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1181 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1182 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1183 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1184 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1185 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1186 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1187 frame.
1188
1189 @item -annotate @var{level}
1190 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1191 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1192 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1193 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1194 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1195 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1196 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1197 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1198 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1199
1200 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1201 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1202
1203 @item --args
1204 @cindex @code{--args}
1205 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1206 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1207 This option stops option processing.
1208
1209 @item -baud @var{bps}
1210 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1211 @cindex @code{--baud}
1212 @cindex @code{-b}
1213 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1214 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1215
1216 @item -l @var{timeout}
1217 @cindex @code{-l}
1218 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1219 for remote debugging.
1220
1221 @item -tty @var{device}
1222 @itemx -t @var{device}
1223 @cindex @code{--tty}
1224 @cindex @code{-t}
1225 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1226 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1227
1228 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1229 @item -tui
1230 @cindex @code{--tui}
1231 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1232 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1233 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1234 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1235 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1236 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1237
1238 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1239 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1240 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1241 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1242 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1243 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1244
1245 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1246 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1247 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1248 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1249 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1250 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1251
1252 @item -write
1253 @cindex @code{--write}
1254 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1255 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1256 (@pxref{Patching}).
1257
1258 @item -statistics
1259 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1260 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1261 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1262
1263 @item -version
1264 @cindex @code{--version}
1265 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1266 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1267
1268 @item -configuration
1269 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1270 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1271 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1272 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1273
1274 @end table
1275
1276 @node Startup
1277 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1278 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1279
1280 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1281
1282 @enumerate
1283 @item
1284 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1285 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1286
1287 @item
1288 @cindex init file
1289 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1290 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1291 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1292 that file.
1293
1294 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1295 @item
1296 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1297 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1298 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1299 that file.
1300
1301 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1302 @item
1303 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1304 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1305 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1306 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1307 gets loaded.
1308
1309 @item
1310 Processes command line options and operands.
1311
1312 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1313 @item
1314 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1315 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1316 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1317 This is only done if the current directory is
1318 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1319 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1320 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1321 @value{GDBN}.
1322
1323 @item
1324 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1325 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1326 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1327 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1328
1329 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1330 you must do something like the following:
1331
1332 @smallexample
1333 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1334 @end smallexample
1335
1336 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1337 off too late.
1338
1339 @item
1340 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1341 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1342 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1343
1344 @item
1345 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1346 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1347 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1348 @end enumerate
1349
1350 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1351 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1352 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1353 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1354 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1355 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1356
1357 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1358 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1359
1360 @cindex init file name
1361 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1362 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1363 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1364 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1365 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1366 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1367 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1368 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1369
1370
1371 @node Quitting GDB
1372 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1373 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1374 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1375
1376 @table @code
1377 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1378 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1379 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1380 @itemx q
1381 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1382 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1383 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1384 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1385 error code.
1386 @end table
1387
1388 @cindex interrupt
1389 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1390 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1391 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1392 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1393 until a time when it is safe.
1394
1395 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1396 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1397 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1398
1399 @node Shell Commands
1400 @section Shell Commands
1401
1402 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1403 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1404 just use the @code{shell} command.
1405
1406 @table @code
1407 @kindex shell
1408 @kindex !
1409 @cindex shell escape
1410 @item shell @var{command-string}
1411 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1412 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1413 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1414 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1415 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1416 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1417 @end table
1418
1419 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1420 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1421 @value{GDBN}:
1422
1423 @table @code
1424 @kindex make
1425 @cindex calling make
1426 @item make @var{make-args}
1427 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1428 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1429 @end table
1430
1431 @node Logging Output
1432 @section Logging Output
1433 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1434 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1435
1436 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1437 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1438
1439 @table @code
1440 @kindex set logging
1441 @item set logging on
1442 Enable logging.
1443 @item set logging off
1444 Disable logging.
1445 @cindex logging file name
1446 @item set logging file @var{file}
1447 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1448 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1449 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1450 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1451 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1452 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1453 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1454 @kindex show logging
1455 @item show logging
1456 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1457 @end table
1458
1459 @node Commands
1460 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1461
1462 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1463 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1464 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1465 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1466 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1467
1468 @menu
1469 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1470 * Completion:: Command completion
1471 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1472 @end menu
1473
1474 @node Command Syntax
1475 @section Command Syntax
1476
1477 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1478 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1479 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1480 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1481 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1482 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1483
1484 @cindex abbreviation
1485 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1486 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1487 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1488 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1489 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1490 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1491 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1492
1493 @cindex repeating commands
1494 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1495 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1496 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1497 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1498 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1499 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1500 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1501
1502 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1503 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1504 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1505
1506 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1507 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1508 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1509 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1510 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1511
1512 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1513 @cindex comment
1514 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1515 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1516 Files,,Command Files}).
1517
1518 @cindex repeating command sequences
1519 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1520 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1521 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1522 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1523 for editing.
1524
1525 @node Completion
1526 @section Command Completion
1527
1528 @cindex completion
1529 @cindex word completion
1530 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1531 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1532 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1533 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1534
1535 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1536 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1537 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1538 enter it). For example, if you type
1539
1540 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1541 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1542 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1543 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1544 @smallexample
1545 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1546 @end smallexample
1547
1548 @noindent
1549 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1550 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1551
1552 @smallexample
1553 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1554 @end smallexample
1555
1556 @noindent
1557 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1558 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1559 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1560 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1561 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1562 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1563
1564 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1565 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1566 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1567 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1568 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1569 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1570 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1571 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1572 example:
1573
1574 @smallexample
1575 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1576 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1577 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1578 make_abs_section make_function_type
1579 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1580 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1581 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1582 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1583 @end smallexample
1584
1585 @noindent
1586 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1587 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1588 command.
1589
1590 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1591 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1592 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1593 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1594 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1595
1596 If the number of possible completions is large, @value{GDBN} will
1597 print as much of the list as it has collected, as well as a message
1598 indicating that the list may be truncated.
1599
1600 @smallexample
1601 (@value{GDBP}) b m@key{TAB}@key{TAB}
1602 main
1603 <... the rest of the possible completions ...>
1604 *** List may be truncated, max-completions reached. ***
1605 (@value{GDBP}) b m
1606 @end smallexample
1607
1608 @noindent
1609 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands:
1610
1611 @table @code
1612 @kindex set max-completions
1613 @item set max-completions @var{limit}
1614 @itemx set max-completions unlimited
1615 Set the maximum number of completion candidates. @value{GDBN} will
1616 stop looking for more completions once it collects this many candidates.
1617 This is useful when completing on things like function names as collecting
1618 all the possible candidates can be time consuming.
1619 The default value is 200. A value of zero disables tab-completion.
1620 Note that setting either no limit or a very large limit can make
1621 completion slow.
1622 @kindex show max-completions
1623 @item show max-completions
1624 Show the maximum number of candidates that @value{GDBN} will collect and show
1625 during completion.
1626 @end table
1627
1628 @cindex quotes in commands
1629 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1630 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1631 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1632 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1633 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1634 @value{GDBN} commands.
1635
1636 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1637 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1638 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1639 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1640 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1641 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1642 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1643 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1644 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1645 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1646 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1647
1648 @smallexample
1649 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1650 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1651 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1652 @end smallexample
1653
1654 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1655 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1656 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1657 place:
1658
1659 @smallexample
1660 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1661 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1662 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1663 @end smallexample
1664
1665 @noindent
1666 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1667 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1668 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1669
1670 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1671 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1672 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1673 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1674
1675 @cindex completion of structure field names
1676 @cindex structure field name completion
1677 @cindex completion of union field names
1678 @cindex union field name completion
1679 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1680 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1681 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1682 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1683 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1684 left-hand-side:
1685
1686 @smallexample
1687 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1688 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1689 to_data to_isatty to_write
1690 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1691 to_flush to_read
1692 @end smallexample
1693
1694 @noindent
1695 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1696 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1697 follows:
1698
1699 @smallexample
1700 struct ui_file
1701 @{
1702 int *magic;
1703 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1704 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1705 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1706 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1707 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1708 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1709 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1710 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1711 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1712 void *to_data;
1713 @}
1714 @end smallexample
1715
1716
1717 @node Help
1718 @section Getting Help
1719 @cindex online documentation
1720 @kindex help
1721
1722 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1723 using the command @code{help}.
1724
1725 @table @code
1726 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1727 @item help
1728 @itemx h
1729 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1730 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1731
1732 @smallexample
1733 (@value{GDBP}) help
1734 List of classes of commands:
1735
1736 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1737 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1738 data -- Examining data
1739 files -- Specifying and examining files
1740 internals -- Maintenance commands
1741 obscure -- Obscure features
1742 running -- Running the program
1743 stack -- Examining the stack
1744 status -- Status inquiries
1745 support -- Support facilities
1746 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1747 stopping the program
1748 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1749
1750 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1751 commands in that class.
1752 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1753 documentation.
1754 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1755 (@value{GDBP})
1756 @end smallexample
1757 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1758
1759 @item help @var{class}
1760 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1761 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1762 help display for the class @code{status}:
1763
1764 @smallexample
1765 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1766 Status inquiries.
1767
1768 List of commands:
1769
1770 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1771 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1772 info -- Generic command for showing things
1773 about the program being debugged
1774 show -- Generic command for showing things
1775 about the debugger
1776
1777 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1778 documentation.
1779 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1780 (@value{GDBP})
1781 @end smallexample
1782
1783 @item help @var{command}
1784 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1785 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1786
1787 @kindex apropos
1788 @item apropos @var{args}
1789 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1790 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1791 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1792
1793 @smallexample
1794 apropos alias
1795 @end smallexample
1796
1797 @noindent
1798 results in:
1799
1800 @smallexample
1801 @c @group
1802 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1803 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1804 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1805 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1806 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1807 @c @end group
1808 @end smallexample
1809
1810 @kindex complete
1811 @item complete @var{args}
1812 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1813 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1814 command you want completed. For example:
1815
1816 @smallexample
1817 complete i
1818 @end smallexample
1819
1820 @noindent results in:
1821
1822 @smallexample
1823 @group
1824 if
1825 ignore
1826 info
1827 inspect
1828 @end group
1829 @end smallexample
1830
1831 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1832 @end table
1833
1834 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1835 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1836 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1837 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1838 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1839 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1840 Index}.
1841
1842 @c @group
1843 @table @code
1844 @kindex info
1845 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1846 @item info
1847 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1848 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1849 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1850 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1851 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1852 @w{@code{help info}}.
1853
1854 @kindex set
1855 @item set
1856 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1857 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1858 @code{set prompt $}.
1859
1860 @kindex show
1861 @item show
1862 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1863 @value{GDBN} itself.
1864 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1865 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1866 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1867 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1868
1869 @kindex info set
1870 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1871 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1872 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1873 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1874 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1875 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1876 @end table
1877 @c @end group
1878
1879 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1880 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1881
1882 @table @code
1883 @kindex show version
1884 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1885 @item show version
1886 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1887 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1888 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1889 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1890 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1891 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1892 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1893 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1894 @value{GDBN}.
1895
1896 @kindex show copying
1897 @kindex info copying
1898 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1899 @item show copying
1900 @itemx info copying
1901 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1902
1903 @kindex show warranty
1904 @kindex info warranty
1905 @item show warranty
1906 @itemx info warranty
1907 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1908 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1909
1910 @kindex show configuration
1911 @item show configuration
1912 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1913 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1914 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1915 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1916 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1917 your report.
1918
1919 @end table
1920
1921 @node Running
1922 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1923
1924 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1925 debugging information when you compile it.
1926
1927 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1928 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1929 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1930 kill a child process.
1931
1932 @menu
1933 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1934 * Starting:: Starting your program
1935 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1936 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1937
1938 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1939 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1940 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1941 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1942
1943 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1944 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1945 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1946 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1947 @end menu
1948
1949 @node Compilation
1950 @section Compiling for Debugging
1951
1952 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1953 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1954 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1955 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1956 and addresses in the executable code.
1957
1958 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1959 the compiler.
1960
1961 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1962 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1963 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1964 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1965 executables containing debugging information.
1966
1967 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1968 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1969 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1970 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1971 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1972
1973 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1974 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1975 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1976
1977 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1978 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1979 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1980 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
1981 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
1982 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
1983
1984 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
1985 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
1986 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
1987
1988 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
1989 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
1990 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
1991 format in @value{GDBN}.
1992
1993 @need 2000
1994 @node Starting
1995 @section Starting your Program
1996 @cindex starting
1997 @cindex running
1998
1999 @table @code
2000 @kindex run
2001 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
2002 @item run
2003 @itemx r
2004 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
2005 You must first specify the program name with an argument to
2006 @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
2007 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file}
2008 command (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
2009
2010 @end table
2011
2012 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
2013 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
2014 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
2015 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
2016 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
2017 message like this one:
2018
2019 @smallexample
2020 The "remote" target does not support "run".
2021 Try "help target" or "continue".
2022 @end smallexample
2023
2024 @noindent
2025 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
2026 first (@pxref{load}).
2027
2028 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2029 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2030 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2031 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2032 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2033 divided into four categories:
2034
2035 @table @asis
2036 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2037 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2038 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2039 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2040 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2041 the arguments.
2042 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2043 @code{SHELL} environment variable. If you do not define @code{SHELL},
2044 @value{GDBN} uses the default shell (@file{/bin/sh}). You can disable
2045 use of any shell with the @code{set startup-with-shell} command (see
2046 below for details).
2047
2048 @item The @emph{environment.}
2049 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2050 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2051 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2052 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2053
2054 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2055 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
2056 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
2057 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
2058
2059 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2060 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2061 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2062 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2063 set a different device for your program.
2064 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2065
2066 @cindex pipes
2067 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2068 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2069 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2070 wrong program.
2071 @end table
2072
2073 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2074 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2075 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2076 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2077 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2078
2079 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2080 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2081 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2082 your current breakpoints.
2083
2084 @table @code
2085 @kindex start
2086 @item start
2087 @cindex run to main procedure
2088 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2089 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2090 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2091 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2092 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2093 procedure, depending on the language used.
2094
2095 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2096 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2097 the @samp{run} command.
2098
2099 @cindex elaboration phase
2100 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2101 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2102 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2103 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2104 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2105 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2106 will remain to halt execution.
2107
2108 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2109 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2110 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2111 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2112 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2113
2114 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2115 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2116 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2117 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2118 elaboration code before running your program.
2119
2120 @anchor{set exec-wrapper}
2121 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2122 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2123 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2124 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2125 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2126 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2127 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2128 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2129 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2130 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2131 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2132
2133 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2134 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2135 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2136 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2137
2138 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2139 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2140 environment:
2141
2142 @smallexample
2143 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2144 (@value{GDBP}) run
2145 @end smallexample
2146
2147 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2148 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2149
2150 @kindex set startup-with-shell
2151 @item set startup-with-shell
2152 @itemx set startup-with-shell on
2153 @itemx set startup-with-shell off
2154 @itemx show set startup-with-shell
2155 On Unix systems, by default, if a shell is available on your target,
2156 @value{GDBN}) uses it to start your program. Arguments of the
2157 @code{run} command are passed to the shell, which does variable
2158 substitution, expands wildcard characters and performs redirection of
2159 I/O. In some circumstances, it may be useful to disable such use of a
2160 shell, for example, when debugging the shell itself or diagnosing
2161 startup failures such as:
2162
2163 @smallexample
2164 (@value{GDBP}) run
2165 Starting program: ./a.out
2166 During startup program terminated with signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
2167 @end smallexample
2168
2169 @noindent
2170 which indicates the shell or the wrapper specified with
2171 @samp{exec-wrapper} crashed, not your program. Most often, this is
2172 caused by something odd in your shell's non-interactive mode
2173 initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell,
2174 $@file{.zshenv} for the Z shell, or the file specified in the
2175 @samp{BASH_ENV} environment variable for BASH.
2176
2177 @anchor{set auto-connect-native-target}
2178 @kindex set auto-connect-native-target
2179 @item set auto-connect-native-target
2180 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target on
2181 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target off
2182 @itemx show auto-connect-native-target
2183
2184 By default, if not connected to any target yet (e.g., with
2185 @code{target remote}), the @code{run} command starts your program as a
2186 native process under @value{GDBN}, on your local machine. If you're
2187 sure you don't want to debug programs on your local machine, you can
2188 tell @value{GDBN} to not connect to the native target automatically
2189 with the @code{set auto-connect-native-target off} command.
2190
2191 If @code{on}, which is the default, and if @value{GDBN} is not
2192 connected to a target already, the @code{run} command automaticaly
2193 connects to the native target, if one is available.
2194
2195 If @code{off}, and if @value{GDBN} is not connected to a target
2196 already, the @code{run} command fails with an error:
2197
2198 @smallexample
2199 (@value{GDBP}) run
2200 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2201 @end smallexample
2202
2203 If @value{GDBN} is already connected to a target, @value{GDBN} always
2204 uses it with the @code{run} command.
2205
2206 In any case, you can explicitly connect to the native target with the
2207 @code{target native} command. For example,
2208
2209 @smallexample
2210 (@value{GDBP}) set auto-connect-native-target off
2211 (@value{GDBP}) run
2212 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2213 (@value{GDBP}) target native
2214 (@value{GDBP}) run
2215 Starting program: ./a.out
2216 [Inferior 1 (process 10421) exited normally]
2217 @end smallexample
2218
2219 In case you connected explicitly to the @code{native} target,
2220 @value{GDBN} remains connected even if all inferiors exit, ready for
2221 the next @code{run} command. Use the @code{disconnect} command to
2222 disconnect.
2223
2224 Examples of other commands that likewise respect the
2225 @code{auto-connect-native-target} setting: @code{attach}, @code{info
2226 proc}, @code{info os}.
2227
2228 @kindex set disable-randomization
2229 @item set disable-randomization
2230 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2231 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2232 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2233 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2234 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2235
2236 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2237 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2238
2239 @smallexample
2240 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2241 @end smallexample
2242
2243 @item set disable-randomization off
2244 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2245 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2246 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2247 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2248 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2249 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2250
2251 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2252 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2253 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2254 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2255 a code at its expected addresses.
2256
2257 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2258 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2259 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2260 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2261 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2262 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2263 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2264 a randomly chosen address.
2265
2266 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2267 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2268 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2269 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2270 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2271
2272 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2273 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2274
2275 @item show disable-randomization
2276 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2277 the virtual address space of the started program.
2278
2279 @end table
2280
2281 @node Arguments
2282 @section Your Program's Arguments
2283
2284 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2285 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2286 @code{run} command.
2287 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2288 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2289 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2290 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2291 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2292
2293 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2294 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2295 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2296 the program, not by the shell.
2297
2298 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2299 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2300
2301 @table @code
2302 @kindex set args
2303 @item set args
2304 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2305 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2306 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2307 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2308 it again without arguments.
2309
2310 @kindex show args
2311 @item show args
2312 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2313 @end table
2314
2315 @node Environment
2316 @section Your Program's Environment
2317
2318 @cindex environment (of your program)
2319 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2320 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2321 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2322 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2323 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2324 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2325 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2326
2327 @table @code
2328 @kindex path
2329 @item path @var{directory}
2330 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2331 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2332 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2333 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2334 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2335 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2336 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2337
2338 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2339 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2340 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2341 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2342 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2343 @var{directory} to the search path.
2344 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2345 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2346
2347 @kindex show paths
2348 @item show paths
2349 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2350 environment variable).
2351
2352 @kindex show environment
2353 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2354 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2355 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2356 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2357 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2358
2359 @kindex set environment
2360 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2361 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2362 changes for your program (and the shell @value{GDBN} uses to launch
2363 it), not for @value{GDBN} itself. The @var{value} may be any string; the
2364 values of environment variables are just strings, and any
2365 interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2366 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2367 null value.
2368 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2369 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2370
2371 For example, this command:
2372
2373 @smallexample
2374 set env USER = foo
2375 @end smallexample
2376
2377 @noindent
2378 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2379 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2380 are not actually required.)
2381
2382 Note that on Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program via a shell,
2383 which also inherits the environment set with @code{set environment}.
2384 If necessary, you can avoid that by using the @samp{env} program as a
2385 wrapper instead of using @code{set environment}. @xref{set
2386 exec-wrapper}, for an example doing just that.
2387
2388 @kindex unset environment
2389 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2390 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2391 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2392 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2393 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2394 @end table
2395
2396 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2397 the shell indicated by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it
2398 exists (or @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable
2399 names a shell that runs an initialization file when started
2400 non-interactively---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, $@file{.zshenv}
2401 for the Z shell, or the file specified in the @samp{BASH_ENV}
2402 environment variable for BASH---any variables you set in that file
2403 affect your program. You may wish to move setting of environment
2404 variables to files that are only run when you sign on, such as
2405 @file{.login} or @file{.profile}.
2406
2407 @node Working Directory
2408 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2409
2410 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2411 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2412 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2413 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2414 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2415 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2416
2417 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2418 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2419 Specify Files}.
2420
2421 @table @code
2422 @kindex cd
2423 @cindex change working directory
2424 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2425 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2426 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2427
2428 @kindex pwd
2429 @item pwd
2430 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2431 @end table
2432
2433 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2434 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2435 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2436 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2437 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2438 current working directory of the debuggee.
2439
2440 @node Input/Output
2441 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2442
2443 @cindex redirection
2444 @cindex i/o
2445 @cindex terminal
2446 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2447 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2448 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2449 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2450 running your program.
2451
2452 @table @code
2453 @kindex info terminal
2454 @item info terminal
2455 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2456 program is using.
2457 @end table
2458
2459 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2460 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2461
2462 @smallexample
2463 run > outfile
2464 @end smallexample
2465
2466 @noindent
2467 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2468
2469 @kindex tty
2470 @cindex controlling terminal
2471 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2472 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2473 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2474 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2475 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2476
2477 @smallexample
2478 tty /dev/ttyb
2479 @end smallexample
2480
2481 @noindent
2482 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2483 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2484 that as their controlling terminal.
2485
2486 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2487 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2488 terminal.
2489
2490 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2491 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2492 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2493 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2494
2495 @cindex inferior tty
2496 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2497 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2498 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2499 program.
2500
2501 @table @code
2502 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2503 @kindex set inferior-tty
2504 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2505
2506 @item show inferior-tty
2507 @kindex show inferior-tty
2508 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2509 @end table
2510
2511 @node Attach
2512 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2513 @kindex attach
2514 @cindex attach
2515
2516 @table @code
2517 @item attach @var{process-id}
2518 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2519 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2520 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2521 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2522 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2523
2524 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2525 executing the command.
2526 @end table
2527
2528 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2529 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2530 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2531 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2532
2533 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2534 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2535 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2536 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2537 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2538 Specify Files}.
2539
2540 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2541 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2542 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2543 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2544 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2545 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2546 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2547
2548 @table @code
2549 @kindex detach
2550 @item detach
2551 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2552 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2553 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2554 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2555 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2556 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2557 executing the command.
2558 @end table
2559
2560 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2561 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2562 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2563 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2564 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2565 Messages}).
2566
2567 @node Kill Process
2568 @section Killing the Child Process
2569
2570 @table @code
2571 @kindex kill
2572 @item kill
2573 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2574 @end table
2575
2576 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2577 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2578 is running.
2579
2580 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2581 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2582 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2583 outside the debugger.
2584
2585 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2586 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2587 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2588 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2589 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2590 breakpoint settings).
2591
2592 @node Inferiors and Programs
2593 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2594
2595 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2596 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2597 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2598 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2599 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2600 from multiple executables.
2601
2602 @cindex inferior
2603 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2604 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2605 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2606 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2607 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2608 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2609 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2610 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2611 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2612 threads running in it.
2613
2614 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2615 inferiors}}:
2616
2617 @table @code
2618 @kindex info inferiors
2619 @item info inferiors
2620 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2621
2622 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2623
2624 @enumerate
2625 @item
2626 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2627
2628 @item
2629 the target system's inferior identifier
2630
2631 @item
2632 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2633
2634 @end enumerate
2635
2636 @noindent
2637 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2638 indicates the current inferior.
2639
2640 For example,
2641 @end table
2642 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2643
2644 @smallexample
2645 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2646 Num Description Executable
2647 2 process 2307 hello
2648 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2649 @end smallexample
2650
2651 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2652
2653 @table @code
2654 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2655 @item inferior @var{infno}
2656 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2657 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2658 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2659 @end table
2660
2661 @vindex $_inferior@r{, convenience variable}
2662 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_inferior} contains the
2663 number of the current inferior. You may find this useful in writing
2664 breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth.
2665 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2666 information on convenience variables.
2667
2668 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2669 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2670 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2671 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2672 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2673 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2674
2675 @table @code
2676 @kindex add-inferior
2677 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2678 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2679 executable; @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2680 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2681 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2682 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2683
2684 @kindex clone-inferior
2685 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2686 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2687 @var{infno}; @var{n} defaults to 1, and @var{infno} defaults to the
2688 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2689 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2690
2691 @smallexample
2692 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2693 Num Description Executable
2694 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2695 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2696 Added inferior 2.
2697 1 inferiors added.
2698 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2699 Num Description Executable
2700 2 <null> helloworld
2701 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2702 @end smallexample
2703
2704 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2705
2706 @kindex remove-inferiors
2707 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2708 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2709 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2710 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2711
2712 @end table
2713
2714 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2715 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2716 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2717 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2718
2719 @table @code
2720 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2721 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2722 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2723 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2724 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2725 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2726
2727 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2728 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2729 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2730 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2731 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2732 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2733 @end table
2734
2735 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2736 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2737 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2738 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2739
2740
2741 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2742 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2743
2744 @table @code
2745 @kindex set print inferior-events
2746 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2747 @item set print inferior-events
2748 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2749 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2750 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2751 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2752 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2753 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2754
2755 @kindex show print inferior-events
2756 @item show print inferior-events
2757 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2758 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2759 @end table
2760
2761 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2762 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2763 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2764
2765
2766 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2767 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2768 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2769 info program-spaces}} command.
2770
2771 @table @code
2772 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2773 @item maint info program-spaces
2774 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2775 @value{GDBN}.
2776
2777 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2778
2779 @enumerate
2780 @item
2781 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2782
2783 @item
2784 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2785 the @code{file} command.
2786
2787 @end enumerate
2788
2789 @noindent
2790 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2791 indicates the current program space.
2792
2793 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2794 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2795 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2796
2797 @smallexample
2798 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2799 Id Executable
2800 * 1 hello
2801 2 goodbye
2802 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2803 @end smallexample
2804
2805 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2806 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2807 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2808 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2809 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2810
2811 @smallexample
2812 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2813 Id Executable
2814 * 1 vfork-test
2815 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2816 @end smallexample
2817
2818 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2819 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2820 @end table
2821
2822 @node Threads
2823 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2824
2825 @cindex threads of execution
2826 @cindex multiple threads
2827 @cindex switching threads
2828 In some operating systems, such as GNU/Linux and Solaris, a single program
2829 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2830 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2831 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2832 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2833 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2834 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2835
2836 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2837 programs:
2838
2839 @itemize @bullet
2840 @item automatic notification of new threads
2841 @item @samp{thread @var{thread-id}}, a command to switch among threads
2842 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2843 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{thread-id-list}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2844 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2845 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2846 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2847 messages on thread start and exit.
2848 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2849 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2850 isn't compatible with the program.
2851 @end itemize
2852
2853 @cindex focus of debugging
2854 @cindex current thread
2855 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2856 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2857 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2858 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2859 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2860
2861 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2862 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2863 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2864 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2865 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2866 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2867 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2868 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}, where @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2869 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2870 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2871
2872 @smallexample
2873 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2874 @end smallexample
2875
2876 @noindent
2877 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on other systems,
2878 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2879 further qualifier.
2880
2881 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2882 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2883 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2884 @c program?
2885 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2886 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2887 @c threads ab initio?
2888
2889 @anchor{thread numbers}
2890 @cindex thread number, per inferior
2891 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2892 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread number
2893 ---always a single integer---with each thread of an inferior. This
2894 number is unique between all threads of an inferior, but not unique
2895 between threads of different inferiors.
2896
2897 @cindex qualified thread ID
2898 You can refer to a given thread in an inferior using the qualified
2899 @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} syntax, also known as
2900 @dfn{qualified thread ID}, with @var{inferior-num} being the inferior
2901 number and @var{thread-num} being the thread number of the given
2902 inferior. For example, thread @code{2.3} refers to thread number 3 of
2903 inferior 2. If you omit @var{inferior-num} (e.g., @code{thread 3}),
2904 then @value{GDBN} infers you're referring to a thread of the current
2905 inferior.
2906
2907 Until you create a second inferior, @value{GDBN} does not show the
2908 @var{inferior-num} part of thread IDs, even though you can always use
2909 the full @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} form to refer to threads
2910 of inferior 1, the initial inferior.
2911
2912 @anchor{thread ID lists}
2913 @cindex thread ID lists
2914 Some commands accept a space-separated @dfn{thread ID list} as
2915 argument. A list element can be a thread ID as shown in the first
2916 field of the @samp{info threads} display, with or without an inferior
2917 qualifier (e.g., @samp{2.1} or @samp{1}); or can be a range of thread
2918 numbers, again with or without an inferior qualifier, as in
2919 @var{inf1}.@var{thr1}-@var{thr2} or @var{thr1}-@var{thr2} (e.g.,
2920 @samp{1.2-4} or @samp{2-4}). For example, if the current inferior is
2921 1, the thread list @samp{1 2-3 4.5 6.7-9} includes threads 1 to 3 of
2922 inferior 1, thread 5 of inferior 4 and threads 7 to 9 of inferior 6.
2923 That is, in expanded qualified form, the same as @samp{1.1 1.2 1.3 4.5
2924 6.7 6.8 6.9}.
2925
2926 @anchor{global thread numbers}
2927 @cindex global thread number
2928 @cindex global thread identifier (GDB)
2929 In addition to a @emph{per-inferior} number, each thread is also
2930 assigned a unique @emph{global} number, also known as @dfn{global
2931 thread ID}, a single integer. Unlike the thread number component of
2932 the thread ID, no two threads have the same global ID, even when
2933 you're debugging multiple inferiors.
2934
2935 From @value{GDBN}'s perspective, a process always has at least one
2936 thread. In other words, @value{GDBN} assigns a thread number to the
2937 program's ``main thread'' even if the program is not multi-threaded.
2938
2939 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2940 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the
2941 per-inferior thread number of the current thread. You may find this
2942 useful in writing breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts,
2943 and so forth. @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for
2944 general information on convenience variables.
2945
2946 @table @code
2947 @kindex info threads
2948 @item info threads @r{[}@var{thread-id-list}@r{]}
2949
2950 Display information about one or more threads. With no arguments
2951 displays information about all threads. You can specify the list of
2952 threads that you want to display using the thread ID list syntax
2953 (@pxref{thread ID lists}).
2954
2955 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2956
2957 @enumerate
2958 @item
2959 the per-inferior thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2960
2961 @item
2962 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2963
2964 @item
2965 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2966 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2967 program itself.
2968
2969 @item
2970 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2971 @end enumerate
2972
2973 @noindent
2974 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2975 indicates the current thread.
2976
2977 For example,
2978 @end table
2979 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2980
2981 @smallexample
2982 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2983 Id Target Id Frame
2984 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2985 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2986 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2987 at threadtest.c:68
2988 @end smallexample
2989
2990 If you're debugging multiple inferiors, @value{GDBN} displays thread
2991 IDs using the qualified @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} format.
2992 Otherwise, only @var{thread-num} is shown:
2993
2994 @smallexample
2995 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2996 Id Target Id Frame
2997 1.1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2998 1.2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2999 1.3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3000 * 2.1 process 65 thread 1 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3001 @end smallexample
3002
3003 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
3004 Solaris-specific command:
3005
3006 @table @code
3007 @item maint info sol-threads
3008 @kindex maint info sol-threads
3009 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
3010 Display info on Solaris user threads.
3011 @end table
3012
3013 @table @code
3014 @kindex thread @var{thread-id}
3015 @item thread @var{thread-id}
3016 Make thread ID @var{thread-id} the current thread. The command
3017 argument @var{thread-id} is the @value{GDBN} thread ID, as shown in
3018 the first field of the @samp{info threads} display, with or without an
3019 inferior qualifier (e.g., @samp{2.1} or @samp{1}).
3020
3021 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the
3022 thread you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
3023
3024 @smallexample
3025 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
3026 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
3027 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
3028 8 printf ("hello\n");
3029 @end smallexample
3030
3031 @noindent
3032 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
3033 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
3034 threads.
3035
3036 @kindex thread apply
3037 @cindex apply command to several threads
3038 @item thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all [-ascending]] @var{command}
3039 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
3040 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the threads that you
3041 want affected using the thread ID list syntax (@pxref{thread ID
3042 lists}), or specify @code{all} to apply to all threads. To apply a
3043 command to all threads in descending order, type @kbd{thread apply all
3044 @var{command}}. To apply a command to all threads in ascending order,
3045 type @kbd{thread apply all -ascending @var{command}}.
3046
3047
3048 @kindex thread name
3049 @cindex name a thread
3050 @item thread name [@var{name}]
3051 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
3052 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
3053 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
3054
3055 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
3056 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
3057 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
3058 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
3059 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
3060
3061 @kindex thread find
3062 @cindex search for a thread
3063 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
3064 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
3065 matches the supplied regular expression.
3066
3067 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
3068 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
3069 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
3070 is the LWP id.
3071
3072 @smallexample
3073 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
3074 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
3075 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
3076 Id Target Id Frame
3077 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
3078 @end smallexample
3079
3080 @kindex set print thread-events
3081 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
3082 @item set print thread-events
3083 @itemx set print thread-events on
3084 @itemx set print thread-events off
3085 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
3086 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
3087 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
3088 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
3089 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
3090
3091 @kindex show print thread-events
3092 @item show print thread-events
3093 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
3094 have started and exited.
3095 @end table
3096
3097 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
3098 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
3099 programs with multiple threads.
3100
3101 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
3102 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
3103
3104 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
3105 @table @code
3106 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
3107 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
3108 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
3109 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
3110 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
3111 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
3112 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
3113 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
3114 macro.
3115
3116 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
3117 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
3118 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3119 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
3120 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
3121 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3122
3123 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3124 refers to the default system directories that are
3125 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
3126 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
3127 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3128
3129 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3130 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
3131 was loaded in the inferior process.
3132
3133 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
3134 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
3135 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
3136 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
3137 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
3138 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
3139 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
3140
3141 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
3142 only on some platforms.
3143
3144 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
3145 @item show libthread-db-search-path
3146 Display current libthread_db search path.
3147
3148 @kindex set debug libthread-db
3149 @kindex show debug libthread-db
3150 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
3151 @item set debug libthread-db
3152 @itemx show debug libthread-db
3153 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
3154 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
3155 @end table
3156
3157 @node Forks
3158 @section Debugging Forks
3159
3160 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
3161 @cindex multiple processes
3162 @cindex processes, multiple
3163 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
3164 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
3165 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
3166 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
3167 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
3168 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
3169 will cause it to terminate.
3170
3171 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3172 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3173 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3174 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3175 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3176 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3177 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3178 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3179 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3180 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3181
3182 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs
3183 that create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork}
3184 functions. On @sc{gnu}/Linux platforms, this feature is supported
3185 with kernel version 2.5.46 and later.
3186
3187 The fork debugging commands are supported in native mode and when
3188 connected to @code{gdbserver} in either @code{target remote} mode or
3189 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3190
3191 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3192 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3193
3194 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3195 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3196
3197 @table @code
3198 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3199 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3200 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3201 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3202 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3203
3204 @table @code
3205 @item parent
3206 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3207 unimpeded. This is the default.
3208
3209 @item child
3210 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3211 unimpeded.
3212
3213 @end table
3214
3215 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3216 @item show follow-fork-mode
3217 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3218 @end table
3219
3220 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3221 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3222 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3223
3224 @table @code
3225 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3226 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3227 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3228 retain debugger control over them both.
3229
3230 @table @code
3231 @item on
3232 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3233 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3234 independently. This is the default.
3235
3236 @item off
3237 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3238 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3239 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3240 is held suspended.
3241
3242 @end table
3243
3244 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3245 @item show detach-on-fork
3246 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3247 @end table
3248
3249 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3250 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3251 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3252 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3253 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3254 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3255
3256 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3257 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3258 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3259 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3260 and Programs}.
3261
3262 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3263 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3264 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3265 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3266 the child process's @code{main}.
3267
3268 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3269 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3270
3271 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3272 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3273 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3274 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3275 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3276 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3277 command.
3278
3279 @table @code
3280 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3281 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3282
3283 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3284 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3285
3286 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3287
3288 @table @code
3289 @item new
3290 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3291 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3292 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3293 original inferior.
3294
3295 For example:
3296
3297 @smallexample
3298 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3299 (gdb) info inferior
3300 Id Description Executable
3301 * 1 <null> prog1
3302 (@value{GDBP}) run
3303 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3304 Program exited normally.
3305 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3306 Id Description Executable
3307 1 <null> prog1
3308 * 2 <null> prog2
3309 @end smallexample
3310
3311 @item same
3312 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3313 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3314 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3315 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3316 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3317
3318 For example:
3319
3320 @smallexample
3321 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3322 Id Description Executable
3323 * 1 <null> prog1
3324 (@value{GDBP}) run
3325 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3326 Program exited normally.
3327 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3328 Id Description Executable
3329 * 1 <null> prog2
3330 @end smallexample
3331
3332 @end table
3333 @end table
3334
3335 @code{follow-exec-mode} is supported in native mode and
3336 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3337
3338 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3339 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3340 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3341
3342 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3343 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3344
3345 @cindex checkpoint
3346 @cindex restart
3347 @cindex bookmark
3348 @cindex snapshot of a process
3349 @cindex rewind program state
3350
3351 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3352 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3353 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3354 later.
3355
3356 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3357 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3358 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3359 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3360 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3361
3362 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3363 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3364 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3365 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3366 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3367 start again from there.
3368
3369 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3370 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3371
3372 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3373
3374 @table @code
3375 @kindex checkpoint
3376 @item checkpoint
3377 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3378 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3379 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3380
3381 @kindex info checkpoints
3382 @item info checkpoints
3383 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3384 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3385 listed:
3386
3387 @table @code
3388 @item Checkpoint ID
3389 @item Process ID
3390 @item Code Address
3391 @item Source line, or label
3392 @end table
3393
3394 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3395 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3396 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3397 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3398 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3399 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3400 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3401
3402 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3403 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3404 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3405 the debugger.
3406
3407 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3408 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3409 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3410
3411 @end table
3412
3413 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3414 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3415 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3416 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3417 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3418 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3419 previously read data can be read again.
3420
3421 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3422 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3423 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3424 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3425 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3426 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3427
3428 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3429 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3430 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3431 different execution path this time.
3432
3433 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3434 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3435 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3436 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3437 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3438 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3439 potentially pose a problem.
3440
3441 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3442
3443 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3444 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3445 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3446 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3447 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3448 next.
3449
3450 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3451 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3452 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3453 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3454 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3455
3456 @node Stopping
3457 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3458
3459 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3460 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3461 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3462
3463 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3464 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3465 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3466 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3467 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3468 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3469 explicitly request this information at any time.
3470
3471 @table @code
3472 @kindex info program
3473 @item info program
3474 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3475 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3476 @end table
3477
3478 @menu
3479 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3480 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3481 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3482 Skipping over functions and files
3483 * Signals:: Signals
3484 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3485 @end menu
3486
3487 @node Breakpoints
3488 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3489
3490 @cindex breakpoints
3491 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3492 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3493 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3494 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3495 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3496 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3497 program.
3498
3499 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3500 the executable is run.
3501
3502 @cindex watchpoints
3503 @cindex data breakpoints
3504 @cindex memory tracing
3505 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3506 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3507 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3508 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3509 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3510 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3511 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3512 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3513 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3514 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3515 same commands.
3516
3517 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3518 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3519 Automatic Display}.
3520
3521 @cindex catchpoints
3522 @cindex breakpoint on events
3523 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3524 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3525 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3526 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3527 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3528 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3529 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3530
3531 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3532 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3533 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3534 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3535 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3536 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3537 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3538 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3539 enable it again.
3540
3541 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3542 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3543 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3544 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3545 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3546 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3547 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3548
3549 @menu
3550 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3551 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3552 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3553 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3554 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3555 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3556 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3557 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3558 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3559 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3560 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3561 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3562 @end menu
3563
3564 @node Set Breaks
3565 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3566
3567 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3568 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3569 @c
3570 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3571
3572 @kindex break
3573 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3574 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3575 @cindex latest breakpoint
3576 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3577 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3578 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3579 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3580 convenience variables.
3581
3582 @table @code
3583 @item break @var{location}
3584 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3585 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3586 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3587 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3588 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3589
3590 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3591 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3592 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3593 that situation.
3594
3595 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3596 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3597 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3598
3599 @item break
3600 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3601 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3602 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3603 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3604 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3605 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3606 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3607 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3608 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3609 inside loops.
3610
3611 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3612 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3613 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3614 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3615 existed when your program stopped.
3616
3617 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3618 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3619 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3620 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3621 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3622 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3623 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3624
3625 @kindex tbreak
3626 @item tbreak @var{args}
3627 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args} are the
3628 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3629 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3630 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3631
3632 @kindex hbreak
3633 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3634 @item hbreak @var{args}
3635 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. The @var{args} are the same as for the
3636 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3637 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3638 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3639 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3640 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3641 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3642 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3643 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3644 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3645 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3646 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3647 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3648 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3649 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3650 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3651 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3652 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3653
3654 @kindex thbreak
3655 @item thbreak @var{args}
3656 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args}
3657 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3658 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3659 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3660 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3661 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3662 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3663 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3664
3665 @kindex rbreak
3666 @cindex regular expression
3667 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3668 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3669 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3670 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3671 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3672 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3673 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3674 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3675 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3676
3677 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3678 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3679 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3680 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3681 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3682 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3683
3684 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3685 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3686 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3687 classes.
3688
3689 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3690 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3691 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3692
3693 @smallexample
3694 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3695 @end smallexample
3696
3697 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3698 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3699 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3700 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3701 every function in a given file:
3702
3703 @smallexample
3704 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3705 @end smallexample
3706
3707 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3708 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3709
3710 @kindex info breakpoints
3711 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3712 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3713 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3714 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3715 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3716 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3717 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3718
3719 @table @emph
3720 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3721 @item Type
3722 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3723 @item Disposition
3724 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3725 @item Enabled or Disabled
3726 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3727 that are not enabled.
3728 @item Address
3729 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3730 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3731 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3732 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3733 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3734 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3735 @item What
3736 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3737 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3738 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3739 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3740 @end table
3741
3742 @noindent
3743 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3744 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3745 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3746 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3747 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3748 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3749
3750 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3751 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3752 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3753 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3754
3755 @noindent
3756 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3757 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3758 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3759 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3760 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3761
3762 @noindent
3763 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3764 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3765 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3766 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3767 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3768 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3769
3770 @noindent
3771 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3772 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3773
3774 @end table
3775
3776 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3777 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3778 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3779 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3780
3781 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3782 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3783 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3784 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3785
3786 @itemize @bullet
3787 @item
3788 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3789
3790 @item
3791 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3792 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3793
3794 @item
3795 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3796 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3797
3798 @item
3799 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3800 several places where that function is inlined.
3801 @end itemize
3802
3803 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3804 the relevant locations.
3805
3806 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3807 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3808 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3809 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3810 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3811 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3812 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3813
3814 For example:
3815
3816 @smallexample
3817 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3818 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3819 stop only if i==1
3820 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3821 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3822 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3823 @end smallexample
3824
3825 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3826 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3827 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3828 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3829 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3830 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3831 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3832 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3833 that belong to that breakpoint.
3834
3835 @cindex pending breakpoints
3836 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3837 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3838 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3839 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3840 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3841 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3842 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3843 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3844 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3845 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3846 is not yet resolved.
3847
3848 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3849 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3850 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3851 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3852 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3853 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3854
3855 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3856 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3857 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3858 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3859
3860 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3861 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3862 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3863
3864 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3865 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3866 address specification to an address:
3867
3868 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3869 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3870 @table @code
3871 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3872 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3873 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3874
3875 @item set breakpoint pending on
3876 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3877 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3878
3879 @item set breakpoint pending off
3880 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3881 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3882 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3883
3884 @item show breakpoint pending
3885 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3886 @end table
3887
3888 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3889 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3890 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3891
3892 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3893 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3894 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3895 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3896 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3897 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3898 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3899 breakpoints.
3900
3901 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3902
3903 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3904 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3905 @table @code
3906 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3907 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3908 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3909 breakpoint must be used.
3910
3911 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3912 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3913 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3914 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3915 @end table
3916
3917 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3918 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3919 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3920 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3921 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3922 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3923 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3924 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3925 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3926
3927 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3928 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3929 @table @code
3930 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3931 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3932 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3933 removed from the target when it stops. This is the default mode.
3934
3935 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3936 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3937 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3938 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3939 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is deleted.
3940 @end table
3941
3942 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
3943 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
3944 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
3945
3946 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
3947 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
3948
3949 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
3950
3951 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
3952 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
3953 @table @code
3954 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
3955 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
3956 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
3957 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
3958 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
3959
3960 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
3961 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
3962 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
3963 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
3964 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
3965 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
3966 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
3967 that is only known to the host. Examples include
3968 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
3969 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
3970 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
3971 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
3972 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
3973
3974 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
3975 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
3976 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
3977 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
3978 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
3979 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
3980 @end table
3981
3982
3983 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3984 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3985 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3986 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3987 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3988 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3989 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3990 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3991
3992
3993 @node Set Watchpoints
3994 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3995
3996 @cindex setting watchpoints
3997 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3998 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3999 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
4000 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
4001 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
4002
4003 @itemize @bullet
4004 @item
4005 A reference to the value of a single variable.
4006
4007 @item
4008 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
4009 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
4010 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
4011
4012 @item
4013 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
4014 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
4015 language (@pxref{Languages}).
4016 @end itemize
4017
4018 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
4019 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
4020 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
4021 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
4022 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
4023 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
4024 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
4025 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
4026 the expression changes.
4027
4028 @cindex software watchpoints
4029 @cindex hardware watchpoints
4030 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
4031 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
4032 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
4033 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
4034 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
4035 culprit.)
4036
4037 On some systems, such as most PowerPC or x86-based targets,
4038 @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware watchpoints, which do not
4039 slow down the running of your program.
4040
4041 @table @code
4042 @kindex watch
4043 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4044 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
4045 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
4046 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
4047 to watch the value of a single variable:
4048
4049 @smallexample
4050 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
4051 @end smallexample
4052
4053 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]}}
4054 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
4055 @var{thread-id} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
4056 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
4057 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
4058 with Hardware Watchpoints.
4059
4060 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
4061 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
4062 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
4063 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
4064 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
4065 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
4066 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
4067 error.
4068
4069 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
4070 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
4071 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
4072 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
4073 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
4074 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
4075 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
4076 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
4077 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
4078 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
4079 Examples:
4080
4081 @smallexample
4082 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
4083 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
4084 @end smallexample
4085
4086 @kindex rwatch
4087 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4088 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
4089 by the program.
4090
4091 @kindex awatch
4092 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4093 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
4094 or written into by the program.
4095
4096 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
4097 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
4098 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
4099 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
4100 @end table
4101
4102 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
4103 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
4104 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
4105 a never-changing value:
4106
4107 @smallexample
4108 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
4109 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
4110 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
4111 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
4112 @end smallexample
4113
4114 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
4115 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
4116 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
4117 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
4118 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
4119 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
4120
4121 @cindex use only software watchpoints
4122 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
4123 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
4124 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
4125 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
4126 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
4127 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
4128 mechanism of watching expression values.)
4129
4130 @table @code
4131 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4132 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4133 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
4134
4135 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4136 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4137 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
4138 @end table
4139
4140 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
4141 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
4142 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
4143
4144 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
4145
4146 @smallexample
4147 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
4148 @end smallexample
4149
4150 @noindent
4151 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
4152
4153 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
4154 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
4155 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
4156 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
4157 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
4158 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
4159 will print a message like this:
4160
4161 @smallexample
4162 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
4163 @end smallexample
4164
4165 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4166 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4167 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4168 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4169 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4170 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4171 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4172 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4173
4174 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4175 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4176 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4177 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4178 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4179 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4180
4181 @smallexample
4182 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4183 @end smallexample
4184
4185 @noindent
4186 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4187
4188 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4189 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4190 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4191 expression with separately allocated resources.
4192
4193 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4194 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4195 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4196
4197 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4198 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4199 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4200 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4201 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4202 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4203 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4204 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4205 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4206
4207 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4208 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4209 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4210 watched expression from every thread.
4211
4212 @quotation
4213 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4214 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4215 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4216 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4217 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4218 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4219 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4220 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4221 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4222 @end quotation
4223
4224 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4225
4226 @node Set Catchpoints
4227 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4228 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4229 @cindex exception handlers
4230 @cindex event handling
4231
4232 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4233 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4234 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4235
4236 @table @code
4237 @kindex catch
4238 @item catch @var{event}
4239 Stop when @var{event} occurs. The @var{event} can be any of the following:
4240
4241 @table @code
4242 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4243 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4244 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4245 @kindex catch throw
4246 @kindex catch rethrow
4247 @kindex catch catch
4248 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4249 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4250
4251 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4252 regular expression will be caught.
4253
4254 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4255 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4256 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4257 exception being thrown.
4258
4259 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4260 @value{GDBN}:
4261
4262 @itemize @bullet
4263 @item
4264 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4265 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4266 supported.
4267
4268 @item
4269 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4270 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4271 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4272 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4273 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4274 built.
4275
4276 @item
4277 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4278 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4279
4280 @item
4281 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4282 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4283 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4284 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4285
4286 @item
4287 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4288 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4289 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4290 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4291 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4292 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4293 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4294 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4295 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4296
4297 @item
4298 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4299
4300 @item
4301 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4302 @end itemize
4303
4304 @item exception
4305 @kindex catch exception
4306 @cindex Ada exception catching
4307 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4308 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4309 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4310 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4311 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4312
4313 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4314 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4315 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4316 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4317 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4318 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4319 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4320 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4321
4322 @item exception unhandled
4323 @kindex catch exception unhandled
4324 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4325
4326 @item assert
4327 @kindex catch assert
4328 A failed Ada assertion.
4329
4330 @item exec
4331 @kindex catch exec
4332 @cindex break on fork/exec
4333 A call to @code{exec}.
4334
4335 @item syscall
4336 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
4337 @kindex catch syscall
4338 @cindex break on a system call.
4339 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4340 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4341 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4342 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4343 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4344 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4345 will be caught.
4346
4347 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4348 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4349 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4350 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4351
4352 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4353 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4354 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4355 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4356
4357 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4358 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4359 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4360 available choices.
4361
4362 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4363 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4364 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4365 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4366 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4367 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4368 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4369 behind the OS upgrades).
4370
4371 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4372 arguments to it:
4373
4374 @smallexample
4375 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4376 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4377 (@value{GDBP}) r
4378 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4379
4380 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4381 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4382 (@value{GDBP}) c
4383 Continuing.
4384
4385 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4386 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4387 (@value{GDBP})
4388 @end smallexample
4389
4390 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4391
4392 @smallexample
4393 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4394 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4395 (@value{GDBP}) r
4396 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4397
4398 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4399 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4400 (@value{GDBP}) c
4401 Continuing.
4402
4403 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4404 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4405 (@value{GDBP})
4406 @end smallexample
4407
4408 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4409 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4410 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4411
4412 @smallexample
4413 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4414 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4415 (@value{GDBP}) r
4416 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4417
4418 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4419 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4420 (@value{GDBP}) c
4421 Continuing.
4422
4423 Program exited normally.
4424 (@value{GDBP})
4425 @end smallexample
4426
4427 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4428 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4429 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4430 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4431
4432 @smallexample
4433 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4434 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4435 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4436 (@value{GDBP})
4437 @end smallexample
4438
4439 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4440 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4441 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4442 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4443 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4444 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4445
4446 @smallexample
4447 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4448 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4449 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4450 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4451 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4452 (@value{GDBP})
4453 @end smallexample
4454
4455 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4456
4457 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4458 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4459
4460 @smallexample
4461 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4462 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4463 @end smallexample
4464
4465 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4466
4467 @item fork
4468 @kindex catch fork
4469 A call to @code{fork}.
4470
4471 @item vfork
4472 @kindex catch vfork
4473 A call to @code{vfork}.
4474
4475 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4476 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4477 @kindex catch load
4478 @kindex catch unload
4479 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4480 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4481 matches one of the affected libraries.
4482
4483 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4484 @kindex catch signal
4485 The delivery of a signal.
4486
4487 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4488 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4489 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4490
4491 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4492 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4493 signal names.
4494
4495 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4496 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4497 will be caught.
4498
4499 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4500 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4501 catchpoint.
4502
4503 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4504 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4505 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4506 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4507 commands.
4508
4509 @end table
4510
4511 @item tcatch @var{event}
4512 @kindex tcatch
4513 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4514 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4515
4516 @end table
4517
4518 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4519
4520
4521 @node Delete Breaks
4522 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4523
4524 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4525 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4526 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4527 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4528 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4529 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4530
4531 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4532 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4533 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4534 their breakpoint numbers.
4535
4536 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4537 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4538 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4539
4540 @table @code
4541 @kindex clear
4542 @item clear
4543 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4544 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4545 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4546 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4547
4548 @item clear @var{location}
4549 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4550 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4551 most useful ones are listed below:
4552
4553 @table @code
4554 @item clear @var{function}
4555 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4556 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4557
4558 @item clear @var{linenum}
4559 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4560 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4561 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4562 @end table
4563
4564 @cindex delete breakpoints
4565 @kindex delete
4566 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4567 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4568 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4569 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4570 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4571 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4572 @end table
4573
4574 @node Disabling
4575 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4576
4577 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4578 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4579 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4580 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4581 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4582
4583 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4584 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4585 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4586 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4587 do not know which numbers to use.
4588
4589 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4590 affects all of its locations.
4591
4592 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4593 different states of enablement:
4594
4595 @itemize @bullet
4596 @item
4597 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4598 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4599 @item
4600 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4601 @item
4602 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4603 disabled.
4604 @item
4605 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4606 N times, then becomes disabled.
4607 @item
4608 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4609 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4610 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4611 @end itemize
4612
4613 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4614 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4615
4616 @table @code
4617 @kindex disable
4618 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4619 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4620 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4621 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4622 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4623 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4624 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4625
4626 @kindex enable
4627 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4628 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4629 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4630
4631 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4632 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4633 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4634
4635 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{range}@dots{}
4636 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4637 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4638 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4639 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4640 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4641 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4642
4643 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4644 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4645 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4646 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4647 @end table
4648
4649 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4650 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4651 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4652 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4653 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4654 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4655 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4656 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4657 Stepping}.)
4658
4659 @node Conditions
4660 @subsection Break Conditions
4661 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4662 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4663
4664 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4665 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4666 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4667 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4668 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4669 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4670 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4671 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4672
4673 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4674 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4675 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4676 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4677 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4678
4679 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4680 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4681 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4682 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4683 one.
4684
4685 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4686 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4687 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4688 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4689 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4690 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4691 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4692 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4693 conditions for the
4694 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4695 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4696
4697 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4698 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4699 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4700 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4701 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4702 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4703
4704 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4705 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4706 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4707 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4708 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4709
4710 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4711 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4712 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4713 with the @code{condition} command.
4714
4715 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4716 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4717 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4718 catchpoint.
4719
4720 @table @code
4721 @kindex condition
4722 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4723 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4724 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4725 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4726 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4727 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4728 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4729 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4730 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4731 prints an error message:
4732
4733 @smallexample
4734 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4735 @end smallexample
4736
4737 @noindent
4738 @value{GDBN} does
4739 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4740 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4741 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4742
4743 @item condition @var{bnum}
4744 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4745 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4746 @end table
4747
4748 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4749 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4750 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4751 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4752 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4753 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4754 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4755 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4756 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4757 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4758 your program reaches it.
4759
4760 @table @code
4761 @kindex ignore
4762 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4763 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4764 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4765 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4766 takes no action.
4767
4768 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4769 a count of zero.
4770
4771 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4772 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4773 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4774 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4775
4776 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4777 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4778 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4779
4780 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4781 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4782 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4783 Variables}.
4784 @end table
4785
4786 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4787
4788
4789 @node Break Commands
4790 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4791
4792 @cindex breakpoint commands
4793 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4794 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4795 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4796 enable other breakpoints.
4797
4798 @table @code
4799 @kindex commands
4800 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4801 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4802 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4803 @itemx end
4804 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4805 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4806 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4807
4808 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4809 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4810
4811 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4812 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4813 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4814 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4815 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4816 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4817 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4818 Expressions}).
4819 @end table
4820
4821 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4822 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4823
4824 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4825 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4826 that resumes execution.
4827
4828 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4829 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4830 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4831 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4832 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4833
4834 @kindex silent
4835 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4836 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4837 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4838 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4839 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4840 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4841
4842 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4843 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4844 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4845
4846 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4847 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4848
4849 @smallexample
4850 break foo if x>0
4851 commands
4852 silent
4853 printf "x is %d\n",x
4854 cont
4855 end
4856 @end smallexample
4857
4858 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4859 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4860 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4861 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4862 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4863 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4864 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4865
4866 @smallexample
4867 break 403
4868 commands
4869 silent
4870 set x = y + 4
4871 cont
4872 end
4873 @end smallexample
4874
4875 @node Dynamic Printf
4876 @subsection Dynamic Printf
4877
4878 @cindex dynamic printf
4879 @cindex dprintf
4880 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
4881 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
4882 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
4883 having to recompile it.
4884
4885 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
4886 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
4887 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
4888 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
4889 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
4890 redirects to files and so forth.
4891
4892 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
4893 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
4894 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
4895 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
4896 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
4897 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
4898 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
4899
4900 @table @code
4901 @kindex dprintf
4902 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
4903 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
4904 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
4905 To print several values, separate them with commas.
4906
4907 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
4908 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
4909 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
4910 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
4911 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
4912 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
4913
4914 @item gdb
4915 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
4916 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
4917
4918 @item call
4919 @kindex dprintf-style call
4920 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
4921 @code{printf}).
4922
4923 @item agent
4924 @kindex dprintf-style agent
4925 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
4926 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
4927 support running commands on the target.
4928
4929 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
4930 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
4931 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
4932 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
4933 command.
4934
4935 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
4936 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
4937 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
4938 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
4939 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
4940 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
4941
4942 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
4943 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
4944 you could do the following:
4945
4946 @example
4947 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
4948 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
4949 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
4950 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
4951 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
4952 (gdb) info break
4953 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
4954 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
4955 continue
4956 (gdb)
4957 @end example
4958
4959 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
4960 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
4961 the variable settings.
4962
4963 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
4964 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
4965 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
4966 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
4967 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
4968 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
4969
4970 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
4971 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
4972 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
4973
4974 @end table
4975
4976 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
4977 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
4978 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
4979 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
4980 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
4981 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
4982
4983 @node Save Breakpoints
4984 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4985
4986 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4987 breakpoints}} command.
4988
4989 @table @code
4990 @kindex save breakpoints
4991 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4992 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4993 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4994 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4995 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4996 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4997 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4998 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4999 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
5000 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
5001 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
5002 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
5003 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
5004 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
5005 that can no longer be recreated.
5006 @end table
5007
5008 @node Static Probe Points
5009 @subsection Static Probe Points
5010
5011 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
5012 @cindex static probe point, DTrace
5013 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
5014 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
5015 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations.
5016
5017 Currently, the following types of probes are supported on
5018 ELF-compatible systems:
5019
5020 @itemize @bullet
5021
5022 @item @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
5023 @acronym{SDT} probes@footnote{See
5024 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
5025 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT}
5026 probes in your applications.}. @code{SystemTap} probes are usable
5027 from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages@footnote{See
5028 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
5029 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.}.
5030
5031 @item @code{DTrace} (@uref{http://oss.oracle.com/projects/DTrace})
5032 @acronym{USDT} probes. @code{DTrace} probes are usable from C and
5033 C@t{++} languages.
5034 @end itemize
5035
5036 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
5037 Some @code{SystemTap} probes have an associated semaphore variable;
5038 for instance, this happens automatically if you defined your probe
5039 using a DTrace-style @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore,
5040 @value{GDBN} will automatically enable it when you specify a
5041 breakpoint using the @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a
5042 breakpoint at a probe's location by some other method (e.g.,
5043 @code{break file:line}), then @value{GDBN} will not automatically set
5044 the semaphore. @code{DTrace} probes do not support semaphores.
5045
5046 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
5047 probes}, with optional arguments:
5048
5049 @table @code
5050 @kindex info probes
5051 @item info probes @r{[}@var{type}@r{]} @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5052 If given, @var{type} is either @code{stap} for listing
5053 @code{SystemTap} probes or @code{dtrace} for listing @code{DTrace}
5054 probes. If omitted all probes are listed regardless of their types.
5055
5056 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
5057 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
5058 probes from all providers are listed.
5059
5060 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
5061 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
5062 considered when deciding whether to display them.
5063
5064 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5065 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5066 given, all object files are considered.
5067
5068 @item info probes all
5069 List the available static probes, from all types.
5070 @end table
5071
5072 @cindex enabling and disabling probes
5073 Some probe points can be enabled and/or disabled. The effect of
5074 enabling or disabling a probe depends on the type of probe being
5075 handled. Some @code{DTrace} probes can be enabled or
5076 disabled, but @code{SystemTap} probes cannot be disabled.
5077
5078 You can enable (or disable) one or more probes using the following
5079 commands, with optional arguments:
5080
5081 @table @code
5082 @kindex enable probes
5083 @item enable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5084 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against
5085 provider names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted,
5086 all probes from all providers are enabled.
5087
5088 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe
5089 names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted, probe names
5090 are not considered when deciding whether to enable them.
5091
5092 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5093 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5094 given, all object files are considered.
5095
5096 @kindex disable probes
5097 @item disable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5098 See the @code{enable probes} command above for a description of the
5099 optional arguments accepted by this command.
5100 @end table
5101
5102 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
5103 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
5104 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
5105 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
5106 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
5107 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. In @code{SystemTap}
5108 probes each probe argument is an integer of the appropriate size;
5109 types are not preserved. In @code{DTrace} probes types are preserved
5110 provided that they are recognized as such by @value{GDBN}; otherwise
5111 the value of the probe argument will be a long integer. The
5112 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
5113 at the current probe point.
5114
5115 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
5116 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
5117 an error message.
5118
5119
5120 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
5121 @node Error in Breakpoints
5122 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
5123
5124 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
5125 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
5126
5127 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
5128 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
5129 @smallexample
5130 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
5131 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
5132 @end smallexample
5133
5134 @noindent
5135 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
5136 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
5137 watchpoints it needs to insert.
5138
5139 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
5140 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
5141
5142 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
5143 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
5144 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
5145
5146 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
5147 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
5148 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
5149 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
5150
5151 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
5152 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
5153 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
5154 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
5155 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
5156 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
5157 first in the bundle.
5158
5159 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
5160 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
5161 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
5162 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
5163 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
5164 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
5165 is hit.
5166
5167 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
5168 that's been subject to address adjustment:
5169
5170 @smallexample
5171 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
5172 @end smallexample
5173
5174 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
5175 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
5176 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
5177 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
5178 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
5179 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
5180 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
5181 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
5182
5183 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
5184 adjusted breakpoints:
5185
5186 @smallexample
5187 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
5188 to 0x00010410.
5189 @end smallexample
5190
5191 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
5192 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
5193 frequently than expected.
5194
5195 @node Continuing and Stepping
5196 @section Continuing and Stepping
5197
5198 @cindex stepping
5199 @cindex continuing
5200 @cindex resuming execution
5201 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
5202 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
5203 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
5204 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
5205 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
5206 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
5207 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
5208 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution (@pxref{Signals, ,Signals}),
5209 or you may step into the signal's handler (@pxref{stepping and signal
5210 handlers}).)
5211
5212 @table @code
5213 @kindex continue
5214 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
5215 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
5216 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5217 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5218 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5219 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
5220 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
5221 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
5222 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
5223 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
5224
5225 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
5226 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5227 @code{continue} is ignored.
5228
5229 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5230 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5231 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5232 @code{continue}.
5233 @end table
5234
5235 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5236 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5237 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5238 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5239
5240 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5241 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5242 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5243 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5244 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5245 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5246
5247 @table @code
5248 @kindex step
5249 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5250 @item step
5251 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5252 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5253 abbreviated @code{s}.
5254
5255 @quotation
5256 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5257 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5258 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5259 @c distinction here.
5260 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5261 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5262 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5263 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5264 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5265 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5266 below.
5267 @end quotation
5268
5269 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5270 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5271 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5272 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5273 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5274 called within the line.
5275
5276 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5277 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5278 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5279 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5280 was any debugging information about the routine.
5281
5282 @item step @var{count}
5283 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5284 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5285 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5286
5287 @kindex next
5288 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5289 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5290 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5291 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5292 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5293 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5294 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5295 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5296
5297 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5298
5299
5300 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5301 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5302 @c
5303 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5304 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5305 @c function are executed without stopping.
5306
5307 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5308 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5309 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5310
5311 @kindex set step-mode
5312 @item set step-mode
5313 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5314 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5315 @itemx set step-mode on
5316 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5317 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5318 information rather than stepping over it.
5319
5320 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5321 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5322 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5323
5324 @item set step-mode off
5325 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5326 debug information. This is the default.
5327
5328 @item show step-mode
5329 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5330 source line debug information.
5331
5332 @kindex finish
5333 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5334 @item finish
5335 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5336 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5337 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5338
5339 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5340 ,Returning from a Function}).
5341
5342 @kindex until
5343 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5344 @cindex run until specified location
5345 @item until
5346 @itemx u
5347 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5348 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5349 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5350 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5351 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5352 than the address of the jump.
5353
5354 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5355 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5356 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5357 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5358 through the next iteration.
5359
5360 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5361 stack frame.
5362
5363 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5364 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5365 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5366 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5367 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5368
5369 @smallexample
5370 (@value{GDBP}) f
5371 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5372 206 expand_input();
5373 (@value{GDBP}) until
5374 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5375 @end smallexample
5376
5377 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5378 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5379 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5380 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5381 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5382 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5383 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5384
5385 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5386 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5387 argument.
5388
5389 @item until @var{location}
5390 @itemx u @var{location}
5391 Continue running your program until either the specified @var{location} is
5392 reached, or the current stack frame returns. The location is any of
5393 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5394 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5395 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5396 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5397 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5398 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5399 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5400 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5401 invocations have returned.
5402
5403 @smallexample
5404 94 int factorial (int value)
5405 95 @{
5406 96 if (value > 1) @{
5407 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5408 98 @}
5409 99 return (value);
5410 100 @}
5411 @end smallexample
5412
5413
5414 @kindex advance @var{location}
5415 @item advance @var{location}
5416 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5417 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5418 @ref{Specify Location}.
5419 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5420 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5421 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5422 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5423
5424
5425 @kindex stepi
5426 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5427 @item stepi
5428 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5429 @itemx si
5430 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5431
5432 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5433 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5434 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5435 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5436
5437 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5438
5439 @need 750
5440 @kindex nexti
5441 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5442 @item nexti
5443 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5444 @itemx ni
5445 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5446 proceed until the function returns.
5447
5448 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5449
5450 @end table
5451
5452 @anchor{range stepping}
5453 @cindex range stepping
5454 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5455 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5456 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5457 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5458 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5459 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5460 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5461 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5462 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5463 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5464 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5465 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5466 if necessary:
5467
5468 @table @code
5469 @kindex set range-stepping
5470 @kindex show range-stepping
5471 @item set range-stepping
5472 @itemx show range-stepping
5473 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5474
5475 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5476 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5477 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5478 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5479 default is @code{on}.
5480
5481 @end table
5482
5483 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5484 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5485 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5486
5487 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5488 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} comand lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5489 skip a function or all functions in a file when stepping.
5490
5491 For example, consider the following C function:
5492
5493 @smallexample
5494 101 int func()
5495 102 @{
5496 103 foo(boring());
5497 104 bar(boring());
5498 105 @}
5499 @end smallexample
5500
5501 @noindent
5502 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5503 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5504 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5505 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5506
5507 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5508 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5509 is called from many places.
5510
5511 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5512 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5513 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5514 @code{foo}.
5515
5516 You can also instruct @value{GDBN} to skip all functions in a file, with, for
5517 example, @code{skip file boring.c}.
5518
5519 @table @code
5520 @kindex skip function
5521 @item skip @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5522 @itemx skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5523 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5524 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5525 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5526
5527 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5528 will be skipped.
5529
5530 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5531 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5532
5533 @kindex skip file
5534 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5535 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5536 will be skipped over when stepping.
5537
5538 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5539 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5540 @end table
5541
5542 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5543 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5544
5545 @table @code
5546 @kindex info skip
5547 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5548 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5549 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5550 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5551
5552 @table @emph
5553 @item Identifier
5554 A number identifying this skip.
5555 @item Type
5556 The type of this skip, either @samp{function} or @samp{file}.
5557 @item Enabled or Disabled
5558 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}. Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5559 @item Address
5560 For function skips, this column indicates the address in memory of the function
5561 being skipped. If you've set a function skip on a function which has not yet
5562 been loaded, this field will contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Once a shared library
5563 which has the function is loaded, @code{info skip} will show the function's
5564 address here.
5565 @item What
5566 For file skips, this field contains the filename being skipped. For functions
5567 skips, this field contains the function name and its line number in the file
5568 where it is defined.
5569 @end table
5570
5571 @kindex skip delete
5572 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5573 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5574 skips.
5575
5576 @kindex skip enable
5577 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5578 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5579 skips.
5580
5581 @kindex skip disable
5582 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5583 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5584 skips.
5585
5586 @end table
5587
5588 @node Signals
5589 @section Signals
5590 @cindex signals
5591
5592 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5593 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5594 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5595 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5596 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5597 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5598 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5599 requested an alarm).
5600
5601 @cindex fatal signals
5602 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5603 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5604 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5605 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5606 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5607 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5608
5609 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5610 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5611 signal.
5612
5613 @cindex handling signals
5614 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5615 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5616 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5617 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5618 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5619
5620 @table @code
5621 @kindex info signals
5622 @kindex info handle
5623 @item info signals
5624 @itemx info handle
5625 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5626 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5627 the defined types of signals.
5628
5629 @item info signals @var{sig}
5630 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5631
5632 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5633
5634 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5635 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5636 for details about this command.
5637
5638 @kindex handle
5639 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5640 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal}
5641 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5642 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5643 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5644 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5645 say what change to make.
5646 @end table
5647
5648 @c @group
5649 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5650 Their full names are:
5651
5652 @table @code
5653 @item nostop
5654 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5655 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5656
5657 @item stop
5658 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5659 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5660
5661 @item print
5662 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5663
5664 @item noprint
5665 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5666 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5667
5668 @item pass
5669 @itemx noignore
5670 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5671 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5672 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5673
5674 @item nopass
5675 @itemx ignore
5676 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5677 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5678 @end table
5679 @c @end group
5680
5681 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5682 program until you
5683 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5684 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5685 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5686 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5687 program sees that signal when you continue.
5688
5689 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5690 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5691 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5692 erroneous signals.
5693
5694 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5695 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5696 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5697 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5698 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5699 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5700 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5701 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5702 Program a Signal}.
5703
5704 @cindex stepping and signal handlers
5705 @anchor{stepping and signal handlers}
5706
5707 @value{GDBN} optimizes for stepping the mainline code. If a signal
5708 that has @code{handle nostop} and @code{handle pass} set arrives while
5709 a stepping command (e.g., @code{stepi}, @code{step}, @code{next}) is
5710 in progress, @value{GDBN} lets the signal handler run and then resumes
5711 stepping the mainline code once the signal handler returns. In other
5712 words, @value{GDBN} steps over the signal handler. This prevents
5713 signals that you've specified as not interesting (with @code{handle
5714 nostop}) from changing the focus of debugging unexpectedly. Note that
5715 the signal handler itself may still hit a breakpoint, stop for another
5716 signal that has @code{handle stop} in effect, or for any other event
5717 that normally results in stopping the stepping command sooner. Also
5718 note that @value{GDBN} still informs you that the program received a
5719 signal if @code{handle print} is set.
5720
5721 @anchor{stepping into signal handlers}
5722
5723 If you set @code{handle pass} for a signal, and your program sets up a
5724 handler for it, then issuing a stepping command, such as @code{step}
5725 or @code{stepi}, when your program is stopped due to the signal will
5726 step @emph{into} the signal handler (if the target supports that).
5727
5728 Likewise, if you use the @code{queue-signal} command to queue a signal
5729 to be delivered to the current thread when execution of the thread
5730 resumes (@pxref{Signaling, ,Giving your Program a Signal}), then a
5731 stepping command will step into the signal handler.
5732
5733 Here's an example, using @code{stepi} to step to the first instruction
5734 of @code{SIGUSR1}'s handler:
5735
5736 @smallexample
5737 (@value{GDBP}) handle SIGUSR1
5738 Signal Stop Print Pass to program Description
5739 SIGUSR1 Yes Yes Yes User defined signal 1
5740 (@value{GDBP}) c
5741 Continuing.
5742
5743 Program received signal SIGUSR1, User defined signal 1.
5744 main () sigusr1.c:28
5745 28 p = 0;
5746 (@value{GDBP}) si
5747 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
5748 9 @{
5749 @end smallexample
5750
5751 The same, but using @code{queue-signal} instead of waiting for the
5752 program to receive the signal first:
5753
5754 @smallexample
5755 (@value{GDBP}) n
5756 28 p = 0;
5757 (@value{GDBP}) queue-signal SIGUSR1
5758 (@value{GDBP}) si
5759 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
5760 9 @{
5761 (@value{GDBP})
5762 @end smallexample
5763
5764 @cindex extra signal information
5765 @anchor{extra signal information}
5766
5767 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5768 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5769 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5770 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5771 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5772 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5773 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5774 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5775 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5776 system header.
5777
5778 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5779 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5780
5781 @smallexample
5782 @group
5783 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5784 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5785 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5786 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5787 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5788 type = struct @{
5789 int si_signo;
5790 int si_errno;
5791 int si_code;
5792 union @{
5793 int _pad[28];
5794 struct @{...@} _kill;
5795 struct @{...@} _timer;
5796 struct @{...@} _rt;
5797 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5798 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5799 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5800 @} _sifields;
5801 @}
5802 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5803 type = struct @{
5804 void *si_addr;
5805 @}
5806 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5807 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5808 @end group
5809 @end smallexample
5810
5811 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5812
5813 @node Thread Stops
5814 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5815
5816 @cindex stopped threads
5817 @cindex threads, stopped
5818
5819 @cindex continuing threads
5820 @cindex threads, continuing
5821
5822 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5823 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5824 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5825 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5826 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5827 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5828 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5829 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5830 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5831
5832 @menu
5833 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5834 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5835 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5836 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5837 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5838 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5839 @end menu
5840
5841 @node All-Stop Mode
5842 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5843
5844 @cindex all-stop mode
5845
5846 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5847 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5848 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5849 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5850 underfoot.
5851
5852 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5853 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5854 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5855
5856 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5857 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5858 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5859 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5860 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5861 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5862 stops.
5863
5864 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5865 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5866 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5867 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5868
5869 @cindex automatic thread selection
5870 @cindex switching threads automatically
5871 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5872 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5873 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5874 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5875 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5876 thread.
5877
5878 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5879 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5880
5881 @table @code
5882 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5883 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5884 @cindex lock scheduler
5885 Set the scheduler locking mode. It applies to normal execution,
5886 record mode, and replay mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5887 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only
5888 the current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The
5889 @code{step} mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other
5890 threads from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so
5891 that the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly. Other
5892 threads never get a chance to run when you step, and they are
5893 completely free to run when you use commands like @samp{continue},
5894 @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another thread hits a
5895 breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change the
5896 current thread away from the thread that you are debugging. The
5897 @code{replay} mode behaves like @code{off} in record mode and like
5898 @code{on} in replay mode.
5899
5900 @item show scheduler-locking
5901 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5902 @end table
5903
5904 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5905 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5906 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5907 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5908 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5909 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5910 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5911 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5912 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5913 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5914 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5915 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5916 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5917 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5918
5919 @table @code
5920 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5921 @item set schedule-multiple
5922 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5923 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5924 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5925 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5926 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5927 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5928
5929 @item show schedule-multiple
5930 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5931 multiple processes.
5932 @end table
5933
5934 @node Non-Stop Mode
5935 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5936
5937 @cindex non-stop mode
5938
5939 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5940 @c with more details.
5941
5942 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5943 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5944 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5945 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5946 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5947 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5948
5949 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5950 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5951 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5952 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5953 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5954 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5955 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5956 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5957 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5958 independently and simultaneously.
5959
5960 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5961 or attach to your program:
5962
5963 @smallexample
5964 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5965 set pagination off
5966
5967 # Finally, turn it on!
5968 set non-stop on
5969 @end smallexample
5970
5971 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5972
5973 @table @code
5974 @kindex set non-stop
5975 @item set non-stop on
5976 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5977 @item set non-stop off
5978 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5979 @kindex show non-stop
5980 @item show non-stop
5981 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5982 @end table
5983
5984 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5985 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5986 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5987 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5988 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5989 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5990 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5991 default.
5992
5993 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5994 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5995 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5996
5997 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5998 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5999 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
6000 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
6001 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
6002
6003 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
6004 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
6005 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
6006 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
6007 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
6008
6009 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
6010
6011 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
6012 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
6013 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
6014 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
6015 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
6016 previously current thread.
6017
6018 @node Background Execution
6019 @subsection Background Execution
6020
6021 @cindex foreground execution
6022 @cindex background execution
6023 @cindex asynchronous execution
6024 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
6025
6026 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
6027 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
6028 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
6029 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
6030 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
6031 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
6032
6033 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
6034 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
6035
6036 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
6037 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
6038 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
6039 are:
6040
6041 @table @code
6042 @kindex run&
6043 @item run
6044 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
6045
6046 @item attach
6047 @kindex attach&
6048 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
6049
6050 @item step
6051 @kindex step&
6052 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
6053
6054 @item stepi
6055 @kindex stepi&
6056 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
6057
6058 @item next
6059 @kindex next&
6060 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
6061
6062 @item nexti
6063 @kindex nexti&
6064 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
6065
6066 @item continue
6067 @kindex continue&
6068 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
6069
6070 @item finish
6071 @kindex finish&
6072 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
6073
6074 @item until
6075 @kindex until&
6076 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
6077
6078 @end table
6079
6080 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
6081 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
6082 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
6083 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
6084 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
6085 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
6086
6087 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
6088 using the @code{interrupt} command.
6089
6090 @table @code
6091 @kindex interrupt
6092 @item interrupt
6093 @itemx interrupt -a
6094
6095 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
6096 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
6097 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
6098 use @code{interrupt -a}.
6099 @end table
6100
6101 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6102 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6103
6104 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
6105 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
6106 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
6107
6108 @table @code
6109 @cindex breakpoints and threads
6110 @cindex thread breakpoints
6111 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{thread-id}
6112 @item break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id}
6113 @itemx break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id} if @dots{}
6114 @var{location} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
6115 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
6116 specify some source line.
6117
6118 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} with a breakpoint command
6119 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
6120 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. The @var{thread-id} specifier
6121 is one of the thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown
6122 in the first column of the @samp{info threads} display.
6123
6124 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} when you set a
6125 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
6126 program.
6127
6128 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
6129 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} before or
6130 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
6131
6132 @smallexample
6133 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
6134 @end smallexample
6135
6136 @end table
6137
6138 Thread-specific breakpoints are automatically deleted when
6139 @value{GDBN} detects the corresponding thread is no longer in the
6140 thread list. For example:
6141
6142 @smallexample
6143 (@value{GDBP}) c
6144 Thread-specific breakpoint 3 deleted - thread 28 no longer in the thread list.
6145 @end smallexample
6146
6147 There are several ways for a thread to disappear, such as a regular
6148 thread exit, but also when you detach from the process with the
6149 @code{detach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
6150 Process}), or if @value{GDBN} loses the remote connection
6151 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), etc. Note that with some targets,
6152 @value{GDBN} is only able to detect a thread has exited when the user
6153 explictly asks for the thread list with the @code{info threads}
6154 command.
6155
6156 @node Interrupted System Calls
6157 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
6158
6159 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
6160 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
6161 @cindex premature return from system calls
6162 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
6163 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
6164 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
6165 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
6166 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
6167 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
6168 stop execution.
6169
6170 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
6171 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
6172 style anyways.
6173
6174 For example, do not write code like this:
6175
6176 @smallexample
6177 sleep (10);
6178 @end smallexample
6179
6180 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
6181 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
6182
6183 Instead, write this:
6184
6185 @smallexample
6186 int unslept = 10;
6187 while (unslept > 0)
6188 unslept = sleep (unslept);
6189 @end smallexample
6190
6191 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
6192 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
6193 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
6194 @value{GDBN}.
6195
6196 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
6197 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
6198 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
6199 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
6200
6201 @node Observer Mode
6202 @subsection Observer Mode
6203
6204 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
6205 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
6206 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
6207 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
6208 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
6209
6210 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
6211 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
6212 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
6213 mode.
6214
6215 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
6216 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
6217 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
6218 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
6219 stream will still not be able to be placed.
6220
6221 @table @code
6222
6223 @kindex observer
6224 @item set observer on
6225 @itemx set observer off
6226 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
6227 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
6228 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
6229 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
6230
6231 @item show observer
6232 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
6233
6234 @kindex may-write-registers
6235 @item set may-write-registers on
6236 @itemx set may-write-registers off
6237 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
6238 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
6239 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
6240
6241 @item show may-write-registers
6242 Show the current permission to write registers.
6243
6244 @kindex may-write-memory
6245 @item set may-write-memory on
6246 @itemx set may-write-memory off
6247 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
6248 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
6249 defaults to @code{on}.
6250
6251 @item show may-write-memory
6252 Show the current permission to write memory.
6253
6254 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
6255 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
6256 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
6257 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
6258 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
6259 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6260
6261 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
6262 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
6263
6264 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
6265 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
6266 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
6267 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
6268 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6269 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
6270 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6271
6272 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
6273 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
6274
6275 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6276 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
6277 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
6278 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
6279 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6280 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
6281 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6282
6283 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6284 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
6285
6286 @kindex may-interrupt
6287 @item set may-interrupt on
6288 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6289 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6290 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6291 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6292 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6293
6294 @item show may-interrupt
6295 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6296
6297 @end table
6298
6299 @node Reverse Execution
6300 @chapter Running programs backward
6301 @cindex reverse execution
6302 @cindex running programs backward
6303
6304 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6305 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6306 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6307 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6308
6309 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6310 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6311 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6312 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6313 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6314 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6315
6316 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6317 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6318 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6319 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6320 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6321 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6322 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6323 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6324 prior values@footnote{
6325 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6326 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6327 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6328
6329 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6330 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6331 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6332 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6333 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6334 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6335 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6336 }.
6337
6338 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6339 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6340
6341 @table @code
6342 @kindex reverse-continue
6343 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6344 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6345 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6346 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6347 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6348 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6349 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6350
6351 @kindex reverse-step
6352 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6353 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6354 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6355 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6356
6357 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6358 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6359 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6360 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6361 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6362 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6363
6364 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6365 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6366
6367 @kindex reverse-stepi
6368 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6369 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6370 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6371 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6372 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6373 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6374 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6375
6376 @kindex reverse-next
6377 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6378 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6379 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6380 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6381 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6382 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6383 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6384 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6385 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6386 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6387
6388 @kindex reverse-nexti
6389 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6390 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6391 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6392 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6393 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6394 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6395 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6396 frame) is reached.
6397
6398 @kindex reverse-finish
6399 @item reverse-finish
6400 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6401 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6402 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6403 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6404
6405 @kindex set exec-direction
6406 @item set exec-direction
6407 Set the direction of target execution.
6408 @item set exec-direction reverse
6409 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6410 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6411 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6412 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6413 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6414 @item set exec-direction forward
6415 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6416 This is the default.
6417 @end table
6418
6419
6420 @node Process Record and Replay
6421 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6422 @cindex process record and replay
6423 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6424
6425 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6426 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6427 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6428
6429 @cindex replay mode
6430 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6431 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6432 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6433 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6434 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6435 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6436 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6437 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6438 execution log.
6439
6440 @cindex record mode
6441 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6442 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6443 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6444 for future replay.
6445
6446 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6447 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6448 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6449 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6450 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6451 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6452
6453 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6454 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6455 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6456 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6457
6458 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6459 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6460
6461 @table @code
6462 @kindex target record
6463 @kindex target record-full
6464 @kindex target record-btrace
6465 @kindex record
6466 @kindex record full
6467 @kindex record btrace
6468 @kindex record btrace bts
6469 @kindex record btrace pt
6470 @kindex record bts
6471 @kindex record pt
6472 @kindex rec
6473 @kindex rec full
6474 @kindex rec btrace
6475 @kindex rec btrace bts
6476 @kindex rec btrace pt
6477 @kindex rec bts
6478 @kindex rec pt
6479 @item record @var{method}
6480 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6481 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6482 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6483 recording methods are available:
6484
6485 @table @code
6486 @item full
6487 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6488 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6489 execution.
6490
6491 @item btrace @var{format}
6492 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not record
6493 data. Further, the data is collected in a ring buffer so old data will
6494 be overwritten when the buffer is full. It allows limited reverse
6495 execution. Variables and registers are not available during reverse
6496 execution.
6497
6498 The recording format can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6499 the command chooses the recording format. The following recording
6500 formats are available:
6501
6502 @table @code
6503 @item bts
6504 @cindex branch trace store
6505 Use the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) recording format. In
6506 this format, the processor stores a from/to record for each executed
6507 branch in the btrace ring buffer.
6508
6509 @item pt
6510 @cindex Intel Processor Trace
6511 Use the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} recording format. In this
6512 format, the processor stores the execution trace in a compressed form
6513 that is afterwards decoded by @value{GDBN}.
6514
6515 The trace can be recorded with very low overhead. The compressed
6516 trace format also allows small trace buffers to already contain a big
6517 number of instructions compared to @acronym{BTS}.
6518
6519 Decoding the recorded execution trace, on the other hand, is more
6520 expensive than decoding @acronym{BTS} trace. This is mostly due to the
6521 increased number of instructions to process. You should increase the
6522 buffer-size with care.
6523 @end table
6524
6525 Not all recording formats may be available on all processors.
6526 @end table
6527
6528 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6529 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6530 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6531 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6532
6533 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6534 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6535 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6536 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6537 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6538
6539 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6540 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6541 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6542 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6543 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6544 does not support these two modes.
6545
6546 @kindex record stop
6547 @kindex rec s
6548 @item record stop
6549 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6550 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6551 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6552
6553 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6554 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6555 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6556 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6557 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6558
6559 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6560 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6561 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6562 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6563 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6564
6565 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6566 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6567
6568 @kindex record goto
6569 @item record goto
6570 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6571 ways to specify the location to go to:
6572
6573 @table @code
6574 @item record goto begin
6575 @itemx record goto start
6576 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6577
6578 @item record goto end
6579 Go to the end of the execution log.
6580
6581 @item record goto @var{n}
6582 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6583 @end table
6584
6585 @kindex record save
6586 @item record save @var{filename}
6587 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6588 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6589 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6590
6591 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6592
6593 @kindex record restore
6594 @item record restore @var{filename}
6595 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6596 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6597
6598 @kindex set record full
6599 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6600 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6601 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6602 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6603
6604 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6605 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6606 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6607 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6608 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6609 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6610 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6611 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6612
6613 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6614 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6615 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6616
6617 @kindex show record full
6618 @item show record full insn-number-max
6619 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6620 recording method.
6621
6622 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6623 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6624 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6625 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6626 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6627 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6628 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6629 oldest one to be deleted.
6630
6631 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6632 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6633
6634 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6635 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6636
6637 @item set record full memory-query
6638 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6639 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6640 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6641 case.
6642
6643 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6644 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6645 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6646 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6647 results.
6648
6649 @item show record full memory-query
6650 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6651
6652 @kindex set record btrace
6653 The @code{btrace} record target does not trace data. As a
6654 convenience, when replaying, @value{GDBN} reads read-only memory off
6655 the live program directly, assuming that the addresses of the
6656 read-only areas don't change. This for example makes it possible to
6657 disassemble code while replaying, but not to print variables.
6658 In some cases, being able to inspect variables might be useful.
6659 You can use the following command for that:
6660
6661 @item set record btrace replay-memory-access
6662 Control the behavior of the @code{btrace} recording method when
6663 accessing memory during replay. If @code{read-only} (the default),
6664 @value{GDBN} will only allow accesses to read-only memory.
6665 If @code{read-write}, @value{GDBN} will allow accesses to read-only
6666 and to read-write memory. Beware that the accessed memory corresponds
6667 to the live target and not necessarily to the current replay
6668 position.
6669
6670 @kindex show record btrace
6671 @item show record btrace replay-memory-access
6672 Show the current setting of @code{replay-memory-access}.
6673
6674 @kindex set record btrace bts
6675 @item set record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
6676 @itemx set record btrace bts buffer-size unlimited
6677 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in @acronym{BTS}
6678 format. Default is 64KB.
6679
6680 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
6681 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
6682 that uses the btrace recording method and the @acronym{BTS} format.
6683 The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the requested
6684 @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the actual
6685 buffer size for each thread that uses the btrace recording method and
6686 the @acronym{BTS} format.
6687
6688 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
6689 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
6690
6691 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
6692 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
6693
6694 @item show record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
6695 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
6696 tracing in @acronym{BTS} format.
6697
6698 @kindex set record btrace pt
6699 @item set record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
6700 @itemx set record btrace pt buffer-size unlimited
6701 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in Intel
6702 Processor Trace format. Default is 16KB.
6703
6704 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
6705 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
6706 that uses the btrace recording method and the Intel Processor Trace
6707 format. The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the
6708 requested @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the
6709 actual buffer size for each thread.
6710
6711 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
6712 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
6713
6714 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
6715 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
6716
6717 @item show record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
6718 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
6719 tracing in Intel Processor Trace format.
6720
6721 @kindex info record
6722 @item info record
6723 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
6724 method:
6725
6726 @table @code
6727 @item full
6728 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
6729 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6730
6731 @itemize @bullet
6732 @item
6733 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6734 @item
6735 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6736 @item
6737 Highest recorded instruction number.
6738 @item
6739 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6740 @item
6741 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6742 @item
6743 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6744 @end itemize
6745
6746 @item btrace
6747 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows:
6748
6749 @itemize @bullet
6750 @item
6751 Recording format.
6752 @item
6753 Number of instructions that have been recorded.
6754 @item
6755 Number of blocks of sequential control-flow formed by the recorded
6756 instructions.
6757 @item
6758 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6759 @end itemize
6760
6761 For the @code{bts} recording format, it also shows:
6762 @itemize @bullet
6763 @item
6764 Size of the perf ring buffer.
6765 @end itemize
6766
6767 For the @code{pt} recording format, it also shows:
6768 @itemize @bullet
6769 @item
6770 Size of the perf ring buffer.
6771 @end itemize
6772 @end table
6773
6774 @kindex record delete
6775 @kindex rec del
6776 @item record delete
6777 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
6778 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
6779 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
6780 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
6781
6782 @kindex record instruction-history
6783 @kindex rec instruction-history
6784 @item record instruction-history
6785 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
6786 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
6787 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
6788 are printed in execution order.
6789
6790 It can also print mixed source+disassembly if you specify the the
6791 @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier, and print the raw instructions in hex
6792 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
6793
6794 The current position marker is printed for the instruction at the
6795 current program counter value. This instruction can appear multiple
6796 times in the trace and the current position marker will be printed
6797 every time. To omit the current position marker, specify the
6798 @code{/p} modifier.
6799
6800 To better align the printed instructions when the trace contains
6801 instructions from more than one function, the function name may be
6802 omitted by specifying the @code{/f} modifier.
6803
6804 Speculatively executed instructions are prefixed with @samp{?}. This
6805 feature is not available for all recording formats.
6806
6807 There are several ways to specify what part of the execution log to
6808 disassemble:
6809
6810 @table @code
6811 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
6812 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
6813 @var{insn}.
6814
6815 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
6816 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
6817 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
6818 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
6819 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
6820 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
6821
6822 @item record instruction-history
6823 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
6824
6825 @item record instruction-history -
6826 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
6827
6828 @item record instruction-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
6829 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
6830 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
6831 number @var{end} is included.
6832 @end table
6833
6834 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6835
6836 @kindex set record
6837 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
6838 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
6839 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6840 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
6841 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
6842
6843 @kindex show record
6844 @item show record instruction-history-size
6845 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6846 instruction-history} command.
6847
6848 @kindex record function-call-history
6849 @kindex rec function-call-history
6850 @item record function-call-history
6851 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
6852 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
6853 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
6854 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
6855 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
6856 the @code{/i} modifier is specified). The function names are indented
6857 to reflect the call stack depth if the @code{/c} modifier is
6858 specified. The @code{/l}, @code{/i}, and @code{/c} modifiers can be
6859 given together.
6860
6861 @smallexample
6862 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
6863 1 void foo (void)
6864 2 @{
6865 3 @}
6866 4
6867 5 void bar (void)
6868 6 @{
6869 7 ...
6870 8 foo ();
6871 9 ...
6872 10 @}
6873 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /ilc}
6874 1 bar inst 1,4 at foo.c:6,8
6875 2 foo inst 5,10 at foo.c:2,3
6876 3 bar inst 11,13 at foo.c:9,10
6877 @end smallexample
6878
6879 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
6880 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
6881 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
6882 to print:
6883
6884 @table @code
6885 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
6886 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
6887
6888 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
6889 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
6890 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
6891 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
6892 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
6893
6894 @item record function-call-history
6895 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
6896
6897 @item record function-call-history -
6898 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
6899
6900 @item record function-call-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
6901 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
6902 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is included.
6903 @end table
6904
6905 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6906
6907 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
6908 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
6909 Define how many lines to print in the
6910 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
6911 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
6912
6913 @item show record function-call-history-size
6914 Show how many lines to print in the
6915 @code{record function-call-history} command.
6916 @end table
6917
6918
6919 @node Stack
6920 @chapter Examining the Stack
6921
6922 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
6923 stopped and how it got there.
6924
6925 @cindex call stack
6926 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
6927 is generated.
6928 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
6929 the arguments of the call,
6930 and the local variables of the function being called.
6931 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
6932 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
6933 stack}.
6934
6935 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
6936 stack allow you to see all of this information.
6937
6938 @cindex selected frame
6939 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
6940 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
6941 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
6942 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
6943 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
6944 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6945
6946 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
6947 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
6948 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
6949
6950 @menu
6951 * Frames:: Stack frames
6952 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
6953 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
6954 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
6955 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
6956
6957 @end menu
6958
6959 @node Frames
6960 @section Stack Frames
6961
6962 @cindex frame, definition
6963 @cindex stack frame
6964 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
6965 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
6966 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
6967 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
6968 which the function is executing.
6969
6970 @cindex initial frame
6971 @cindex outermost frame
6972 @cindex innermost frame
6973 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
6974 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
6975 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
6976 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
6977 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
6978 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
6979 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
6980 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
6981
6982 @cindex frame pointer
6983 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
6984 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
6985 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
6986 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
6987 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
6988 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
6989
6990 @cindex frame number
6991 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
6992 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
6993 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
6994 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
6995 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
6996
6997 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
6998 @c underflow problems.
6999 @cindex frameless execution
7000 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
7001 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
7002 @smallexample
7003 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
7004 @end smallexample
7005 generates functions without a frame.)
7006 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
7007 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
7008 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
7009 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
7010 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
7011 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
7012 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
7013
7014 @node Backtrace
7015 @section Backtraces
7016
7017 @cindex traceback
7018 @cindex call stack traces
7019 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
7020 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
7021 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
7022 stack.
7023
7024 @anchor{backtrace-command}
7025 @table @code
7026 @kindex backtrace
7027 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
7028 @item backtrace
7029 @itemx bt
7030 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
7031 frames in the stack.
7032
7033 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
7034 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
7035
7036 @item backtrace @var{n}
7037 @itemx bt @var{n}
7038 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
7039
7040 @item backtrace -@var{n}
7041 @itemx bt -@var{n}
7042 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
7043
7044 @item backtrace full
7045 @itemx bt full
7046 @itemx bt full @var{n}
7047 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
7048 Print the values of the local variables also. As described above,
7049 @var{n} specifies the number of frames to print.
7050
7051 @item backtrace no-filters
7052 @itemx bt no-filters
7053 @itemx bt no-filters @var{n}
7054 @itemx bt no-filters -@var{n}
7055 @itemx bt no-filters full
7056 @itemx bt no-filters full @var{n}
7057 @itemx bt no-filters full -@var{n}
7058 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
7059 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
7060 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
7061 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
7062 support.
7063 @end table
7064
7065 @kindex where
7066 @kindex info stack
7067 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
7068 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
7069
7070 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
7071 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
7072 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
7073 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
7074 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
7075 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
7076 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
7077 multi-threaded program.
7078
7079 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
7080 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
7081 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
7082 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
7083 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
7084 line number.
7085
7086 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
7087 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
7088
7089 @smallexample
7090 @group
7091 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7092 at builtin.c:993
7093 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
7094 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
7095 at macro.c:71
7096 (More stack frames follow...)
7097 @end group
7098 @end smallexample
7099
7100 @noindent
7101 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
7102 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
7103 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
7104
7105 @noindent
7106 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
7107 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
7108 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
7109 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
7110 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
7111
7112 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
7113 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
7114 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
7115 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
7116 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
7117 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
7118 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
7119 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
7120 such a backtrace might look like:
7121
7122 @smallexample
7123 @group
7124 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7125 at builtin.c:993
7126 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
7127 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
7128 at macro.c:71
7129 (More stack frames follow...)
7130 @end group
7131 @end smallexample
7132
7133 @noindent
7134 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
7135 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
7136
7137 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
7138 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
7139 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
7140
7141 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
7142 @cindex program entry point
7143 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
7144 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
7145 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
7146 @code{main}@footnote{
7147 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
7148 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
7149 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
7150 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
7151 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
7152 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
7153
7154 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
7155 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
7156
7157 @table @code
7158 @item set backtrace past-main
7159 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
7160 @kindex set backtrace
7161 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
7162
7163 @item set backtrace past-main off
7164 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
7165 default.
7166
7167 @item show backtrace past-main
7168 @kindex show backtrace
7169 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
7170
7171 @item set backtrace past-entry
7172 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
7173 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
7174 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
7175 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
7176
7177 @item set backtrace past-entry off
7178 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
7179 application. This is the default.
7180
7181 @item show backtrace past-entry
7182 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
7183
7184 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
7185 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
7186 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
7187 @cindex backtrace limit
7188 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
7189 or zero means unlimited levels.
7190
7191 @item show backtrace limit
7192 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
7193 @end table
7194
7195 You can control how file names are displayed.
7196
7197 @table @code
7198 @item set filename-display
7199 @itemx set filename-display relative
7200 @cindex filename-display
7201 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
7202
7203 @item set filename-display basename
7204 Display only basename of a filename.
7205
7206 @item set filename-display absolute
7207 Display an absolute filename.
7208
7209 @item show filename-display
7210 Show the current way to display filenames.
7211 @end table
7212
7213 @node Selection
7214 @section Selecting a Frame
7215
7216 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
7217 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
7218 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
7219 of the stack frame just selected.
7220
7221 @table @code
7222 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
7223 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
7224 @item frame @var{n}
7225 @itemx f @var{n}
7226 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
7227 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
7228 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
7229 @code{main}.
7230
7231 @item frame @var{stack-addr} [ @var{pc-addr} ]
7232 @itemx f @var{stack-addr} [ @var{pc-addr} ]
7233 Select the frame at address @var{stack-addr}. This is useful mainly if the
7234 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
7235 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
7236 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
7237 switches between them. The optional @var{pc-addr} can also be given to
7238 specify the value of PC for the stack frame.
7239
7240 @kindex up
7241 @item up @var{n}
7242 Move @var{n} frames up the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For positive
7243 numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the outermost frame, to higher
7244 frame numbers, to frames that have existed longer.
7245
7246 @kindex down
7247 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
7248 @item down @var{n}
7249 Move @var{n} frames down the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For
7250 positive numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the innermost frame, to
7251 lower frame numbers, to frames that were created more recently.
7252 You may abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
7253 @end table
7254
7255 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
7256 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
7257 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
7258 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
7259
7260 @need 1000
7261 For example:
7262
7263 @smallexample
7264 @group
7265 (@value{GDBP}) up
7266 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
7267 at env.c:10
7268 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7269 @end group
7270 @end smallexample
7271
7272 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7273 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7274 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7275 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7276 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7277 for details.
7278
7279 @table @code
7280 @kindex select-frame
7281 @item select-frame
7282 The @code{select-frame} command is a variant of @code{frame} that does
7283 not display the new frame after selecting it. This command is
7284 intended primarily for use in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the
7285 output might be unnecessary and distracting.
7286
7287 @kindex down-silently
7288 @kindex up-silently
7289 @item up-silently @var{n}
7290 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7291 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7292 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7293 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7294 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7295 distracting.
7296 @end table
7297
7298 @node Frame Info
7299 @section Information About a Frame
7300
7301 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7302 stack frame.
7303
7304 @table @code
7305 @item frame
7306 @itemx f
7307 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7308 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7309 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7310 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7311 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7312
7313 @kindex info frame
7314 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7315 @item info frame
7316 @itemx info f
7317 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7318 including:
7319
7320 @itemize @bullet
7321 @item
7322 the address of the frame
7323 @item
7324 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7325 @item
7326 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7327 @item
7328 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7329 @item
7330 the address of the frame's arguments
7331 @item
7332 the address of the frame's local variables
7333 @item
7334 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7335 @item
7336 which registers were saved in the frame
7337 @end itemize
7338
7339 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7340 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7341 the usual conventions.
7342
7343 @item info frame @var{addr}
7344 @itemx info f @var{addr}
7345 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
7346 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
7347 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
7348 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
7349 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7350
7351 @kindex info args
7352 @item info args
7353 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7354
7355 @item info locals
7356 @kindex info locals
7357 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7358 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7359 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7360
7361 @end table
7362
7363 @node Frame Filter Management
7364 @section Management of Frame Filters.
7365 @cindex managing frame filters
7366
7367 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
7368 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
7369
7370 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
7371 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
7372
7373 @table @code
7374 @kindex info frame-filter
7375 @item info frame-filter
7376 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
7377 their name, priority and enabled status.
7378
7379 @kindex disable frame-filter
7380 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
7381 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7382 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7383 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7384 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7385 @code{progspace}, or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7386 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
7387 across all dictionaries are disabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name
7388 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7389 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
7390 may be enabled again later.
7391
7392 @kindex enable frame-filter
7393 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7394 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7395 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7396 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7397 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7398 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
7399 all dictionaries are enabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
7400 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7401 @var{filter-dictionary}.
7402
7403 Example:
7404
7405 @smallexample
7406 (gdb) info frame-filter
7407
7408 global frame-filters:
7409 Priority Enabled Name
7410 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
7411 100 Yes Reverse
7412
7413 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7414 Priority Enabled Name
7415 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7416
7417 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7418 Priority Enabled Name
7419 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
7420
7421 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
7422 (gdb) info frame-filter
7423
7424 global frame-filters:
7425 Priority Enabled Name
7426 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
7427 100 Yes Reverse
7428
7429 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7430 Priority Enabled Name
7431 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7432
7433 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7434 Priority Enabled Name
7435 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7436
7437 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
7438 (gdb) info frame-filter
7439
7440 global frame-filters:
7441 Priority Enabled Name
7442 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7443 100 Yes Reverse
7444
7445 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7446 Priority Enabled Name
7447 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7448
7449 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7450 Priority Enabled Name
7451 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7452 @end smallexample
7453
7454 @kindex set frame-filter priority
7455 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
7456 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7457 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
7458 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
7459 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7460 dictionary resides. The @var{priority} is an integer.
7461
7462 @kindex show frame-filter priority
7463 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7464 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7465 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
7466 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
7467 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7468 dictionary resides.
7469
7470 Example:
7471
7472 @smallexample
7473 (gdb) info frame-filter
7474
7475 global frame-filters:
7476 Priority Enabled Name
7477 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7478 100 Yes Reverse
7479
7480 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7481 Priority Enabled Name
7482 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7483
7484 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7485 Priority Enabled Name
7486 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7487
7488 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
7489 (gdb) info frame-filter
7490
7491 global frame-filters:
7492 Priority Enabled Name
7493 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7494 50 Yes Reverse
7495
7496 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7497 Priority Enabled Name
7498 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7499
7500 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7501 Priority Enabled Name
7502 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7503 @end smallexample
7504 @end table
7505
7506 @node Source
7507 @chapter Examining Source Files
7508
7509 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
7510 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
7511 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
7512 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
7513 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
7514 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
7515 source files by explicit command.
7516
7517 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
7518 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
7519 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
7520
7521 @menu
7522 * List:: Printing source lines
7523 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
7524 * Edit:: Editing source files
7525 * Search:: Searching source files
7526 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
7527 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
7528 @end menu
7529
7530 @node List
7531 @section Printing Source Lines
7532
7533 @kindex list
7534 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
7535 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
7536 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
7537 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
7538 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
7539
7540 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
7541
7542 @table @code
7543 @item list @var{linenum}
7544 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
7545 current source file.
7546
7547 @item list @var{function}
7548 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
7549 @var{function}.
7550
7551 @item list
7552 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
7553 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
7554 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
7555 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
7556 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
7557
7558 @item list -
7559 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7560 @end table
7561
7562 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
7563 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
7564 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
7565
7566 @table @code
7567 @kindex set listsize
7568 @item set listsize @var{count}
7569 @itemx set listsize unlimited
7570 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
7571 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
7572 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
7573
7574 @kindex show listsize
7575 @item show listsize
7576 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
7577 @end table
7578
7579 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
7580 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
7581 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
7582 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
7583 each repetition moves up in the source file.
7584
7585 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
7586 @dfn{locations}. Locations specify source lines; there are several ways
7587 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
7588 to specify some source line.
7589
7590 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
7591
7592 @table @code
7593 @item list @var{location}
7594 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{location}.
7595
7596 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
7597 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
7598 locations. When a @code{list} command has two locations, and the
7599 source file of the second location is omitted, this refers to
7600 the same source file as the first location.
7601
7602 @item list ,@var{last}
7603 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
7604
7605 @item list @var{first},
7606 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
7607
7608 @item list +
7609 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
7610
7611 @item list -
7612 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7613
7614 @item list
7615 As described in the preceding table.
7616 @end table
7617
7618 @node Specify Location
7619 @section Specifying a Location
7620 @cindex specifying location
7621 @cindex location
7622 @cindex source location
7623
7624 @menu
7625 * Linespec Locations:: Linespec locations
7626 * Explicit Locations:: Explicit locations
7627 * Address Locations:: Address locations
7628 @end menu
7629
7630 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
7631 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
7632 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code.
7633 Locations may be specified using three different formats:
7634 linespec locations, explicit locations, or address locations.
7635
7636 @node Linespec Locations
7637 @subsection Linespec Locations
7638 @cindex linespec locations
7639
7640 A @dfn{linespec} is a colon-separated list of source location parameters such
7641 as file name, function name, etc. Here are all the different ways of
7642 specifying a linespec:
7643
7644 @table @code
7645 @item @var{linenum}
7646 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
7647
7648 @item -@var{offset}
7649 @itemx +@var{offset}
7650 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
7651 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
7652 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
7653 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
7654 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
7655 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
7656 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
7657 linespec.
7658
7659 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
7660 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
7661 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
7662 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
7663 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
7664 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
7665 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
7666
7667 @item @var{function}
7668 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
7669 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
7670
7671 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
7672 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
7673
7674 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
7675 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
7676 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
7677 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
7678 functions in different source files.
7679
7680 @item @var{label}
7681 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears
7682 in the function corresponding to the currently selected stack frame.
7683 If there is no current selected stack frame (for instance, if the inferior
7684 is not running), then @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
7685
7686 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
7687 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
7688 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
7689 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
7690 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
7691 specifies the location of such a static probe.
7692
7693 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
7694 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
7695 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
7696 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
7697 each one of those probes.
7698 @end table
7699
7700 @node Explicit Locations
7701 @subsection Explicit Locations
7702 @cindex explicit locations
7703
7704 @dfn{Explicit locations} allow the user to directly specify the source
7705 location's parameters using option-value pairs.
7706
7707 Explicit locations are useful when several functions, labels, or
7708 file names have the same name (base name for files) in the program's
7709 sources. In these cases, explicit locations point to the source
7710 line you meant more accurately and unambiguously. Also, using
7711 explicit locations might be faster in large programs.
7712
7713 For example, the linespec @samp{foo:bar} may refer to a function @code{bar}
7714 defined in the file named @file{foo} or the label @code{bar} in a function
7715 named @code{foo}. @value{GDBN} must search either the file system or
7716 the symbol table to know.
7717
7718 The list of valid explicit location options is summarized in the
7719 following table:
7720
7721 @table @code
7722 @item -source @var{filename}
7723 The value specifies the source file name. To differentiate between
7724 files with the same base name, prepend as many directories as is necessary
7725 to uniquely identify the desired file, e.g., @file{foo/bar/baz.c}. Otherwise
7726 @value{GDBN} will use the first file it finds with the given base
7727 name. This option requires the use of either @code{-function} or @code{-line}.
7728
7729 @item -function @var{function}
7730 The value specifies the name of a function. Operations
7731 on function locations unmodified by other options (such as @code{-label}
7732 or @code{-line}) refer to the line that begins the body of the function.
7733 In C, for example, this is the line with the open brace.
7734
7735 @item -label @var{label}
7736 The value specifies the name of a label. When the function
7737 name is not specified, the label is searched in the function of the currently
7738 selected stack frame.
7739
7740 @item -line @var{number}
7741 The value specifies a line offset for the location. The offset may either
7742 be absolute (@code{-line 3}) or relative (@code{-line +3}), depending on
7743 the command. When specified without any other options, the line offset is
7744 relative to the current line.
7745 @end table
7746
7747 Explicit location options may be abbreviated by omitting any non-unique
7748 trailing characters from the option name, e.g., @code{break -s main.c -li 3}.
7749
7750 @node Address Locations
7751 @subsection Address Locations
7752 @cindex address locations
7753
7754 @dfn{Address locations} indicate a specific program address. They have
7755 the generalized form *@var{address}.
7756
7757 For line-oriented commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this
7758 specifies a source line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and
7759 other breakpoint-oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
7760 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
7761 source files.
7762
7763 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
7764 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
7765 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
7766 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover several situations
7767 that frequently occur during debugging. Here are the various forms
7768 of @var{address}:
7769
7770 @table @code
7771 @item @var{expression}
7772 Any expression valid in the current working language.
7773
7774 @item @var{funcaddr}
7775 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
7776 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
7777 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
7778 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
7779 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
7780 (although the Pascal form also works).
7781
7782 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
7783 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
7784
7785 @item '@var{filename}':@var{funcaddr}
7786 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
7787 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
7788 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
7789 functions with identical names in different source files.
7790 @end table
7791
7792 @node Edit
7793 @section Editing Source Files
7794 @cindex editing source files
7795
7796 @kindex edit
7797 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
7798 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
7799 The editing program of your choice
7800 is invoked with the current line set to
7801 the active line in the program.
7802 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
7803 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
7804
7805 @table @code
7806 @item edit @var{location}
7807 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
7808 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
7809 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
7810 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
7811 command most commonly used:
7812
7813 @table @code
7814 @item edit @var{number}
7815 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
7816
7817 @item edit @var{function}
7818 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
7819 @end table
7820
7821 @end table
7822
7823 @subsection Choosing your Editor
7824 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
7825 @footnote{
7826 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
7827 following command-line syntax:
7828 @smallexample
7829 ex +@var{number} file
7830 @end smallexample
7831 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
7832 the file where to start editing.}.
7833 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
7834 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
7835 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
7836 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
7837 @smallexample
7838 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
7839 export EDITOR
7840 gdb @dots{}
7841 @end smallexample
7842 or in the @code{csh} shell,
7843 @smallexample
7844 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
7845 gdb @dots{}
7846 @end smallexample
7847
7848 @node Search
7849 @section Searching Source Files
7850 @cindex searching source files
7851
7852 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
7853 regular expression.
7854
7855 @table @code
7856 @kindex search
7857 @kindex forward-search
7858 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
7859 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
7860 @itemx search @var{regexp}
7861 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
7862 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
7863 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
7864 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
7865 @code{fo}.
7866
7867 @kindex reverse-search
7868 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
7869 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
7870 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
7871 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
7872 this command as @code{rev}.
7873 @end table
7874
7875 @node Source Path
7876 @section Specifying Source Directories
7877
7878 @cindex source path
7879 @cindex directories for source files
7880 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
7881 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
7882 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
7883 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
7884 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
7885 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
7886 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
7887
7888 For example, suppose an executable references the file
7889 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
7890 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
7891 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
7892 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
7893 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
7894 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
7895 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
7896 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
7897 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
7898 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
7899
7900 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
7901 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
7902 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
7903 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
7904 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
7905 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
7906
7907 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
7908 source files.
7909
7910 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
7911 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
7912 each line is in the file.
7913
7914 @kindex directory
7915 @kindex dir
7916 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
7917 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
7918 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
7919
7920 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
7921 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
7922
7923 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
7924 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
7925 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
7926 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
7927 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
7928 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
7929 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
7930 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
7931 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
7932 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
7933 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
7934 name to look up the sources.
7935
7936 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
7937 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
7938 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
7939 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
7940 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
7941 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
7942 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
7943 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
7944
7945 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
7946 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
7947 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
7948 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
7949 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
7950 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
7951 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
7952
7953 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
7954 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
7955 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
7956 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
7957 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
7958 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
7959 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
7960 command.
7961
7962 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
7963 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
7964 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
7965 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
7966 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
7967 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
7968 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
7969
7970 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
7971 @cindex default source path substitution
7972 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
7973 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
7974 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
7975 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
7976 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
7977 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
7978 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
7979 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
7980 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
7981 together.
7982
7983 @table @code
7984 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
7985 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
7986 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
7987 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
7988 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
7989 part of absolute file names) or
7990 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
7991 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
7992
7993 @kindex cdir
7994 @kindex cwd
7995 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
7996 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
7997 @cindex compilation directory
7998 @cindex current directory
7999 @cindex working directory
8000 @cindex directory, current
8001 @cindex directory, compilation
8002 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
8003 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
8004 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
8005 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
8006 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
8007 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
8008
8009 @item directory
8010 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
8011
8012 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
8013 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
8014
8015 @item set directories @var{path-list}
8016 @kindex set directories
8017 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
8018 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
8019
8020 @item show directories
8021 @kindex show directories
8022 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
8023
8024 @anchor{set substitute-path}
8025 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
8026 @kindex set substitute-path
8027 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
8028 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
8029 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
8030
8031 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
8032 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
8033
8034 @smallexample
8035 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /foo/bar /mnt/cross
8036 @end smallexample
8037
8038 @noindent
8039 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/foo/bar} with
8040 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
8041 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
8042
8043 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
8044 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
8045 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
8046 the substitution.
8047
8048 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
8049
8050 @smallexample
8051 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
8052 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
8053 @end smallexample
8054
8055 @noindent
8056 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
8057 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
8058 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
8059 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
8060
8061
8062 @item unset substitute-path [path]
8063 @kindex unset substitute-path
8064 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
8065 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
8066 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
8067
8068 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
8069
8070 @item show substitute-path [path]
8071 @kindex show substitute-path
8072 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
8073 which would rewrite that path, if any.
8074
8075 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
8076 rules.
8077
8078 @end table
8079
8080 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
8081 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
8082 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
8083
8084 @enumerate
8085 @item
8086 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
8087
8088 @item
8089 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
8090 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
8091 directories in one command.
8092 @end enumerate
8093
8094 @node Machine Code
8095 @section Source and Machine Code
8096 @cindex source line and its code address
8097
8098 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
8099 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
8100 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
8101 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
8102 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
8103 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
8104 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
8105 well as hex.
8106
8107 @table @code
8108 @kindex info line
8109 @item info line @var{location}
8110 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
8111 source line @var{location}. You can specify source lines in any of
8112 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
8113 @end table
8114
8115 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
8116 the object code for the first line of function
8117 @code{m4_changequote}:
8118
8119 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
8120 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
8121 @smallexample
8122 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
8123 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
8124 @end smallexample
8125
8126 @noindent
8127 @cindex code address and its source line
8128 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
8129 @var{location}) what source line covers a particular address:
8130 @smallexample
8131 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
8132 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
8133 @end smallexample
8134
8135 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
8136 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
8137 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
8138 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
8139 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
8140 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
8141 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
8142 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8143 Variables}).
8144
8145 @table @code
8146 @kindex disassemble
8147 @cindex assembly instructions
8148 @cindex instructions, assembly
8149 @cindex machine instructions
8150 @cindex listing machine instructions
8151 @item disassemble
8152 @itemx disassemble /m
8153 @itemx disassemble /s
8154 @itemx disassemble /r
8155 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
8156 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
8157 the @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex
8158 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
8159 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
8160 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
8161 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
8162 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
8163 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
8164 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
8165
8166 @table @code
8167 @item @var{start},@var{end}
8168 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
8169 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
8170 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
8171 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
8172 @end table
8173
8174 @noindent
8175 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
8176 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
8177
8178 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
8179 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
8180
8181 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
8182 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
8183 @end table
8184
8185 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
8186 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
8187
8188 @smallexample
8189 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
8190 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
8191 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
8192 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
8193 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8194 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
8195 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
8196 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
8197 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
8198 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8199 End of assembler dump.
8200 @end smallexample
8201
8202 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86
8203 with @code{/m} or @code{/s}, when the program is stopped just after
8204 function prologue in a non-optimized function with no inline code.
8205
8206 @smallexample
8207 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8208 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8209 5 @{
8210 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
8211 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
8212 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
8213 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
8214 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
8215
8216 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
8217 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
8218 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
8219
8220 7 return 0;
8221 8 @}
8222 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
8223 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
8224 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
8225
8226 End of assembler dump.
8227 @end smallexample
8228
8229 The @code{/m} option is deprecated as its output is not useful when
8230 there is either inlined code or re-ordered code.
8231 The @code{/s} option is the preferred choice.
8232 Here is an example for AMD x86-64 showing the difference between
8233 @code{/m} output and @code{/s} output.
8234 This example has one inline function defined in a header file,
8235 and the code is compiled with @samp{-O2} optimization.
8236 Note how the @code{/m} output is missing the disassembly of
8237 several instructions that are present in the @code{/s} output.
8238
8239 @file{foo.h}:
8240
8241 @smallexample
8242 int
8243 foo (int a)
8244 @{
8245 if (a < 0)
8246 return a * 2;
8247 if (a == 0)
8248 return 1;
8249 return a + 10;
8250 @}
8251 @end smallexample
8252
8253 @file{foo.c}:
8254
8255 @smallexample
8256 #include "foo.h"
8257 volatile int x, y;
8258 int
8259 main ()
8260 @{
8261 x = foo (y);
8262 return 0;
8263 @}
8264 @end smallexample
8265
8266 @smallexample
8267 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8268 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8269 5 @{
8270
8271 6 x = foo (y);
8272 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8273 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8274
8275 7 return 0;
8276 8 @}
8277 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8278 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8279 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8280 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8281
8282 End of assembler dump.
8283 (@value{GDBP}) disas /s main
8284 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8285 foo.c:
8286 5 @{
8287 6 x = foo (y);
8288 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8289
8290 foo.h:
8291 4 if (a < 0)
8292 0x0000000000400406 <+6>: test %eax,%eax
8293 0x0000000000400408 <+8>: js 0x400420 <main+32>
8294
8295 6 if (a == 0)
8296 7 return 1;
8297 8 return a + 10;
8298 0x000000000040040a <+10>: lea 0xa(%rax),%edx
8299 0x000000000040040d <+13>: test %eax,%eax
8300 0x000000000040040f <+15>: mov $0x1,%eax
8301 0x0000000000400414 <+20>: cmovne %edx,%eax
8302
8303 foo.c:
8304 6 x = foo (y);
8305 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8306
8307 7 return 0;
8308 8 @}
8309 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8310 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8311
8312 foo.h:
8313 5 return a * 2;
8314 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8315 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8316 End of assembler dump.
8317 @end smallexample
8318
8319 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
8320
8321 @smallexample
8322 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
8323 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
8324 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
8325 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
8326 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
8327 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
8328 End of assembler dump.
8329 @end smallexample
8330
8331 Addresses cannot be specified as a location (@pxref{Specify Location}).
8332 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
8333 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
8334 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
8335
8336 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
8337 mnemonics or other syntax.
8338
8339 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
8340 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
8341 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
8342 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
8343 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
8344
8345 @table @code
8346 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
8347 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
8348 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
8349 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
8350 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
8351 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
8352
8353 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
8354 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
8355 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
8356 assemblers for x86-based targets.
8357
8358 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
8359 @item show disassembly-flavor
8360 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
8361 @end table
8362
8363 @table @code
8364 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
8365 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
8366 @item set disassemble-next-line
8367 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
8368 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
8369 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
8370 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
8371 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
8372 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
8373 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
8374 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
8375 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
8376 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
8377 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
8378 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
8379 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
8380 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
8381 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
8382 instruction.
8383 @end table
8384
8385
8386 @node Data
8387 @chapter Examining Data
8388
8389 @cindex printing data
8390 @cindex examining data
8391 @kindex print
8392 @kindex inspect
8393 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
8394 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
8395 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
8396 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
8397 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
8398 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
8399
8400 @table @code
8401 @item print @var{expr}
8402 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
8403 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
8404 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
8405 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
8406 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
8407 Formats}.
8408
8409 @item print
8410 @itemx print /@var{f}
8411 @cindex reprint the last value
8412 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
8413 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
8414 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
8415 @end table
8416
8417 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
8418 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
8419 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8420
8421 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
8422 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
8423 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
8424 Table}.
8425
8426 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
8427 @kindex explore
8428 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
8429 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
8430 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
8431 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
8432 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
8433 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
8434 embedded in the higher level data types.
8435
8436 @table @code
8437 @item explore @var{arg}
8438 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
8439 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
8440 @end table
8441
8442 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
8443 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
8444 C program as
8445
8446 @smallexample
8447 struct SimpleStruct
8448 @{
8449 int i;
8450 double d;
8451 @};
8452
8453 struct ComplexStruct
8454 @{
8455 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
8456 int arr[10];
8457 @};
8458 @end smallexample
8459
8460 @noindent
8461 followed by variable declarations as
8462
8463 @smallexample
8464 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
8465 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
8466 @end smallexample
8467
8468 @noindent
8469 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
8470 @code{explore} command as follows.
8471
8472 @smallexample
8473 (gdb) explore cs
8474 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
8475 the following fields:
8476
8477 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
8478 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
8479
8480 Enter the field number of choice:
8481 @end smallexample
8482
8483 @noindent
8484 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
8485 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
8486 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
8487 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
8488 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
8489 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
8490 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
8491 field will be explored as if it were an array.
8492
8493 @smallexample
8494 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
8495 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
8496 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
8497 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
8498
8499 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
8500 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
8501
8502 Press enter to return to parent value:
8503 @end smallexample
8504
8505 @noindent
8506 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
8507 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
8508 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
8509 to explore.
8510
8511 @smallexample
8512 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
8513 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
8514
8515 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
8516
8517 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
8518
8519 Press enter to return to parent value:
8520 @end smallexample
8521
8522 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
8523 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
8524 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
8525 level data structure).
8526
8527 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
8528 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
8529 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
8530 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
8531 same example as above, your can explore the type
8532 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
8533 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
8534
8535 @smallexample
8536 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
8537 @end smallexample
8538
8539 @noindent
8540 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
8541 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
8542 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
8543 example.
8544
8545 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
8546 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
8547 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
8548 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
8549 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
8550
8551 @table @code
8552 @item explore value @var{expr}
8553 @cindex explore value
8554 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
8555 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
8556 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
8557 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
8558 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
8559
8560 @item explore type @var{arg}
8561 @cindex explore type
8562 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
8563 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
8564 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
8565 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
8566 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
8567 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
8568 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
8569 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
8570 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
8571 @end table
8572
8573 @menu
8574 * Expressions:: Expressions
8575 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
8576 * Variables:: Program variables
8577 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
8578 * Output Formats:: Output formats
8579 * Memory:: Examining memory
8580 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
8581 * Print Settings:: Print settings
8582 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
8583 * Value History:: Value history
8584 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
8585 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
8586 * Registers:: Registers
8587 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
8588 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
8589 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
8590 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
8591 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
8592 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
8593 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
8594 character set than GDB does
8595 * Caching Target Data:: Data caching for targets
8596 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
8597 @end menu
8598
8599 @node Expressions
8600 @section Expressions
8601
8602 @cindex expressions
8603 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
8604 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
8605 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
8606 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
8607 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
8608 you compiled your program to include this information; see
8609 @ref{Compilation}.
8610
8611 @cindex arrays in expressions
8612 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
8613 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
8614 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
8615 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
8616 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
8617 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
8618
8619 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
8620 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
8621 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
8622 languages.
8623
8624 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
8625 expressions regardless of your programming language.
8626
8627 @cindex casts, in expressions
8628 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
8629 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
8630 at that address in memory.
8631 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
8632
8633 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
8634 to programming languages:
8635
8636 @table @code
8637 @item @@
8638 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
8639 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
8640
8641 @item ::
8642 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
8643 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
8644
8645 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
8646 @cindex type casting memory
8647 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
8648 @cindex casts, to view memory
8649 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
8650 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
8651 memory. The address @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is
8652 an integer or pointer (but parentheses are required around binary
8653 operators, just as in a cast). This construct is allowed regardless
8654 of what kind of data is normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
8655 @end table
8656
8657 @node Ambiguous Expressions
8658 @section Ambiguous Expressions
8659 @cindex ambiguous expressions
8660
8661 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
8662 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
8663 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
8664 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
8665 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
8666 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
8667 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
8668
8669 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
8670 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
8671 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
8672 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
8673 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
8674 as well.
8675
8676 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
8677 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
8678 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
8679 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
8680 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
8681 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
8682 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
8683 choices.
8684
8685 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
8686 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
8687 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
8688
8689 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
8690 @smallexample
8691 @group
8692 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
8693 [0] cancel
8694 [1] all
8695 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
8696 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
8697 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
8698 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
8699 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
8700 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
8701 > 2 4 6
8702 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
8703 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
8704 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
8705 Multiple breakpoints were set.
8706 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
8707 breakpoints.
8708 (@value{GDBP})
8709 @end group
8710 @end smallexample
8711
8712 @table @code
8713 @kindex set multiple-symbols
8714 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
8715 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
8716
8717 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
8718 is ambiguous.
8719
8720 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
8721 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
8722 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
8723 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
8724 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
8725 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
8726 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
8727 in the use of the menu.
8728
8729 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
8730 when an ambiguity is detected.
8731
8732 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
8733 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
8734
8735 @kindex show multiple-symbols
8736 @item show multiple-symbols
8737 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
8738 @end table
8739
8740 @node Variables
8741 @section Program Variables
8742
8743 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
8744 in your program.
8745
8746 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
8747 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
8748
8749 @itemize @bullet
8750 @item
8751 global (or file-static)
8752 @end itemize
8753
8754 @noindent or
8755
8756 @itemize @bullet
8757 @item
8758 visible according to the scope rules of the
8759 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
8760 @end itemize
8761
8762 @noindent This means that in the function
8763
8764 @smallexample
8765 foo (a)
8766 int a;
8767 @{
8768 bar (a);
8769 @{
8770 int b = test ();
8771 bar (b);
8772 @}
8773 @}
8774 @end smallexample
8775
8776 @noindent
8777 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
8778 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
8779 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
8780 the block where @code{b} is declared.
8781
8782 @cindex variable name conflict
8783 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
8784 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
8785 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
8786 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
8787 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
8788 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
8789 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
8790
8791 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
8792 @ifnotinfo
8793 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
8794 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
8795 @end ifnotinfo
8796 @smallexample
8797 @var{file}::@var{variable}
8798 @var{function}::@var{variable}
8799 @end smallexample
8800
8801 @noindent
8802 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
8803 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
8804 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
8805 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
8806
8807 @smallexample
8808 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
8809 @end smallexample
8810
8811 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
8812 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
8813 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
8814 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
8815 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
8816
8817 @smallexample
8818 void
8819 foo (int a)
8820 @{
8821 if (a < 10)
8822 bar (a);
8823 else
8824 process (a); /* Stop here */
8825 @}
8826
8827 int
8828 bar (int a)
8829 @{
8830 foo (a + 5);
8831 @}
8832 @end smallexample
8833
8834 @noindent
8835 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
8836 here is what you might see
8837 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
8838
8839 @smallexample
8840 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8841 $1 = 10
8842 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8843 $2 = 5
8844 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
8845 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
8846 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8847 $3 = 5
8848 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8849 $4 = 0
8850 @end smallexample
8851
8852 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
8853 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very
8854 similar use of the same notation in C@t{++}. When they are in
8855 conflict, the C@t{++} meaning takes precedence; however, this can be
8856 overridden by quoting the file or function name with single quotes.
8857
8858 For example, suppose the program is stopped in a method of a class
8859 that has a field named @code{includefile}, and there is also an
8860 include file named @file{includefile} that defines a variable,
8861 @code{some_global}.
8862
8863 @smallexample
8864 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile
8865 $1 = 23
8866 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile::some_global
8867 A syntax error in expression, near `'.
8868 (@value{GDBP}) p 'includefile'::some_global
8869 $2 = 27
8870 @end smallexample
8871
8872 @cindex wrong values
8873 @cindex variable values, wrong
8874 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
8875 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
8876 @quotation
8877 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
8878 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
8879 scope, and just before exit.
8880 @end quotation
8881 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
8882 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
8883 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
8884 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
8885 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
8886 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
8887 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
8888 variable definitions may be gone.
8889
8890 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
8891 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
8892 when compiling.
8893
8894 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
8895 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
8896 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
8897 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
8898 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
8899 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
8900 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
8901
8902 @smallexample
8903 No symbol "foo" in current context.
8904 @end smallexample
8905
8906 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
8907 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
8908 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
8909 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
8910 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
8911
8912 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
8913 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
8914 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
8915 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
8916
8917 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
8918 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
8919 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
8920 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
8921 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
8922
8923 @smallexample
8924 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
8925 29 i++;
8926 (gdb) next
8927 30 e (i);
8928 (gdb) print i
8929 $1 = 31
8930 (gdb) print i@@entry
8931 $2 = 30
8932 @end smallexample
8933
8934 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
8935 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
8936 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
8937 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
8938 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
8939 For program code
8940
8941 @smallexample
8942 char var0[] = "A";
8943 signed char var1[] = "A";
8944 @end smallexample
8945
8946 You get during debugging
8947 @smallexample
8948 (gdb) print var0
8949 $1 = "A"
8950 (gdb) print var1
8951 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
8952 @end smallexample
8953
8954 @node Arrays
8955 @section Artificial Arrays
8956
8957 @cindex artificial array
8958 @cindex arrays
8959 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
8960 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
8961 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
8962 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
8963 program.
8964
8965 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
8966 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
8967 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
8968 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
8969 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
8970 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
8971 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
8972 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
8973 example. If a program says
8974
8975 @smallexample
8976 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
8977 @end smallexample
8978
8979 @noindent
8980 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
8981
8982 @smallexample
8983 p *array@@len
8984 @end smallexample
8985
8986 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
8987 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
8988 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
8989 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
8990 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
8991
8992 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
8993 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
8994 The value need not be in memory:
8995 @smallexample
8996 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
8997 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8998 @end smallexample
8999
9000 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
9001 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
9002 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
9003 @smallexample
9004 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
9005 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9006 @end smallexample
9007
9008 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
9009 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
9010 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
9011 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
9012 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
9013 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
9014 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
9015 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
9016 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
9017 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
9018
9019 @smallexample
9020 set $i = 0
9021 p dtab[$i++]->fv
9022 @key{RET}
9023 @key{RET}
9024 @dots{}
9025 @end smallexample
9026
9027 @node Output Formats
9028 @section Output Formats
9029
9030 @cindex formatted output
9031 @cindex output formats
9032 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
9033 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
9034 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
9035 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
9036 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
9037
9038 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
9039 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
9040 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
9041 letters supported are:
9042
9043 @table @code
9044 @item x
9045 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
9046 hexadecimal.
9047
9048 @item d
9049 Print as integer in signed decimal.
9050
9051 @item u
9052 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
9053
9054 @item o
9055 Print as integer in octal.
9056
9057 @item t
9058 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
9059 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
9060 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
9061 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
9062
9063 @item a
9064 @cindex unknown address, locating
9065 @cindex locate address
9066 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
9067 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
9068 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
9069
9070 @smallexample
9071 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
9072 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
9073 @end smallexample
9074
9075 @noindent
9076 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
9077 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
9078
9079 @item c
9080 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
9081 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
9082 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
9083 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
9084
9085 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
9086 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
9087 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
9088 data.
9089
9090 @item f
9091 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
9092 using typical floating point syntax.
9093
9094 @item s
9095 @cindex printing strings
9096 @cindex printing byte arrays
9097 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
9098 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
9099 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
9100 natural types.
9101
9102 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
9103 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
9104 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
9105 array.
9106
9107 @item z
9108 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
9109 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
9110 to the size of the integer type.
9111
9112 @item r
9113 @cindex raw printing
9114 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
9115 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
9116 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
9117 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
9118 pretty-printer which might exist.
9119 @end table
9120
9121 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
9122
9123 @smallexample
9124 p/x $pc
9125 @end smallexample
9126
9127 @noindent
9128 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
9129 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
9130
9131 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
9132 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
9133 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
9134
9135 @node Memory
9136 @section Examining Memory
9137
9138 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
9139 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
9140
9141 @cindex examining memory
9142 @table @code
9143 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
9144 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
9145 @itemx x @var{addr}
9146 @itemx x
9147 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
9148 @end table
9149
9150 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
9151 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
9152 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
9153 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
9154 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
9155
9156 @table @r
9157 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
9158 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
9159 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
9160 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
9161 @c 4.1.2.
9162
9163 @item @var{f}, the display format
9164 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
9165 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
9166 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
9167 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
9168 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
9169
9170 @item @var{u}, the unit size
9171 The unit size is any of
9172
9173 @table @code
9174 @item b
9175 Bytes.
9176 @item h
9177 Halfwords (two bytes).
9178 @item w
9179 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
9180 @item g
9181 Giant words (eight bytes).
9182 @end table
9183
9184 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
9185 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
9186 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
9187 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
9188 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
9189 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
9190 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
9191 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
9192 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
9193 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
9194 be altered.
9195
9196 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
9197 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
9198 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
9199 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
9200 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
9201 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
9202 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
9203 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
9204 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
9205 a value from memory).
9206 @end table
9207
9208 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
9209 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
9210 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
9211 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
9212 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
9213
9214 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
9215 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
9216 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
9217 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
9218 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
9219
9220 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
9221 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
9222 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
9223 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
9224 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
9225 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
9226 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
9227 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
9228 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
9229
9230 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
9231 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
9232 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
9233 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
9234 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
9235 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
9236 for successive uses of @code{x}.
9237
9238 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
9239 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
9240
9241 @smallexample
9242 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
9243 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
9244 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
9245 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
9246 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
9247 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
9248 @end smallexample
9249
9250 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
9251 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
9252 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
9253 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
9254 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
9255 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
9256 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
9257 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
9258 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
9259
9260 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
9261 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
9262 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
9263
9264 @anchor{addressable memory unit}
9265 @cindex addressable memory unit
9266 Most targets have an addressable memory unit size of 8 bits. This means
9267 that to each memory address are associated 8 bits of data. Some
9268 targets, however, have other addressable memory unit sizes.
9269 Within @value{GDBN} and this document, the term
9270 @dfn{addressable memory unit} (or @dfn{memory unit} for short) is used
9271 when explicitly referring to a chunk of data of that size. The word
9272 @dfn{byte} is used to refer to a chunk of data of 8 bits, regardless of
9273 the addressable memory unit size of the target. For most systems,
9274 addressable memory unit is a synonym of byte.
9275
9276 @cindex remote memory comparison
9277 @cindex target memory comparison
9278 @cindex verify remote memory image
9279 @cindex verify target memory image
9280 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
9281 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image
9282 in the remote machine's memory against the executable file you
9283 downloaded to the target. Or, on any target, you may want to check
9284 whether the program has corrupted its own read-only sections. The
9285 @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such situations.
9286
9287 @table @code
9288 @kindex compare-sections
9289 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{|}@code{-r}@r{]}
9290 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
9291 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
9292 the target machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
9293 arguments, compares all loadable sections. With an argument of
9294 @code{-r}, compares all loadable read-only sections.
9295
9296 Note: for remote targets, this command can be accelerated if the
9297 target supports computing the CRC checksum of a block of memory
9298 (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
9299 @end table
9300
9301 @node Auto Display
9302 @section Automatic Display
9303 @cindex automatic display
9304 @cindex display of expressions
9305
9306 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
9307 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
9308 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
9309 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
9310 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
9311 The automatic display looks like this:
9312
9313 @smallexample
9314 2: foo = 38
9315 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
9316 @end smallexample
9317
9318 @noindent
9319 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
9320 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
9321 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
9322 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
9323 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
9324 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
9325
9326 @table @code
9327 @kindex display
9328 @item display @var{expr}
9329 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
9330 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
9331
9332 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
9333
9334 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
9335 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
9336 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
9337 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
9338 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
9339
9340 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
9341 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
9342 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
9343 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
9344 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
9345 @end table
9346
9347 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
9348 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
9349 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9350
9351 @table @code
9352 @kindex delete display
9353 @kindex undisplay
9354 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
9355 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9356 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
9357 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
9358 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
9359 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
9360 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9361
9362 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
9363 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
9364
9365 @kindex disable display
9366 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9367 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
9368 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
9369 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
9370 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
9371 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
9372 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
9373 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9374
9375 @kindex enable display
9376 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9377 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
9378 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
9379 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
9380 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
9381 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
9382 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9383
9384 @item display
9385 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
9386 done when your program stops.
9387
9388 @kindex info display
9389 @item info display
9390 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
9391 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
9392 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
9393 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
9394 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
9395 @end table
9396
9397 @cindex display disabled out of scope
9398 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
9399 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
9400 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
9401 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
9402 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
9403 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
9404 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
9405 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
9406 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
9407 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
9408
9409 @node Print Settings
9410 @section Print Settings
9411
9412 @cindex format options
9413 @cindex print settings
9414 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
9415 and symbols are printed.
9416
9417 @noindent
9418 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
9419
9420 @table @code
9421 @kindex set print
9422 @item set print address
9423 @itemx set print address on
9424 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
9425 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
9426 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
9427 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
9428 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
9429 @code{set print address on}:
9430
9431 @smallexample
9432 @group
9433 (@value{GDBP}) f
9434 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
9435 at input.c:530
9436 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
9437 @end group
9438 @end smallexample
9439
9440 @item set print address off
9441 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
9442 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
9443
9444 @smallexample
9445 @group
9446 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
9447 (@value{GDBP}) f
9448 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
9449 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
9450 @end group
9451 @end smallexample
9452
9453 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
9454 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
9455 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
9456 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
9457
9458 @kindex show print
9459 @item show print address
9460 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
9461 @end table
9462
9463 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
9464 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
9465 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
9466 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
9467 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
9468 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
9469 it prints a symbolic address:
9470
9471 @table @code
9472 @item set print symbol-filename on
9473 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
9474 @cindex symbol, source file and line
9475 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
9476 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
9477
9478 @item set print symbol-filename off
9479 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
9480 default.
9481
9482 @item show print symbol-filename
9483 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
9484 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
9485 @end table
9486
9487 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
9488 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
9489 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
9490
9491 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
9492 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
9493
9494 @table @code
9495 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
9496 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
9497 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
9498 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
9499 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
9500 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
9501 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
9502 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
9503
9504 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
9505 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
9506 symbolic address.
9507 @end table
9508
9509 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
9510 @cindex pointer, finding referent
9511 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
9512 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
9513 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
9514 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
9515 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
9516 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
9517
9518 @smallexample
9519 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
9520 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
9521 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
9522 @end smallexample
9523
9524 @quotation
9525 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
9526 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
9527 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
9528 @end quotation
9529
9530 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
9531 @samp{set print symbol on}:
9532
9533 @table @code
9534 @item set print symbol on
9535 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
9536 one exists.
9537
9538 @item set print symbol off
9539 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
9540 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
9541 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
9542
9543 @item show print symbol
9544 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
9545 address.
9546 @end table
9547
9548 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
9549
9550 @table @code
9551 @item set print array
9552 @itemx set print array on
9553 @cindex pretty print arrays
9554 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
9555 but uses more space. The default is off.
9556
9557 @item set print array off
9558 Return to compressed format for arrays.
9559
9560 @item show print array
9561 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
9562 arrays.
9563
9564 @cindex print array indexes
9565 @item set print array-indexes
9566 @itemx set print array-indexes on
9567 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
9568 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
9569 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
9570
9571 @item set print array-indexes off
9572 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
9573
9574 @item show print array-indexes
9575 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
9576 arrays.
9577
9578 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
9579 @itemx set print elements unlimited
9580 @cindex number of array elements to print
9581 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
9582 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
9583 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
9584 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
9585 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
9586 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
9587 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
9588 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
9589
9590 @item show print elements
9591 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
9592 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
9593
9594 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
9595 @kindex set print frame-arguments
9596 @cindex printing frame argument values
9597 @cindex print all frame argument values
9598 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
9599 @cindex do not print frame argument values
9600 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
9601 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
9602 values are:
9603
9604 @table @code
9605 @item all
9606 The values of all arguments are printed.
9607
9608 @item scalars
9609 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
9610 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
9611 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
9612 only scalar arguments are shown:
9613
9614 @smallexample
9615 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
9616 at frame-args.c:23
9617 @end smallexample
9618
9619 @item none
9620 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
9621 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
9622
9623 @smallexample
9624 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
9625 at frame-args.c:23
9626 @end smallexample
9627 @end table
9628
9629 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
9630 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
9631 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
9632 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
9633 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
9634 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
9635 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
9636 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
9637 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
9638 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
9639
9640 @item show print frame-arguments
9641 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
9642
9643 @item set print raw frame-arguments on
9644 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
9645
9646 @item set print raw frame-arguments off
9647 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
9648 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
9649 otherwise print the value in raw form.
9650 This is the default.
9651
9652 @item show print raw frame-arguments
9653 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
9654
9655 @anchor{set print entry-values}
9656 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
9657 @kindex set print entry-values
9658 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
9659 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
9660 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
9661 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
9662 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
9663
9664 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
9665 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
9666 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
9667 @code{no} setting.
9668
9669 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
9670 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
9671 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
9672 this information.
9673
9674 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
9675
9676 @table @code
9677 @item no
9678 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
9679 point.
9680 @smallexample
9681 #0 equal (val=5)
9682 #0 different (val=6)
9683 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
9684 #0 born (val=10)
9685 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9686 @end smallexample
9687
9688 @item only
9689 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
9690 values are never printed.
9691 @smallexample
9692 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9693 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9694 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9695 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9696 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9697 @end smallexample
9698
9699 @item preferred
9700 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
9701 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
9702 value for such parameter.
9703 @smallexample
9704 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9705 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9706 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9707 #0 born (val=10)
9708 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9709 @end smallexample
9710
9711 @item if-needed
9712 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
9713 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
9714 parameter.
9715 @smallexample
9716 #0 equal (val=5)
9717 #0 different (val=6)
9718 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9719 #0 born (val=10)
9720 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9721 @end smallexample
9722
9723 @item both
9724 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
9725 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
9726 optimizations.
9727 @smallexample
9728 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
9729 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9730 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9731 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9732 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9733 @end smallexample
9734
9735 @item compact
9736 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
9737 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
9738 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
9739 values are known and identical, print the shortened
9740 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9741 @smallexample
9742 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9743 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9744 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9745 #0 born (val=10)
9746 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9747 @end smallexample
9748
9749 @item default
9750 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
9751 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
9752 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
9753 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9754 @smallexample
9755 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9756 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9757 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9758 #0 born (val=10)
9759 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9760 @end smallexample
9761 @end table
9762
9763 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
9764 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
9765
9766 @item show print entry-values
9767 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
9768 entry.
9769
9770 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
9771 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
9772 @cindex repeated array elements
9773 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
9774 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
9775 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
9776 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
9777 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
9778 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
9779 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
9780 is 10.
9781
9782 @item show print repeats
9783 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
9784 elements.
9785
9786 @item set print null-stop
9787 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
9788 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
9789 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
9790 contain only short strings.
9791 The default is off.
9792
9793 @item show print null-stop
9794 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
9795 @sc{null} character.
9796
9797 @item set print pretty on
9798 @cindex print structures in indented form
9799 @cindex indentation in structure display
9800 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
9801 per line, like this:
9802
9803 @smallexample
9804 @group
9805 $1 = @{
9806 next = 0x0,
9807 flags = @{
9808 sweet = 1,
9809 sour = 1
9810 @},
9811 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
9812 @}
9813 @end group
9814 @end smallexample
9815
9816 @item set print pretty off
9817 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
9818
9819 @smallexample
9820 @group
9821 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
9822 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
9823 @end group
9824 @end smallexample
9825
9826 @noindent
9827 This is the default format.
9828
9829 @item show print pretty
9830 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
9831
9832 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
9833 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
9834 @cindex octal escapes in strings
9835 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
9836 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
9837 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
9838 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
9839 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
9840
9841 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
9842 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
9843 international character sets, and is the default.
9844
9845 @item show print sevenbit-strings
9846 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
9847
9848 @item set print union on
9849 @cindex unions in structures, printing
9850 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
9851 and other unions. This is the default setting.
9852
9853 @item set print union off
9854 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
9855 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
9856 instead.
9857
9858 @item show print union
9859 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
9860 structures and other unions.
9861
9862 For example, given the declarations
9863
9864 @smallexample
9865 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
9866 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
9867 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
9868 Bug_forms;
9869
9870 struct thing @{
9871 Species it;
9872 union @{
9873 Tree_forms tree;
9874 Bug_forms bug;
9875 @} form;
9876 @};
9877
9878 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
9879 @end smallexample
9880
9881 @noindent
9882 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
9883
9884 @smallexample
9885 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
9886 @end smallexample
9887
9888 @noindent
9889 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
9890
9891 @smallexample
9892 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
9893 @end smallexample
9894
9895 @noindent
9896 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
9897 and in Pascal.
9898 @end table
9899
9900 @need 1000
9901 @noindent
9902 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
9903
9904 @table @code
9905 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
9906 @item set print demangle
9907 @itemx set print demangle on
9908 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
9909 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
9910 linkage. The default is on.
9911
9912 @item show print demangle
9913 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
9914
9915 @item set print asm-demangle
9916 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
9917 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
9918 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
9919 The default is off.
9920
9921 @item show print asm-demangle
9922 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
9923 or demangled form.
9924
9925 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
9926 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
9927 @kindex set demangle-style
9928 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
9929 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
9930 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
9931
9932 @table @code
9933 @item auto
9934 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
9935 This is the default.
9936
9937 @item gnu
9938 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
9939
9940 @item hp
9941 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
9942
9943 @item lucid
9944 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
9945
9946 @item arm
9947 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
9948 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
9949 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
9950 require further enhancement to permit that.
9951
9952 @end table
9953 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
9954
9955 @item show demangle-style
9956 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
9957
9958 @item set print object
9959 @itemx set print object on
9960 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
9961 @cindex display derived types
9962 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
9963 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
9964 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
9965 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
9966 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
9967 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
9968 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
9969
9970 @item set print object off
9971 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
9972 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
9973
9974 @item show print object
9975 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
9976
9977 @item set print static-members
9978 @itemx set print static-members on
9979 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
9980 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
9981
9982 @item set print static-members off
9983 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
9984
9985 @item show print static-members
9986 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
9987
9988 @item set print pascal_static-members
9989 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
9990 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
9991 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
9992 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
9993
9994 @item set print pascal_static-members off
9995 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
9996
9997 @item show print pascal_static-members
9998 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
9999
10000 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
10001 @item set print vtbl
10002 @itemx set print vtbl on
10003 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
10004 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
10005 @cindex VTBL display
10006 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
10007 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10008 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10009
10010 @item set print vtbl off
10011 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
10012
10013 @item show print vtbl
10014 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
10015 @end table
10016
10017 @node Pretty Printing
10018 @section Pretty Printing
10019
10020 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
10021 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
10022 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
10023
10024 @menu
10025 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
10026 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
10027 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
10028 @end menu
10029
10030 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
10031 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
10032
10033 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
10034 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
10035 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
10036
10037 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
10038 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
10039 pretty-printers with their names.
10040 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
10041 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
10042 Each such subprinter has its own name.
10043 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
10044
10045 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
10046 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
10047 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
10048 do anything special.
10049
10050 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
10051
10052 @itemize @bullet
10053 @item
10054 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
10055 all inferiors.
10056
10057 @item
10058 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
10059 when debugging that program.
10060 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
10061
10062 @item
10063 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
10064 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
10065 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
10066 @end itemize
10067
10068 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
10069 pretty-printers are selected,
10070
10071 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
10072 for new types.
10073
10074 @node Pretty-Printer Example
10075 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
10076
10077 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
10078
10079 @smallexample
10080 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10081 $1 = @{
10082 static npos = 4294967295,
10083 _M_dataplus = @{
10084 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
10085 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
10086 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
10087 @},
10088 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
10089 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
10090 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
10091 @}
10092 @}
10093 @end smallexample
10094
10095 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
10096
10097 @smallexample
10098 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10099 $2 = "abcd"
10100 @end smallexample
10101
10102 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
10103 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
10104 @cindex pretty-printer commands
10105
10106 @table @code
10107 @kindex info pretty-printer
10108 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10109 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
10110 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
10111
10112 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
10113 whose pretty-printers to list.
10114 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
10115 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
10116 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
10117 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
10118 looks up a printer from these three objects.
10119
10120 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
10121 to list.
10122
10123 @kindex disable pretty-printer
10124 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10125 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10126 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
10127
10128 @kindex enable pretty-printer
10129 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10130 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10131 @end table
10132
10133 Example:
10134
10135 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
10136 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
10137 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
10138 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
10139
10140 @smallexample
10141 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10142 library1.so:
10143 foo
10144 library2.so:
10145 bar
10146 bar1
10147 bar2
10148 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10149 library2.so:
10150 bar
10151 bar1
10152 bar2
10153 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
10154 1 printer disabled
10155 2 of 3 printers enabled
10156 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10157 library1.so:
10158 foo [disabled]
10159 library2.so:
10160 bar
10161 bar1
10162 bar2
10163 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
10164 1 printer disabled
10165 1 of 3 printers enabled
10166 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10167 library1.so:
10168 foo [disabled]
10169 library2.so:
10170 bar
10171 bar1 [disabled]
10172 bar2
10173 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
10174 1 printer disabled
10175 0 of 3 printers enabled
10176 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10177 library1.so:
10178 foo [disabled]
10179 library2.so:
10180 bar [disabled]
10181 bar1 [disabled]
10182 bar2
10183 @end smallexample
10184
10185 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
10186 as can each individual subprinter.
10187
10188 @node Value History
10189 @section Value History
10190
10191 @cindex value history
10192 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
10193 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
10194 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
10195 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
10196 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
10197 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
10198 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
10199 symbol table.
10200
10201 @cindex @code{$}
10202 @cindex @code{$$}
10203 @cindex history number
10204 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
10205 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
10206 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
10207 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
10208 history number.
10209
10210 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
10211 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
10212 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
10213 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
10214 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
10215 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
10216 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
10217
10218 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
10219 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
10220
10221 @smallexample
10222 p *$
10223 @end smallexample
10224
10225 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
10226 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
10227
10228 @smallexample
10229 p *$.next
10230 @end smallexample
10231
10232 @noindent
10233 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
10234 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
10235
10236 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
10237 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
10238
10239 @smallexample
10240 print x
10241 set x=5
10242 @end smallexample
10243
10244 @noindent
10245 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
10246 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
10247
10248 @table @code
10249 @kindex show values
10250 @item show values
10251 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
10252 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
10253 values} does not change the history.
10254
10255 @item show values @var{n}
10256 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
10257
10258 @item show values +
10259 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
10260 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
10261 @end table
10262
10263 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
10264 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
10265
10266 @node Convenience Vars
10267 @section Convenience Variables
10268
10269 @cindex convenience variables
10270 @cindex user-defined variables
10271 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
10272 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
10273 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
10274 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
10275 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
10276
10277 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
10278 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
10279 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
10280 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
10281 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
10282
10283 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
10284 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
10285 For example:
10286
10287 @smallexample
10288 set $foo = *object_ptr
10289 @end smallexample
10290
10291 @noindent
10292 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
10293 @code{object_ptr}.
10294
10295 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
10296 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
10297 value with another assignment at any time.
10298
10299 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
10300 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
10301 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
10302 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
10303
10304 @table @code
10305 @kindex show convenience
10306 @cindex show all user variables and functions
10307 @item show convenience
10308 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
10309 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
10310 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
10311
10312 @kindex init-if-undefined
10313 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
10314 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
10315 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
10316 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
10317 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
10318 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
10319 override default values used in a command script.
10320
10321 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
10322 any side-effects do not occur.
10323 @end table
10324
10325 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
10326 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
10327 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
10328
10329 @smallexample
10330 set $i = 0
10331 print bar[$i++]->contents
10332 @end smallexample
10333
10334 @noindent
10335 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
10336
10337 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
10338 values likely to be useful.
10339
10340 @table @code
10341 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
10342 @item $_
10343 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
10344 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
10345 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
10346 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
10347 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
10348 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
10349 to the type of @code{$__}.
10350
10351 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
10352 @item $__
10353 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
10354 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
10355 to match the format in which the data was printed.
10356
10357 @item $_exitcode
10358 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
10359 When the program being debugged terminates normally, @value{GDBN}
10360 automatically sets this variable to the exit code of the program, and
10361 resets @code{$_exitsignal} to @code{void}.
10362
10363 @item $_exitsignal
10364 @vindex $_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
10365 When the program being debugged dies due to an uncaught signal,
10366 @value{GDBN} automatically sets this variable to that signal's number,
10367 and resets @code{$_exitcode} to @code{void}.
10368
10369 To distinguish between whether the program being debugged has exited
10370 (i.e., @code{$_exitcode} is not @code{void}) or signalled (i.e.,
10371 @code{$_exitsignal} is not @code{void}), the convenience function
10372 @code{$_isvoid} can be used (@pxref{Convenience Funs,, Convenience
10373 Functions}). For example, considering the following source code:
10374
10375 @smallexample
10376 #include <signal.h>
10377
10378 int
10379 main (int argc, char *argv[])
10380 @{
10381 raise (SIGALRM);
10382 return 0;
10383 @}
10384 @end smallexample
10385
10386 A valid way of telling whether the program being debugged has exited
10387 or signalled would be:
10388
10389 @smallexample
10390 (@value{GDBP}) define has_exited_or_signalled
10391 Type commands for definition of ``has_exited_or_signalled''.
10392 End with a line saying just ``end''.
10393 >if $_isvoid ($_exitsignal)
10394 >echo The program has exited\n
10395 >else
10396 >echo The program has signalled\n
10397 >end
10398 >end
10399 (@value{GDBP}) run
10400 Starting program:
10401
10402 Program terminated with signal SIGALRM, Alarm clock.
10403 The program no longer exists.
10404 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
10405 The program has signalled
10406 @end smallexample
10407
10408 As can be seen, @value{GDBN} correctly informs that the program being
10409 debugged has signalled, since it calls @code{raise} and raises a
10410 @code{SIGALRM} signal. If the program being debugged had not called
10411 @code{raise}, then @value{GDBN} would report a normal exit:
10412
10413 @smallexample
10414 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
10415 The program has exited
10416 @end smallexample
10417
10418 @item $_exception
10419 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
10420 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
10421
10422 @item $_probe_argc
10423 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
10424 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
10425
10426 @item $_sdata
10427 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
10428 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
10429 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
10430 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
10431 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
10432
10433 @item $_siginfo
10434 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
10435 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
10436 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
10437 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
10438 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
10439
10440 @item $_tlb
10441 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
10442 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
10443 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
10444 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
10445 @xref{General Query Packets}.
10446 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
10447
10448 @item $_inferior
10449 The number of the current inferior. @xref{Inferiors and
10450 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}.
10451
10452 @item $_thread
10453 The thread number of the current thread. @xref{thread numbers}.
10454
10455 @end table
10456
10457 @node Convenience Funs
10458 @section Convenience Functions
10459
10460 @cindex convenience functions
10461 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
10462 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
10463 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
10464 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
10465 @value{GDBN}.
10466
10467 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
10468 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
10469
10470 @table @code
10471
10472 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
10473 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
10474 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
10475 returns zero.
10476
10477 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
10478 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
10479 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
10480 it is @code{void}:
10481
10482 @smallexample
10483 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
10484 $1 = void
10485 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
10486 $2 = 1
10487 (@value{GDBP}) run
10488 Starting program: ./a.out
10489 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
10490 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
10491 $3 = 0
10492 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
10493 $4 = 0
10494 @end smallexample
10495
10496 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
10497 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
10498 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
10499 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
10500 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
10501 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
10502 anymore.
10503
10504 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
10505 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
10506
10507 @smallexample
10508 void
10509 foo (void)
10510 @{
10511 @}
10512 @end smallexample
10513
10514 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
10515
10516 @smallexample
10517 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
10518 $1 = void
10519 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
10520 $2 = 1
10521 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
10522 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
10523 $3 = void
10524 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
10525 $4 = 1
10526 @end smallexample
10527
10528 @end table
10529
10530 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
10531 @code{Python} support.
10532
10533 @table @code
10534
10535 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
10536 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
10537 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
10538 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
10539 Otherwise it returns zero.
10540
10541 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
10542 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
10543 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
10544 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10545 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
10546 regular expression support.
10547
10548 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
10549 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
10550 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
10551 Otherwise it returns zero.
10552
10553 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
10554 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
10555 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
10556
10557 @item $_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10558 @findex $_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
10559 Returns one if the calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
10560 Otherwise it returns zero.
10561
10562 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10563 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10564 The default is 1.
10565
10566 Example:
10567
10568 @smallexample
10569 (gdb) backtrace
10570 #0 bottom_func ()
10571 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:21
10572 #1 0x00000000004005a0 in middle_func ()
10573 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:27
10574 #2 0x00000000004005ab in top_func ()
10575 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:33
10576 #3 0x00000000004005b6 in main ()
10577 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:39
10578 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("middle_func")
10579 $1 = 1
10580 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("top_func", 2)
10581 $1 = 1
10582 @end smallexample
10583
10584 @item $_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10585 @findex $_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
10586 Returns one if the calling function's name matches the regular expression
10587 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10588
10589 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10590 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10591 The default is 1.
10592
10593 @item $_any_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10594 @findex $_any_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
10595 Returns one if any calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
10596 Otherwise it returns zero.
10597
10598 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10599 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10600 The default is 1.
10601
10602 This function differs from @code{$_caller_is} in that this function
10603 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
10604 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_is} only checks the
10605 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
10606
10607 @item $_any_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10608 @findex $_any_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
10609 Returns one if any calling function's name matches the regular expression
10610 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10611
10612 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10613 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10614 The default is 1.
10615
10616 This function differs from @code{$_caller_matches} in that this function
10617 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
10618 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_matches} only checks the
10619 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
10620
10621 @end table
10622
10623 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
10624 convenience functions.
10625
10626 @table @code
10627 @item help function
10628 @kindex help function
10629 @cindex show all convenience functions
10630 Print a list of all convenience functions.
10631 @end table
10632
10633 @node Registers
10634 @section Registers
10635
10636 @cindex registers
10637 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
10638 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
10639 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
10640 your machine.
10641
10642 @table @code
10643 @kindex info registers
10644 @item info registers
10645 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
10646 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10647
10648 @kindex info all-registers
10649 @cindex floating point registers
10650 @item info all-registers
10651 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
10652 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10653
10654 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
10655 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
10656 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
10657 the selected stack frame. The @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
10658 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
10659 @end table
10660
10661 @anchor{standard registers}
10662 @cindex stack pointer register
10663 @cindex program counter register
10664 @cindex process status register
10665 @cindex frame pointer register
10666 @cindex standard registers
10667 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
10668 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
10669 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
10670 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
10671 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
10672 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
10673 register that contains the processor status. For example,
10674 you could print the program counter in hex with
10675
10676 @smallexample
10677 p/x $pc
10678 @end smallexample
10679
10680 @noindent
10681 or print the instruction to be executed next with
10682
10683 @smallexample
10684 x/i $pc
10685 @end smallexample
10686
10687 @noindent
10688 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
10689 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
10690 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
10691 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
10692 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
10693 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
10694 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
10695
10696 @smallexample
10697 set $sp += 4
10698 @end smallexample
10699
10700 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
10701 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
10702 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
10703 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
10704 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
10705 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
10706 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
10707
10708 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
10709 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
10710 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
10711 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
10712 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
10713 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
10714 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
10715
10716 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
10717 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
10718 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
10719 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
10720 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
10721 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
10722 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
10723 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
10724 prints the data in both formats.
10725
10726 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
10727 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
10728 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
10729 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
10730 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
10731 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
10732 registers in @code{struct} notation:
10733
10734 @smallexample
10735 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
10736 $1 = @{
10737 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
10738 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
10739 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
10740 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
10741 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
10742 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
10743 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
10744 @}
10745 @end smallexample
10746
10747 @noindent
10748 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
10749 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
10750 value to a @code{struct} member:
10751
10752 @smallexample
10753 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
10754 @end smallexample
10755
10756 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
10757 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
10758 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
10759 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
10760 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
10761 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
10762
10763 @cindex caller-saved registers
10764 @cindex call-clobbered registers
10765 @cindex volatile registers
10766 @cindex <not saved> values
10767 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
10768 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
10769 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
10770 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
10771 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
10772 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
10773 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
10774 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
10775 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
10776 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
10777 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
10778 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
10779 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
10780 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
10781 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
10782 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
10783 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
10784 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
10785 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
10786 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
10787 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
10788 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
10789 represent the value the register had just before the call.
10790
10791 @node Floating Point Hardware
10792 @section Floating Point Hardware
10793 @cindex floating point
10794
10795 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
10796 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
10797
10798 @table @code
10799 @kindex info float
10800 @item info float
10801 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
10802 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
10803 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
10804 the ARM and x86 machines.
10805 @end table
10806
10807 @node Vector Unit
10808 @section Vector Unit
10809 @cindex vector unit
10810
10811 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
10812 more information about the status of the vector unit.
10813
10814 @table @code
10815 @kindex info vector
10816 @item info vector
10817 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
10818 layout vary depending on the hardware.
10819 @end table
10820
10821 @node OS Information
10822 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
10823 @cindex OS information
10824
10825 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
10826 you debug your program.
10827
10828 @cindex auxiliary vector
10829 @cindex vector, auxiliary
10830 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
10831 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
10832 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
10833 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
10834 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
10835 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
10836 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
10837 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
10838 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
10839 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
10840 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
10841
10842 @table @code
10843 @kindex info auxv
10844 @item info auxv
10845 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
10846 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
10847 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
10848 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
10849 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
10850 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
10851 an unrecognized tag.
10852 @end table
10853
10854 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
10855 information and show it to you. The types of information available
10856 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
10857 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
10858 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
10859 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
10860 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
10861
10862 @table @code
10863 @kindex info os
10864 @item info os @var{infotype}
10865
10866 Display OS information of the requested type.
10867
10868 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
10869
10870 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
10871 @table @code
10872 @kindex info os cpus
10873 @item cpus
10874 Display the list of all CPUs/cores. For each CPU/core, @value{GDBN} prints
10875 the available fields from /proc/cpuinfo. For each supported architecture
10876 different fields are available. Two common entries are processor which gives
10877 CPU number and bogomips; a system constant that is calculated during
10878 kernel initialization.
10879
10880 @kindex info os files
10881 @item files
10882 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
10883 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
10884 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
10885 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
10886
10887 @kindex info os modules
10888 @item modules
10889 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
10890 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
10891 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
10892 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
10893 in memory.
10894
10895 @kindex info os msg
10896 @item msg
10897 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
10898 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
10899 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
10900 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
10901 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
10902 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
10903 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
10904 the message queue was last changed.
10905
10906 @kindex info os processes
10907 @item processes
10908 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
10909 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
10910 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
10911 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
10912 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
10913 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
10914
10915 @kindex info os procgroups
10916 @item procgroups
10917 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
10918 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
10919 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
10920 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
10921 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
10922 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
10923 and the process group leader is listed first.
10924
10925 @kindex info os semaphores
10926 @item semaphores
10927 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
10928 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
10929 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
10930 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
10931 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
10932
10933 @kindex info os shm
10934 @item shm
10935 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
10936 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
10937 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
10938 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
10939 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
10940 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
10941 attached to, detach from, and changed.
10942
10943 @kindex info os sockets
10944 @item sockets
10945 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
10946 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
10947 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
10948 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
10949 connection.
10950
10951 @kindex info os threads
10952 @item threads
10953 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
10954 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
10955 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
10956 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
10957 process is not listed.
10958 @end table
10959
10960 @item info os
10961 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
10962 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
10963 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
10964 types, this command will report an error.
10965 @end table
10966
10967 @node Memory Region Attributes
10968 @section Memory Region Attributes
10969 @cindex memory region attributes
10970
10971 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
10972 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
10973 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
10974 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
10975 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
10976 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
10977 user can override the fetched regions.
10978
10979 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
10980 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
10981 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
10982 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
10983 all memory.
10984
10985 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
10986 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
10987
10988 @table @code
10989 @kindex mem
10990 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
10991 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
10992 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
10993 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
10994 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
10995 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
10996
10997 @item mem auto
10998 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
10999 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
11000
11001 @kindex delete mem
11002 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11003 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
11004 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
11005
11006 @kindex disable mem
11007 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11008 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11009 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
11010 It may be enabled again later.
11011
11012 @kindex enable mem
11013 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11014 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11015
11016 @kindex info mem
11017 @item info mem
11018 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
11019 for each region:
11020
11021 @table @emph
11022 @item Memory Region Number
11023 @item Enabled or Disabled.
11024 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
11025 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
11026
11027 @item Lo Address
11028 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
11029
11030 @item Hi Address
11031 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
11032
11033 @item Attributes
11034 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
11035 @end table
11036 @end table
11037
11038
11039 @subsection Attributes
11040
11041 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
11042 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
11043 write accesses to a memory region.
11044
11045 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
11046 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
11047 etc.@: from accessing memory.
11048
11049 @table @code
11050 @item ro
11051 Memory is read only.
11052 @item wo
11053 Memory is write only.
11054 @item rw
11055 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
11056 @end table
11057
11058 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
11059 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
11060 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
11061 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
11062 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
11063
11064 @table @code
11065 @item 8
11066 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
11067 @item 16
11068 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
11069 @item 32
11070 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
11071 @item 64
11072 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
11073 @end table
11074
11075 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
11076 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11077 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
11078 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
11079 @c
11080 @c @table @code
11081 @c @item hwbreak
11082 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
11083 @c @item swbreak (default)
11084 @c @end table
11085
11086 @subsubsection Data Cache
11087 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
11088 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
11089 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
11090 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
11091 registers.
11092
11093 @table @code
11094 @item cache
11095 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
11096 @item nocache
11097 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
11098 @end table
11099
11100 @subsection Memory Access Checking
11101 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
11102 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
11103 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
11104 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
11105
11106 @table @code
11107 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
11108 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
11109 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
11110 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
11111 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
11112 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
11113 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
11114 The default value is @code{on}.
11115 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
11116 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
11117 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
11118 @end table
11119
11120
11121 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
11122 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11123 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
11124 @c
11125 @c @table @code
11126 @c @item verify
11127 @c @item noverify (default)
11128 @c @end table
11129
11130 @node Dump/Restore Files
11131 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
11132 @cindex dump/restore files
11133 @cindex append data to a file
11134 @cindex dump data to a file
11135 @cindex restore data from a file
11136
11137 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
11138 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
11139 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
11140 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
11141 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex,
11142 Tektronix Hex, or Verilog Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only
11143 append to binary files, and cannot read from Verilog Hex files.
11144
11145 @table @code
11146
11147 @kindex dump
11148 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11149 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11150 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11151 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
11152
11153 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
11154 @table @code
11155 @item binary
11156 Raw binary form.
11157 @item ihex
11158 Intel hex format.
11159 @item srec
11160 Motorola S-record format.
11161 @item tekhex
11162 Tektronix Hex format.
11163 @item verilog
11164 Verilog Hex format.
11165 @end table
11166
11167 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
11168 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
11169 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
11170 form.
11171
11172 @kindex append
11173 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11174 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11175 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11176 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
11177 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
11178
11179 @kindex restore
11180 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
11181 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
11182 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
11183 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
11184 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
11185
11186 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
11187 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
11188 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
11189 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
11190 from that location.
11191
11192 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
11193 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
11194 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
11195 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
11196
11197 @end table
11198
11199 @node Core File Generation
11200 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
11201 @cindex dump core from inferior
11202
11203 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
11204 image of a running process and its process status (register values
11205 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
11206 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
11207 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
11208 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
11209 the post-mortem debugging mode.
11210
11211 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
11212 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
11213 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
11214
11215 @table @code
11216 @kindex gcore
11217 @kindex generate-core-file
11218 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
11219 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
11220 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
11221 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
11222 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
11223 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
11224
11225 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
11226 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
11227
11228 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, this command can take into account the value of the
11229 file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating the core
11230 dump (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}).
11231
11232 @kindex set use-coredump-filter
11233 @anchor{set use-coredump-filter}
11234 @item set use-coredump-filter on
11235 @itemx set use-coredump-filter off
11236 Enable or disable the use of the file
11237 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating core dump
11238 files. This file is used by the Linux kernel to decide what types of
11239 memory mappings will be dumped or ignored when generating a core dump
11240 file. @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process.
11241
11242 To make use of this feature, you have to write in the
11243 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file a value, in hexadecimal,
11244 which is a bit mask representing the memory mapping types. If a bit
11245 is set in the bit mask, then the memory mappings of the corresponding
11246 types will be dumped; otherwise, they will be ignored. This
11247 configuration is inherited by child processes. For more information
11248 about the bits that can be set in the
11249 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file, please refer to the
11250 manpage of @code{core(5)}.
11251
11252 By default, this option is @code{on}. If this option is turned
11253 @code{off}, @value{GDBN} does not read the @file{coredump_filter} file
11254 and instead uses the same default value as the Linux kernel in order
11255 to decide which pages will be dumped in the core dump file. This
11256 value is currently @code{0x33}, which means that bits @code{0}
11257 (anonymous private mappings), @code{1} (anonymous shared mappings),
11258 @code{4} (ELF headers) and @code{5} (private huge pages) are active.
11259 This will cause these memory mappings to be dumped automatically.
11260 @end table
11261
11262 @node Character Sets
11263 @section Character Sets
11264 @cindex character sets
11265 @cindex charset
11266 @cindex translating between character sets
11267 @cindex host character set
11268 @cindex target character set
11269
11270 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
11271 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
11272 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
11273 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
11274 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
11275 @dfn{target character set}.
11276
11277 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
11278 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
11279 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
11280 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
11281 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
11282 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
11283 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
11284 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
11285 character and string literals in expressions.
11286
11287 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
11288 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
11289 target-charset} command, described below.
11290
11291 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
11292 support:
11293
11294 @table @code
11295 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
11296 @kindex set target-charset
11297 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
11298 list of supported target character sets, type
11299 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
11300
11301 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
11302 @kindex set host-charset
11303 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
11304
11305 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
11306 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
11307 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
11308 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
11309 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
11310
11311 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
11312 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
11313 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
11314
11315 @item set charset @var{charset}
11316 @kindex set charset
11317 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
11318 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
11319 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
11320 for both host and target.
11321
11322 @item show charset
11323 @kindex show charset
11324 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
11325
11326 @item show host-charset
11327 @kindex show host-charset
11328 Show the name of the current host character set.
11329
11330 @item show target-charset
11331 @kindex show target-charset
11332 Show the name of the current target character set.
11333
11334 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
11335 @kindex set target-wide-charset
11336 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
11337 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
11338 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
11339 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
11340
11341 @item show target-wide-charset
11342 @kindex show target-wide-charset
11343 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
11344 @end table
11345
11346 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
11347 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
11348 @file{charset-test.c}:
11349
11350 @smallexample
11351 #include <stdio.h>
11352
11353 char ascii_hello[]
11354 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
11355 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
11356 char ibm1047_hello[]
11357 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
11358 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
11359
11360 main ()
11361 @{
11362 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11363 @}
11364 @end smallexample
11365
11366 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
11367 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
11368 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
11369
11370 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
11371
11372 @smallexample
11373 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
11374 $ gdb -nw charset-test
11375 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
11376 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
11377 @dots{}
11378 (@value{GDBP})
11379 @end smallexample
11380
11381 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
11382 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
11383 strings:
11384
11385 @smallexample
11386 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11387 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
11388 (@value{GDBP})
11389 @end smallexample
11390
11391 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
11392 initial character set:
11393 @smallexample
11394 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
11395 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11396 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
11397 (@value{GDBP})
11398 @end smallexample
11399
11400 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
11401 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
11402 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
11403 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
11404 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
11405
11406 @smallexample
11407 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
11408 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
11409 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
11410 $2 = 72 'H'
11411 (@value{GDBP})
11412 @end smallexample
11413
11414 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
11415 literals you use in expressions:
11416
11417 @smallexample
11418 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
11419 $3 = 43 '+'
11420 (@value{GDBP})
11421 @end smallexample
11422
11423 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
11424 character.
11425
11426 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
11427 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
11428 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
11429
11430 @smallexample
11431 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
11432 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
11433 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
11434 $5 = 200 '\310'
11435 (@value{GDBP})
11436 @end smallexample
11437
11438 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
11439 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
11440
11441 @smallexample
11442 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
11443 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
11444 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
11445 @end smallexample
11446
11447 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
11448 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
11449 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
11450 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
11451 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
11452
11453 @smallexample
11454 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
11455 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11456 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
11457 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
11458 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
11459 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
11460 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
11461 $7 = 72 '\110'
11462 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
11463 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
11464 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
11465 $9 = 200 'H'
11466 (@value{GDBP})
11467 @end smallexample
11468
11469 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
11470 string literals you use in expressions:
11471
11472 @smallexample
11473 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
11474 $10 = 78 '+'
11475 (@value{GDBP})
11476 @end smallexample
11477
11478 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
11479 character.
11480
11481 @node Caching Target Data
11482 @section Caching Data of Targets
11483 @cindex caching data of targets
11484
11485 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a target.
11486 Each cache is associated with the address space of the inferior.
11487 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}, about inferior and address space.
11488 Such caching generally improves performance in remote debugging
11489 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), because it reduces the overhead of the
11490 remote protocol by bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks.
11491 Unfortunately, simply caching everything would lead to incorrect results,
11492 since @value{GDBN} does not necessarily know anything about volatile
11493 values, memory-mapped I/O addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode
11494 (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command
11495 is executing.
11496 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
11497 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
11498 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
11499 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
11500 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.} or
11501 in the code segment.
11502 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
11503 cacheable; @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
11504
11505 @table @code
11506 @kindex set remotecache
11507 @item set remotecache on
11508 @itemx set remotecache off
11509 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
11510 with old scripts.
11511
11512 @kindex show remotecache
11513 @item show remotecache
11514 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
11515
11516 @kindex set stack-cache
11517 @item set stack-cache on
11518 @itemx set stack-cache off
11519 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{on}, use
11520 caching. By default, this option is @code{on}.
11521
11522 @kindex show stack-cache
11523 @item show stack-cache
11524 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
11525
11526 @kindex set code-cache
11527 @item set code-cache on
11528 @itemx set code-cache off
11529 Enable or disable caching of code segment accesses. When @code{on},
11530 use caching. By default, this option is @code{on}. This improves
11531 performance of disassembly in remote debugging.
11532
11533 @kindex show code-cache
11534 @item show code-cache
11535 Show the current state of target memory cache for code segment
11536 accesses.
11537
11538 @kindex info dcache
11539 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
11540 Print the information about the performance of data cache of the
11541 current inferior's address space. The information displayed
11542 includes the dcache width and depth, and for each cache line, its
11543 number, address, and how many times it was referenced. This
11544 command is useful for debugging the data cache operation.
11545
11546 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
11547 printed in hex.
11548
11549 @item set dcache size @var{size}
11550 @cindex dcache size
11551 @kindex set dcache size
11552 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
11553
11554 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
11555 @cindex dcache line-size
11556 @kindex set dcache line-size
11557 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
11558 Must be a power of 2.
11559
11560 @item show dcache size
11561 @kindex show dcache size
11562 Show maximum number of dcache entries. @xref{Caching Target Data, info dcache}.
11563
11564 @item show dcache line-size
11565 @kindex show dcache line-size
11566 Show default size of dcache lines.
11567
11568 @end table
11569
11570 @node Searching Memory
11571 @section Search Memory
11572 @cindex searching memory
11573
11574 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
11575 @code{find} command.
11576
11577 @table @code
11578 @kindex find
11579 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
11580 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
11581 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
11582 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
11583 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
11584 @end table
11585
11586 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
11587 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
11588
11589 @table @r
11590 @item @var{s}, search query size
11591 The size of each search query value.
11592
11593 @table @code
11594 @item b
11595 bytes
11596 @item h
11597 halfwords (two bytes)
11598 @item w
11599 words (four bytes)
11600 @item g
11601 giant words (eight bytes)
11602 @end table
11603
11604 All values are interpreted in the current language.
11605 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
11606 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
11607
11608 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
11609 value's type in the current language.
11610 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
11611 pattern as a mixture of types.
11612 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
11613 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
11614 which is typically four bytes.
11615
11616 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
11617 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
11618 @end table
11619
11620 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
11621 (@code{"}).
11622 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
11623 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
11624
11625 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
11626 number of matches found.
11627
11628 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
11629 @samp{$_}.
11630 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
11631
11632 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
11633
11634 @smallexample
11635 void
11636 hello ()
11637 @{
11638 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
11639 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
11640 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
11641 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
11642 printf ("%s\n", hello);
11643 @}
11644 @end smallexample
11645
11646 @noindent
11647 you get during debugging:
11648
11649 @smallexample
11650 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
11651 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11652 1 pattern found
11653 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
11654 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11655 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11656 2 patterns found
11657 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
11658 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11659 1 pattern found
11660 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
11661 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
11662 1 pattern found
11663 (gdb) print $numfound
11664 $1 = 1
11665 (gdb) print $_
11666 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
11667 @end smallexample
11668
11669 @node Optimized Code
11670 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
11671 @cindex optimized code, debugging
11672 @cindex debugging optimized code
11673
11674 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
11675 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
11676 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
11677 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
11678 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
11679 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
11680 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
11681
11682 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
11683 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
11684 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
11685 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
11686
11687 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
11688 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
11689 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
11690 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
11691 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
11692 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
11693
11694 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
11695 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
11696 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
11697 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
11698 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
11699
11700 @menu
11701 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
11702 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
11703 @end menu
11704
11705 @node Inline Functions
11706 @section Inline Functions
11707 @cindex inline functions, debugging
11708
11709 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
11710 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
11711 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
11712 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
11713 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
11714 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
11715 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
11716 @code{info frame} command.
11717
11718 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
11719 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
11720 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
11721 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
11722 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
11723 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
11724 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
11725 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
11726 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
11727 local variables in the caller.
11728
11729 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
11730 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
11731 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
11732 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
11733 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
11734 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
11735 instructions are executed.
11736
11737 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
11738 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
11739 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
11740 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
11741
11742 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
11743 function calls are the same as normal calls:
11744
11745 @itemize @bullet
11746 @item
11747 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
11748 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
11749 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
11750 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
11751 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
11752 or inside the inlined function instead.
11753
11754 @item
11755 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
11756 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
11757 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
11758 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
11759
11760 @end itemize
11761
11762 @node Tail Call Frames
11763 @section Tail Call Frames
11764 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
11765
11766 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
11767 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
11768 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
11769 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
11770 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
11771
11772 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
11773 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
11774 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
11775 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
11776 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
11777 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
11778 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
11779
11780 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
11781 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
11782 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
11783 this information.
11784
11785 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
11786 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
11787
11788 @smallexample
11789 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
11790 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
11791 (gdb) info frame
11792 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
11793 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
11794 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
11795 source language c++.
11796 Arglist at unknown address.
11797 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
11798 @end smallexample
11799
11800 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
11801 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
11802 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
11803 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
11804 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
11805 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
11806
11807 @table @code
11808 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
11809 @item set debug entry-values
11810 @kindex set debug entry-values
11811 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
11812 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
11813 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
11814 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
11815 result.
11816
11817 @item show debug entry-values
11818 @kindex show debug entry-values
11819 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
11820 values at function entry and tail calls.
11821 @end table
11822
11823 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
11824 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
11825 reference by variable @code{x}):
11826
11827 @smallexample
11828 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
11829 void (*x) (void) = c;
11830 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
11831 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
11832 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
11833
11834 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving cannot find
11835 DW_TAG_GNU_call_site 0x40039a in main
11836 a () at t.c:3
11837 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
11838 (gdb) bt
11839 #0 a () at t.c:3
11840 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
11841 @end smallexample
11842
11843 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
11844
11845 @smallexample
11846 int i;
11847 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
11848 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
11849 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
11850 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
11851 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
11852 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
11853 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
11854 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
11855
11856 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
11857 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
11858 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
11859 (gdb) bt
11860 #0 f () at t.c:2
11861 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
11862 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
11863 @end smallexample
11864
11865 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
11866 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
11867
11868 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
11869 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
11870 @set ARROW @click{}
11871 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
11872 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
11873 @end ifset
11874 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
11875 @set ARROW ->
11876 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
11877 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
11878 @end ifclear
11879
11880 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
11881 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
11882 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
11883
11884 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
11885 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
11886 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
11887 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
11888 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
11889 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
11890
11891 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
11892 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
11893 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
11894 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
11895 omitted.
11896
11897 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
11898 entry may fail:
11899
11900 @smallexample
11901 int v;
11902 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
11903 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
11904 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
11905 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
11906 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
11907 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
11908
11909 (gdb) bt
11910 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
11911 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving has found
11912 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
11913 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
11914 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
11915 @end smallexample
11916
11917 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
11918 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
11919 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
11920 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
11921 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
11922
11923 @node Macros
11924 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
11925
11926 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
11927 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
11928 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
11929 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
11930 where it was defined.
11931
11932 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
11933 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
11934 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
11935 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
11936
11937 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
11938 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
11939 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
11940 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
11941 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
11942 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
11943 see @ref{List}.
11944
11945 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
11946 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
11947 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
11948
11949 @table @code
11950
11951 @kindex macro expand
11952 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
11953 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
11954 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
11955 @item macro expand @var{expression}
11956 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
11957 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
11958 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
11959 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
11960 it can be any string of tokens.
11961
11962 @kindex macro exp1
11963 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
11964 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
11965 @cindex expand macro once
11966 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
11967 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
11968 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
11969 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
11970 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
11971 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
11972 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
11973 can be any string of tokens.
11974
11975 @kindex info macro
11976 @cindex macro definition, showing
11977 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
11978 @cindex macros, from debug info
11979 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
11980 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
11981 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
11982 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
11983 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
11984 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
11985
11986 @kindex info macros
11987 @item info macros @var{location}
11988 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
11989 by @var{location}, and describe the source location or compiler
11990 command-line where those definitions were established.
11991
11992 @kindex macro define
11993 @cindex user-defined macros
11994 @cindex defining macros interactively
11995 @cindex macros, user-defined
11996 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
11997 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
11998 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
11999 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
12000 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
12001 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
12002 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
12003 @var{arglist}.
12004
12005 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
12006 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
12007 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
12008 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
12009 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
12010
12011 @kindex macro undef
12012 @item macro undef @var{macro}
12013 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
12014 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
12015 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
12016 in the program being debugged.
12017
12018 @kindex macro list
12019 @item macro list
12020 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
12021 @end table
12022
12023 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
12024 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
12025 show our source files:
12026
12027 @smallexample
12028 $ cat sample.c
12029 #include <stdio.h>
12030 #include "sample.h"
12031
12032 #define M 42
12033 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12034
12035 main ()
12036 @{
12037 #define N 28
12038 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12039 #undef N
12040 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12041 #define N 1729
12042 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12043 @}
12044 $ cat sample.h
12045 #define Q <
12046 $
12047 @end smallexample
12048
12049 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
12050 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
12051 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
12052 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
12053 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
12054 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
12055 information.
12056
12057 @smallexample
12058 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
12059 $
12060 @end smallexample
12061
12062 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
12063
12064 @smallexample
12065 $ gdb -nw sample
12066 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
12067 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
12068 GDB is free software, @dots{}
12069 (@value{GDBP})
12070 @end smallexample
12071
12072 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
12073 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
12074 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
12075
12076 @smallexample
12077 (@value{GDBP}) list main
12078 3
12079 4 #define M 42
12080 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12081 6
12082 7 main ()
12083 8 @{
12084 9 #define N 28
12085 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12086 11 #undef N
12087 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12088 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
12089 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
12090 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12091 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
12092 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
12093 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
12094 #define Q <
12095 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
12096 expands to: (42 + 1)
12097 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
12098 expands to: once (M + 1)
12099 (@value{GDBP})
12100 @end smallexample
12101
12102 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
12103 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
12104 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
12105 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
12106
12107 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
12108 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
12109
12110 @smallexample
12111 (@value{GDBP}) break main
12112 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
12113 (@value{GDBP}) run
12114 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
12115
12116 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
12117 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12118 (@value{GDBP})
12119 @end smallexample
12120
12121 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
12122
12123 @smallexample
12124 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12125 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
12126 #define N 28
12127 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12128 expands to: 28 < 42
12129 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12130 $1 = 1
12131 (@value{GDBP})
12132 @end smallexample
12133
12134 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
12135 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
12136 thereof) in force at each point:
12137
12138 @smallexample
12139 (@value{GDBP}) next
12140 Hello, world!
12141 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12142 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12143 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
12144 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
12145 (@value{GDBP}) next
12146 We're so creative.
12147 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12148 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12149 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
12150 #define N 1729
12151 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12152 expands to: 1729 < 42
12153 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12154 $2 = 0
12155 (@value{GDBP})
12156 @end smallexample
12157
12158 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
12159 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
12160 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
12161 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
12162
12163 @smallexample
12164 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
12165 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
12166 -D__STDC__=1
12167 (@value{GDBP})
12168 @end smallexample
12169
12170
12171 @node Tracepoints
12172 @chapter Tracepoints
12173 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
12174 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
12175
12176 @cindex tracepoints
12177 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
12178 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
12179 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
12180 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
12181 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
12182 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
12183 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
12184
12185 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
12186 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
12187 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
12188 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
12189 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
12190 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
12191 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
12192 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
12193 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
12194 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
12195 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
12196
12197 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
12198 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
12199 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
12200 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
12201 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
12202 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
12203 Packets}.
12204
12205 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
12206 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
12207 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
12208
12209 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
12210
12211 @menu
12212 * Set Tracepoints::
12213 * Analyze Collected Data::
12214 * Tracepoint Variables::
12215 * Trace Files::
12216 @end menu
12217
12218 @node Set Tracepoints
12219 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
12220
12221 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
12222 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
12223 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
12224 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
12225 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
12226 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
12227 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
12228
12229 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
12230 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
12231 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
12232 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
12233 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
12234 tracepoint was hit.
12235
12236 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
12237 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
12238 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
12239 either.
12240
12241 @cindex fast tracepoints
12242 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
12243 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
12244 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
12245
12246 @cindex static tracepoints
12247 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
12248 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
12249 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
12250 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
12251 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
12252 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
12253 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
12254 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
12255 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
12256 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
12257 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
12258 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
12259 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
12260 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
12261 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
12262 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
12263 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
12264 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
12265 static tracepoint marker.
12266
12267 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
12268 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
12269
12270 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
12271 conditions and actions.
12272
12273 @menu
12274 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
12275 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
12276 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
12277 * Tracepoint Conditions::
12278 * Trace State Variables::
12279 * Tracepoint Actions::
12280 * Listing Tracepoints::
12281 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
12282 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
12283 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
12284 @end menu
12285
12286 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
12287 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
12288
12289 @table @code
12290 @cindex set tracepoint
12291 @kindex trace
12292 @item trace @var{location}
12293 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
12294 Its argument @var{location} can be any valid location.
12295 @xref{Specify Location}. The @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint,
12296 which is a point in the target program where the debugger will briefly stop,
12297 collect some data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint
12298 or changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
12299 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
12300 in tracing}).
12301 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
12302 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
12303 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
12304 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
12305 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
12306 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
12307 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
12308 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
12309 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
12310 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
12311 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
12312 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
12313
12314 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
12315
12316 @smallexample
12317 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
12318
12319 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
12320
12321 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
12322
12323 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
12324
12325 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
12326 @end smallexample
12327
12328 @noindent
12329 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
12330
12331 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
12332 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
12333 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
12334 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
12335 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
12336 information on tracepoint conditions.
12337
12338 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
12339 @cindex set fast tracepoint
12340 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
12341 @kindex ftrace
12342 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
12343 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
12344 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
12345 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
12346 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
12347 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
12348 message.
12349
12350 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
12351 @code{trace}.
12352
12353 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
12354 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
12355 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
12356 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
12357 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
12358 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
12359 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
12360 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
12361
12362 @example
12363 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
12364 @end example
12365
12366 @noindent
12367 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
12368 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
12369
12370 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
12371 @cindex set static tracepoint
12372 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
12373 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
12374 @kindex strace
12375 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
12376 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
12377 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
12378 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
12379 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
12380
12381 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
12382 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
12383 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
12384 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
12385 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
12386 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
12387 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
12388 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
12389 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
12390 tracing engine:
12391
12392 @smallexample
12393 main ()
12394 @{
12395 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
12396 @}
12397 @end smallexample
12398
12399 @noindent
12400 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
12401 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
12402
12403 @smallexample
12404 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
12405 Cnt Enb ID Address What
12406 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
12407 Data: "str %s"
12408 [etc...]
12409 @end smallexample
12410
12411 @noindent
12412 so you may probe the marker above with:
12413
12414 @smallexample
12415 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
12416 @end smallexample
12417
12418 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
12419 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
12420 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
12421 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
12422 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
12423 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
12424 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
12425 the @samp{Data:} field.
12426
12427 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
12428 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
12429 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
12430
12431 @vindex $tpnum
12432 @cindex last tracepoint number
12433 @cindex recent tracepoint number
12434 @cindex tracepoint number
12435 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
12436 of the most recently set tracepoint.
12437
12438 @kindex delete tracepoint
12439 @cindex tracepoint deletion
12440 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12441 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
12442 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
12443 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
12444
12445 Examples:
12446
12447 @smallexample
12448 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
12449
12450 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
12451 @end smallexample
12452
12453 @noindent
12454 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
12455 @end table
12456
12457 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
12458 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
12459
12460 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
12461
12462 @table @code
12463 @kindex disable tracepoint
12464 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12465 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
12466 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
12467 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
12468 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
12469 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
12470 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
12471 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
12472 next trace experiment.
12473
12474 @kindex enable tracepoint
12475 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12476 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
12477 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
12478 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
12479 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
12480 next time a trace experiment is run.
12481 @end table
12482
12483 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
12484 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
12485
12486 @table @code
12487 @kindex passcount
12488 @cindex tracepoint pass count
12489 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
12490 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
12491 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
12492 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
12493 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
12494 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
12495 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
12496 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
12497 user.
12498
12499 Examples:
12500
12501 @smallexample
12502 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
12503 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
12504
12505 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
12506 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
12507 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
12508 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
12509 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
12510 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
12511 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
12512 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
12513 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
12514 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
12515 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
12516 @end smallexample
12517 @end table
12518
12519 @node Tracepoint Conditions
12520 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
12521 @cindex conditional tracepoints
12522 @cindex tracepoint conditions
12523
12524 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
12525 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
12526 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
12527 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
12528 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
12529 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
12530 is true.
12531
12532 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
12533 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
12534 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
12535 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
12536 just as with breakpoints.
12537
12538 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
12539 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
12540 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
12541 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
12542 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
12543 accesses, and so forth.
12544
12545 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
12546 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
12547 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
12548 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
12549 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
12550 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
12551 search through.
12552
12553 @smallexample
12554 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
12555 @end smallexample
12556
12557 @node Trace State Variables
12558 @subsection Trace State Variables
12559 @cindex trace state variables
12560
12561 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
12562 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
12563 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
12564 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
12565 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
12566 integers.
12567
12568 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
12569 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
12570 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
12571 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
12572
12573 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
12574 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
12575 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
12576 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
12577 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
12578 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
12579 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
12580 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
12581 variable with the same name.
12582
12583 @table @code
12584
12585 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
12586 @kindex tvariable
12587 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
12588 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
12589 @var{expression}. The @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
12590 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
12591 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
12592 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
12593 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
12594 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
12595 value. The default initial value is 0.
12596
12597 @item info tvariables
12598 @kindex info tvariables
12599 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
12600 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
12601 currently running.
12602
12603 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
12604 @kindex delete tvariable
12605 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
12606 are specified.
12607
12608 @end table
12609
12610 @node Tracepoint Actions
12611 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
12612
12613 @table @code
12614 @kindex actions
12615 @cindex tracepoint actions
12616 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12617 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
12618 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
12619 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
12620 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
12621 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
12622 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
12623 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
12624 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
12625 @code{while-stepping}.
12626
12627 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
12628 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
12629 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
12630
12631 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
12632 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
12633 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
12634
12635 @smallexample
12636 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
12637
12638 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
12639
12640 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
12641 @end smallexample
12642
12643 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
12644 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
12645 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
12646 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
12647 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
12648 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
12649 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
12650 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
12651
12652 @smallexample
12653 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
12654 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12655 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
12656 > collect bar,baz
12657 > collect $regs
12658 > while-stepping 12
12659 > collect $pc, arr[i]
12660 > end
12661 end
12662 @end smallexample
12663
12664 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
12665 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12666 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
12667 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
12668 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
12669 special arguments are supported:
12670
12671 @table @code
12672 @item $regs
12673 Collect all registers.
12674
12675 @item $args
12676 Collect all function arguments.
12677
12678 @item $locals
12679 Collect all local variables.
12680
12681 @item $_ret
12682 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
12683 of a backtrace.
12684
12685 @item $_probe_argc
12686 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
12687 tracepoint is located.
12688 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
12689
12690 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
12691 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
12692 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
12693 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
12694
12695 @item $_sdata
12696 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
12697 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
12698 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
12699 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
12700 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
12701 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
12702 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
12703 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
12704 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
12705
12706 @smallexample
12707 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
12708 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
12709 @end smallexample
12710
12711 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
12712 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
12713 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
12714 @value{GDBN}.
12715 @end table
12716
12717 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
12718 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
12719 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
12720
12721 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
12722 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
12723 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
12724 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
12725 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
12726 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
12727 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
12728 @samp{mystr}.
12729
12730 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
12731 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
12732
12733 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
12734 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12735 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
12736 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
12737 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
12738 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
12739 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
12740 action were used.
12741
12742 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
12743 @item while-stepping @var{n}
12744 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
12745 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
12746 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
12747 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
12748
12749 @smallexample
12750 > while-stepping 12
12751 > collect $regs, myglobal
12752 > end
12753 >
12754 @end smallexample
12755
12756 @noindent
12757 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
12758 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
12759 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
12760 @code{stepping}.
12761
12762 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12763 @kindex set default-collect
12764 @cindex default collection action
12765 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
12766 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
12767 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
12768 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
12769 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
12770 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
12771
12772 @item show default-collect
12773 @kindex show default-collect
12774 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
12775 tracepoint hit.
12776
12777 @end table
12778
12779 @node Listing Tracepoints
12780 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
12781
12782 @table @code
12783 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
12784 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
12785 @cindex information about tracepoints
12786 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
12787 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
12788 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
12789 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
12790 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
12791 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
12792
12793 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
12794 tracing:
12795
12796 @itemize @bullet
12797 @item
12798 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
12799
12800 @item
12801 the state about installed on target of each location
12802 @end itemize
12803
12804 @smallexample
12805 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
12806 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
12807 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
12808 while-stepping 20
12809 collect globfoo, $regs
12810 end
12811 collect globfoo2
12812 end
12813 pass count 1200
12814 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
12815 collect $eip
12816 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
12817 installed on target
12818 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
12819 installed on target
12820 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
12821 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
12822 not installed on target
12823 (@value{GDBP})
12824 @end smallexample
12825
12826 @noindent
12827 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
12828 @end table
12829
12830 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
12831 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
12832
12833 @table @code
12834 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
12835 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
12836 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
12837 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
12838 program.
12839
12840 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
12841
12842 @table @emph
12843 @item Count
12844 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
12845 stable identifier.
12846 @item ID
12847 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
12848 @item Enabled or Disabled
12849 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
12850 that are not enabled.
12851 @item Address
12852 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
12853 @item What
12854 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
12855 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
12856 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
12857 will be left blank.
12858 @end table
12859
12860 @noindent
12861 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
12862
12863 @table @emph
12864 @item Data
12865 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
12866 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
12867 marker call.
12868 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
12869 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
12870 @end table
12871
12872 @smallexample
12873 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
12874 Cnt ID Enb Address What
12875 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
12876 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
12877 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
12878 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
12879 Data: str %s
12880 (@value{GDBP})
12881 @end smallexample
12882 @end table
12883
12884 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
12885 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
12886
12887 @table @code
12888 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
12889 @cindex start a new trace experiment
12890 @cindex collected data discarded
12891 @item tstart
12892 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
12893 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
12894 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
12895 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
12896 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
12897 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
12898 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
12899 information, and so forth.
12900
12901 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
12902 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
12903 @item tstop
12904 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
12905 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
12906 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
12907 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
12908 needs to be stopped quickly.
12909
12910 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
12911 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
12912 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
12913
12914 @kindex tstatus
12915 @cindex status of trace data collection
12916 @cindex trace experiment, status of
12917 @item tstatus
12918 This command displays the status of the current trace data
12919 collection.
12920 @end table
12921
12922 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
12923
12924 @smallexample
12925 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
12926 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12927 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
12928 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
12929 > while-stepping 11
12930 > collect $regs
12931 > end
12932 > end
12933 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12934 [time passes @dots{}]
12935 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
12936 @end smallexample
12937
12938 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
12939 @cindex disconnected tracing
12940 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
12941 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
12942 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
12943 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
12944 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
12945 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
12946 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
12947 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
12948
12949 @table @code
12950 @item set disconnected-tracing on
12951 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
12952 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
12953 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
12954 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
12955 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
12956 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
12957 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
12958
12959 @item show disconnected-tracing
12960 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
12961 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
12962
12963 @end table
12964
12965 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
12966 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
12967 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
12968 it will continue after reconnection.
12969
12970 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
12971 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
12972 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
12973 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
12974 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
12975 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
12976 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
12977 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
12978 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
12979 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
12980
12981 @cindex circular trace buffer
12982 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
12983 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
12984 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
12985 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
12986 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
12987 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
12988 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
12989 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
12990 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
12991 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
12992 the next run.
12993
12994 @table @code
12995 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
12996 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
12997 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
12998 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
12999 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
13000 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
13001 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
13002
13003 @item show circular-trace-buffer
13004 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
13005 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
13006 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
13007 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
13008 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
13009
13010 @end table
13011
13012 @table @code
13013 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
13014 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
13015 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
13016 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
13017 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
13018 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
13019 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
13020 likes. This is also the default.
13021
13022 @item show trace-buffer-size
13023 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
13024 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
13025 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
13026 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
13027 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
13028 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
13029 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
13030 @end table
13031
13032 @table @code
13033 @item set trace-user @var{text}
13034 @kindex set trace-user
13035
13036 @item show trace-user
13037 @kindex show trace-user
13038
13039 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
13040 @kindex set trace-notes
13041 Set the trace run's notes.
13042
13043 @item show trace-notes
13044 @kindex show trace-notes
13045 Show the trace run's notes.
13046
13047 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
13048 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
13049 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
13050 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
13051 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
13052
13053 @item show trace-stop-notes
13054 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
13055 Show the trace run's stop notes.
13056
13057 @end table
13058
13059 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
13060 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
13061
13062 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
13063 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
13064 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
13065 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
13066 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
13067 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
13068 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
13069 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
13070 mentioned here.
13071
13072 @itemize @bullet
13073
13074 @item
13075 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
13076 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
13077 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
13078 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
13079 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
13080 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
13081 cannot be collected either.
13082
13083 @item
13084 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
13085 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
13086 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
13087 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
13088 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
13089 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
13090 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
13091 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
13092 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
13093 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
13094
13095 @item
13096 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
13097 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
13098 in a misleading way.
13099
13100 @item
13101 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
13102 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
13103 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
13104 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
13105 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
13106 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
13107 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
13108 by @code{ptr}.
13109
13110 @item
13111 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
13112 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
13113 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
13114 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
13115 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
13116 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
13117 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
13118 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
13119 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
13120 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
13121 invalid address.
13122
13123 @item
13124 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
13125 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
13126 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
13127 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
13128 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
13129 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
13130 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
13131 it to zero.
13132
13133 @end itemize
13134
13135 @node Analyze Collected Data
13136 @section Using the Collected Data
13137
13138 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
13139 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
13140 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
13141 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
13142 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
13143 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
13144 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
13145 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
13146 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
13147 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
13148 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
13149 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
13150 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
13151 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
13152 the buffer will fail.
13153
13154 @menu
13155 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
13156 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
13157 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
13158 @end menu
13159
13160 @node tfind
13161 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
13162
13163 @kindex tfind
13164 @cindex select trace snapshot
13165 @cindex find trace snapshot
13166 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
13167 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
13168 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
13169 snapshot is selected.
13170
13171 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
13172
13173 @table @code
13174 @item tfind start
13175 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
13176 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
13177
13178 @item tfind none
13179 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
13180
13181 @item tfind end
13182 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
13183
13184 @item tfind
13185 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
13186
13187 @item tfind -
13188 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
13189 retracing earlier steps.
13190
13191 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
13192 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
13193 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
13194 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
13195 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
13196
13197 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
13198 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
13199 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
13200 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
13201 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
13202
13203 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13204 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
13205 addresses (exclusive).
13206
13207 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13208 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
13209 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
13210
13211 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
13212 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
13213 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
13214 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
13215 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
13216 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
13217 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
13218 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
13219 @end table
13220
13221 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
13222 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
13223 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
13224 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
13225 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
13226 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
13227 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
13228 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
13229 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
13230 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
13231 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
13232 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
13233 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
13234 tracepoint as the current one.
13235
13236 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
13237 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
13238 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
13239 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
13240 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
13241
13242 @smallexample
13243 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13244 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
13245 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
13246 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
13247 > tfind
13248 > end
13249
13250 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
13251 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
13252 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
13253 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
13254 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
13255 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
13256 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
13257 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
13258 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
13259 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
13260 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
13261 @end smallexample
13262
13263 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
13264 the buffer:
13265
13266 @smallexample
13267 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13268 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
13269 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
13270 > tfind line
13271 > end
13272
13273 Frame 0, X = 1
13274 Frame 7, X = 2
13275 Frame 13, X = 255
13276 @end smallexample
13277
13278 @node tdump
13279 @subsection @code{tdump}
13280 @kindex tdump
13281 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
13282 @cindex tracepoint data, display
13283
13284 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
13285 the current trace snapshot.
13286
13287 @smallexample
13288 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
13289 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13290 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
13291 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
13292 > end
13293
13294 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13295
13296 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
13297 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
13298 at gdb_test.c:444
13299 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
13300
13301 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
13302 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
13303 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
13304 d1 0x18 24
13305 d2 0x80 128
13306 d3 0x33 51
13307 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
13308 d5 0x22 34
13309 d6 0xe0 224
13310 d7 0x380035 3670069
13311 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
13312 a1 0x3000668 50333288
13313 a2 0x100 256
13314 a3 0x322000 3284992
13315 a4 0x3000698 50333336
13316 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
13317 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
13318 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
13319 ps 0x0 0
13320 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
13321 fpcontrol 0x0 0
13322 fpstatus 0x0 0
13323 fpiaddr 0x0 0
13324 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
13325 p1 = (void *) 0x11
13326 p2 = (void *) 0x22
13327 p3 = (void *) 0x33
13328 p4 = (void *) 0x44
13329 p5 = (void *) 0x55
13330 p6 = (void *) 0x66
13331 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
13332
13333 (@value{GDBP})
13334 @end smallexample
13335
13336 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
13337 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
13338 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
13339 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
13340
13341 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
13342 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
13343 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
13344 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
13345 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
13346 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
13347 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
13348 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
13349 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
13350 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
13351
13352 @node save tracepoints
13353 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
13354 @kindex save tracepoints
13355 @kindex save-tracepoints
13356 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
13357
13358 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
13359 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
13360 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
13361 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
13362 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
13363 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
13364
13365 @node Tracepoint Variables
13366 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
13367 @cindex tracepoint variables
13368 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
13369
13370 @table @code
13371 @vindex $trace_frame
13372 @item (int) $trace_frame
13373 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
13374 snapshot is selected.
13375
13376 @vindex $tracepoint
13377 @item (int) $tracepoint
13378 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
13379
13380 @vindex $trace_line
13381 @item (int) $trace_line
13382 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
13383
13384 @vindex $trace_file
13385 @item (char []) $trace_file
13386 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
13387
13388 @vindex $trace_func
13389 @item (char []) $trace_func
13390 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
13391 @end table
13392
13393 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
13394 use @code{output} instead.
13395
13396 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
13397 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
13398 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
13399 which are managed by the target.
13400
13401 @smallexample
13402 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13403
13404 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
13405 > output $trace_file
13406 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
13407 > tfind
13408 > end
13409 @end smallexample
13410
13411 @node Trace Files
13412 @section Using Trace Files
13413 @cindex trace files
13414
13415 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
13416 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
13417 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
13418 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
13419 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
13420
13421 @table @code
13422
13423 @kindex tsave
13424 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
13425 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
13426 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
13427 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
13428 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
13429 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
13430 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
13431 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
13432 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
13433 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
13434 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
13435 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save date in CTF
13436 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
13437 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
13438 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
13439
13440 @kindex target tfile
13441 @kindex tfile
13442 @kindex target ctf
13443 @kindex ctf
13444 @item target tfile @var{filename}
13445 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
13446 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
13447 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
13448 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
13449 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
13450 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
13451 Both @var{filename} and @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
13452 the host.
13453
13454 @smallexample
13455 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
13456 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
13457 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
13458 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
13459 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
13460 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
13461 i = 0
13462 a = 0
13463 b = 1 '\001'
13464 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
13465 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
13466 (@value{GDBP}) p b
13467 $1 = 1
13468 @end smallexample
13469
13470 @end table
13471
13472 @node Overlays
13473 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
13474 @cindex overlays
13475
13476 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
13477 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
13478 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
13479 use overlays.
13480
13481 @menu
13482 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
13483 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
13484 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
13485 mapped by asking the inferior.
13486 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
13487 @end menu
13488
13489 @node How Overlays Work
13490 @section How Overlays Work
13491 @cindex mapped overlays
13492 @cindex unmapped overlays
13493 @cindex load address, overlay's
13494 @cindex mapped address
13495 @cindex overlay area
13496
13497 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
13498 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
13499 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
13500 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
13501 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
13502
13503 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
13504 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
13505 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
13506 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
13507 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
13508 largest overlay as well.
13509
13510 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
13511 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
13512 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
13513 there.
13514
13515 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
13516 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
13517 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
13518
13519 @smallexample
13520 @group
13521 Data Instruction Larger
13522 Address Space Address Space Address Space
13523 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
13524 | | | | | |
13525 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
13526 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
13527 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
13528 | and heap | | | | | |
13529 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
13530 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
13531 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
13532 | | | | | |
13533 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
13534 address | | | | | |
13535 | overlay | <-' | | |
13536 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
13537 | | <---. | | load address
13538 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
13539 | | | |
13540 +-----------+ | |
13541 +-----------+
13542 | |
13543 +-----------+
13544
13545 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
13546 @end group
13547 @end smallexample
13548
13549 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
13550 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
13551 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
13552 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
13553 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
13554 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
13555 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
13556 program and the overlay area.
13557
13558 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
13559 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
13560 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
13561 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
13562 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
13563 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
13564 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
13565
13566 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
13567 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
13568 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
13569
13570 @itemize @bullet
13571
13572 @item
13573 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
13574 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
13575 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
13576 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
13577
13578 @item
13579 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
13580 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
13581 your program's performance.
13582
13583 @item
13584 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
13585 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
13586 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
13587 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
13588 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
13589 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
13590 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
13591
13592 @item
13593 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
13594 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
13595 instruction and data spaces.
13596
13597 @end itemize
13598
13599 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
13600 improved in many ways:
13601
13602 @itemize @bullet
13603
13604 @item
13605 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
13606 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
13607 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
13608 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
13609 area in the usual way.
13610
13611 @item
13612 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
13613 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
13614
13615 @item
13616 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
13617 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
13618 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
13619 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
13620 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
13621 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
13622 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
13623
13624 @end itemize
13625
13626
13627 @node Overlay Commands
13628 @section Overlay Commands
13629
13630 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
13631 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
13632 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
13633 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
13634 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
13635 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
13636
13637 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
13638 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
13639
13640 @table @code
13641 @item overlay off
13642 @kindex overlay
13643 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
13644 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
13645 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
13646 overlay support is disabled.
13647
13648 @item overlay manual
13649 @cindex manual overlay debugging
13650 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
13651 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
13652 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
13653 commands described below.
13654
13655 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
13656 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
13657 @cindex map an overlay
13658 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
13659 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
13660 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
13661 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
13662 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
13663 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
13664
13665 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
13666 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
13667 @cindex unmap an overlay
13668 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
13669 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
13670 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
13671 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
13672
13673 @item overlay auto
13674 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
13675 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
13676 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
13677 Overlay Debugging}.
13678
13679 @item overlay load-target
13680 @itemx overlay load
13681 @cindex reloading the overlay table
13682 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
13683 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
13684 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
13685 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
13686 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
13687
13688 @item overlay list-overlays
13689 @itemx overlay list
13690 @cindex listing mapped overlays
13691 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
13692 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
13693
13694 @end table
13695
13696 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
13697 of the function the address falls in:
13698
13699 @smallexample
13700 (@value{GDBP}) print main
13701 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
13702 @end smallexample
13703 @noindent
13704 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
13705 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
13706 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
13707 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
13708
13709 @smallexample
13710 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
13711 No sections are mapped.
13712 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
13713 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
13714 @end smallexample
13715 @noindent
13716 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
13717 name normally:
13718
13719 @smallexample
13720 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
13721 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
13722 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
13723 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
13724 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
13725 @end smallexample
13726
13727 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
13728 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
13729 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
13730 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
13731 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
13732
13733 @itemize @bullet
13734 @item
13735 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
13736 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
13737 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
13738 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
13739 @item
13740 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
13741 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
13742 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
13743 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
13744 breakpoints properly.
13745 @end itemize
13746
13747
13748 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
13749 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
13750 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
13751
13752 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
13753 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
13754 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
13755 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
13756 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
13757 current state of the overlays.
13758
13759 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
13760 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
13761
13762 @table @asis
13763
13764 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
13765 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
13766
13767 @smallexample
13768 struct
13769 @{
13770 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
13771 unsigned long vma;
13772
13773 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
13774 unsigned long size;
13775
13776 /* The overlay's load address. */
13777 unsigned long lma;
13778
13779 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
13780 zero otherwise. */
13781 unsigned long mapped;
13782 @}
13783 @end smallexample
13784
13785 @item @code{_novlys}:
13786 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
13787 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
13788
13789 @end table
13790
13791 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
13792 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
13793 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
13794 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
13795 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
13796 currently mapped.
13797
13798 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
13799 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
13800 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
13801 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
13802 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
13803 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
13804 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
13805 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
13806 are not being executed.
13807
13808 @node Overlay Sample Program
13809 @section Overlay Sample Program
13810 @cindex overlay example program
13811
13812 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
13813 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
13814 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
13815 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
13816 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
13817 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
13818 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
13819
13820 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
13821 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
13822 suite. The program consists of the following files from
13823 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
13824
13825 @table @file
13826 @item overlays.c
13827 The main program file.
13828 @item ovlymgr.c
13829 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
13830 @item foo.c
13831 @itemx bar.c
13832 @itemx baz.c
13833 @itemx grbx.c
13834 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
13835 @item d10v.ld
13836 @itemx m32r.ld
13837 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
13838 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
13839 @end table
13840
13841 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
13842 cross-compiler like this:
13843
13844 @smallexample
13845 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
13846 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
13847 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
13848 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
13849 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
13850 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
13851 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
13852 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
13853 @end smallexample
13854
13855 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
13856 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
13857 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
13858
13859
13860 @node Languages
13861 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
13862 @cindex languages
13863
13864 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
13865 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
13866 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
13867 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
13868 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
13869 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
13870
13871 @cindex working language
13872 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
13873 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
13874 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
13875 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
13876 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
13877 language}.
13878
13879 @menu
13880 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
13881 * Show:: Displaying the language
13882 * Checks:: Type and range checks
13883 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
13884 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
13885 @end menu
13886
13887 @node Setting
13888 @section Switching Between Source Languages
13889
13890 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
13891 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
13892 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
13893 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
13894 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
13895 are printed, etc.
13896
13897 In addition to the working language, every source file that
13898 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
13899 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
13900 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
13901 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
13902 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
13903 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
13904 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
13905 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
13906 Displaying the Language}.
13907
13908 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
13909 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
13910 another language. In that case, make the
13911 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
13912 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
13913 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
13914
13915 @menu
13916 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
13917 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
13918 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
13919 @end menu
13920
13921 @node Filenames
13922 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
13923
13924 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
13925 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
13926
13927 @table @file
13928 @item .ada
13929 @itemx .ads
13930 @itemx .adb
13931 @itemx .a
13932 Ada source file.
13933
13934 @item .c
13935 C source file
13936
13937 @item .C
13938 @itemx .cc
13939 @itemx .cp
13940 @itemx .cpp
13941 @itemx .cxx
13942 @itemx .c++
13943 C@t{++} source file
13944
13945 @item .d
13946 D source file
13947
13948 @item .m
13949 Objective-C source file
13950
13951 @item .f
13952 @itemx .F
13953 Fortran source file
13954
13955 @item .mod
13956 Modula-2 source file
13957
13958 @item .s
13959 @itemx .S
13960 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
13961 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
13962 @end table
13963
13964 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
13965 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
13966
13967 @node Manually
13968 @subsection Setting the Working Language
13969
13970 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
13971 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
13972 your program.
13973
13974 @kindex set language
13975 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
13976 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
13977 a language, such as
13978 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
13979 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
13980
13981 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
13982 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
13983 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
13984 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
13985 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
13986 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
13987 command such as:
13988
13989 @smallexample
13990 print a = b + c
13991 @end smallexample
13992
13993 @noindent
13994 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
13995 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
13996 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
13997 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
13998
13999 @node Automatically
14000 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
14001
14002 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
14003 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
14004 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
14005 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
14006 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
14007 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
14008 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
14009 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
14010 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
14011
14012 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
14013 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
14014 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
14015 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
14016 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
14017
14018 @node Show
14019 @section Displaying the Language
14020
14021 The following commands help you find out which language is the
14022 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
14023
14024 @table @code
14025 @item show language
14026 @anchor{show language}
14027 @kindex show language
14028 Display the current working language. This is the
14029 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
14030 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
14031
14032 @item info frame
14033 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
14034 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
14035 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
14036 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
14037 information listed here.
14038
14039 @item info source
14040 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
14041 Display the source language of this source file.
14042 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
14043 information listed here.
14044 @end table
14045
14046 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
14047 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
14048 with a language explicitly:
14049
14050 @table @code
14051 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
14052 @kindex set extension-language
14053 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
14054 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
14055
14056 @item info extensions
14057 @kindex info extensions
14058 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
14059 @end table
14060
14061 @node Checks
14062 @section Type and Range Checking
14063
14064 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
14065 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
14066 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
14067 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
14068 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
14069 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
14070 errors when your program is running.
14071
14072 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
14073 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
14074 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
14075 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
14076
14077 @menu
14078 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
14079 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
14080 @end menu
14081
14082 @cindex type checking
14083 @cindex checks, type
14084 @node Type Checking
14085 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
14086
14087 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
14088 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
14089 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
14090 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
14091
14092 @smallexample
14093 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
14094
14095 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
14096 $1 = 2
14097 @exdent but
14098 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
14099 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
14100 @end smallexample
14101
14102 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
14103 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
14104
14105 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14106 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
14107 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
14108 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
14109 expressions like the second example above.
14110
14111 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
14112 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
14113 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
14114 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
14115 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
14116 little sense to evaluate anyway.
14117
14118 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
14119
14120 @kindex set check type
14121 @kindex show check type
14122 @table @code
14123 @item set check type on
14124 @itemx set check type off
14125 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
14126 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
14127 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
14128
14129 @item show check type
14130 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
14131 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
14132 @end table
14133
14134 @cindex range checking
14135 @cindex checks, range
14136 @node Range Checking
14137 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
14138
14139 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
14140 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
14141 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
14142 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
14143 not exceed the bounds of the array.
14144
14145 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14146 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
14147 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
14148 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
14149
14150 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
14151 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
14152 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
14153 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
14154 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
14155 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
14156
14157 @smallexample
14158 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
14159 @end smallexample
14160
14161 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
14162 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
14163 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
14164
14165 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
14166
14167 @kindex set check range
14168 @kindex show check range
14169 @table @code
14170 @item set check range auto
14171 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
14172 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
14173 each language.
14174
14175 @item set check range on
14176 @itemx set check range off
14177 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
14178 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
14179 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
14180 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
14181
14182 @item set check range warn
14183 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
14184 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
14185 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
14186 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
14187 systems).
14188
14189 @item show range
14190 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
14191 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
14192 @end table
14193
14194 @node Supported Languages
14195 @section Supported Languages
14196
14197 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran, Java,
14198 OpenCL C, Pascal, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
14199 @c This is false ...
14200 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
14201 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
14202 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
14203 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
14204 language.
14205
14206 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
14207 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
14208 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
14209 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
14210 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
14211 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
14212 language reference or tutorial.
14213
14214 @menu
14215 * C:: C and C@t{++}
14216 * D:: D
14217 * Go:: Go
14218 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
14219 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
14220 * Fortran:: Fortran
14221 * Pascal:: Pascal
14222 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
14223 * Ada:: Ada
14224 @end menu
14225
14226 @node C
14227 @subsection C and C@t{++}
14228
14229 @cindex C and C@t{++}
14230 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
14231
14232 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
14233 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
14234 together.
14235
14236 @cindex C@t{++}
14237 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
14238 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
14239 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
14240 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
14241 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
14242 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
14243 compiler (@code{aCC}).
14244
14245 @menu
14246 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
14247 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
14248 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
14249 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
14250 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
14251 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
14252 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
14253 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
14254 @end menu
14255
14256 @node C Operators
14257 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
14258
14259 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
14260
14261 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14262 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
14263 often defined on groups of types.
14264
14265 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
14266
14267 @itemize @bullet
14268
14269 @item
14270 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
14271 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
14272
14273 @item
14274 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
14275 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
14276
14277 @item
14278 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
14279
14280 @item
14281 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
14282
14283 @end itemize
14284
14285 @noindent
14286 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
14287 in order of increasing precedence:
14288
14289 @table @code
14290 @item ,
14291 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
14292 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
14293 expression being the last expression evaluated.
14294
14295 @item =
14296 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
14297 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
14298
14299 @item @var{op}=
14300 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
14301 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
14302 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence. The operator
14303 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
14304 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
14305
14306 @item ?:
14307 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
14308 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. The argument @var{a}
14309 should be of an integral type.
14310
14311 @item ||
14312 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14313
14314 @item &&
14315 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
14316
14317 @item |
14318 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14319
14320 @item ^
14321 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14322
14323 @item &
14324 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
14325
14326 @item ==@r{, }!=
14327 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
14328 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
14329
14330 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
14331 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
14332 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
14333 and non-zero for true.
14334
14335 @item <<@r{, }>>
14336 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
14337
14338 @item @@
14339 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
14340
14341 @item +@r{, }-
14342 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
14343 pointer types.
14344
14345 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
14346 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
14347 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
14348 integral types.
14349
14350 @item ++@r{, }--
14351 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
14352 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
14353 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
14354 operation takes place.
14355
14356 @item *
14357 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
14358 @code{++}.
14359
14360 @item &
14361 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
14362
14363 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
14364 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
14365 to examine the address
14366 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
14367 stored.
14368
14369 @item -
14370 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
14371 precedence as @code{++}.
14372
14373 @item !
14374 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
14375 @code{++}.
14376
14377 @item ~
14378 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
14379 @code{++}.
14380
14381
14382 @item .@r{, }->
14383 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
14384 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
14385 pointer based on the stored type information.
14386 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
14387
14388 @item .*@r{, }->*
14389 Dereferences of pointers to members.
14390
14391 @item []
14392 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
14393 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
14394
14395 @item ()
14396 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
14397
14398 @item ::
14399 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
14400 and @code{class} types.
14401
14402 @item ::
14403 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
14404 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
14405 above.
14406 @end table
14407
14408 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
14409 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
14410 predefined meaning.
14411
14412 @node C Constants
14413 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
14414
14415 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
14416
14417 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
14418 following ways:
14419
14420 @itemize @bullet
14421 @item
14422 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
14423 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
14424 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
14425 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
14426 @code{long} value.
14427
14428 @item
14429 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
14430 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
14431 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
14432 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
14433 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
14434 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
14435 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
14436 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
14437 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
14438 constant.
14439
14440 @item
14441 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
14442 integral equivalents.
14443
14444 @item
14445 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
14446 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
14447 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
14448 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
14449 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
14450 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
14451 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
14452 @samp{\n} for newline.
14453
14454 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
14455 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
14456 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
14457 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
14458
14459 @item
14460 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
14461 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
14462 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
14463 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
14464 characters.
14465
14466 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
14467 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
14468 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
14469
14470 @item
14471 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
14472 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
14473
14474 @item
14475 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
14476 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
14477 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
14478 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
14479 @end itemize
14480
14481 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
14482 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
14483
14484 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
14485 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
14486
14487 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
14488 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
14489 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
14490 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
14491 @quotation
14492 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
14493 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
14494 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
14495 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
14496 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
14497 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
14498 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
14499 code. @xref{Compilation}.
14500 @end quotation
14501
14502 @enumerate
14503
14504 @cindex member functions
14505 @item
14506 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
14507
14508 @smallexample
14509 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
14510 @end smallexample
14511
14512 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
14513 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
14514 @item
14515 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
14516 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
14517 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
14518 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
14519 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
14520
14521 @cindex call overloaded functions
14522 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
14523 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
14524 @item
14525 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
14526 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
14527 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
14528 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
14529 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
14530 default arguments.
14531
14532 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
14533 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
14534 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
14535 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
14536 number of function arguments.
14537
14538 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
14539 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
14540 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
14541
14542 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
14543 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
14544 @smallexample
14545 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
14546 @end smallexample
14547
14548 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
14549 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
14550
14551 @cindex reference declarations
14552 @item
14553 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
14554 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
14555 dereferenced.
14556
14557 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
14558 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
14559 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
14560 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
14561 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
14562
14563 @item
14564 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
14565 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
14566 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
14567 necessary, for example in an expression like
14568 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
14569 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
14570 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
14571
14572 @item
14573 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
14574 specification.
14575 @end enumerate
14576
14577 @node C Defaults
14578 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
14579
14580 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
14581
14582 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
14583 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
14584 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14585 selects the working language.
14586
14587 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
14588 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
14589 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
14590 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
14591 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
14592 for further details.
14593
14594 @node C Checks
14595 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
14596
14597 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
14598
14599 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
14600 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
14601 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
14602 constants to pointers.
14603
14604 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
14605 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
14606 that is not itself an array.
14607
14608 @node Debugging C
14609 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
14610
14611 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
14612 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
14613 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
14614 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
14615
14616 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
14617 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
14618 ,Expressions}.
14619
14620 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
14621 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
14622
14623 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
14624
14625 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
14626 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
14627
14628 @table @code
14629 @cindex break in overloaded functions
14630 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
14631 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
14632 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
14633 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
14634 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
14635
14636 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
14637 @item rbreak @var{regex}
14638 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
14639 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
14640 classes.
14641 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
14642
14643 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
14644 @item catch throw
14645 @itemx catch rethrow
14646 @itemx catch catch
14647 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
14648 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
14649
14650 @cindex inheritance
14651 @item ptype @var{typename}
14652 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
14653 @var{typename}.
14654 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
14655
14656 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
14657 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
14658 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
14659 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
14660 multiple inheritance is in use.
14661
14662 @cindex C@t{++} demangling
14663 @item demangle @var{name}
14664 Demangle @var{name}.
14665 @xref{Symbols}, for a more complete description of the @code{demangle} command.
14666
14667 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
14668 @item set print demangle
14669 @itemx show print demangle
14670 @itemx set print asm-demangle
14671 @itemx show print asm-demangle
14672 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
14673 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
14674 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14675
14676 @item set print object
14677 @itemx show print object
14678 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
14679 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14680
14681 @item set print vtbl
14682 @itemx show print vtbl
14683 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
14684 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14685 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
14686 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
14687
14688 @kindex set overload-resolution
14689 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
14690 @item set overload-resolution on
14691 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
14692 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
14693 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
14694 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
14695 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
14696 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
14697
14698 @item set overload-resolution off
14699 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
14700 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
14701 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
14702 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
14703 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
14704 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
14705 argument types.
14706
14707 @kindex show overload-resolution
14708 @item show overload-resolution
14709 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
14710
14711 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
14712 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
14713 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
14714 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
14715 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
14716 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
14717 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
14718 @end table
14719
14720 @node Decimal Floating Point
14721 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
14722 @cindex decimal floating point format
14723
14724 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
14725 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
14726 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
14727 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
14728
14729 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
14730 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
14731 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
14732 configured target.
14733
14734 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
14735 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
14736 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
14737
14738 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
14739 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
14740 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
14741
14742 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
14743 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
14744 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
14745
14746 @node D
14747 @subsection D
14748
14749 @cindex D
14750 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
14751 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
14752 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
14753
14754 @node Go
14755 @subsection Go
14756
14757 @cindex Go (programming language)
14758 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
14759 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
14760
14761 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
14762
14763 @table @code
14764 @cindex current Go package
14765 @item The current Go package
14766 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
14767 specifying global variables and functions.
14768
14769 For example, given the program:
14770
14771 @example
14772 package main
14773 var myglob = "Shall we?"
14774 func main () @{
14775 // ...
14776 @}
14777 @end example
14778
14779 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
14780
14781 @example
14782 (gdb) p myglob
14783 (gdb) p main.myglob
14784 @end example
14785
14786 @cindex builtin Go types
14787 @item Builtin Go types
14788 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
14789 as a string.
14790
14791 @cindex builtin Go functions
14792 @item Builtin Go functions
14793 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
14794 function and handles it internally.
14795
14796 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
14797 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
14798 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
14799 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
14800 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
14801 @end table
14802
14803 @node Objective-C
14804 @subsection Objective-C
14805
14806 @cindex Objective-C
14807 This section provides information about some commands and command
14808 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
14809 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
14810 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
14811
14812 @menu
14813 * Method Names in Commands::
14814 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
14815 @end menu
14816
14817 @node Method Names in Commands
14818 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
14819
14820 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
14821 names as line specifications:
14822
14823 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
14824 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
14825 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
14826 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
14827 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
14828 @itemize
14829 @item @code{clear}
14830 @item @code{break}
14831 @item @code{info line}
14832 @item @code{jump}
14833 @item @code{list}
14834 @end itemize
14835
14836 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
14837
14838 @smallexample
14839 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
14840 @end smallexample
14841
14842 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
14843 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
14844 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
14845 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
14846 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
14847 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
14848 debugged, enter:
14849
14850 @smallexample
14851 break -[Fruit create]
14852 @end smallexample
14853
14854 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
14855 enter:
14856
14857 @smallexample
14858 list +[NSText initialize]
14859 @end smallexample
14860
14861 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
14862 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
14863 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
14864 is also possible to specify just a method name:
14865
14866 @smallexample
14867 break create
14868 @end smallexample
14869
14870 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
14871 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
14872 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
14873 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
14874 none apply.
14875
14876 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
14877 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
14878
14879 @smallexample
14880 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
14881 @end smallexample
14882
14883 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
14884 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
14885 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
14886 @kindex print-object
14887 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
14888
14889 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
14890
14891 @smallexample
14892 print -[@var{object} hash]
14893 @end smallexample
14894
14895 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
14896 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
14897 @noindent
14898 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
14899 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
14900 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
14901 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
14902 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
14903 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
14904
14905 @node OpenCL C
14906 @subsection OpenCL C
14907
14908 @cindex OpenCL C
14909 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
14910
14911 @menu
14912 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
14913 * OpenCL C Expressions::
14914 * OpenCL C Operators::
14915 @end menu
14916
14917 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
14918 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
14919
14920 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
14921 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
14922 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
14923 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
14924 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
14925
14926 @node OpenCL C Expressions
14927 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
14928
14929 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
14930 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
14931 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
14932 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
14933
14934 @node OpenCL C Operators
14935 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
14936
14937 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
14938 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
14939 vector data types.
14940
14941 @node Fortran
14942 @subsection Fortran
14943 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
14944
14945 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
14946 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
14947
14948 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
14949 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
14950 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
14951 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
14952 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
14953 underscore.
14954
14955 @menu
14956 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
14957 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
14958 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
14959 @end menu
14960
14961 @node Fortran Operators
14962 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
14963
14964 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
14965
14966 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14967 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
14968 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
14969
14970 @table @code
14971 @item **
14972 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
14973 of the second one.
14974
14975 @item :
14976 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
14977 represent a section of array.
14978
14979 @item %
14980 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
14981 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
14982 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
14983 union type.
14984 @end table
14985
14986 @node Fortran Defaults
14987 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
14988
14989 @cindex Fortran Defaults
14990
14991 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
14992 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
14993 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
14994 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
14995
14996 @node Special Fortran Commands
14997 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
14998
14999 @cindex Special Fortran commands
15000
15001 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
15002 such as displaying common blocks.
15003
15004 @table @code
15005 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
15006 @kindex info common
15007 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
15008 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
15009 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
15010 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
15011 printed.
15012 @end table
15013
15014 @node Pascal
15015 @subsection Pascal
15016
15017 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
15018 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
15019 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
15020 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
15021 syntax.
15022
15023 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
15024 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
15025 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
15026
15027 @node Modula-2
15028 @subsection Modula-2
15029
15030 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
15031
15032 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
15033 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
15034 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
15035 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
15036 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
15037 table.
15038
15039 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
15040 @menu
15041 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
15042 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
15043 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
15044 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
15045 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
15046 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
15047 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
15048 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
15049 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
15050 @end menu
15051
15052 @node M2 Operators
15053 @subsubsection Operators
15054 @cindex Modula-2 operators
15055
15056 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15057 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
15058 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
15059 following definitions hold:
15060
15061 @itemize @bullet
15062
15063 @item
15064 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
15065 their subranges.
15066
15067 @item
15068 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
15069
15070 @item
15071 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
15072
15073 @item
15074 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
15075 @var{type}}.
15076
15077 @item
15078 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
15079
15080 @item
15081 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
15082
15083 @item
15084 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
15085 @end itemize
15086
15087 @noindent
15088 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
15089 increasing precedence:
15090
15091 @table @code
15092 @item ,
15093 Function argument or array index separator.
15094
15095 @item :=
15096 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
15097 @var{value}.
15098
15099 @item <@r{, }>
15100 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
15101 types.
15102
15103 @item <=@r{, }>=
15104 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
15105 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
15106 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
15107
15108 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
15109 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
15110 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
15111 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
15112 comment character.
15113
15114 @item IN
15115 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
15116 Same precedence as @code{<}.
15117
15118 @item OR
15119 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
15120
15121 @item AND@r{, }&
15122 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
15123
15124 @item @@
15125 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
15126
15127 @item +@r{, }-
15128 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
15129 and difference on set types.
15130
15131 @item *
15132 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
15133 on set types.
15134
15135 @item /
15136 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
15137 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
15138
15139 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
15140 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
15141 precedence as @code{*}.
15142
15143 @item -
15144 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
15145
15146 @item ^
15147 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
15148
15149 @item NOT
15150 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
15151 @code{^}.
15152
15153 @item .
15154 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
15155 precedence as @code{^}.
15156
15157 @item []
15158 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
15159
15160 @item ()
15161 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
15162 as @code{^}.
15163
15164 @item ::@r{, }.
15165 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
15166 @end table
15167
15168 @quotation
15169 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
15170 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
15171 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
15172 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
15173 @end quotation
15174
15175
15176 @node Built-In Func/Proc
15177 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
15178 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
15179
15180 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
15181 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
15182
15183 @table @var
15184
15185 @item a
15186 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
15187
15188 @item c
15189 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
15190
15191 @item i
15192 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
15193
15194 @item m
15195 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
15196 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
15197 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
15198
15199 @item n
15200 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
15201
15202 @item r
15203 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
15204
15205 @item t
15206 represents a type.
15207
15208 @item v
15209 represents a variable.
15210
15211 @item x
15212 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
15213 explanation of the function for details.
15214 @end table
15215
15216 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
15217
15218 @table @code
15219 @item ABS(@var{n})
15220 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
15221
15222 @item CAP(@var{c})
15223 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
15224 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
15225
15226 @item CHR(@var{i})
15227 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
15228
15229 @item DEC(@var{v})
15230 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
15231
15232 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
15233 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
15234 new value.
15235
15236 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
15237 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
15238 set.
15239
15240 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
15241 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
15242
15243 @item HIGH(@var{a})
15244 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
15245
15246 @item INC(@var{v})
15247 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
15248
15249 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
15250 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
15251 new value.
15252
15253 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
15254 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
15255 there. Returns the new set.
15256
15257 @item MAX(@var{t})
15258 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
15259
15260 @item MIN(@var{t})
15261 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
15262
15263 @item ODD(@var{i})
15264 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
15265
15266 @item ORD(@var{x})
15267 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
15268 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting
15269 the @sc{ascii} character set). The argument @var{x} must be of an
15270 ordered type, which include integral, character and enumerated types.
15271
15272 @item SIZE(@var{x})
15273 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
15274 variable or a type.
15275
15276 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
15277 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
15278
15279 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
15280 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
15281 variable or a type.
15282
15283 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
15284 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
15285 @end table
15286
15287 @quotation
15288 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
15289 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
15290 an error.
15291 @end quotation
15292
15293 @cindex Modula-2 constants
15294 @node M2 Constants
15295 @subsubsection Constants
15296
15297 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
15298 ways:
15299
15300 @itemize @bullet
15301
15302 @item
15303 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
15304 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
15305 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
15306 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
15307
15308 @item
15309 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
15310 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
15311 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
15312 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
15313 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
15314 digits.
15315
15316 @item
15317 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
15318 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
15319 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
15320 followed by a @samp{C}.
15321
15322 @item
15323 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
15324 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
15325 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
15326 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
15327 sequences.
15328
15329 @item
15330 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
15331
15332 @item
15333 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
15334 @code{FALSE}.
15335
15336 @item
15337 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
15338
15339 @item
15340 Set constants are not yet supported.
15341 @end itemize
15342
15343 @node M2 Types
15344 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
15345 @cindex Modula-2 types
15346
15347 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
15348 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
15349 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
15350 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
15351 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
15352 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
15353
15354 The first example contains the following section of code:
15355
15356 @smallexample
15357 VAR
15358 s: SET OF CHAR ;
15359 r: [20..40] ;
15360 @end smallexample
15361
15362 @noindent
15363 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
15364 @code{r} and @code{s}.
15365
15366 @smallexample
15367 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15368 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
15369 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15370 SET OF CHAR
15371 (@value{GDBP}) print r
15372 21
15373 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
15374 [20..40]
15375 @end smallexample
15376
15377 @noindent
15378 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
15379
15380 @smallexample
15381 VAR
15382 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
15383 @end smallexample
15384
15385 @noindent
15386 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
15387
15388 @smallexample
15389 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15390 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
15391 @end smallexample
15392
15393 @noindent
15394 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
15395 expressions using the debugger.
15396
15397 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
15398 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
15399
15400 @smallexample
15401 VAR
15402 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
15403 @end smallexample
15404
15405 @smallexample
15406 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15407 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
15408 @end smallexample
15409
15410 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
15411 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
15412 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
15413 above.
15414
15415 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
15416
15417 @smallexample
15418 TYPE
15419 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
15420 t = [blue..yellow] ;
15421 VAR
15422 s: t ;
15423 BEGIN
15424 s := blue ;
15425 @end smallexample
15426
15427 @noindent
15428 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
15429 and value of a variable.
15430
15431 @smallexample
15432 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15433 $1 = blue
15434 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
15435 type = [blue..yellow]
15436 @end smallexample
15437
15438 @noindent
15439 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
15440 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
15441 their @code{C} counterparts.
15442
15443 @smallexample
15444 VAR
15445 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
15446 BEGIN
15447 s[1] := 1 ;
15448 @end smallexample
15449
15450 @smallexample
15451 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15452 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
15453 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15454 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
15455 @end smallexample
15456
15457 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
15458 pointer types as shown in this example:
15459
15460 @smallexample
15461 VAR
15462 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
15463 BEGIN
15464 NEW(s) ;
15465 s^[1] := 1 ;
15466 @end smallexample
15467
15468 @noindent
15469 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
15470
15471 @smallexample
15472 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15473 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
15474 @end smallexample
15475
15476 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
15477 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
15478 types:
15479
15480 @smallexample
15481 TYPE
15482 foo = RECORD
15483 f1: CARDINAL ;
15484 f2: CHAR ;
15485 f3: myarray ;
15486 END ;
15487
15488 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
15489 myrange = [-2..2] ;
15490 VAR
15491 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
15492 @end smallexample
15493
15494 @noindent
15495 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
15496 below.
15497
15498 @smallexample
15499 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15500 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
15501 f1 : CARDINAL;
15502 f2 : CHAR;
15503 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
15504 END
15505 @end smallexample
15506
15507 @node M2 Defaults
15508 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
15509 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
15510
15511 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
15512 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
15513 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
15514 selected the working language.
15515
15516 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
15517 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
15518 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
15519 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
15520
15521 @node Deviations
15522 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
15523 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
15524
15525 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
15526 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
15527
15528 @itemize @bullet
15529 @item
15530 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
15531 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
15532 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
15533 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
15534 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
15535 returned a pointer.)
15536
15537 @item
15538 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
15539 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
15540 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
15541 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
15542
15543 @item
15544 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
15545 argument.
15546
15547 @item
15548 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
15549 @end itemize
15550
15551 @node M2 Checks
15552 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
15553 @cindex Modula-2 checks
15554
15555 @quotation
15556 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
15557 range checking.
15558 @end quotation
15559 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
15560
15561 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
15562
15563 @itemize @bullet
15564 @item
15565 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
15566 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
15567
15568 @item
15569 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
15570 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
15571 @end itemize
15572
15573 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
15574 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
15575
15576 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
15577 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
15578
15579 @node M2 Scope
15580 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
15581 @cindex scope
15582 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
15583 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
15584 @ifinfo
15585 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
15586 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
15587 @end ifinfo
15588 @ifnotinfo
15589 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
15590 @end ifnotinfo
15591
15592 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
15593 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
15594 similar syntax:
15595
15596 @smallexample
15597
15598 @var{module} . @var{id}
15599 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
15600 @end smallexample
15601
15602 @noindent
15603 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
15604 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
15605 identifier within your program, except another module.
15606
15607 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
15608 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
15609 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
15610 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
15611
15612 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
15613 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
15614 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
15615 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
15616 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
15617 @var{module}.
15618
15619 @node GDB/M2
15620 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
15621
15622 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
15623 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
15624 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
15625 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
15626 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
15627 analogue in Modula-2.
15628
15629 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
15630 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
15631 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
15632 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
15633 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
15634 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
15635
15636 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
15637 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
15638 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
15639
15640 @node Ada
15641 @subsection Ada
15642 @cindex Ada
15643
15644 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
15645 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
15646 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
15647 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
15648 to be difficult.
15649
15650
15651 @cindex expressions in Ada
15652 @menu
15653 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
15654 and semantics supported by Ada mode
15655 in @value{GDBN}.
15656 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
15657 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
15658 * Overloading support for Ada:: Support for expressions involving overloaded
15659 subprograms.
15660 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
15661 * Ada Exceptions:: Ada Exceptions
15662 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
15663 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
15664 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
15665 Profile
15666 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
15667 @end menu
15668
15669 @node Ada Mode Intro
15670 @subsubsection Introduction
15671 @cindex Ada mode, general
15672
15673 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
15674 syntax, with some extensions.
15675 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
15676
15677 @itemize @bullet
15678 @item
15679 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
15680 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
15681 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
15682 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
15683
15684 @item
15685 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
15686 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
15687
15688 @item
15689 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
15690 @end itemize
15691
15692 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
15693 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
15694 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
15695 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
15696 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
15697
15698 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
15699 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
15700 was translated from an Ada source file.
15701
15702 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
15703 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
15704 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
15705 middle (to allow based literals).
15706
15707 @node Omissions from Ada
15708 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
15709 @cindex Ada, omissions from
15710
15711 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
15712
15713 @itemize @bullet
15714 @item
15715 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
15716
15717 @itemize @minus
15718 @item
15719 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
15720 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
15721
15722 @item
15723 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
15724
15725 @item
15726 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
15727
15728 @item
15729 @t{'Tag}.
15730
15731 @item
15732 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
15733 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
15734
15735 @item
15736 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
15737 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
15738
15739 @item
15740 @t{'Address}.
15741 @end itemize
15742
15743 @item
15744 The names in
15745 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
15746 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
15747 not currently available.
15748
15749 @item
15750 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
15751 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
15752 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
15753 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
15754 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
15755 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
15756 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
15757 indeterminate values.
15758
15759 @item
15760 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
15761 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
15762 are not implemented.
15763
15764 @item
15765 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
15766 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
15767 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
15768 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
15769 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
15770
15771 @smallexample
15772 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
15773 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
15774 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
15775 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
15776 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
15777 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
15778 @end smallexample
15779
15780 Changing a
15781 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
15782 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
15783 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
15784 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
15785 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
15786 declared to have a type such as:
15787
15788 @smallexample
15789 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
15790 Id : Integer;
15791 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
15792 end record;
15793 @end smallexample
15794
15795 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
15796 assignments:
15797
15798 @smallexample
15799 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
15800 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
15801 @end smallexample
15802
15803 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
15804 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
15805 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
15806 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
15807 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
15808 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
15809 redundant component associations, although which component values are
15810 assigned in such cases is not defined.
15811
15812 @item
15813 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
15814
15815 @item
15816 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
15817 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
15818 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
15819 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
15820 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
15821 the proper resolution.
15822
15823 @item
15824 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
15825
15826 @item
15827 Entry calls are not implemented.
15828
15829 @item
15830 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
15831 formats are not supported.
15832
15833 @item
15834 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
15835
15836 @item
15837 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
15838 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
15839 context.
15840 Should your program
15841 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
15842 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
15843 @end itemize
15844
15845 @node Additions to Ada
15846 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
15847 @cindex Ada, deviations from
15848
15849 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
15850 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
15851
15852 @itemize @bullet
15853 @item
15854 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
15855 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
15856 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
15857 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
15858 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
15859 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
15860 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
15861 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
15862
15863 @item
15864 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
15865 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
15866 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
15867
15868 @item
15869 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
15870 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
15871
15872 @item
15873 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
15874 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
15875 @end itemize
15876
15877 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
15878 additions specific to Ada:
15879
15880 @itemize @bullet
15881 @item
15882 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
15883 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
15884
15885 @smallexample
15886 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
15887 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
15888 @end smallexample
15889
15890 @item
15891 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
15892 the value of its right-hand operand.
15893 This allows, for example,
15894 complex conditional breaks:
15895
15896 @smallexample
15897 (@value{GDBP}) break f
15898 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
15899 @end smallexample
15900
15901 @item
15902 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
15903 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
15904 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
15905 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
15906 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
15907 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
15908 in strings. For example,
15909 @smallexample
15910 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
15911 @end smallexample
15912 @noindent
15913 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
15914 after each period.
15915
15916 @item
15917 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
15918 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
15919 to write
15920
15921 @smallexample
15922 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
15923 @end smallexample
15924
15925 @item
15926 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
15927 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
15928 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
15929 of 3 might print as
15930
15931 @smallexample
15932 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
15933 @end smallexample
15934
15935 @noindent
15936 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
15937 clause.
15938
15939 @item
15940 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
15941 multi-character subsequence of
15942 their names (an exact match gets preference).
15943 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
15944 in place of @t{a'length}.
15945
15946 @item
15947 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
15948 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
15949 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
15950 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
15951 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
15952 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
15953 For example,
15954 @smallexample
15955 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
15956 @end smallexample
15957
15958 @item
15959 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
15960 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
15961 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
15962 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
15963 object.
15964
15965 @end itemize
15966
15967 @node Overloading support for Ada
15968 @subsubsection Overloading support for Ada
15969 @cindex overloading, Ada
15970
15971 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
15972 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
15973 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
15974 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
15975 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
15976 functions to procedures elsewhere.
15977
15978 If, after narrowing, the set of matching definitions still contains more than
15979 one definition, @value{GDBN} will display a menu to query which one it should
15980 use, for instance:
15981
15982 @smallexample
15983 (@value{GDBP}) print f(1)
15984 Multiple matches for f
15985 [0] cancel
15986 [1] foo.f (integer) return boolean at foo.adb:23
15987 [2] foo.f (foo.new_integer) return boolean at foo.adb:28
15988 >
15989 @end smallexample
15990
15991 In this case, just select one menu entry either to cancel expression evaluation
15992 (type @kbd{0} and press @key{RET}) or to continue evaluation with a specific
15993 instance (type the corresponding number and press @key{RET}).
15994
15995 Here are a couple of commands to customize @value{GDBN}'s behavior in this
15996 case:
15997
15998 @table @code
15999
16000 @kindex set ada print-signatures
16001 @item set ada print-signatures
16002 Control whether parameter types and return types are displayed in overloads
16003 selection menus. It is @code{on} by default.
16004 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16005
16006 @kindex show ada print-signatures
16007 @item show ada print-signatures
16008 Show the current setting for displaying parameter types and return types in
16009 overloads selection menu.
16010 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16011
16012 @end table
16013
16014 @node Stopping Before Main Program
16015 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
16016
16017 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
16018 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
16019 before reaching the main procedure.
16020 As defined in the Ada Reference
16021 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
16022 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
16023 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
16024 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
16025
16026 @node Ada Exceptions
16027 @subsubsection Ada Exceptions
16028
16029 A command is provided to list all Ada exceptions:
16030
16031 @table @code
16032 @kindex info exceptions
16033 @item info exceptions
16034 @itemx info exceptions @var{regexp}
16035 The @code{info exceptions} command allows you to list all Ada exceptions
16036 defined within the program being debugged, as well as their addresses.
16037 With a regular expression, @var{regexp}, as argument, only those exceptions
16038 whose names match @var{regexp} are listed.
16039 @end table
16040
16041 Below is a small example, showing how the command can be used, first
16042 without argument, and next with a regular expression passed as an
16043 argument.
16044
16045 @smallexample
16046 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions
16047 All defined Ada exceptions:
16048 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16049 program_error: 0x613d20
16050 storage_error: 0x613ce0
16051 tasking_error: 0x613ca0
16052 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16053 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions const.aint
16054 All Ada exceptions matching regular expression "const.aint":
16055 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16056 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16057 @end smallexample
16058
16059 It is also possible to ask @value{GDBN} to stop your program's execution
16060 when an exception is raised. For more details, see @ref{Set Catchpoints}.
16061
16062 @node Ada Tasks
16063 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
16064 @cindex Ada, tasking
16065
16066 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
16067 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
16068
16069 @table @code
16070 @kindex info tasks
16071 @item info tasks
16072 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
16073
16074
16075 @smallexample
16076 @iftex
16077 @leftskip=0.5cm
16078 @end iftex
16079 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16080 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16081 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16082 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
16083 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
16084 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
16085
16086 @end smallexample
16087
16088 @noindent
16089 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
16090 task currently being inspected.
16091
16092 @table @asis
16093 @item ID
16094 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
16095
16096 @item TID
16097 The Ada task ID.
16098
16099 @item P-ID
16100 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
16101
16102 @item Pri
16103 The base priority of the task.
16104
16105 @item State
16106 Current state of the task.
16107
16108 @table @code
16109 @item Unactivated
16110 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
16111 executing.
16112
16113 @item Runnable
16114 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
16115 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
16116
16117 @item Terminated
16118 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
16119 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
16120 terminated themselves.
16121
16122 @item Child Activation Wait
16123 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
16124
16125 @item Accept Statement
16126 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
16127
16128 @item Waiting on entry call
16129 The task is waiting on an entry call.
16130
16131 @item Async Select Wait
16132 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
16133 select statement.
16134
16135 @item Delay Sleep
16136 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
16137 alternative open.
16138
16139 @item Child Termination Wait
16140 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
16141 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
16142 waiting on a terminate Phase.
16143
16144 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
16145 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
16146 finish terminating.
16147
16148 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
16149 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
16150 @end table
16151
16152 @item Name
16153 Name of the task in the program.
16154
16155 @end table
16156
16157 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
16158 @item info task @var{taskno}
16159 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
16160 the following example:
16161 @smallexample
16162 @iftex
16163 @leftskip=0.5cm
16164 @end iftex
16165 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16166 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16167 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16168 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
16169 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
16170 Ada Task: 0x807c468
16171 Name: task_1
16172 Thread: 0x807f378
16173 Parent: 1 (main_task)
16174 Base Priority: 15
16175 State: Runnable
16176 @end smallexample
16177
16178 @item task
16179 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
16180 @cindex current Ada task ID
16181 This command prints the ID of the current task.
16182
16183 @smallexample
16184 @iftex
16185 @leftskip=0.5cm
16186 @end iftex
16187 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16188 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16189 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16190 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
16191 (@value{GDBP}) task
16192 [Current task is 2]
16193 @end smallexample
16194
16195 @item task @var{taskno}
16196 @cindex Ada task switching
16197 This command is like the @code{thread @var{thread-id}}
16198 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
16199 from the current task to the given task.
16200
16201 @smallexample
16202 @iftex
16203 @leftskip=0.5cm
16204 @end iftex
16205 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16206 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16207 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16208 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
16209 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
16210 [Switching to task 1]
16211 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
16212 (@value{GDBP}) bt
16213 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
16214 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
16215 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
16216 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
16217 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
16218 @end smallexample
16219
16220 @item break @var{location} task @var{taskno}
16221 @itemx break @var{location} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
16222 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
16223 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
16224 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
16225 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
16226 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}). The
16227 @var{location} argument specifies source lines, as described
16228 in @ref{Specify Location}.
16229
16230 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
16231 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
16232 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. The @var{taskno} is one of the
16233 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
16234 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
16235
16236 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
16237 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
16238 program.
16239
16240 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
16241 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
16242 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
16243
16244 For example,
16245
16246 @smallexample
16247 @iftex
16248 @leftskip=0.5cm
16249 @end iftex
16250 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16251 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16252 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16253 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
16254 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
16255 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
16256 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
16257 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
16258 (@value{GDBP}) cont
16259 Continuing.
16260 task # 1 running
16261 task # 2 running
16262
16263 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
16264 15 flush;
16265 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16266 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16267 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16268 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
16269 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
16270 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
16271 @end smallexample
16272 @end table
16273
16274 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
16275 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16276 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
16277
16278 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
16279 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
16280 the platform being used.
16281 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
16282 switching is not supported.
16283
16284 On certain platforms, the debugger needs to perform some
16285 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
16286 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
16287 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
16288 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
16289 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
16290
16291 @node Ravenscar Profile
16292 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
16293 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
16294
16295 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
16296 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
16297 requirements.
16298
16299 @table @code
16300 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
16301 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
16302 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
16303 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
16304 Profile. This is the default.
16305
16306 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
16307 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
16308 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
16309 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
16310 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
16311 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
16312 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
16313
16314 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
16315 @item show ravenscar task-switching
16316 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
16317 using the Ravenscar Profile.
16318
16319 @end table
16320
16321 @node Ada Glitches
16322 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
16323 @cindex Ada, problems
16324
16325 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
16326 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
16327 @value{GDBN},
16328 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
16329 and the GNU Ada compiler.
16330
16331 @itemize @bullet
16332 @item
16333 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
16334 storage are invisible to the debugger.
16335
16336 @item
16337 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
16338 argument lists are treated as positional).
16339
16340 @item
16341 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
16342
16343 @item
16344 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
16345 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
16346 the host machine.
16347
16348 @item
16349 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
16350 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
16351 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
16352 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
16353 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
16354 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
16355 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
16356 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
16357 you can usually resolve the confusion
16358 by qualifying the problematic names with package
16359 @code{Standard} explicitly.
16360 @end itemize
16361
16362 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
16363 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
16364 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
16365 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
16366 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
16367 enabled.
16368
16369 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
16370 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
16371 @table @code
16372
16373 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
16374 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
16375 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
16376 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
16377 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
16378 This is the default.
16379
16380 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
16381 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
16382 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
16383 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
16384 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
16385 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
16386 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
16387
16388 @end table
16389
16390 @cindex GNAT descriptive types
16391 @cindex GNAT encoding
16392 Internally, the debugger also relies on the compiler following a number
16393 of conventions known as the @samp{GNAT Encoding}, all documented in
16394 @file{gcc/ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources. This encoding describes
16395 how the debugging information should be generated for certain types.
16396 In particular, this convention makes use of @dfn{descriptive types},
16397 which are artificial types generated purely to help the debugger.
16398
16399 These encodings were defined at a time when the debugging information
16400 format used was not powerful enough to describe some of the more complex
16401 types available in Ada. Since DWARF allows us to express nearly all
16402 Ada features, the long-term goal is to slowly replace these descriptive
16403 types by their pure DWARF equivalent. To facilitate that transition,
16404 a new maintenance option is available to force the debugger to ignore
16405 those descriptive types. It allows the user to quickly evaluate how
16406 well @value{GDBN} works without them.
16407
16408 @table @code
16409
16410 @kindex maint ada set ignore-descriptive-types
16411 @item maintenance ada set ignore-descriptive-types [on|off]
16412 Control whether the debugger should ignore descriptive types.
16413 The default is not to ignore descriptives types (@code{off}).
16414
16415 @kindex maint ada show ignore-descriptive-types
16416 @item maintenance ada show ignore-descriptive-types
16417 Show if descriptive types are ignored by @value{GDBN}.
16418
16419 @end table
16420
16421 @node Unsupported Languages
16422 @section Unsupported Languages
16423
16424 @cindex unsupported languages
16425 @cindex minimal language
16426 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
16427 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
16428 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
16429 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
16430 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
16431 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
16432
16433 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
16434 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
16435 language.
16436
16437 @node Symbols
16438 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
16439
16440 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
16441 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
16442 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
16443 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
16444 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
16445 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
16446 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
16447
16448 @cindex symbol names
16449 @cindex names of symbols
16450 @cindex quoting names
16451 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
16452 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
16453 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
16454 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
16455 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
16456 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
16457 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
16458 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
16459
16460 @smallexample
16461 p 'foo.c'::x
16462 @end smallexample
16463
16464 @noindent
16465 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
16466
16467 @table @code
16468 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
16469 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
16470 @kindex set case-sensitive
16471 @item set case-sensitive on
16472 @itemx set case-sensitive off
16473 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
16474 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
16475 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
16476 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
16477 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
16478 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
16479 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
16480 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
16481 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
16482 case-insensitive matches.
16483
16484 @kindex show case-sensitive
16485 @item show case-sensitive
16486 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
16487 lookups.
16488
16489 @kindex set print type methods
16490 @item set print type methods
16491 @itemx set print type methods on
16492 @itemx set print type methods off
16493 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
16494 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
16495 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
16496 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
16497 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
16498 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
16499
16500 @kindex show print type methods
16501 @item show print type methods
16502 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
16503 classes.
16504
16505 @kindex set print type typedefs
16506 @item set print type typedefs
16507 @itemx set print type typedefs on
16508 @itemx set print type typedefs off
16509
16510 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
16511 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
16512 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
16513 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
16514 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
16515 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
16516 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
16517 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
16518 types.
16519
16520 @kindex show print type typedefs
16521 @item show print type typedefs
16522 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
16523 printing classes.
16524
16525 @kindex info address
16526 @cindex address of a symbol
16527 @item info address @var{symbol}
16528 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
16529 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
16530 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
16531 is always stored.
16532
16533 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
16534 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
16535 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
16536
16537 @kindex info symbol
16538 @cindex symbol from address
16539 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
16540 @item info symbol @var{addr}
16541 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
16542 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
16543 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
16544
16545 @smallexample
16546 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
16547 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
16548 @end smallexample
16549
16550 @noindent
16551 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
16552 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
16553
16554 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
16555 library containing the symbol is also printed:
16556
16557 @smallexample
16558 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
16559 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
16560 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
16561 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
16562 @end smallexample
16563
16564 @kindex demangle
16565 @cindex demangle
16566 @item demangle @r{[}-l @var{language}@r{]} @r{[}@var{--}@r{]} @var{name}
16567 Demangle @var{name}.
16568 If @var{language} is provided it is the name of the language to demangle
16569 @var{name} in. Otherwise @var{name} is demangled in the current language.
16570
16571 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
16572 and is useful when @var{name} begins with a dash.
16573
16574 The parameter @code{demangle-style} specifies how to interpret the kind
16575 of mangling used. @xref{Print Settings}.
16576
16577 @kindex whatis
16578 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
16579 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
16580 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
16581 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
16582
16583 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
16584 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
16585 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
16586
16587 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
16588 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
16589 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
16590 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
16591 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
16592 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
16593 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
16594 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
16595 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
16596
16597 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
16598 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
16599 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
16600 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
16601 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
16602 unroll it.
16603
16604 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
16605 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
16606 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
16607
16608 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
16609 Available flags are:
16610
16611 @table @code
16612 @item r
16613 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
16614 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
16615 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
16616
16617 @item m
16618 Do not print methods defined in the class.
16619
16620 @item M
16621 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
16622 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
16623
16624 @item t
16625 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
16626 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
16627 names are substituted when printing other types.
16628
16629 @item T
16630 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
16631 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
16632 @end table
16633
16634 @kindex ptype
16635 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
16636 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
16637 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
16638 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
16639
16640 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
16641 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
16642 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
16643 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
16644 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
16645 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
16646 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
16647 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
16648
16649 For example, for this variable declaration:
16650
16651 @smallexample
16652 typedef double real_t;
16653 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
16654 typedef struct complex complex_t;
16655 complex_t var;
16656 real_t *real_pointer_var;
16657 @end smallexample
16658
16659 @noindent
16660 the two commands give this output:
16661
16662 @smallexample
16663 @group
16664 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
16665 type = complex_t
16666 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
16667 type = struct complex @{
16668 real_t real;
16669 double imag;
16670 @}
16671 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
16672 type = struct complex
16673 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
16674 type = struct complex
16675 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
16676 type = struct complex @{
16677 real_t real;
16678 double imag;
16679 @}
16680 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
16681 type = real_t *
16682 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
16683 type = double *
16684 @end group
16685 @end smallexample
16686
16687 @noindent
16688 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
16689 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
16690
16691 @cindex incomplete type
16692 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
16693 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
16694 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
16695 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
16696 given these declarations:
16697
16698 @smallexample
16699 struct foo;
16700 struct foo *fooptr;
16701 @end smallexample
16702
16703 @noindent
16704 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
16705
16706 @smallexample
16707 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
16708 $1 = <incomplete type>
16709 @end smallexample
16710
16711 @noindent
16712 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
16713 completely specified.
16714
16715 @kindex info types
16716 @item info types @var{regexp}
16717 @itemx info types
16718 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
16719 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
16720 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
16721 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
16722 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
16723 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
16724 name is @code{value}.
16725
16726 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
16727 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
16728 lists all source files where a type is defined.
16729
16730 @kindex info type-printers
16731 @item info type-printers
16732 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
16733 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
16734 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
16735 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
16736 type printers.
16737
16738 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
16739
16740 @kindex enable type-printer
16741 @kindex disable type-printer
16742 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
16743 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
16744 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
16745
16746 @kindex info scope
16747 @cindex local variables
16748 @item info scope @var{location}
16749 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
16750 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
16751 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
16752 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
16753 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
16754
16755 @smallexample
16756 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
16757 Scope for command_line_handler:
16758 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
16759 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
16760 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
16761 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
16762 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
16763 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
16764 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
16765 @end smallexample
16766
16767 @noindent
16768 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
16769 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
16770 collect}.
16771
16772 @kindex info source
16773 @item info source
16774 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
16775 the function containing the current point of execution:
16776 @itemize @bullet
16777 @item
16778 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
16779 @item
16780 the directory it was compiled in,
16781 @item
16782 its length, in lines,
16783 @item
16784 which programming language it is written in,
16785 @item
16786 if the debug information provides it, the program that compiled the file
16787 (which may include, e.g., the compiler version and command line arguments),
16788 @item
16789 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
16790 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
16791 @item
16792 whether the debugging information includes information about
16793 preprocessor macros.
16794 @end itemize
16795
16796
16797 @kindex info sources
16798 @item info sources
16799 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
16800 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
16801 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
16802
16803 @kindex info functions
16804 @item info functions
16805 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
16806
16807 @item info functions @var{regexp}
16808 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
16809 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
16810 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
16811 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
16812 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
16813 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
16814 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
16815
16816 @kindex info variables
16817 @item info variables
16818 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
16819 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
16820
16821 @item info variables @var{regexp}
16822 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
16823 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
16824 @var{regexp}.
16825
16826 @kindex info classes
16827 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
16828 @item info classes
16829 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
16830 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
16831 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
16832 expression.
16833
16834 @kindex info selectors
16835 @item info selectors
16836 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
16837 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
16838 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
16839 expression.
16840
16841 @ignore
16842 This was never implemented.
16843 @kindex info methods
16844 @item info methods
16845 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
16846 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
16847 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
16848 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
16849 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
16850 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
16851 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
16852 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
16853 @end ignore
16854
16855 @cindex opaque data types
16856 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
16857 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
16858 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
16859 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
16860 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
16861 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
16862 another source file. The default is on.
16863
16864 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
16865 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
16866
16867 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
16868 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
16869 is printed as follows:
16870 @smallexample
16871 @{<no data fields>@}
16872 @end smallexample
16873
16874 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
16875 @item show opaque-type-resolution
16876 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
16877
16878 @kindex set print symbol-loading
16879 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
16880 @item set print symbol-loading
16881 @itemx set print symbol-loading full
16882 @itemx set print symbol-loading brief
16883 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
16884 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to control the
16885 printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbol information.
16886 By default a message is printed for the executable and one for each
16887 shared library, and normally this is what you want. However, when
16888 debugging apps with large numbers of shared libraries these messages
16889 can be annoying.
16890 When set to @code{brief} a message is printed for each executable,
16891 and when @value{GDBN} loads a collection of shared libraries at once
16892 it will only print one message regardless of the number of shared
16893 libraries. When set to @code{off} no messages are printed.
16894
16895 @kindex show print symbol-loading
16896 @item show print symbol-loading
16897 Show whether messages will be printed when a @value{GDBN} command
16898 entered from the keyboard causes symbol information to be loaded.
16899
16900 @kindex maint print symbols
16901 @cindex symbol dump
16902 @kindex maint print psymbols
16903 @cindex partial symbol dump
16904 @kindex maint print msymbols
16905 @cindex minimal symbol dump
16906 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
16907 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
16908 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
16909 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
16910 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
16911 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
16912 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
16913 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
16914 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
16915 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
16916 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
16917 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
16918 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
16919 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
16920 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
16921 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
16922 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
16923
16924 @kindex maint info symtabs
16925 @kindex maint info psymtabs
16926 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
16927 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
16928 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
16929 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
16930 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
16931 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
16932
16933 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
16934 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
16935 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
16936 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
16937 structure in more detail. For example:
16938
16939 @smallexample
16940 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
16941 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
16942 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
16943 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
16944 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
16945 readin no
16946 fullname (null)
16947 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
16948 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
16949 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
16950 dependencies (none)
16951 @}
16952 @}
16953 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
16954 (@value{GDBP})
16955 @end smallexample
16956 @noindent
16957 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
16958 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
16959 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
16960 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
16961 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
16962
16963 @smallexample
16964 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
16965 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
16966 line 1574.
16967 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
16968 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
16969 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
16970 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
16971 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
16972 dirname (null)
16973 fullname (null)
16974 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
16975 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
16976 debugformat DWARF 2
16977 @}
16978 @}
16979 (@value{GDBP})
16980 @end smallexample
16981
16982 @kindex maint set symbol-cache-size
16983 @cindex symbol cache size
16984 @item maint set symbol-cache-size @var{size}
16985 Set the size of the symbol cache to @var{size}.
16986 The default size is intended to be good enough for debugging
16987 most applications. This option exists to allow for experimenting
16988 with different sizes.
16989
16990 @kindex maint show symbol-cache-size
16991 @item maint show symbol-cache-size
16992 Show the size of the symbol cache.
16993
16994 @kindex maint print symbol-cache
16995 @cindex symbol cache, printing its contents
16996 @item maint print symbol-cache
16997 Print the contents of the symbol cache.
16998 This is useful when debugging symbol cache issues.
16999
17000 @kindex maint print symbol-cache-statistics
17001 @cindex symbol cache, printing usage statistics
17002 @item maint print symbol-cache-statistics
17003 Print symbol cache usage statistics.
17004 This helps determine how well the cache is being utilized.
17005
17006 @kindex maint flush-symbol-cache
17007 @cindex symbol cache, flushing
17008 @item maint flush-symbol-cache
17009 Flush the contents of the symbol cache, all entries are removed.
17010 This command is useful when debugging the symbol cache.
17011 It is also useful when collecting performance data.
17012
17013 @end table
17014
17015 @node Altering
17016 @chapter Altering Execution
17017
17018 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
17019 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
17020 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
17021 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
17022 program.
17023
17024 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
17025 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
17026 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
17027
17028 @menu
17029 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
17030 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
17031 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
17032 * Returning:: Returning from a function
17033 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
17034 * Patching:: Patching your program
17035 * Compiling and Injecting Code:: Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
17036 @end menu
17037
17038 @node Assignment
17039 @section Assignment to Variables
17040
17041 @cindex assignment
17042 @cindex setting variables
17043 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
17044 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
17045
17046 @smallexample
17047 print x=4
17048 @end smallexample
17049
17050 @noindent
17051 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
17052 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
17053 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
17054 information on operators in supported languages.
17055
17056 @kindex set variable
17057 @cindex variables, setting
17058 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
17059 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
17060 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
17061 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
17062 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
17063
17064 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
17065 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
17066 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
17067 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
17068 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
17069 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
17070 command @code{set width}:
17071
17072 @smallexample
17073 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
17074 type = double
17075 (@value{GDBP}) p width
17076 $4 = 13
17077 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
17078 Invalid syntax in expression.
17079 @end smallexample
17080
17081 @noindent
17082 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
17083 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
17084
17085 @smallexample
17086 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
17087 @end smallexample
17088
17089 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
17090 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
17091 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
17092 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
17093 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
17094 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
17095
17096 @smallexample
17097 @group
17098 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
17099 type = double
17100 (@value{GDBP}) p g
17101 $1 = 1
17102 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
17103 (@value{GDBP}) p g
17104 $2 = 1
17105 (@value{GDBP}) r
17106 The program being debugged has been started already.
17107 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
17108 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
17109 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
17110 Invalid bfd target.
17111 (@value{GDBP}) show g
17112 The current BFD target is "=4".
17113 @end group
17114 @end smallexample
17115
17116 @noindent
17117 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
17118 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
17119 @code{g}, use
17120
17121 @smallexample
17122 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
17123 @end smallexample
17124
17125 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
17126 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
17127 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
17128 same length or shorter.
17129 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
17130 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
17131
17132 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
17133 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
17134 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
17135 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
17136 and representation in memory), and
17137
17138 @smallexample
17139 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
17140 @end smallexample
17141
17142 @noindent
17143 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
17144
17145 @node Jumping
17146 @section Continuing at a Different Address
17147
17148 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
17149 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
17150 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
17151
17152 @table @code
17153 @kindex jump
17154 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
17155 @item jump @var{location}
17156 @itemx j @var{location}
17157 Resume execution at @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately
17158 if there is a breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description
17159 of the different forms of @var{location}. It is common
17160 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
17161 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
17162
17163 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
17164 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
17165 register other than the program counter. If @var{location} is in
17166 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
17167 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
17168 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
17169 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
17170 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
17171 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
17172 @end table
17173
17174 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
17175 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
17176 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
17177 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
17178 example,
17179
17180 @smallexample
17181 set $pc = 0x485
17182 @end smallexample
17183
17184 @noindent
17185 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
17186 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
17187 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
17188
17189 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
17190 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
17191 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
17192 detail.
17193
17194 @c @group
17195 @node Signaling
17196 @section Giving your Program a Signal
17197 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
17198
17199 @table @code
17200 @kindex signal
17201 @item signal @var{signal}
17202 Resume execution where your program is stopped, but immediately give it the
17203 signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
17204 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
17205 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
17206
17207 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
17208 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
17209 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
17210 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
17211 signal.
17212
17213 @emph{Note:} When resuming a multi-threaded program, @var{signal} is
17214 delivered to the currently selected thread, not the thread that last
17215 reported a stop. This includes the situation where a thread was
17216 stopped due to a signal. So if you want to continue execution
17217 suppressing the signal that stopped a thread, you should select that
17218 same thread before issuing the @samp{signal 0} command. If you issue
17219 the @samp{signal 0} command with another thread as the selected one,
17220 @value{GDBN} detects that and asks for confirmation.
17221
17222 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
17223 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
17224 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
17225 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
17226 passes the signal directly to your program.
17227
17228 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
17229 after executing the command.
17230
17231 @kindex queue-signal
17232 @item queue-signal @var{signal}
17233 Queue @var{signal} to be delivered immediately to the current thread
17234 when execution of the thread resumes. The @var{signal} can be the name or
17235 the number of a signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and
17236 @code{signal SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
17237 The handling of the signal must be set to pass the signal to the program,
17238 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error.
17239 You can control the handling of signals from @value{GDBN} with the
17240 @code{handle} command (@pxref{Signals}).
17241
17242 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, any currently queued signal
17243 for the current thread is discarded and when execution resumes no signal
17244 will be delivered. This is useful when your program stopped on account
17245 of a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
17246 @code{continue} command.
17247
17248 This command differs from the @code{signal} command in that the signal
17249 is just queued, execution is not resumed. And @code{queue-signal} cannot
17250 be used to pass a signal whose handling state has been set to @code{nopass}
17251 (@pxref{Signals}).
17252 @end table
17253 @c @end group
17254
17255 @xref{stepping into signal handlers}, for information on how stepping
17256 commands behave when the thread has a signal queued.
17257
17258 @node Returning
17259 @section Returning from a Function
17260
17261 @table @code
17262 @cindex returning from a function
17263 @kindex return
17264 @item return
17265 @itemx return @var{expression}
17266 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
17267 command. If you give an
17268 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
17269 value.
17270 @end table
17271
17272 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
17273 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
17274 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
17275 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
17276
17277 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
17278 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
17279 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
17280 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
17281 of functions.
17282
17283 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
17284 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
17285 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
17286 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
17287 selected stack frame returns naturally.
17288
17289 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
17290 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
17291 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
17292 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
17293 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
17294 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
17295 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
17296 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
17297 assignment into the right register(s).
17298
17299 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
17300 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
17301 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
17302 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
17303 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
17304 into a @code{long long int}:
17305
17306 @smallexample
17307 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
17308 29 return 31;
17309 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
17310 Make func return now? (y or n) y
17311 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
17312 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
17313 (@value{GDBP})
17314 @end smallexample
17315
17316 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
17317 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
17318 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
17319 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
17320 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
17321 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
17322 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
17323 an appropriate cast explicitly:
17324
17325 @smallexample
17326 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
17327 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
17328 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
17329 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
17330 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
17331 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
17332 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
17333 (@value{GDBP})
17334 @end smallexample
17335
17336 @node Calling
17337 @section Calling Program Functions
17338
17339 @table @code
17340 @cindex calling functions
17341 @cindex inferior functions, calling
17342 @item print @var{expr}
17343 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
17344 The expression may include calls to functions in the program being
17345 debugged.
17346
17347 @kindex call
17348 @item call @var{expr}
17349 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
17350 returned values.
17351
17352 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
17353 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
17354 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
17355 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
17356 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
17357 value history.
17358 @end table
17359
17360 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
17361 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
17362 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
17363 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
17364
17365 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
17366 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
17367 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
17368 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
17369 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
17370 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
17371 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
17372 in that case is controlled by the
17373 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
17374
17375 @table @code
17376 @item set unwindonsignal
17377 @kindex set unwindonsignal
17378 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
17379 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
17380 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
17381 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
17382 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
17383 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
17384 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
17385 received.
17386
17387 @item show unwindonsignal
17388 @kindex show unwindonsignal
17389 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
17390 @value{GDBN}.
17391
17392 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
17393 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
17394 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
17395 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
17396 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
17397 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
17398 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
17399 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
17400 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
17401 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
17402
17403 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
17404 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
17405 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
17406 @value{GDBN}.
17407
17408 @end table
17409
17410 @cindex weak alias functions
17411 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
17412 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
17413 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
17414 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
17415 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
17416 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
17417 function instead.
17418
17419 @node Patching
17420 @section Patching Programs
17421
17422 @cindex patching binaries
17423 @cindex writing into executables
17424 @cindex writing into corefiles
17425
17426 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
17427 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
17428 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
17429 patching your program's binary.
17430
17431 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
17432 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
17433 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
17434 repairs.
17435
17436 @table @code
17437 @kindex set write
17438 @item set write on
17439 @itemx set write off
17440 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
17441 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
17442 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
17443
17444 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
17445 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
17446 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
17447
17448 @item show write
17449 @kindex show write
17450 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
17451 as well as reading.
17452 @end table
17453
17454 @node Compiling and Injecting Code
17455 @section Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
17456 @cindex injecting code
17457 @cindex writing into executables
17458 @cindex compiling code
17459
17460 @value{GDBN} supports on-demand compilation and code injection into
17461 programs running under @value{GDBN}. GCC 5.0 or higher built with
17462 @file{libcc1.so} must be installed for this functionality to be enabled.
17463 This functionality is implemented with the following commands.
17464
17465 @table @code
17466 @kindex compile code
17467 @item compile code @var{source-code}
17468 @itemx compile code -raw @var{--} @var{source-code}
17469 Compile @var{source-code} with the compiler language found as the current
17470 language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). If compilation and
17471 injection is not supported with the current language specified in
17472 @value{GDBN}, or the compiler does not support this feature, an error
17473 message will be printed. If @var{source-code} compiles and links
17474 successfully, @value{GDBN} will load the object-code emitted,
17475 and execute it within the context of the currently selected inferior.
17476 It is important to note that the compiled code is executed immediately.
17477 After execution, the compiled code is removed from @value{GDBN} and any
17478 new types or variables you have defined will be deleted.
17479
17480 The command allows you to specify @var{source-code} in two ways.
17481 The simplest method is to provide a single line of code to the command.
17482 E.g.:
17483
17484 @smallexample
17485 compile code printf ("hello world\n");
17486 @end smallexample
17487
17488 If you specify options on the command line as well as source code, they
17489 may conflict. The @samp{--} delimiter can be used to separate options
17490 from actual source code. E.g.:
17491
17492 @smallexample
17493 compile code -r -- printf ("hello world\n");
17494 @end smallexample
17495
17496 Alternatively you can enter source code as multiple lines of text. To
17497 enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile code} command without any text
17498 following the command. This will start the multiple-line editor and
17499 allow you to type as many lines of source code as required. When you
17500 have completed typing, enter @samp{end} on its own line to exit the
17501 editor.
17502
17503 @smallexample
17504 compile code
17505 >printf ("hello\n");
17506 >printf ("world\n");
17507 >end
17508 @end smallexample
17509
17510 Specifying @samp{-raw}, prohibits @value{GDBN} from wrapping the
17511 provided @var{source-code} in a callable scope. In this case, you must
17512 specify the entry point of the code by defining a function named
17513 @code{_gdb_expr_}. The @samp{-raw} code cannot access variables of the
17514 inferior. Using @samp{-raw} option may be needed for example when
17515 @var{source-code} requires @samp{#include} lines which may conflict with
17516 inferior symbols otherwise.
17517
17518 @kindex compile file
17519 @item compile file @var{filename}
17520 @itemx compile file -raw @var{filename}
17521 Like @code{compile code}, but take the source code from @var{filename}.
17522
17523 @smallexample
17524 compile file /home/user/example.c
17525 @end smallexample
17526 @end table
17527
17528 @table @code
17529 @item compile print @var{expr}
17530 @itemx compile print /@var{f} @var{expr}
17531 Compile and execute @var{expr} with the compiler language found as the
17532 current language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). By default the
17533 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
17534 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
17535 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
17536 Formats}.
17537
17538 @item compile print
17539 @itemx compile print /@var{f}
17540 @cindex reprint the last value
17541 Alternatively you can enter the expression (source code producing it) as
17542 multiple lines of text. To enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile print}
17543 command without any text following the command. This will start the
17544 multiple-line editor.
17545 @end table
17546
17547 @noindent
17548 The process of compiling and injecting the code can be inspected using:
17549
17550 @table @code
17551 @anchor{set debug compile}
17552 @item set debug compile
17553 @cindex compile command debugging info
17554 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} process of compiling and
17555 injecting the code. The default is off.
17556
17557 @item show debug compile
17558 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} process of
17559 compiling and injecting the code.
17560 @end table
17561
17562 @subsection Compilation options for the @code{compile} command
17563
17564 @value{GDBN} needs to specify the right compilation options for the code
17565 to be injected, in part to make its ABI compatible with the inferior
17566 and in part to make the injected code compatible with @value{GDBN}'s
17567 injecting process.
17568
17569 @noindent
17570 The options used, in increasing precedence:
17571
17572 @table @asis
17573 @item target architecture and OS options (@code{gdbarch})
17574 These options depend on target processor type and target operating
17575 system, usually they specify at least 32-bit (@code{-m32}) or 64-bit
17576 (@code{-m64}) compilation option.
17577
17578 @item compilation options recorded in the target
17579 @value{NGCC} (since version 4.7) stores the options used for compilation
17580 into @code{DW_AT_producer} part of DWARF debugging information according
17581 to the @value{NGCC} option @code{-grecord-gcc-switches}. One has to
17582 explicitly specify @code{-g} during inferior compilation otherwise
17583 @value{NGCC} produces no DWARF. This feature is only relevant for
17584 platforms where @code{-g} produces DWARF by default, otherwise one may
17585 try to enforce DWARF by using @code{-gdwarf-4}.
17586
17587 @item compilation options set by @code{set compile-args}
17588 @end table
17589
17590 @noindent
17591 You can override compilation options using the following command:
17592
17593 @table @code
17594 @item set compile-args
17595 @cindex compile command options override
17596 Set compilation options used for compiling and injecting code with the
17597 @code{compile} commands. These options override any conflicting ones
17598 from the target architecture and/or options stored during inferior
17599 compilation.
17600
17601 @item show compile-args
17602 Displays the current state of compilation options override.
17603 This does not show all the options actually used during compilation,
17604 use @ref{set debug compile} for that.
17605 @end table
17606
17607 @subsection Caveats when using the @code{compile} command
17608
17609 There are a few caveats to keep in mind when using the @code{compile}
17610 command. As the caveats are different per language, the table below
17611 highlights specific issues on a per language basis.
17612
17613 @table @asis
17614 @item C code examples and caveats
17615 When the language in @value{GDBN} is set to @samp{C}, the compiler will
17616 attempt to compile the source code with a @samp{C} compiler. The source
17617 code provided to the @code{compile} command will have much the same
17618 access to variables and types as it normally would if it were part of
17619 the program currently being debugged in @value{GDBN}.
17620
17621 Below is a sample program that forms the basis of the examples that
17622 follow. This program has been compiled and loaded into @value{GDBN},
17623 much like any other normal debugging session.
17624
17625 @smallexample
17626 void function1 (void)
17627 @{
17628 int i = 42;
17629 printf ("function 1\n");
17630 @}
17631
17632 void function2 (void)
17633 @{
17634 int j = 12;
17635 function1 ();
17636 @}
17637
17638 int main(void)
17639 @{
17640 int k = 6;
17641 int *p;
17642 function2 ();
17643 return 0;
17644 @}
17645 @end smallexample
17646
17647 For the purposes of the examples in this section, the program above has
17648 been compiled, loaded into @value{GDBN}, stopped at the function
17649 @code{main}, and @value{GDBN} is awaiting input from the user.
17650
17651 To access variables and types for any program in @value{GDBN}, the
17652 program must be compiled and packaged with debug information. The
17653 @code{compile} command is not an exception to this rule. Without debug
17654 information, you can still use the @code{compile} command, but you will
17655 be very limited in what variables and types you can access.
17656
17657 So with that in mind, the example above has been compiled with debug
17658 information enabled. The @code{compile} command will have access to
17659 all variables and types (except those that may have been optimized
17660 out). Currently, as @value{GDBN} has stopped the program in the
17661 @code{main} function, the @code{compile} command would have access to
17662 the variable @code{k}. You could invoke the @code{compile} command
17663 and type some source code to set the value of @code{k}. You can also
17664 read it, or do anything with that variable you would normally do in
17665 @code{C}. Be aware that changes to inferior variables in the
17666 @code{compile} command are persistent. In the following example:
17667
17668 @smallexample
17669 compile code k = 3;
17670 @end smallexample
17671
17672 @noindent
17673 the variable @code{k} is now 3. It will retain that value until
17674 something else in the example program changes it, or another
17675 @code{compile} command changes it.
17676
17677 Normal scope and access rules apply to source code compiled and
17678 injected by the @code{compile} command. In the example, the variables
17679 @code{j} and @code{k} are not accessible yet, because the program is
17680 currently stopped in the @code{main} function, where these variables
17681 are not in scope. Therefore, the following command
17682
17683 @smallexample
17684 compile code j = 3;
17685 @end smallexample
17686
17687 @noindent
17688 will result in a compilation error message.
17689
17690 Once the program is continued, execution will bring these variables in
17691 scope, and they will become accessible; then the code you specify via
17692 the @code{compile} command will be able to access them.
17693
17694 You can create variables and types with the @code{compile} command as
17695 part of your source code. Variables and types that are created as part
17696 of the @code{compile} command are not visible to the rest of the program for
17697 the duration of its run. This example is valid:
17698
17699 @smallexample
17700 compile code int ff = 5; printf ("ff is %d\n", ff);
17701 @end smallexample
17702
17703 However, if you were to type the following into @value{GDBN} after that
17704 command has completed:
17705
17706 @smallexample
17707 compile code printf ("ff is %d\n'', ff);
17708 @end smallexample
17709
17710 @noindent
17711 a compiler error would be raised as the variable @code{ff} no longer
17712 exists. Object code generated and injected by the @code{compile}
17713 command is removed when its execution ends. Caution is advised
17714 when assigning to program variables values of variables created by the
17715 code submitted to the @code{compile} command. This example is valid:
17716
17717 @smallexample
17718 compile code int ff = 5; k = ff;
17719 @end smallexample
17720
17721 The value of the variable @code{ff} is assigned to @code{k}. The variable
17722 @code{k} does not require the existence of @code{ff} to maintain the value
17723 it has been assigned. However, pointers require particular care in
17724 assignment. If the source code compiled with the @code{compile} command
17725 changed the address of a pointer in the example program, perhaps to a
17726 variable created in the @code{compile} command, that pointer would point
17727 to an invalid location when the command exits. The following example
17728 would likely cause issues with your debugged program:
17729
17730 @smallexample
17731 compile code int ff = 5; p = &ff;
17732 @end smallexample
17733
17734 In this example, @code{p} would point to @code{ff} when the
17735 @code{compile} command is executing the source code provided to it.
17736 However, as variables in the (example) program persist with their
17737 assigned values, the variable @code{p} would point to an invalid
17738 location when the command exists. A general rule should be followed
17739 in that you should either assign @code{NULL} to any assigned pointers,
17740 or restore a valid location to the pointer before the command exits.
17741
17742 Similar caution must be exercised with any structs, unions, and typedefs
17743 defined in @code{compile} command. Types defined in the @code{compile}
17744 command will no longer be available in the next @code{compile} command.
17745 Therefore, if you cast a variable to a type defined in the
17746 @code{compile} command, care must be taken to ensure that any future
17747 need to resolve the type can be achieved.
17748
17749 @smallexample
17750 (gdb) compile code static struct a @{ int a; @} v = @{ 42 @}; argv = &v;
17751 (gdb) compile code printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
17752 gdb command line:1:36: error: dereferencing pointer to incomplete type ‘struct a’
17753 Compilation failed.
17754 (gdb) compile code struct a @{ int a; @}; printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
17755 42
17756 @end smallexample
17757
17758 Variables that have been optimized away by the compiler are not
17759 accessible to the code submitted to the @code{compile} command.
17760 Access to those variables will generate a compiler error which @value{GDBN}
17761 will print to the console.
17762 @end table
17763
17764 @subsection Compiler search for the @code{compile} command
17765
17766 @value{GDBN} needs to find @value{NGCC} for the inferior being debugged which
17767 may not be obvious for remote targets of different architecture than where
17768 @value{GDBN} is running. Environment variable @code{PATH} (@code{PATH} from
17769 shell that executed @value{GDBN}, not the one set by @value{GDBN}
17770 command @code{set environment}). @xref{Environment}. @code{PATH} on
17771 @value{GDBN} host is searched for @value{NGCC} binary matching the
17772 target architecture and operating system.
17773
17774 Specifically @code{PATH} is searched for binaries matching regular expression
17775 @code{@var{arch}(-[^-]*)?-@var{os}-gcc} according to the inferior target being
17776 debugged. @var{arch} is processor name --- multiarch is supported, so for
17777 example both @code{i386} and @code{x86_64} targets look for pattern
17778 @code{(x86_64|i.86)} and both @code{s390} and @code{s390x} targets look
17779 for pattern @code{s390x?}. @var{os} is currently supported only for
17780 pattern @code{linux(-gnu)?}.
17781
17782 @node GDB Files
17783 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
17784
17785 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
17786 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
17787 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
17788 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
17789
17790 @menu
17791 * Files:: Commands to specify files
17792 * File Caching:: Information about @value{GDBN}'s file caching
17793 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
17794 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
17795 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
17796 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
17797 * Data Files:: GDB data files
17798 @end menu
17799
17800 @node Files
17801 @section Commands to Specify Files
17802
17803 @cindex symbol table
17804 @cindex core dump file
17805
17806 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
17807 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
17808 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
17809 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
17810
17811 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
17812 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
17813 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
17814 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
17815 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
17816 new files are useful.
17817
17818 @table @code
17819 @cindex executable file
17820 @kindex file
17821 @item file @var{filename}
17822 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
17823 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
17824 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
17825 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
17826 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
17827 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
17828 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
17829 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
17830
17831 @cindex unlinked object files
17832 @cindex patching object files
17833 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
17834 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
17835 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
17836 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
17837 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
17838 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
17839 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
17840 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
17841
17842 @item file
17843 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
17844 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
17845
17846 @kindex exec-file
17847 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
17848 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
17849 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
17850 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
17851 discard information on the executable file.
17852
17853 @kindex symbol-file
17854 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
17855 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
17856 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
17857 table and program to run from the same file.
17858
17859 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
17860 program's symbol table.
17861
17862 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
17863 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
17864 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
17865 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
17866 @value{GDBN}.
17867
17868 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
17869 executing it once.
17870
17871 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
17872 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
17873 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
17874 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
17875 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
17876 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
17877 optimized code.
17878
17879 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
17880 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
17881 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
17882 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
17883 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
17884
17885 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
17886 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
17887 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
17888 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
17889 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
17890 Warnings and Messages}.)
17891
17892 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
17893 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
17894 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
17895 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
17896 in stabs format.
17897
17898 @kindex readnow
17899 @cindex reading symbols immediately
17900 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
17901 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
17902 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
17903 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
17904 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
17905 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
17906 entire symbol table available.
17907
17908 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
17909 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
17910 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
17911 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
17912 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
17913 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
17914 @c files.
17915
17916 @kindex core-file
17917 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17918 @itemx core
17919 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
17920 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
17921 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
17922 executable file itself for other parts.
17923
17924 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
17925 to be used.
17926
17927 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
17928 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
17929 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
17930 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
17931 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
17932
17933 @kindex add-symbol-file
17934 @cindex dynamic linking
17935 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
17936 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
17937 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
17938 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
17939 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
17940 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
17941 into the program that is running. The @var{address} should give the memory
17942 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
17943 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
17944 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
17945 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
17946 @var{address} as an expression.
17947
17948 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
17949 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
17950 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
17951 thus read is kept in addition to the old.
17952
17953 Changes can be reverted using the command @code{remove-symbol-file}.
17954
17955 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
17956 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
17957 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
17958 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
17959 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
17960 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
17961 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
17962 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
17963 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
17964
17965 @itemize @bullet
17966 @item
17967 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
17968 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
17969 @item
17970 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
17971 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
17972 @item
17973 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
17974 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
17975 @end itemize
17976
17977 @noindent
17978 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
17979 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
17980 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
17981 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
17982 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
17983 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
17984 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
17985 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
17986 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
17987 way.
17988
17989 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
17990
17991 @kindex remove-symbol-file
17992 @item remove-symbol-file @var{filename}
17993 @item remove-symbol-file -a @var{address}
17994 Remove a symbol file added via the @code{add-symbol-file} command. The
17995 file to remove can be identified by its @var{filename} or by an @var{address}
17996 that lies within the boundaries of this symbol file in memory. Example:
17997
17998 @smallexample
17999 (gdb) add-symbol-file /home/user/gdb/mylib.so 0x7ffff7ff9480
18000 add symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so" at
18001 .text_addr = 0x7ffff7ff9480
18002 (y or n) y
18003 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/mylib.so...done.
18004 (gdb) remove-symbol-file -a 0x7ffff7ff9480
18005 Remove symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so"? (y or n) y
18006 (gdb)
18007 @end smallexample
18008
18009
18010 @code{remove-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
18011
18012 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
18013 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
18014 @cindex load symbols from memory
18015 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
18016 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
18017 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
18018 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
18019 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
18020 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
18021 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
18022 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
18023 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
18024
18025 @kindex section
18026 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
18027 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
18028 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
18029 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
18030 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
18031 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
18032 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
18033 their addresses.
18034
18035 @kindex info files
18036 @kindex info target
18037 @item info files
18038 @itemx info target
18039 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
18040 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
18041 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
18042 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
18043 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
18044 current ones.
18045
18046 @kindex maint info sections
18047 @item maint info sections
18048 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
18049 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
18050 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
18051 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
18052 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
18053 may be arbitrarily combined):
18054
18055 @table @code
18056 @item ALLOBJ
18057 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
18058 @item @var{sections}
18059 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
18060 @item @var{section-flags}
18061 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
18062 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
18063 @table @code
18064 @item ALLOC
18065 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
18066 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
18067 @item LOAD
18068 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
18069 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
18070 @item RELOC
18071 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
18072 @item READONLY
18073 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
18074 @item CODE
18075 Section contains executable code only.
18076 @item DATA
18077 Section contains data only (no executable code).
18078 @item ROM
18079 Section will reside in ROM.
18080 @item CONSTRUCTOR
18081 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
18082 @item HAS_CONTENTS
18083 Section is not empty.
18084 @item NEVER_LOAD
18085 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
18086 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
18087 A notification to the linker that the section contains
18088 COFF shared library information.
18089 @item IS_COMMON
18090 Section contains common symbols.
18091 @end table
18092 @end table
18093 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
18094 @cindex read-only sections
18095 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
18096 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
18097 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
18098 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
18099 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
18100 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
18101 enhancement to debugging performance.
18102
18103 The default is off.
18104
18105 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
18106 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
18107 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
18108 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
18109
18110 @item show trust-readonly-sections
18111 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
18112 @end table
18113
18114 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
18115 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
18116 name and remembers it that way.
18117
18118 @cindex shared libraries
18119 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
18120 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, SunOS,
18121 Darwin/Mach-O, SVr4, IBM RS/6000 AIX, QNX Neutrino, FDPIC (FR-V), and
18122 DSBT (TIC6X) shared libraries.
18123
18124 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
18125 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
18126
18127 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
18128 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
18129 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
18130 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
18131 debugging a core file).
18132
18133 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
18134 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
18135 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
18136
18137 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
18138 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
18139 particularly large or there are many of them.
18140
18141 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
18142 commands:
18143
18144 @table @code
18145 @kindex set auto-solib-add
18146 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
18147 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
18148 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
18149 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
18150 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
18151 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
18152 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
18153
18154 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
18155 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
18156 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
18157 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
18158 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
18159 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
18160 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
18161 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
18162 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
18163
18164 @kindex show auto-solib-add
18165 @item show auto-solib-add
18166 Display the current autoloading mode.
18167 @end table
18168
18169 @cindex load shared library
18170 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
18171 command:
18172
18173 @table @code
18174 @kindex info sharedlibrary
18175 @kindex info share
18176 @item info share @var{regex}
18177 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
18178 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
18179 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
18180 all shared libraries that are loaded.
18181
18182 @kindex info dll
18183 @item info dll @var{regex}
18184 This is an alias of @code{info sharedlibrary}.
18185
18186 @kindex sharedlibrary
18187 @kindex share
18188 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
18189 @itemx share @var{regex}
18190 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
18191 Unix regular expression.
18192 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
18193 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
18194 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
18195 loaded.
18196
18197 @item nosharedlibrary
18198 @kindex nosharedlibrary
18199 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
18200 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
18201 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
18202 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
18203 discarded.
18204 @end table
18205
18206 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
18207 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
18208 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
18209 Catchpoints}).
18210
18211 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
18212 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
18213 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
18214 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
18215
18216 @table @code
18217 @item set stop-on-solib-events
18218 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
18219 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
18220 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
18221 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
18222 shared library.
18223
18224 @item show stop-on-solib-events
18225 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
18226 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
18227 library events happen.
18228 @end table
18229
18230 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
18231 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
18232 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
18233 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
18234 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
18235 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
18236 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
18237 not.
18238
18239 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
18240 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
18241 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
18242 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
18243 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
18244
18245 @table @code
18246 @cindex prefix for executable and shared library file names
18247 @cindex system root, alternate
18248 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
18249 @kindex set sysroot
18250 @item set sysroot @var{path}
18251 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
18252 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
18253 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
18254 target program's memory. When starting processes remotely, and when
18255 attaching to already-running processes (local or remote), their
18256 executable filenames will be prefixed with @var{path} if reported to
18257 @value{GDBN} as absolute by the operating system. If you use
18258 @code{set sysroot} to find executables and shared libraries, they need
18259 to be laid out in the same way that they are on the target, with
18260 e.g.@: a @file{/bin}, @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy under
18261 @var{path}.
18262
18263 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{target:} and the target
18264 system is remote then @value{GDBN} will retrieve the target binaries
18265 from the remote system. This is only supported when using a remote
18266 target that supports the @code{remote get} command (@pxref{File
18267 Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}). The part of @var{path}
18268 following the initial @file{target:} (if present) is used as system
18269 root prefix on the remote file system. If @var{path} starts with the
18270 sequence @file{remote:} this is converted to the sequence
18271 @file{target:} by @code{set sysroot}@footnote{Historically the
18272 functionality to retrieve binaries from the remote system was
18273 provided by prefixing @var{path} with @file{remote:}}. If you want
18274 to specify a local system root using a directory that happens to be
18275 named @file{target:} or @file{remote:}, you need to use some
18276 equivalent variant of the name like @file{./target:}.
18277
18278 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
18279 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
18280 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
18281 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
18282 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
18283
18284 @smallexample
18285 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
18286 @end smallexample
18287
18288 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
18289 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
18290 system:
18291
18292 @smallexample
18293 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
18294 @end smallexample
18295
18296 If that does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries removing
18297 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
18298 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
18299 colons:
18300
18301 @smallexample
18302 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
18303 @end smallexample
18304
18305 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
18306 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
18307 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
18308 @samp{z}):
18309
18310 @smallexample
18311 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
18312 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
18313 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
18314 @end smallexample
18315
18316 @noindent
18317 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
18318 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
18319 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
18320
18321 If that still does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries
18322 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
18323
18324 @smallexample
18325 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
18326 @end smallexample
18327
18328 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
18329 if you don't want or need to.
18330
18331 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
18332 sysroot}.
18333
18334 @cindex default system root
18335 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
18336 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
18337 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
18338 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
18339 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
18340 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
18341 location.
18342
18343 @kindex show sysroot
18344 @item show sysroot
18345 Display the current executable and shared library prefix.
18346
18347 @kindex set solib-search-path
18348 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
18349 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
18350 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
18351 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
18352 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
18353 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
18354 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
18355 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
18356 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
18357 of shared library symbols.
18358
18359 @kindex show solib-search-path
18360 @item show solib-search-path
18361 Display the current shared library search path.
18362
18363 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
18364 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
18365 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
18366 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
18367 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
18368
18369 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
18370 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
18371 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
18372 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
18373 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
18374 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
18375 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
18376 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
18377 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
18378 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
18379 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
18380 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
18381 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
18382 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
18383 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
18384 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
18385 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
18386 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
18387 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
18388 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
18389 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
18390 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
18391
18392 @table @code
18393 @item unix
18394 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
18395 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
18396 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
18397 the forward slash.
18398
18399 @item dos-based
18400 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
18401 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
18402 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
18403 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
18404 considered directory separators.
18405
18406 @item auto
18407 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
18408 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
18409 This is the default.
18410 @end table
18411 @end table
18412
18413 @cindex file name canonicalization
18414 @cindex base name differences
18415 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
18416 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
18417 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
18418 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
18419 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
18420 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
18421 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
18422 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
18423 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
18424 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
18425 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
18426 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
18427 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
18428 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
18429 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
18430
18431 @table @code
18432 @item set basenames-may-differ
18433 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
18434 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
18435
18436 @item show basenames-may-differ
18437 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
18438 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
18439 @end table
18440
18441 @node File Caching
18442 @section File Caching
18443 @cindex caching of opened files
18444 @cindex caching of bfd objects
18445
18446 To speed up file loading, and reduce memory usage, @value{GDBN} will
18447 reuse the @code{bfd} objects used to track open files. @xref{Top, ,
18448 BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}. The following commands
18449 allow visibility and control of the caching behavior.
18450
18451 @table @code
18452 @kindex maint info bfds
18453 @item maint info bfds
18454 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
18455 @value{GDBN}.
18456
18457 @kindex maint set bfd-sharing
18458 @kindex maint show bfd-sharing
18459 @kindex bfd caching
18460 @item maint set bfd-sharing
18461 @item maint show bfd-sharing
18462 Control whether @code{bfd} objects can be shared. When sharing is
18463 enabled @value{GDBN} reuses already open @code{bfd} objects rather
18464 than reopening the same file. Turning sharing off does not cause
18465 already shared @code{bfd} objects to be unshared, but all future files
18466 that are opened will create a new @code{bfd} object. Similarly,
18467 re-enabling sharing does not cause multiple existing @code{bfd}
18468 objects to be collapsed into a single shared @code{bfd} object.
18469
18470 @kindex set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
18471 @kindex bfd caching
18472 @item set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
18473 Turns on debugging of the bfd cache, setting the level to @var{level}.
18474
18475 @kindex show debug bfd-cache
18476 @kindex bfd caching
18477 @item show debug bfd-cache
18478 Show the current debugging level of the bfd cache.
18479 @end table
18480
18481 @node Separate Debug Files
18482 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
18483 @cindex separate debugging information files
18484 @cindex debugging information in separate files
18485 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
18486 @cindex debugging information directory, global
18487 @cindex global debugging information directories
18488 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
18489 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
18490
18491 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
18492 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
18493 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
18494 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
18495 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
18496 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
18497 install only when they need to debug a problem.
18498
18499 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
18500 file:
18501
18502 @itemize @bullet
18503 @item
18504 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
18505 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
18506 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
18507 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
18508 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
18509 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
18510 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
18511 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
18512
18513 @item
18514 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
18515 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
18516 only on some operating systems, when using the ELF or PE file formats
18517 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
18518 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
18519 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
18520 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
18521 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
18522 below.
18523 @end itemize
18524
18525 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
18526 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
18527
18528 @itemize @bullet
18529 @item
18530 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
18531 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
18532 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
18533 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
18534 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
18535
18536 @item
18537 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
18538 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
18539 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
18540 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
18541 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
18542 hex characters, not 10.)
18543 @end itemize
18544
18545 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
18546 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
18547 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
18548 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
18549 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
18550 debug information files, in the indicated order:
18551
18552 @itemize @minus
18553 @item
18554 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
18555 @item
18556 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
18557 @item
18558 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
18559 @item
18560 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
18561 @end itemize
18562
18563 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
18564 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
18565 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
18566 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
18567 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
18568
18569 @table @code
18570
18571 @kindex set debug-file-directory
18572 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
18573 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
18574 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
18575 concatenating them by a path separator.
18576
18577 @kindex show debug-file-directory
18578 @item show debug-file-directory
18579 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
18580 information files.
18581
18582 @end table
18583
18584 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
18585 @cindex debug link sections
18586 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
18587 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
18588
18589 @itemize
18590 @item
18591 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
18592 a zero byte,
18593 @item
18594 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
18595 boundary within the section, and
18596 @item
18597 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
18598 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
18599 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
18600 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
18601 @end itemize
18602
18603 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
18604 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
18605 described above.
18606
18607 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
18608 @cindex build ID sections
18609 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
18610 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
18611 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
18612 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
18613 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
18614 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
18615 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
18616 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
18617 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
18618
18619 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
18620 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
18621 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
18622 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
18623 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
18624 in an ordinary executable.
18625
18626 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
18627 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
18628 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
18629 following commands:
18630
18631 @smallexample
18632 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
18633 @kbd{strip -g foo}
18634 @end smallexample
18635
18636 @noindent
18637 These commands remove the debugging
18638 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
18639 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
18640 two files:
18641
18642 @itemize @bullet
18643 @item
18644 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
18645 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
18646
18647 @smallexample
18648 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
18649 @end smallexample
18650
18651 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
18652 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
18653 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
18654 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
18655
18656 @item
18657 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
18658 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
18659 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
18660 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
18661 @end itemize
18662
18663 @noindent
18664
18665 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
18666 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
18667 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
18668
18669 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
18670 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
18671 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
18672 @c different ways!
18673 @ifhtml
18674 @display
18675 @html
18676 <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>
18677 + <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
18678 @end html
18679 @end display
18680 @end ifhtml
18681 @ifnothtml
18682 @display
18683 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
18684 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
18685 @end display
18686 @end ifnothtml
18687
18688 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
18689 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
18690 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
18691 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
18692 CRC.
18693
18694 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
18695 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
18696 However in the case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed
18697 @emph{most} significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so
18698 trailing zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
18699
18700 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
18701 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
18702 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
18703 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
18704 @code{0xffffffff}.
18705
18706 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
18707 @smallexample
18708 unsigned long
18709 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
18710 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
18711 @{
18712 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
18713 @{
18714 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
18715 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
18716 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
18717 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
18718 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
18719 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
18720 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
18721 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
18722 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
18723 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
18724 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
18725 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
18726 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
18727 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
18728 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
18729 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
18730 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
18731 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
18732 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
18733 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
18734 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
18735 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
18736 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
18737 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
18738 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
18739 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
18740 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
18741 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
18742 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
18743 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
18744 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
18745 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
18746 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
18747 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
18748 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
18749 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
18750 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
18751 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
18752 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
18753 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
18754 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
18755 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
18756 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
18757 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
18758 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
18759 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
18760 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
18761 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
18762 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
18763 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
18764 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
18765 0x2d02ef8d
18766 @};
18767 unsigned char *end;
18768
18769 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
18770 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
18771 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
18772 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
18773 @}
18774 @end smallexample
18775
18776 @noindent
18777 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
18778
18779 @node MiniDebugInfo
18780 @section Debugging information in a special section
18781 @cindex separate debug sections
18782 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
18783
18784 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
18785 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
18786 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
18787 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
18788
18789 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
18790 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
18791 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
18792 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
18793 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
18794 debugging information might be included in the section.
18795
18796 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
18797 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
18798 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
18799
18800 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
18801 standard utilities:
18802
18803 @smallexample
18804 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
18805 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
18806 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
18807 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
18808
18809 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
18810 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
18811 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
18812 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
18813 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
18814 | sort > funcsyms
18815
18816 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
18817 # table.
18818 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
18819
18820 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
18821 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
18822
18823 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
18824 # removing some unnecessary sections.
18825 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
18826 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
18827
18828 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
18829 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
18830
18831 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
18832 # original binary.
18833 xz mini_debuginfo
18834 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
18835 @end smallexample
18836
18837 @node Index Files
18838 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
18839 @cindex index files
18840 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
18841
18842 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
18843 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
18844 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
18845 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
18846 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
18847 startup.
18848
18849 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
18850 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
18851 using @command{objcopy}.
18852
18853 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
18854
18855 @table @code
18856 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
18857 @kindex save gdb-index
18858 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
18859 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
18860 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
18861 @var{directory}.
18862 @end table
18863
18864 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
18865 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
18866
18867 @smallexample
18868 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
18869 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
18870 @end smallexample
18871
18872 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
18873 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
18874 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
18875 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
18876 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
18877 The default is @code{off}.
18878 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
18879 @xref{Index Section Format}.
18880
18881 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
18882 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
18883
18884 @smallexample
18885 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
18886 @end smallexample
18887
18888 Instead you must do, for example,
18889
18890 @smallexample
18891 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
18892 @end smallexample
18893
18894 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
18895 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
18896 currently work for programs using Ada.
18897
18898 @node Symbol Errors
18899 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
18900
18901 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
18902 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
18903 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
18904 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
18905 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
18906 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
18907 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
18908 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
18909 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
18910 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
18911 Messages}).
18912
18913 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
18914
18915 @table @code
18916 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
18917
18918 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
18919 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
18920 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
18921 in its outer scope blocks.
18922
18923 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
18924 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
18925 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
18926 function.
18927
18928 @item block at @var{address} out of order
18929
18930 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
18931 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
18932 do so.
18933
18934 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
18935 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
18936 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
18937 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
18938 Messages}.)
18939
18940 @item bad block start address patched
18941
18942 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
18943 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
18944 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
18945
18946 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
18947 starting on the previous source line.
18948
18949 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
18950
18951 @cindex foo
18952 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
18953 larger than the size of the string table.
18954
18955 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
18956 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
18957 with this name.
18958
18959 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
18960
18961 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
18962 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
18963 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
18964
18965 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
18966 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
18967 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
18968 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
18969 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
18970 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
18971
18972 @item stub type has NULL name
18973
18974 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
18975
18976 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
18977 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
18978 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
18979 it.
18980
18981 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
18982
18983 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
18984
18985 @end table
18986
18987 @node Data Files
18988 @section GDB Data Files
18989
18990 @cindex prefix for data files
18991 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
18992 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
18993
18994 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
18995 is currently using.
18996
18997 @table @code
18998 @kindex set data-directory
18999 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
19000 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
19001 to @var{directory}.
19002
19003 @kindex show data-directory
19004 @item show data-directory
19005 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
19006 @end table
19007
19008 @cindex default data directory
19009 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
19010 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
19011 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
19012 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
19013 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
19014 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
19015 location.
19016
19017 The data directory may also be specified with the
19018 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
19019 @xref{Mode Options}.
19020
19021 @node Targets
19022 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
19023
19024 @cindex debugging target
19025 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
19026
19027 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
19028 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
19029 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
19030 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
19031 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
19032 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
19033 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
19034 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
19035
19036 @cindex target architecture
19037 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
19038 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
19039 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
19040 command.
19041
19042 @table @code
19043 @kindex set architecture
19044 @kindex show architecture
19045 @item set architecture @var{arch}
19046 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
19047 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
19048 supported architectures.
19049
19050 @item show architecture
19051 Show the current target architecture.
19052
19053 @item set processor
19054 @itemx processor
19055 @kindex set processor
19056 @kindex show processor
19057 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
19058 and @code{show architecture}.
19059 @end table
19060
19061 @menu
19062 * Active Targets:: Active targets
19063 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
19064 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
19065 @end menu
19066
19067 @node Active Targets
19068 @section Active Targets
19069
19070 @cindex stacking targets
19071 @cindex active targets
19072 @cindex multiple targets
19073
19074 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
19075 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
19076 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
19077 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
19078 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
19079 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
19080 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
19081 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
19082 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
19083
19084 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
19085 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
19086 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
19087 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
19088
19089 @node Target Commands
19090 @section Commands for Managing Targets
19091
19092 @table @code
19093 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
19094 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
19095 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
19096 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
19097 protocol of the target machine.
19098
19099 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
19100 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
19101 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
19102
19103 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
19104 after executing the command.
19105
19106 @kindex help target
19107 @item help target
19108 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
19109 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
19110 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
19111
19112 @item help target @var{name}
19113 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
19114 select it.
19115
19116 @kindex set gnutarget
19117 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
19118 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
19119 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
19120 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
19121 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
19122 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
19123
19124 @quotation
19125 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
19126 you must know the actual BFD name.
19127 @end quotation
19128
19129 @noindent
19130 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
19131
19132 @kindex show gnutarget
19133 @item show gnutarget
19134 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
19135 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
19136 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
19137 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
19138 @end table
19139
19140 @cindex common targets
19141 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
19142 configuration):
19143
19144 @table @code
19145 @kindex target
19146 @item target exec @var{program}
19147 @cindex executable file target
19148 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
19149 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
19150
19151 @item target core @var{filename}
19152 @cindex core dump file target
19153 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
19154 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
19155
19156 @item target remote @var{medium}
19157 @cindex remote target
19158 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
19159 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
19160 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
19161
19162 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
19163 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
19164
19165 @smallexample
19166 target remote /dev/ttya
19167 @end smallexample
19168
19169 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
19170 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
19171 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
19172 clobbered by the download.
19173
19174 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
19175 @cindex built-in simulator target
19176 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
19177 In general,
19178 @smallexample
19179 target sim
19180 load
19181 run
19182 @end smallexample
19183 @noindent
19184 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
19185 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
19186 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
19187 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
19188 Processors}.
19189
19190 @item target native
19191 @cindex native target
19192 Setup for local/native process debugging. Useful to make the
19193 @code{run} command spawn native processes (likewise @code{attach},
19194 etc.@:) even when @code{set auto-connect-native-target} is @code{off}
19195 (@pxref{set auto-connect-native-target}).
19196
19197 @end table
19198
19199 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
19200 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
19201
19202 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
19203 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
19204 various aspects of this process.
19205
19206 @table @code
19207
19208 @item set hash
19209 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
19210 @cindex hash mark while downloading
19211 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
19212 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
19213 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
19214 monitor.
19215
19216 @item show hash
19217 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
19218 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
19219
19220 @item set debug monitor
19221 @kindex set debug monitor
19222 @cindex display remote monitor communications
19223 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
19224 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
19225
19226 @item show debug monitor
19227 @kindex show debug monitor
19228 Show the current status of displaying communications between
19229 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
19230 @end table
19231
19232 @table @code
19233
19234 @kindex load @var{filename}
19235 @item load @var{filename}
19236 @anchor{load}
19237 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
19238 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
19239 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
19240 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
19241 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
19242 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
19243
19244 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
19245 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
19246 target is @dots{}}''
19247
19248 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
19249 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
19250 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
19251 specifies a fixed address.
19252 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
19253
19254 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
19255 load programs into flash memory.
19256
19257 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
19258 @end table
19259
19260 @node Byte Order
19261 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
19262
19263 @cindex choosing target byte order
19264 @cindex target byte order
19265
19266 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
19267 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
19268 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
19269 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
19270 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
19271 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
19272
19273 @table @code
19274 @kindex set endian
19275 @item set endian big
19276 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
19277
19278 @item set endian little
19279 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
19280
19281 @item set endian auto
19282 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
19283 executable.
19284
19285 @item show endian
19286 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
19287
19288 @end table
19289
19290 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
19291 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
19292 target system.
19293
19294
19295 @node Remote Debugging
19296 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
19297 @cindex remote debugging
19298
19299 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
19300 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
19301 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
19302 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
19303 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
19304
19305 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
19306 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
19307 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
19308 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
19309 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
19310 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
19311
19312 Other remote targets may be available in your
19313 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
19314
19315 @menu
19316 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
19317 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
19318 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
19319 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
19320 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
19321 @end menu
19322
19323 @node Connecting
19324 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
19325 @cindex remote debugging, connecting
19326 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, connecting
19327 @cindex remote debugging, types of connections
19328 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, types of connections
19329 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target remote} mode
19330 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target extended-remote} mode
19331
19332 This section describes how to connect to a remote target, including the
19333 types of connections and their differences, how to set up executable and
19334 symbol files on the host and target, and the commands used for
19335 connecting to and disconnecting from the remote target.
19336
19337 @subsection Types of Remote Connections
19338
19339 @value{GDBN} supports two types of remote connections, @code{target remote}
19340 mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode. Note that many remote targets
19341 support only @code{target remote} mode. There are several major
19342 differences between the two types of connections, enumerated here:
19343
19344 @table @asis
19345
19346 @cindex remote debugging, detach and program exit
19347 @item Result of detach or program exit
19348 @strong{With target remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or you
19349 detach from it, @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target. When using
19350 @code{gdbserver}, @code{gdbserver} will exit.
19351
19352 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or
19353 you detach from it, @value{GDBN} remains connected to the target, even
19354 though no program is running. You can rerun the program, attach to a
19355 running program, or use @code{monitor} commands specific to the target.
19356
19357 When using @code{gdbserver} in this case, it does not exit unless it was
19358 invoked using the @option{--once} option. If the @option{--once} option
19359 was not used, you can ask @code{gdbserver} to exit using the
19360 @code{monitor exit} command (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
19361
19362 @item Specifying the program to debug
19363 For both connection types you use the @code{file} command to specify the
19364 program on the host system. If you are using @code{gdbserver} there are
19365 some differences in how to specify the location of the program on the
19366 target.
19367
19368 @strong{With target remote mode:} You must either specify the program to debug
19369 on the @code{gdbserver} command line or use the @option{--attach} option
19370 (@pxref{Attaching to a program,,Attaching to a Running Program}).
19371
19372 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
19373 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} You may specify the program to debug
19374 on the @code{gdbserver} command line, or you can load the program or attach
19375 to it using @value{GDBN} commands after connecting to @code{gdbserver}.
19376
19377 @anchor{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}
19378 You can start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
19379 or process ID to attach. To do this, use the @option{--multi} command line
19380 option. Then you can connect using @code{target extended-remote} and start
19381 the program you want to debug (see below for details on using the
19382 @code{run} command in this scenario). Note that the conditions under which
19383 @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN} connects to it
19384 (@code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}). The
19385 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
19386
19387 @item The @code{run} command
19388 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @code{run} command is not
19389 supported. Once a connection has been established, you can use all
19390 the usual @value{GDBN} commands to examine and change data. The
19391 remote program is already running, so you can use commands like
19392 @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}.
19393
19394 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} The @code{run} command is
19395 supported. The @code{run} command uses the value set by
19396 @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set remote exec-file}) to select
19397 the program to run. Command line arguments are supported, except for
19398 wildcard expansion and I/O redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
19399
19400 If you specify the program to debug on the command line, then the
19401 @code{run} command is not required to start execution, and you can
19402 resume using commands like @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue} as with
19403 @code{target remote} mode.
19404
19405 @anchor{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}
19406 @item Attaching
19407 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @value{GDBN} command @code{attach} is
19408 not supported. To attach to a running program using @code{gdbserver}, you
19409 must use the @option{--attach} option (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
19410
19411 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} To attach to a running program,
19412 you may use the @code{attach} command after the connection has been
19413 established. If you are using @code{gdbserver}, you may also invoke
19414 @code{gdbserver} using the @option{--attach} option
19415 (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
19416
19417 @end table
19418
19419 @anchor{Host and target files}
19420 @subsection Host and Target Files
19421 @cindex remote debugging, symbol files
19422 @cindex symbol files, remote debugging
19423
19424 @value{GDBN}, running on the host, needs access to symbol and debugging
19425 information for your program running on the target. This requires
19426 access to an unstripped copy of your program, and possibly any associated
19427 symbol files. Note that this section applies equally to both @code{target
19428 remote} mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode.
19429
19430 Some remote targets (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}, and
19431 @pxref{Host I/O Packets}) allow @value{GDBN} to access program files over
19432 the same connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. With such a
19433 target, if the remote program is unstripped, the only command you need is
19434 @code{target remote} (or @code{target extended-remote}).
19435
19436 If the remote program is stripped, or the target does not support remote
19437 program file access, start up @value{GDBN} using the name of the local
19438 unstripped copy of your program as the first argument, or use the
19439 @code{file} command. Use @code{set sysroot} to specify the location (on
19440 the host) of target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN} was compiled with
19441 the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}). Alternatively, you
19442 may use @code{set solib-search-path} to specify how @value{GDBN} locates
19443 target libraries.
19444
19445 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
19446 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
19447 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
19448 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
19449 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
19450 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
19451 programs.
19452
19453 @subsection Remote Connection Commands
19454 @cindex remote connection commands
19455 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
19456 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
19457 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
19458 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
19459 @code{target remote} and @code{target extended-remote} commands
19460 establish a connection to the target. Both commands accept the same
19461 arguments, which indicate the medium to use:
19462
19463 @table @code
19464
19465 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
19466 @itemx target extended-remote @var{serial-device}
19467 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
19468 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
19469 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
19470
19471 @smallexample
19472 target remote /dev/ttyb
19473 @end smallexample
19474
19475 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
19476 @samp{--baud} option, or use the @code{set serial baud} command
19477 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set serial baud}) before the
19478 @code{target} command.
19479
19480 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
19481 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
19482 @itemx target extended-remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
19483 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
19484 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
19485 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
19486 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
19487 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
19488 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
19489 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
19490 target.
19491
19492 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
19493 @code{manyfarms}:
19494
19495 @smallexample
19496 target remote manyfarms:2828
19497 @end smallexample
19498
19499 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
19500 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
19501 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
19502 port 1234 on your local machine:
19503
19504 @smallexample
19505 target remote :1234
19506 @end smallexample
19507 @noindent
19508
19509 Note that the colon is still required here.
19510
19511 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
19512 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
19513 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
19514 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
19515 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
19516
19517 @smallexample
19518 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
19519 @end smallexample
19520
19521 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
19522 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
19523 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
19524 cause havoc with your debugging session.
19525
19526 @item target remote | @var{command}
19527 @itemx target extended-remote | @var{command}
19528 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
19529 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
19530 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
19531 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
19532 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
19533 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
19534 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
19535 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
19536
19537 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
19538 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
19539 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
19540
19541 @end table
19542
19543 @cindex interrupting remote programs
19544 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
19545 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
19546 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
19547 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
19548 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
19549 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
19550
19551 @smallexample
19552 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
19553 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
19554 @end smallexample
19555
19556 In @code{target remote} mode, if you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons
19557 the remote debugging session. (If you decide you want to try again later,
19558 you can use @kbd{target remote} again to connect once more.) If you type
19559 @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN} goes back to waiting.
19560
19561 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, typing @kbd{n} will leave
19562 @value{GDBN} connected to the target.
19563
19564 @table @code
19565 @kindex detach (remote)
19566 @item detach
19567 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
19568 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
19569 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
19570 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
19571 command in @code{target remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to
19572 another target. In @code{target extended-remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is
19573 still connected to the target.
19574
19575 @kindex disconnect
19576 @item disconnect
19577 The @code{disconnect} command closes the connection to the target, and
19578 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
19579 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
19580 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
19581 another target.
19582
19583 @cindex send command to remote monitor
19584 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
19585 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
19586 @kindex monitor
19587 @item monitor @var{cmd}
19588 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
19589 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
19590 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
19591 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
19592 and implement.
19593 @end table
19594
19595 @node File Transfer
19596 @section Sending files to a remote system
19597 @cindex remote target, file transfer
19598 @cindex file transfer
19599 @cindex sending files to remote systems
19600
19601 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
19602 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
19603 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
19604 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
19605 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
19606 the only way to upload or download files.
19607
19608 Not all remote targets support these commands.
19609
19610 @table @code
19611 @kindex remote put
19612 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
19613 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
19614 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
19615
19616 @kindex remote get
19617 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
19618 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
19619 on the host system.
19620
19621 @kindex remote delete
19622 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
19623 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
19624
19625 @end table
19626
19627 @node Server
19628 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
19629
19630 @kindex gdbserver
19631 @cindex remote connection without stubs
19632 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
19633 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
19634 @code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}---but without
19635 linking in the usual debugging stub.
19636
19637 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
19638 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
19639 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
19640 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
19641 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
19642 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
19643 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
19644 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
19645 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
19646 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
19647 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
19648 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
19649 choice for debugging.
19650
19651 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
19652 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
19653 protocol.
19654
19655 @quotation
19656 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
19657 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
19658 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
19659 target system with the same privileges as the user running
19660 @code{gdbserver}.
19661 @end quotation
19662
19663 @anchor{Running gdbserver}
19664 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
19665 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
19666 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
19667
19668 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
19669 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
19670 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
19671 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
19672 system does all the symbol handling.
19673
19674 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
19675 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
19676 syntax is:
19677
19678 @smallexample
19679 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
19680 @end smallexample
19681
19682 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
19683 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
19684 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
19685 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
19686 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
19687 @file{/dev/com1}:
19688
19689 @smallexample
19690 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
19691 @end smallexample
19692
19693 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
19694 with it.
19695
19696 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
19697
19698 @smallexample
19699 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
19700 @end smallexample
19701
19702 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
19703 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
19704 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
19705 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
19706 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
19707 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
19708 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
19709 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
19710 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
19711 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
19712 @code{target remote} command.
19713
19714 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
19715 with ssh:
19716
19717 @smallexample
19718 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
19719 @end smallexample
19720
19721 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
19722 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
19723 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
19724 You could elide it if you want to.
19725
19726 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
19727 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
19728 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
19729 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
19730
19731 @anchor{Attaching to a program}
19732 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
19733 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
19734 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
19735
19736 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
19737 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
19738
19739 @smallexample
19740 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
19741 @end smallexample
19742
19743 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
19744 necessary to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
19745
19746 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, you can also attach using the
19747 @value{GDBN} attach command
19748 (@pxref{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}).
19749
19750 @pindex pidof
19751 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
19752 @code{pidof} utility:
19753
19754 @smallexample
19755 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
19756 @end smallexample
19757
19758 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
19759 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
19760 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
19761
19762 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
19763
19764 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP
19765 port.
19766
19767 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
19768 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
19769 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
19770 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
19771 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
19772 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
19773 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
19774 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
19775
19776 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
19777 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
19778 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
19779
19780 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
19781 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
19782 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
19783 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
19784 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
19785 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
19786 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
19787 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
19788 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
19789 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
19790 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
19791 instance closes its port after the first connection.
19792
19793 @anchor{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}
19794 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
19795
19796 You can use the @option{--multi} option to start @code{gdbserver} without
19797 specifying a program to debug or a process to attach to. Then you can
19798 attach in @code{target extended-remote} mode and run or attach to a
19799 program. For more information,
19800 @pxref{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}.
19801
19802 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
19803 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
19804 status information about the debugging process.
19805 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
19806 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
19807 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
19808 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
19809
19810 @cindex @option{--debug-format}, @code{gdbserver} option
19811 The @option{--debug-format=option1[,option2,...]} option tells
19812 @code{gdbserver} to include additional information in each output.
19813 Possible options are:
19814
19815 @table @code
19816 @item none
19817 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
19818 @item all
19819 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
19820 @item timestamps
19821 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
19822 @end table
19823
19824 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
19825 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
19826
19827 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
19828 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
19829 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
19830 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
19831 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
19832
19833 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
19834 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
19835 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
19836 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
19837
19838 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
19839 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
19840 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
19841 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
19842
19843 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
19844 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
19845 environment:
19846
19847 @smallexample
19848 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
19849 @end smallexample
19850
19851 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
19852
19853 The basic procedure for connecting to the remote target is:
19854 @itemize
19855
19856 @item
19857 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
19858
19859 @item
19860 Make sure you have the necessary symbol files
19861 (@pxref{Host and target files}).
19862 Load symbols for your application using the @code{file} command before you
19863 connect. Use @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your
19864 @value{GDBN} was compiled with the correct sysroot using
19865 @code{--with-sysroot}).
19866
19867 @item
19868 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
19869 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
19870 the @code{target} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
19871 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
19872 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
19873 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{target remote} mode, since the
19874 program is already on the target.
19875
19876 @end itemize
19877
19878 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
19879 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
19880 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
19881
19882 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
19883 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
19884 Here are the available commands.
19885
19886 @table @code
19887 @item monitor help
19888 List the available monitor commands.
19889
19890 @item monitor set debug 0
19891 @itemx monitor set debug 1
19892 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
19893
19894 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
19895 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
19896 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
19897 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
19898
19899 @item monitor set debug-format option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
19900 Specify additional text to add to debugging messages.
19901 Possible options are:
19902
19903 @table @code
19904 @item none
19905 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
19906 @item all
19907 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
19908 @item timestamps
19909 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
19910 @end table
19911
19912 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
19913 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
19914
19915 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
19916 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
19917 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
19918 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
19919 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
19920 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
19921
19922 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
19923 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
19924
19925 @item monitor exit
19926 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
19927 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
19928 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
19929 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
19930 of a multi-process mode debug session.
19931
19932 @end table
19933
19934 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
19935 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
19936
19937 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
19938 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
19939
19940 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
19941 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
19942 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
19943 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
19944 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
19945 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
19946 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
19947 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
19948 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
19949 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
19950 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
19951 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
19952
19953 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
19954
19955 @table @code
19956 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
19957
19958 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
19959 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
19960 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
19961
19962 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
19963
19964 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
19965 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
19966 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
19967 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
19968 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
19969 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
19970
19971 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
19972
19973 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
19974 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
19975 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
19976 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
19977 command for that. For example:
19978
19979 @smallexample
19980 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
19981 @end smallexample
19982
19983 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
19984 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
19985 @end table
19986
19987 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
19988 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
19989 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
19990 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
19991 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
19992 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
19993 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
19994 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
19995 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
19996 @code{gdbserver} like so:
19997
19998 @smallexample
19999 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
20000 @end smallexample
20001
20002 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
20003
20004 @smallexample
20005 $ gdb myprogram
20006 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
20007 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
20008 (@value{GDBP}) b main
20009 (@value{GDBP}) continue
20010 @end smallexample
20011
20012 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
20013 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
20014 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
20015 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
20016 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
20017 tracing.
20018
20019 @node Remote Configuration
20020 @section Remote Configuration
20021
20022 @kindex set remote
20023 @kindex show remote
20024 This section documents the configuration options available when
20025 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
20026 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
20027 system-call-allowed}.
20028
20029 @table @code
20030 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
20031 @cindex address size for remote targets
20032 @cindex bits in remote address
20033 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
20034 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
20035 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
20036 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
20037
20038 @item show remoteaddresssize
20039 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
20040
20041 @item set serial baud @var{n}
20042 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
20043 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
20044 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
20045 remote targets.
20046
20047 @item show serial baud
20048 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
20049
20050 @item set serial parity @var{parity}
20051 Set the parity for the remote serial I/O. Supported values of @var{parity} are:
20052 @code{even}, @code{none}, and @code{odd}. The default is @code{none}.
20053
20054 @item show serial parity
20055 Show the current parity of the serial port.
20056
20057 @item set remotebreak
20058 @cindex interrupt remote programs
20059 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
20060 @anchor{set remotebreak}
20061 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
20062 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
20063 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
20064 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
20065 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
20066
20067 @item show remotebreak
20068 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
20069 interrupt the remote program.
20070
20071 @item set remoteflow on
20072 @itemx set remoteflow off
20073 @kindex set remoteflow
20074 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
20075 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
20076
20077 @item show remoteflow
20078 @kindex show remoteflow
20079 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
20080
20081 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
20082 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
20083 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
20084 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
20085 @code{ascii}.
20086
20087 @item show remotelogbase
20088 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
20089 protocol.
20090
20091 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
20092 @cindex record serial communications on file
20093 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
20094 default is not to record at all.
20095
20096 @item show remotelogfile.
20097 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
20098 serial communications.
20099
20100 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
20101 @cindex timeout for serial communications
20102 @cindex remote timeout
20103 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
20104 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
20105
20106 @item show remotetimeout
20107 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
20108 responses.
20109
20110 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
20111 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
20112 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
20113 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
20114 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
20115 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
20116 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
20117 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
20118
20119 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
20120 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
20121 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
20122 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
20123 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
20124 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
20125 as unlimited.
20126
20127 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
20128 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
20129 a remote hardware watchpoint.
20130
20131 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
20132 @itemx show remote exec-file
20133 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
20134 @cindex executable file, for remote target
20135 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
20136 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
20137 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
20138 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
20139
20140 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
20141 @cindex interrupt remote programs
20142 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
20143 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
20144 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
20145 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
20146 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
20147 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
20148 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
20149 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
20150
20151 @item show interrupt-sequence
20152 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
20153 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
20154 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
20155 also known as Magic SysRq g.
20156
20157 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
20158 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
20159 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
20160 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
20161 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
20162 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
20163
20164 @item show interrupt-on-connect
20165 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
20166 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
20167
20168 @kindex set tcp
20169 @kindex show tcp
20170 @item set tcp auto-retry on
20171 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
20172 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
20173 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
20174 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
20175 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
20176 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
20177 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
20178 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
20179
20180 @item set tcp auto-retry off
20181 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
20182
20183 @item show tcp auto-retry
20184 Show the current auto-retry setting.
20185
20186 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
20187 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
20188 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
20189 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
20190 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
20191 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
20192 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
20193 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
20194 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
20195 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
20196 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
20197
20198 @item show tcp connect-timeout
20199 Show the current connection timeout setting.
20200 @end table
20201
20202 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
20203 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
20204 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
20205 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
20206 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
20207 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
20208 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
20209 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
20210 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
20211
20212 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
20213 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
20214 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
20215 @value{GDBN} developers.
20216
20217 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
20218 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
20219 are:
20220
20221 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
20222 @item Command Name
20223 @tab Remote Packet
20224 @tab Related Features
20225
20226 @item @code{fetch-register}
20227 @tab @code{p}
20228 @tab @code{info registers}
20229
20230 @item @code{set-register}
20231 @tab @code{P}
20232 @tab @code{set}
20233
20234 @item @code{binary-download}
20235 @tab @code{X}
20236 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
20237
20238 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
20239 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
20240 @tab @code{info auxv}
20241
20242 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
20243 @tab @code{qSymbol}
20244 @tab Detecting multiple threads
20245
20246 @item @code{attach}
20247 @tab @code{vAttach}
20248 @tab @code{attach}
20249
20250 @item @code{verbose-resume}
20251 @tab @code{vCont}
20252 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
20253
20254 @item @code{run}
20255 @tab @code{vRun}
20256 @tab @code{run}
20257
20258 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
20259 @tab @code{Z0}
20260 @tab @code{break}
20261
20262 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
20263 @tab @code{Z1}
20264 @tab @code{hbreak}
20265
20266 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
20267 @tab @code{Z2}
20268 @tab @code{watch}
20269
20270 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
20271 @tab @code{Z3}
20272 @tab @code{rwatch}
20273
20274 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
20275 @tab @code{Z4}
20276 @tab @code{awatch}
20277
20278 @item @code{pid-to-exec-file}
20279 @tab @code{qXfer:exec-file:read}
20280 @tab @code{attach}, @code{run}
20281
20282 @item @code{target-features}
20283 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
20284 @tab @code{set architecture}
20285
20286 @item @code{library-info}
20287 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
20288 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
20289
20290 @item @code{memory-map}
20291 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
20292 @tab @code{info mem}
20293
20294 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
20295 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
20296 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
20297
20298 @item @code{read-spu-object}
20299 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
20300 @tab @code{info spu}
20301
20302 @item @code{write-spu-object}
20303 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
20304 @tab @code{info spu}
20305
20306 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
20307 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
20308 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
20309
20310 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
20311 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
20312 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
20313
20314 @item @code{threads}
20315 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
20316 @tab @code{info threads}
20317
20318 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
20319 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
20320 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
20321
20322 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
20323 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
20324 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
20325
20326 @item @code{search-memory}
20327 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
20328 @tab @code{find}
20329
20330 @item @code{supported-packets}
20331 @tab @code{qSupported}
20332 @tab Remote communications parameters
20333
20334 @item @code{catch-syscalls}
20335 @tab @code{QCatchSyscalls}
20336 @tab @code{catch syscall}
20337
20338 @item @code{pass-signals}
20339 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
20340 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
20341
20342 @item @code{program-signals}
20343 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
20344 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
20345
20346 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
20347 @tab @code{vFile:close}
20348 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20349
20350 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
20351 @tab @code{vFile:open}
20352 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20353
20354 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
20355 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
20356 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20357
20358 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
20359 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
20360 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20361
20362 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
20363 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
20364 @tab @code{remote delete}
20365
20366 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
20367 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
20368 @tab Host I/O
20369
20370 @item @code{hostio-fstat-packet}
20371 @tab @code{vFile:fstat}
20372 @tab Host I/O
20373
20374 @item @code{hostio-setfs-packet}
20375 @tab @code{vFile:setfs}
20376 @tab Host I/O
20377
20378 @item @code{noack-packet}
20379 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
20380 @tab Packet acknowledgment
20381
20382 @item @code{osdata}
20383 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
20384 @tab @code{info os}
20385
20386 @item @code{query-attached}
20387 @tab @code{qAttached}
20388 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
20389
20390 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
20391 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
20392 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
20393
20394 @item @code{trace-status}
20395 @tab @code{qTStatus}
20396 @tab @code{tstatus}
20397
20398 @item @code{traceframe-info}
20399 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
20400 @tab Traceframe info
20401
20402 @item @code{install-in-trace}
20403 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
20404 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
20405
20406 @item @code{disable-randomization}
20407 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
20408 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
20409
20410 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
20411 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
20412 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
20413
20414 @item @code{multiprocess-extensions}
20415 @tab @code{multiprocess extensions}
20416 @tab Debug multiple processes and remote process PID awareness
20417
20418 @item @code{swbreak-feature}
20419 @tab @code{swbreak stop reason}
20420 @tab @code{break}
20421
20422 @item @code{hwbreak-feature}
20423 @tab @code{hwbreak stop reason}
20424 @tab @code{hbreak}
20425
20426 @item @code{fork-event-feature}
20427 @tab @code{fork stop reason}
20428 @tab @code{fork}
20429
20430 @item @code{vfork-event-feature}
20431 @tab @code{vfork stop reason}
20432 @tab @code{vfork}
20433
20434 @item @code{exec-event-feature}
20435 @tab @code{exec stop reason}
20436 @tab @code{exec}
20437
20438 @item @code{thread-events}
20439 @tab @code{QThreadEvents}
20440 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
20441
20442 @item @code{no-resumed-stop-reply}
20443 @tab @code{no resumed thread left stop reply}
20444 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
20445
20446 @end multitable
20447
20448 @node Remote Stub
20449 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
20450
20451 @cindex debugging stub, example
20452 @cindex remote stub, example
20453 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
20454 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
20455 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
20456 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
20457 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
20458 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
20459 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
20460 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
20461
20462 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
20463 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
20464 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
20465 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
20466 program, you need:
20467
20468 @enumerate
20469 @item
20470 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
20471 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
20472 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
20473
20474 @item
20475 A C subroutine library to support your program's
20476 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
20477
20478 @item
20479 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
20480 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
20481 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
20482 documentation.
20483 @end enumerate
20484
20485 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
20486 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
20487 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
20488
20489 @table @emph
20490 @item On the host,
20491 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
20492 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
20493 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
20494
20495 @item On the target,
20496 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
20497 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
20498 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
20499
20500 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
20501 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
20502 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
20503 @end table
20504
20505 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
20506 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
20507 @sc{sparc} boards.
20508
20509 @cindex remote serial stub list
20510 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
20511
20512 @table @code
20513
20514 @item i386-stub.c
20515 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
20516 @cindex Intel
20517 @cindex i386
20518 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
20519
20520 @item m68k-stub.c
20521 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
20522 @cindex Motorola 680x0
20523 @cindex m680x0
20524 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
20525
20526 @item sh-stub.c
20527 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
20528 @cindex Renesas
20529 @cindex SH
20530 For Renesas SH architectures.
20531
20532 @item sparc-stub.c
20533 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
20534 @cindex Sparc
20535 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
20536
20537 @item sparcl-stub.c
20538 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
20539 @cindex Fujitsu
20540 @cindex SparcLite
20541 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
20542
20543 @end table
20544
20545 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
20546 recently added stubs.
20547
20548 @menu
20549 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
20550 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
20551 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
20552 @end menu
20553
20554 @node Stub Contents
20555 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
20556
20557 @cindex remote serial stub
20558 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
20559 subroutines:
20560
20561 @table @code
20562 @item set_debug_traps
20563 @findex set_debug_traps
20564 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
20565 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
20566 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
20567 program's startup code.
20568
20569 @item handle_exception
20570 @findex handle_exception
20571 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
20572 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
20573 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
20574 run when a trap is triggered.
20575
20576 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
20577 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
20578 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
20579 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
20580 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
20581 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
20582 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
20583 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
20584 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
20585 machine.
20586
20587 @item breakpoint
20588 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
20589 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
20590 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
20591 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
20592 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
20593 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
20594 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
20595 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
20596 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
20597 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
20598 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
20599
20600 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
20601 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
20602 start of your debugging session.
20603 @end table
20604
20605 @node Bootstrapping
20606 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
20607
20608 @cindex remote stub, support routines
20609 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
20610 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
20611 debugging target machine.
20612
20613 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
20614 serial port.
20615
20616 @table @code
20617 @item int getDebugChar()
20618 @findex getDebugChar
20619 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
20620 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
20621 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
20622
20623 @item void putDebugChar(int)
20624 @findex putDebugChar
20625 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
20626 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
20627 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
20628 @end table
20629
20630 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
20631 @cindex interrupting remote targets
20632 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
20633 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
20634 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
20635 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
20636 remote system to stop.
20637
20638 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
20639 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
20640 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
20641 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
20642
20643 Other routines you need to supply are:
20644
20645 @table @code
20646 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
20647 @findex exceptionHandler
20648 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
20649 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
20650 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
20651 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
20652 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
20653 The @var{exception_number} specifies the exception which should be changed;
20654 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
20655 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
20656 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
20657 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
20658 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
20659 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
20660 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
20661
20662 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
20663 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
20664 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
20665 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
20666 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
20667
20668 @item void flush_i_cache()
20669 @findex flush_i_cache
20670 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
20671 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
20672 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
20673
20674 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
20675 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
20676 @end table
20677
20678 @noindent
20679 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
20680
20681 @table @code
20682 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
20683 @findex memset
20684 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
20685 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
20686 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
20687 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
20688 @end table
20689
20690 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
20691 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
20692 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
20693 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
20694
20695
20696 @node Debug Session
20697 @subsection Putting it All Together
20698
20699 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
20700 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
20701 steps.
20702
20703 @enumerate
20704 @item
20705 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
20706 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
20707 @display
20708 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
20709 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
20710 @end display
20711
20712 @item
20713 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
20714 procedure is called:
20715
20716 @smallexample
20717 set_debug_traps();
20718 breakpoint();
20719 @end smallexample
20720
20721 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
20722 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
20723 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
20724 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
20725 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
20726 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
20727 progress.
20728
20729 @item
20730 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
20731 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
20732
20733 @smallexample
20734 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
20735 @end smallexample
20736
20737 @noindent
20738 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
20739 function in your program, that function is called when
20740 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
20741 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
20742 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
20743
20744 @item
20745 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
20746 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
20747
20748 @item
20749 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
20750 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
20751
20752 @item
20753 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
20754 @c document that. FIXME.
20755 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
20756 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
20757
20758 @item
20759 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
20760 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
20761
20762 @end enumerate
20763
20764 @node Configurations
20765 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
20766
20767 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
20768 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
20769 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
20770
20771 There are three major categories of configurations: native
20772 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
20773 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
20774 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
20775 are quite different from each other.
20776
20777 @menu
20778 * Native::
20779 * Embedded OS::
20780 * Embedded Processors::
20781 * Architectures::
20782 @end menu
20783
20784 @node Native
20785 @section Native
20786
20787 This section describes details specific to particular native
20788 configurations.
20789
20790 @menu
20791 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
20792 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
20793 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
20794 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
20795 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
20796 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
20797 @end menu
20798
20799 @node BSD libkvm Interface
20800 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
20801
20802 @cindex libkvm
20803 @cindex kernel memory image
20804 @cindex kernel crash dump
20805
20806 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
20807 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
20808 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
20809 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
20810 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
20811 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
20812 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
20813 @code{kvm} target:
20814
20815 @smallexample
20816 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
20817 @end smallexample
20818
20819 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
20820 argument:
20821
20822 @smallexample
20823 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
20824 @end smallexample
20825
20826 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
20827 available:
20828
20829 @table @code
20830 @kindex kvm
20831 @item kvm pcb
20832 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
20833
20834 @item kvm proc
20835 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
20836 modern FreeBSD systems.
20837 @end table
20838
20839 @node SVR4 Process Information
20840 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
20841 @cindex /proc
20842 @cindex examine process image
20843 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
20844
20845 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
20846 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
20847 process using file-system subroutines.
20848
20849 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
20850 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
20851 information about the process running your program, or about any
20852 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
20853 @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris, for example.
20854
20855 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
20856 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
20857
20858 @table @code
20859 @kindex info proc
20860 @cindex process ID
20861 @item info proc
20862 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
20863 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
20864 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
20865 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
20866 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
20867 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
20868 executable file's absolute file name.
20869
20870 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
20871 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
20872 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
20873 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
20874 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
20875 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
20876
20877 @item info proc cmdline
20878 @cindex info proc cmdline
20879 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
20880 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
20881
20882 @item info proc cwd
20883 @cindex info proc cwd
20884 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
20885 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
20886
20887 @item info proc exe
20888 @cindex info proc exe
20889 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
20890 to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
20891
20892 @item info proc mappings
20893 @cindex memory address space mappings
20894 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
20895 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
20896 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
20897 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
20898 memory access rights to that range.
20899
20900 @item info proc stat
20901 @itemx info proc status
20902 @cindex process detailed status information
20903 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
20904 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
20905 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
20906 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
20907 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
20908 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
20909 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
20910
20911 @item info proc all
20912 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
20913 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
20914
20915 @ignore
20916 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
20917 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
20918 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
20919 @kindex info proc times
20920 @item info proc times
20921 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
20922 its children.
20923
20924 @kindex info proc id
20925 @item info proc id
20926 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
20927 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
20928 @end ignore
20929
20930 @item set procfs-trace
20931 @kindex set procfs-trace
20932 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
20933 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
20934
20935 @item show procfs-trace
20936 @kindex show procfs-trace
20937 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
20938
20939 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
20940 @kindex set procfs-file
20941 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
20942 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
20943 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
20944 standard output.
20945
20946 @item show procfs-file
20947 @kindex show procfs-file
20948 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
20949
20950 @item proc-trace-entry
20951 @itemx proc-trace-exit
20952 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
20953 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
20954 @kindex proc-trace-entry
20955 @kindex proc-trace-exit
20956 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
20957 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
20958 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
20959 from the @code{syscall} interface.
20960
20961 @item info pidlist
20962 @kindex info pidlist
20963 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
20964 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
20965 processes and all the threads within each process.
20966
20967 @item info meminfo
20968 @kindex info meminfo
20969 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
20970 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
20971 @end table
20972
20973 @node DJGPP Native
20974 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
20975 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
20976 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
20977 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
20978
20979 @cindex DPMI
20980 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
20981 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
20982 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
20983 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
20984
20985 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
20986 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
20987 subsection describes those commands.
20988
20989 @table @code
20990 @kindex info dos
20991 @item info dos
20992 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
20993 information about the target system and important OS structures.
20994
20995 @kindex sysinfo
20996 @cindex MS-DOS system info
20997 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
20998 @item info dos sysinfo
20999 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
21000 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
21001 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
21002
21003 @cindex GDT
21004 @cindex LDT
21005 @cindex IDT
21006 @cindex segment descriptor tables
21007 @cindex descriptor tables display
21008 @item info dos gdt
21009 @itemx info dos ldt
21010 @itemx info dos idt
21011 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
21012 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
21013 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
21014 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
21015 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
21016 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
21017 rights.
21018
21019 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
21020 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
21021 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
21022 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
21023 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
21024
21025 @cindex garbled pointers
21026 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
21027 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
21028 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
21029 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
21030 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
21031 debugged program's data segment:
21032
21033 @smallexample
21034 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
21035 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
21036 @end smallexample
21037
21038 @noindent
21039 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
21040 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
21041
21042 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
21043 @item info dos pde
21044 @itemx info dos pte
21045 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
21046 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
21047 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
21048 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
21049 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
21050 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
21051 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
21052 that is currently in use.
21053
21054 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
21055 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
21056 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
21057 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
21058 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
21059 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
21060 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
21061
21062 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
21063 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
21064 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
21065 controller.
21066
21067 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
21068
21069 @cindex physical address from linear address
21070 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
21071 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
21072 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
21073 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
21074 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
21075 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
21076 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
21077
21078 @smallexample
21079 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
21080 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
21081 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
21082 @end smallexample
21083
21084 @noindent
21085 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
21086 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
21087 attributes of that page.
21088
21089 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
21090 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
21091 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
21092 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
21093 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
21094 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
21095
21096 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
21097 transfer buffer:
21098
21099 @smallexample
21100 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
21101 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
21102 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
21103 @end smallexample
21104
21105 @noindent
21106 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
21107 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
21108 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
21109 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
21110 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
21111
21112 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
21113 @end table
21114
21115 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
21116 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
21117 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
21118 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
21119
21120 @table @code
21121 @kindex set com1base
21122 @kindex set com1irq
21123 @kindex set com2base
21124 @kindex set com2irq
21125 @kindex set com3base
21126 @kindex set com3irq
21127 @kindex set com4base
21128 @kindex set com4irq
21129 @item set com1base @var{addr}
21130 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
21131 port.
21132
21133 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
21134 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
21135 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
21136
21137 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
21138 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
21139 other 3 COM ports.
21140
21141 @kindex show com1base
21142 @kindex show com1irq
21143 @kindex show com2base
21144 @kindex show com2irq
21145 @kindex show com3base
21146 @kindex show com3irq
21147 @kindex show com4base
21148 @kindex show com4irq
21149 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
21150 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
21151 lines used by the COM ports.
21152
21153 @item info serial
21154 @kindex info serial
21155 @cindex DOS serial port status
21156 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
21157 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
21158 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
21159 counts of various errors encountered so far.
21160 @end table
21161
21162
21163 @node Cygwin Native
21164 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
21165 @cindex MS Windows debugging
21166 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
21167 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
21168
21169 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
21170 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
21171
21172 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
21173 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
21174 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
21175 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
21176 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
21177 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
21178 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
21179 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
21180
21181 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
21182 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
21183 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
21184
21185 @table @code
21186 @kindex info w32
21187 @item info w32
21188 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
21189 information about the target system and important OS structures.
21190
21191 @item info w32 selector
21192 This command displays information returned by
21193 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
21194 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
21195 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
21196 Without argument, this command displays information
21197 about the six segment registers.
21198
21199 @item info w32 thread-information-block
21200 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
21201 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
21202 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
21203
21204 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
21205 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
21206 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
21207 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
21208 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
21209 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
21210 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
21211 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
21212 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
21213 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
21214 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
21215
21216 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
21217 @item show cygwin-exceptions
21218 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
21219 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
21220
21221 @kindex set new-console
21222 @item set new-console @var{mode}
21223 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
21224 be started in a new console on next start.
21225 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
21226 be started in the same console as the debugger.
21227
21228 @kindex show new-console
21229 @item show new-console
21230 Displays whether a new console is used
21231 when the debuggee is started.
21232
21233 @kindex set new-group
21234 @item set new-group @var{mode}
21235 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
21236 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
21237 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
21238 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
21239
21240 @kindex show new-group
21241 @item show new-group
21242 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
21243
21244 @kindex set debugevents
21245 @item set debugevents
21246 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
21247 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
21248 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
21249 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
21250 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
21251
21252 @kindex set debugexec
21253 @item set debugexec
21254 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
21255 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
21256
21257 @kindex set debugexceptions
21258 @item set debugexceptions
21259 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
21260 debuggee seen by the debugger.
21261
21262 @kindex set debugmemory
21263 @item set debugmemory
21264 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
21265 and writes by the debugger.
21266
21267 @kindex set shell
21268 @item set shell
21269 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
21270 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
21271
21272 @kindex show shell
21273 @item show shell
21274 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
21275
21276 @end table
21277
21278 @menu
21279 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
21280 @end menu
21281
21282 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
21283 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
21284 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
21285 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
21286
21287 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
21288 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
21289 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
21290 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
21291 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
21292 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
21293 ``minimal symbols''.
21294
21295 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
21296 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
21297 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
21298 program run once to completion.
21299
21300 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
21301
21302 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
21303 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
21304 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
21305 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
21306 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
21307 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
21308 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
21309 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
21310 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
21311
21312 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
21313 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
21314 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
21315 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
21316 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
21317 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
21318
21319 @smallexample
21320 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
21321 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
21322
21323 Non-debugging symbols:
21324 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
21325 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
21326 @end smallexample
21327
21328 @smallexample
21329 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
21330 All functions matching regular expression "!":
21331
21332 Non-debugging symbols:
21333 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
21334 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
21335 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
21336 [etc...]
21337 @end smallexample
21338
21339 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
21340
21341 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
21342 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
21343 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
21344 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
21345 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
21346 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
21347 a function within a DLL without a running program.
21348
21349 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
21350 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
21351 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
21352 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
21353 problem:
21354
21355 @smallexample
21356 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
21357 $1 = 268572168
21358 @end smallexample
21359
21360 @smallexample
21361 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
21362 0x10021610: "\230y\""
21363 @end smallexample
21364
21365 And two possible solutions:
21366
21367 @smallexample
21368 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
21369 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
21370 @end smallexample
21371
21372 @smallexample
21373 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
21374 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
21375 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
21376 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
21377 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
21378 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
21379 @end smallexample
21380
21381 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
21382 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
21383 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
21384 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
21385 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
21386
21387 @smallexample
21388 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
21389 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
21390 @end smallexample
21391
21392 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
21393 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
21394 safe.
21395
21396 @node Hurd Native
21397 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
21398 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
21399
21400 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
21401 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
21402
21403 @table @code
21404 @item set signals
21405 @itemx set sigs
21406 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
21407 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
21408 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
21409 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
21410 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
21411 @code{signals}.
21412
21413 @item show signals
21414 @itemx show sigs
21415 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
21416 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
21417 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
21418
21419 @item set signal-thread
21420 @itemx set sigthread
21421 @kindex set signal-thread
21422 @kindex set sigthread
21423 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
21424 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
21425 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
21426 signal-thread}.
21427
21428 @item show signal-thread
21429 @itemx show sigthread
21430 @kindex show signal-thread
21431 @kindex show sigthread
21432 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
21433 delivered a signal.
21434
21435 @item set stopped
21436 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
21437 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
21438 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
21439 continued by delivering a signal to it.
21440
21441 @item show stopped
21442 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
21443 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
21444 stopped.
21445
21446 @item set exceptions
21447 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
21448 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
21449 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
21450 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
21451 trapping on.
21452
21453 @item show exceptions
21454 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
21455 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
21456
21457 @item set task pause
21458 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
21459 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
21460 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
21461 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
21462 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
21463 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
21464 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
21465 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
21466 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
21467
21468 @item show task pause
21469 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
21470 Show the current state of task suspension.
21471
21472 @item set task detach-suspend-count
21473 @cindex task suspend count
21474 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21475 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
21476 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
21477
21478 @item show task detach-suspend-count
21479 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
21480
21481 @item set task exception-port
21482 @itemx set task excp
21483 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21484 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
21485 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
21486 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
21487
21488 @item set noninvasive
21489 @cindex noninvasive task options
21490 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
21491 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
21492 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
21493 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
21494
21495 @item info send-rights
21496 @itemx info receive-rights
21497 @itemx info port-rights
21498 @itemx info port-sets
21499 @itemx info dead-names
21500 @itemx info ports
21501 @itemx info psets
21502 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21503 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21504 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21505 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21506 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21507 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
21508 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
21509 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
21510 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
21511
21512 @item set thread pause
21513 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
21514 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21515 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
21516 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
21517 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
21518 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
21519 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
21520 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
21521 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
21522 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
21523 only the current thread.
21524
21525 @item show thread pause
21526 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
21527 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
21528
21529 @item set thread run
21530 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
21531
21532 @item show thread run
21533 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
21534
21535 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
21536 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21537 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21538 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
21539 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
21540 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
21541 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
21542
21543 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
21544 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
21545 detaching.
21546
21547 @item set thread exception-port
21548 @itemx set thread excp
21549 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
21550 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
21551 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
21552
21553 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
21554 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
21555 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
21556 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
21557
21558 @item set thread default
21559 @itemx show thread default
21560 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
21561 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
21562 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
21563 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
21564 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
21565 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
21566 the non-default commands.
21567 @end table
21568
21569 @node Darwin
21570 @subsection Darwin
21571 @cindex Darwin
21572
21573 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
21574
21575 @table @code
21576 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
21577 @kindex set debug darwin
21578 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
21579 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
21580
21581 @item show debug darwin
21582 @kindex show debug darwin
21583 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
21584
21585 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
21586 @kindex set debug mach-o
21587 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
21588 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
21589 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
21590 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
21591 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
21592 usage.
21593
21594 @item show debug mach-o
21595 @kindex show debug mach-o
21596 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
21597
21598 @item set mach-exceptions on
21599 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
21600 @kindex set mach-exceptions
21601 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
21602 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
21603 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
21604 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
21605
21606 @item show mach-exceptions
21607 @kindex show mach-exceptions
21608 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
21609 @end table
21610
21611
21612 @node Embedded OS
21613 @section Embedded Operating Systems
21614
21615 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
21616 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
21617 architectures.
21618
21619 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
21620 various real-time operating systems.
21621
21622 @node Embedded Processors
21623 @section Embedded Processors
21624
21625 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
21626 configurations.
21627
21628 @cindex send command to simulator
21629 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
21630 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
21631
21632 @table @code
21633 @item sim @var{command}
21634 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
21635 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
21636 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
21637 acceptable commands.
21638 @end table
21639
21640
21641 @menu
21642 * ARM:: ARM
21643 * M32R/SDI:: Renesas M32R/SDI
21644 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
21645 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
21646 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
21647 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
21648 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
21649 * CRIS:: CRIS
21650 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
21651 @end menu
21652
21653 @node ARM
21654 @subsection ARM
21655
21656 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
21657
21658 @table @code
21659 @item set arm disassembler
21660 @kindex set arm
21661 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
21662 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
21663
21664 @item show arm disassembler
21665 @kindex show arm
21666 Show the current disassembly style.
21667
21668 @item set arm apcs32
21669 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
21670 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
21671
21672 @item show arm apcs32
21673 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
21674
21675 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
21676 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
21677 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
21678
21679 @table @code
21680 @item auto
21681 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
21682 @item softfpa
21683 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
21684 processors.
21685 @item fpa
21686 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
21687 @item softvfp
21688 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
21689 @item vfp
21690 VFP co-processor.
21691 @end table
21692
21693 @item show arm fpu
21694 Show the current type of the FPU.
21695
21696 @item set arm abi
21697 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
21698
21699 @item show arm abi
21700 Show the currently used ABI.
21701
21702 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
21703 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
21704 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
21705 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
21706 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
21707 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
21708 register).
21709
21710 @item show arm fallback-mode
21711 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
21712
21713 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
21714 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
21715 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
21716 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
21717 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
21718
21719 @item show arm force-mode
21720 Show the current forced instruction mode.
21721
21722 @item set debug arm
21723 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
21724 target support subsystem.
21725
21726 @item show debug arm
21727 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
21728 @end table
21729
21730 @table @code
21731 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
21732 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
21733
21734 @table @code
21735 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
21736 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support. The argument
21737 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
21738 The default value is @code{all}.
21739
21740 @table @code
21741 @item none
21742 @item demon
21743 @item angel
21744 @item redboot
21745 @item all
21746 @end table
21747 @end table
21748 @end table
21749
21750 @node M32R/SDI
21751 @subsection Renesas M32R/SDI
21752
21753 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
21754
21755 @table @code
21756 @item sdireset
21757 @kindex sdireset
21758 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
21759 This command resets the SDI connection.
21760
21761 @item sdistatus
21762 @kindex sdistatus
21763 This command shows the SDI connection status.
21764
21765 @item debug_chaos
21766 @kindex debug_chaos
21767 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
21768 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
21769
21770 @item use_debug_dma
21771 @kindex use_debug_dma
21772 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
21773
21774 @item use_mon_code
21775 @kindex use_mon_code
21776 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
21777
21778 @item use_ib_break
21779 @kindex use_ib_break
21780 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
21781
21782 @item use_dbt_break
21783 @kindex use_dbt_break
21784 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
21785 @end table
21786
21787 @node M68K
21788 @subsection M68k
21789
21790 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support.
21791
21792 @node MicroBlaze
21793 @subsection MicroBlaze
21794 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
21795 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
21796
21797 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
21798 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
21799 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
21800 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
21801 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
21802 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
21803 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
21804 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
21805 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
21806 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
21807 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
21808
21809 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
21810
21811 @table @code
21812 @item target remote :1234
21813 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
21814 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
21815
21816 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
21817 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
21818 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
21819
21820 @item load
21821 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
21822
21823 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
21824 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
21825
21826 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
21827 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
21828 @end table
21829
21830 @node MIPS Embedded
21831 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
21832
21833 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} boards
21834 @value{GDBN} can use the @acronym{MIPS} remote debugging protocol to talk to a
21835 @acronym{MIPS} board attached to a serial line. This is available when
21836 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-elf}.
21837
21838 @need 1000
21839 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
21840
21841 @table @code
21842 @item target mips @var{port}
21843 @kindex target mips @var{port}
21844 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
21845 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
21846 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
21847 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
21848 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
21849 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
21850
21851 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
21852 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
21853 debugger:
21854
21855 @smallexample
21856 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
21857 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
21858 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
21859 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
21860 (@value{GDBP}) run
21861 @end smallexample
21862
21863 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
21864 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
21865 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
21866 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
21867 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
21868
21869 @item target pmon @var{port}
21870 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
21871 PMON ROM monitor.
21872
21873 @item target ddb @var{port}
21874 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
21875 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
21876
21877 @item target lsi @var{port}
21878 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
21879 LSI variant of PMON.
21880
21881 @end table
21882
21883
21884 @noindent
21885 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
21886
21887 @table @code
21888 @item set mipsfpu double
21889 @itemx set mipsfpu single
21890 @itemx set mipsfpu none
21891 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
21892 @itemx show mipsfpu
21893 @kindex set mipsfpu
21894 @kindex show mipsfpu
21895 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
21896 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
21897 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
21898 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
21899 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
21900 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
21901 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
21902 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
21903 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
21904 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
21905 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
21906 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
21907 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
21908
21909 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
21910 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
21911 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
21912
21913 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
21914 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
21915
21916 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
21917 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
21918 @itemx show timeout
21919 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
21920 @cindex @code{timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
21921 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
21922 @kindex set timeout
21923 @kindex show timeout
21924 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
21925 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
21926 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the @acronym{MIPS}
21927 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
21928 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
21929 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
21930 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
21931 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
21932 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
21933 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-elf}.)
21934
21935 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
21936 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
21937 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
21938 to run before stopping.
21939
21940 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
21941 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
21942 @cindex synchronize with remote @acronym{MIPS} target
21943 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
21944 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
21945 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
21946
21947 @item show syn-garbage-limit
21948 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
21949 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
21950 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
21951
21952 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
21953 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
21954 @cindex remote monitor prompt
21955 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
21956 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
21957 @table @asis
21958 @item pmon target
21959 @samp{PMON}
21960 @item ddb target
21961 @samp{NEC010}
21962 @item lsi target
21963 @samp{PMON>}
21964 @end table
21965
21966 @item show monitor-prompt
21967 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
21968 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
21969 remote monitor.
21970
21971 @item set monitor-warnings
21972 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
21973 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
21974 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
21975 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
21976 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
21977
21978 @item show monitor-warnings
21979 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
21980 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
21981
21982 @item pmon @var{command}
21983 @kindex pmon@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
21984 @cindex send PMON command
21985 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
21986 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
21987 @end table
21988
21989 @node PowerPC Embedded
21990 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
21991
21992 @cindex DVC register
21993 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
21994 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
21995
21996 @smallexample
21997 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
21998 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
21999 @end smallexample
22000
22001 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
22002 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
22003 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
22004 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
22005 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
22006 or newer.
22007
22008 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
22009 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
22010 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
22011 watching variables of scalar types.
22012
22013 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
22014 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
22015
22016 @smallexample
22017 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
22018 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
22019 @end smallexample
22020
22021 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
22022 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
22023
22024 @cindex ranged breakpoint
22025 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
22026 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
22027 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
22028 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
22029 use the @code{break-range} command.
22030
22031 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
22032
22033 @table @code
22034 @kindex break-range
22035 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
22036 Set a breakpoint for an address range given by
22037 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}, which can specify a function name,
22038 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
22039 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
22040 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
22041 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
22042 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
22043 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
22044
22045 @kindex set powerpc
22046 @item set powerpc soft-float
22047 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
22048 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
22049 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
22050 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
22051
22052 @item set powerpc vector-abi
22053 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
22054 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
22055 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
22056 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
22057 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
22058 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
22059 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
22060
22061 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
22062 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
22063 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
22064 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
22065 address of its first byte.
22066
22067 @end table
22068
22069 @node AVR
22070 @subsection Atmel AVR
22071 @cindex AVR
22072
22073 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
22074 following AVR-specific commands:
22075
22076 @table @code
22077 @item info io_registers
22078 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
22079 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
22080 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
22081 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
22082 @end table
22083
22084 @node CRIS
22085 @subsection CRIS
22086 @cindex CRIS
22087
22088 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
22089 following CRIS-specific commands:
22090
22091 @table @code
22092 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
22093 @cindex CRIS version
22094 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
22095 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
22096 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
22097
22098 @item show cris-version
22099 Show the current CRIS version.
22100
22101 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
22102 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
22103 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
22104 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
22105 @code{R59}.
22106
22107 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
22108 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
22109
22110 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
22111 @cindex CRIS mode
22112 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
22113 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
22114 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
22115
22116 @item show cris-mode
22117 Show the current CRIS mode.
22118 @end table
22119
22120 @node Super-H
22121 @subsection Renesas Super-H
22122 @cindex Super-H
22123
22124 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
22125 commands:
22126
22127 @table @code
22128 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
22129 @kindex set sh calling-convention
22130 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
22131 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
22132 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
22133 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
22134 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
22135 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
22136 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
22137 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
22138 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
22139 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
22140
22141 @item show sh calling-convention
22142 @kindex show sh calling-convention
22143 Show the current calling convention setting.
22144
22145 @end table
22146
22147
22148 @node Architectures
22149 @section Architectures
22150
22151 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
22152 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
22153
22154 @menu
22155 * AArch64::
22156 * i386::
22157 * Alpha::
22158 * MIPS::
22159 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
22160 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
22161 * PowerPC::
22162 * Nios II::
22163 @end menu
22164
22165 @node AArch64
22166 @subsection AArch64
22167 @cindex AArch64 support
22168
22169 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
22170 following special commands:
22171
22172 @table @code
22173 @item set debug aarch64
22174 @kindex set debug aarch64
22175 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
22176 messages are to be displayed.
22177
22178 @item show debug aarch64
22179 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
22180
22181 @end table
22182
22183 @node i386
22184 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
22185
22186 @table @code
22187 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
22188 @kindex set struct-convention
22189 @cindex struct return convention
22190 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
22191 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
22192 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
22193 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
22194 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
22195 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
22196 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
22197 be returned in a register.
22198
22199 @item show struct-convention
22200 @kindex show struct-convention
22201 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
22202 from functions.
22203 @end table
22204
22205
22206 @subsubsection Intel @dfn{Memory Protection Extensions} (MPX).
22207 @cindex Intel Memory Protection Extensions (MPX).
22208
22209 Memory Protection Extension (MPX) adds the bound registers @samp{BND0}
22210 @footnote{The register named with capital letters represent the architecture
22211 registers.} through @samp{BND3}. Bound registers store a pair of 64-bit values
22212 which are the lower bound and upper bound. Bounds are effective addresses or
22213 memory locations. The upper bounds are architecturally represented in 1's
22214 complement form. A bound having lower bound = 0, and upper bound = 0
22215 (1's complement of all bits set) will allow access to the entire address space.
22216
22217 @samp{BND0} through @samp{BND3} are represented in @value{GDBN} as @samp{bnd0raw}
22218 through @samp{bnd3raw}. Pseudo registers @samp{bnd0} through @samp{bnd3}
22219 display the upper bound performing the complement of one operation on the
22220 upper bound value, i.e.@ when upper bound in @samp{bnd0raw} is 0 in the
22221 @value{GDBN} @samp{bnd0} it will be @code{0xfff@dots{}}. In this sense it
22222 can also be noted that the upper bounds are inclusive.
22223
22224 As an example, assume that the register BND0 holds bounds for a pointer having
22225 access allowed for the range between 0x32 and 0x71. The values present on
22226 bnd0raw and bnd registers are presented as follows:
22227
22228 @smallexample
22229 bnd0raw = @{0x32, 0xffffffff8e@}
22230 bnd0 = @{lbound = 0x32, ubound = 0x71@} : size 64
22231 @end smallexample
22232
22233 This way the raw value can be accessed via bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw. Any
22234 change on bnd0@dots{}bnd3 or bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw is reflect on its
22235 counterpart. When the bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers are displayed via
22236 Python, the display includes the memory size, in bits, accessible to
22237 the pointer.
22238
22239 Bounds can also be stored in bounds tables, which are stored in
22240 application memory. These tables store bounds for pointers by specifying
22241 the bounds pointer's value along with its bounds. Evaluating and changing
22242 bounds located in bound tables is therefore interesting while investigating
22243 bugs on MPX context. @value{GDBN} provides commands for this purpose:
22244
22245 @table @code
22246 @item show mpx bound @var{pointer}
22247 @kindex show mpx bound
22248 Display bounds of the given @var{pointer}.
22249
22250 @item set mpx bound @var{pointer}, @var{lbound}, @var{ubound}
22251 @kindex set mpx bound
22252 Set the bounds of a pointer in the bound table.
22253 This command takes three parameters: @var{pointer} is the pointers
22254 whose bounds are to be changed, @var{lbound} and @var{ubound} are new values
22255 for lower and upper bounds respectively.
22256 @end table
22257
22258 @node Alpha
22259 @subsection Alpha
22260
22261 See the following section.
22262
22263 @node MIPS
22264 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
22265
22266 @cindex stack on Alpha
22267 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
22268 @cindex Alpha stack
22269 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
22270 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
22271 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
22272 find the beginning of a function.
22273
22274 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
22275 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
22276 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
22277 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
22278 commands:
22279
22280 @table @code
22281 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
22282 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
22283 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
22284 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
22285 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
22286 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
22287 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
22288 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
22289
22290 @item show heuristic-fence-post
22291 Display the current limit.
22292 @end table
22293
22294 @noindent
22295 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
22296 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
22297
22298 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
22299 programs:
22300
22301 @table @code
22302 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
22303 @kindex set mips abi
22304 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
22305 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
22306 values of @var{arg} are:
22307
22308 @table @samp
22309 @item auto
22310 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
22311 default).
22312 @item o32
22313 @item o64
22314 @item n32
22315 @item n64
22316 @item eabi32
22317 @item eabi64
22318 @end table
22319
22320 @item show mips abi
22321 @kindex show mips abi
22322 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
22323
22324 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
22325 @kindex set mips compression
22326 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
22327 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
22328 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
22329 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
22330 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
22331 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
22332 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
22333 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
22334 provided by the executable.
22335
22336 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
22337 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
22338 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
22339 identified as such.
22340
22341 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
22342 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
22343 implicitly from an executable.
22344
22345 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
22346 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
22347 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
22348 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
22349 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
22350
22351 @item show mips compression
22352 @kindex show mips compression
22353 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
22354 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
22355
22356 @item set mipsfpu
22357 @itemx show mipsfpu
22358 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
22359
22360 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
22361 @kindex set mips mask-address
22362 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
22363 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
22364 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
22365 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
22366 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
22367
22368 @item show mips mask-address
22369 @kindex show mips mask-address
22370 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
22371 not.
22372
22373 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22374 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22375 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
22376 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
22377 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
22378 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
22379
22380 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22381 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22382 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
22383
22384 @item set debug mips
22385 @kindex set debug mips
22386 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
22387 target code in @value{GDBN}.
22388
22389 @item show debug mips
22390 @kindex show debug mips
22391 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
22392 @end table
22393
22394
22395 @node HPPA
22396 @subsection HPPA
22397 @cindex HPPA support
22398
22399 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
22400 following special commands:
22401
22402 @table @code
22403 @item set debug hppa
22404 @kindex set debug hppa
22405 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
22406 messages are to be displayed.
22407
22408 @item show debug hppa
22409 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
22410
22411 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
22412 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
22413 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
22414 given @var{address}.
22415
22416 @end table
22417
22418
22419 @node SPU
22420 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
22421 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
22422 @cindex SPU
22423
22424 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
22425 it provides the following special commands:
22426
22427 @table @code
22428 @item info spu event
22429 @kindex info spu
22430 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
22431 and pending event status.
22432
22433 @item info spu signal
22434 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
22435 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
22436 notification channels.
22437
22438 @item info spu mailbox
22439 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
22440 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
22441 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
22442
22443 @item info spu dma
22444 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
22445 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
22446 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
22447
22448 @item info spu proxydma
22449 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
22450 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
22451 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
22452
22453 @end table
22454
22455 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
22456 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
22457 special commands:
22458
22459 @table @code
22460 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
22461 @kindex set spu
22462 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
22463 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
22464 function. The default is @code{off}.
22465
22466 @item show spu stop-on-load
22467 @kindex show spu
22468 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
22469
22470 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
22471 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
22472 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
22473 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
22474 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
22475 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
22476
22477 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
22478 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
22479
22480 @end table
22481
22482 @node PowerPC
22483 @subsection PowerPC
22484 @cindex PowerPC architecture
22485
22486 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
22487 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
22488 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
22489 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
22490 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
22491
22492 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
22493 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
22494 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
22495
22496 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
22497 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
22498
22499 @node Nios II
22500 @subsection Nios II
22501 @cindex Nios II architecture
22502
22503 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
22504 it provides the following special commands:
22505
22506 @table @code
22507
22508 @item set debug nios2
22509 @kindex set debug nios2
22510 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
22511 target code in @value{GDBN}.
22512
22513 @item show debug nios2
22514 @kindex show debug nios2
22515 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
22516 @end table
22517
22518 @node Controlling GDB
22519 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
22520
22521 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
22522 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
22523 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
22524 described here.
22525
22526 @menu
22527 * Prompt:: Prompt
22528 * Editing:: Command editing
22529 * Command History:: Command history
22530 * Screen Size:: Screen size
22531 * Numbers:: Numbers
22532 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
22533 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
22534 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
22535 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
22536 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
22537 @end menu
22538
22539 @node Prompt
22540 @section Prompt
22541
22542 @cindex prompt
22543
22544 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
22545 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
22546 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
22547 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
22548 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
22549 which one you are talking to.
22550
22551 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
22552 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
22553 or a prompt that does not.
22554
22555 @table @code
22556 @kindex set prompt
22557 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
22558 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
22559
22560 @kindex show prompt
22561 @item show prompt
22562 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
22563 @end table
22564
22565 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
22566 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
22567 are:
22568
22569 @table @code
22570 @kindex set extended-prompt
22571 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
22572 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
22573 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
22574 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
22575 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
22576 is displayed.
22577
22578 For example:
22579
22580 @smallexample
22581 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
22582 @end smallexample
22583
22584 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
22585 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
22586
22587 @kindex show extended-prompt
22588 @item show extended-prompt
22589 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
22590 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
22591 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
22592 @end table
22593
22594 @node Editing
22595 @section Command Editing
22596 @cindex readline
22597 @cindex command line editing
22598
22599 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
22600 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
22601 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
22602 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
22603 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
22604 debugging sessions.
22605
22606 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
22607 command @code{set}.
22608
22609 @table @code
22610 @kindex set editing
22611 @cindex editing
22612 @item set editing
22613 @itemx set editing on
22614 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
22615
22616 @item set editing off
22617 Disable command line editing.
22618
22619 @kindex show editing
22620 @item show editing
22621 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
22622 @end table
22623
22624 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
22625 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
22626 @end ifset
22627 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
22628 @xref{Command Line Editing},
22629 @end ifclear
22630 for more details about the Readline
22631 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
22632 encouraged to read that chapter.
22633
22634 @node Command History
22635 @section Command History
22636 @cindex command history
22637
22638 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
22639 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
22640 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
22641 history facility.
22642
22643 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
22644 package, to provide the history facility.
22645 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
22646 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
22647 @end ifset
22648 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
22649 @xref{Using History Interactively},
22650 @end ifclear
22651 for the detailed description of the History library.
22652
22653 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
22654 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
22655 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
22656 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
22657 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
22658 pressed on a line by itself.
22659
22660 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
22661 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
22662 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
22663 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
22664
22665 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
22666 history.
22667
22668 @table @code
22669 @cindex history substitution
22670 @cindex history file
22671 @kindex set history filename
22672 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
22673 @item set history filename @var{fname}
22674 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
22675 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
22676 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
22677 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
22678 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
22679 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
22680 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
22681 is not set.
22682
22683 @cindex save command history
22684 @kindex set history save
22685 @item set history save
22686 @itemx set history save on
22687 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
22688 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
22689
22690 @item set history save off
22691 Stop recording command history in a file.
22692
22693 @cindex history size
22694 @kindex set history size
22695 @cindex @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, environment variable
22696 @item set history size @var{size}
22697 @itemx set history size unlimited
22698 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
22699 This defaults to the value of the environment variable @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, or
22700 to 256 if this variable is not set. Non-numeric values of @env{GDBHISTSIZE}
22701 are ignored. If @var{size} is @code{unlimited} or if @env{GDBHISTSIZE} is
22702 either a negative number or the empty string, then the number of commands
22703 @value{GDBN} keeps in the history list is unlimited.
22704
22705 @cindex remove duplicate history
22706 @kindex set history remove-duplicates
22707 @item set history remove-duplicates @var{count}
22708 @itemx set history remove-duplicates unlimited
22709 Control the removal of duplicate history entries in the command history list.
22710 If @var{count} is non-zero, @value{GDBN} will look back at the last @var{count}
22711 history entries and remove the first entry that is a duplicate of the current
22712 entry being added to the command history list. If @var{count} is
22713 @code{unlimited} then this lookbehind is unbounded. If @var{count} is 0, then
22714 removal of duplicate history entries is disabled.
22715
22716 Only history entries added during the current session are considered for
22717 removal. This option is set to 0 by default.
22718
22719 @end table
22720
22721 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
22722 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
22723 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
22724 @end ifset
22725 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
22726 @xref{Event Designators},
22727 @end ifclear
22728 for more details.
22729
22730 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
22731 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
22732 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
22733 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
22734 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
22735 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
22736 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
22737 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
22738
22739 The commands to control history expansion are:
22740
22741 @table @code
22742 @item set history expansion on
22743 @itemx set history expansion
22744 @kindex set history expansion
22745 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
22746
22747 @item set history expansion off
22748 Disable history expansion.
22749
22750 @c @group
22751 @kindex show history
22752 @item show history
22753 @itemx show history filename
22754 @itemx show history save
22755 @itemx show history size
22756 @itemx show history expansion
22757 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
22758 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
22759 @c @end group
22760 @end table
22761
22762 @table @code
22763 @kindex show commands
22764 @cindex show last commands
22765 @cindex display command history
22766 @item show commands
22767 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
22768
22769 @item show commands @var{n}
22770 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
22771
22772 @item show commands +
22773 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
22774 @end table
22775
22776 @node Screen Size
22777 @section Screen Size
22778 @cindex size of screen
22779 @cindex screen size
22780 @cindex pagination
22781 @cindex page size
22782 @cindex pauses in output
22783
22784 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
22785 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
22786 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
22787 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
22788 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
22789 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
22790 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
22791 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
22792
22793 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
22794 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
22795 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
22796 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
22797 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
22798 width} commands:
22799
22800 @table @code
22801 @kindex set height
22802 @kindex set width
22803 @kindex show width
22804 @kindex show height
22805 @item set height @var{lpp}
22806 @itemx set height unlimited
22807 @itemx show height
22808 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
22809 @itemx set width unlimited
22810 @itemx show width
22811 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
22812 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
22813 commands display the current settings.
22814
22815 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
22816 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
22817 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
22818 buffer.
22819
22820 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
22821 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
22822
22823 @item set pagination on
22824 @itemx set pagination off
22825 @kindex set pagination
22826 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
22827 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
22828 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
22829 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
22830
22831 @item show pagination
22832 @kindex show pagination
22833 Show the current pagination mode.
22834 @end table
22835
22836 @node Numbers
22837 @section Numbers
22838 @cindex number representation
22839 @cindex entering numbers
22840
22841 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
22842 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
22843 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
22844 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
22845 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
22846 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
22847 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
22848 both input and output with the commands described below.
22849
22850 @table @code
22851 @kindex set input-radix
22852 @item set input-radix @var{base}
22853 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
22854 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
22855 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
22856 example, any of
22857
22858 @smallexample
22859 set input-radix 012
22860 set input-radix 10.
22861 set input-radix 0xa
22862 @end smallexample
22863
22864 @noindent
22865 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
22866 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
22867 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
22868 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
22869 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
22870 change the radix.
22871
22872 @kindex set output-radix
22873 @item set output-radix @var{base}
22874 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
22875 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
22876 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
22877
22878 @kindex show input-radix
22879 @item show input-radix
22880 Display the current default base for numeric input.
22881
22882 @kindex show output-radix
22883 @item show output-radix
22884 Display the current default base for numeric display.
22885
22886 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
22887 @itemx show radix
22888 @kindex set radix
22889 @kindex show radix
22890 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
22891 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
22892 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
22893 default value of 10.
22894
22895 @end table
22896
22897 @node ABI
22898 @section Configuring the Current ABI
22899
22900 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
22901 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
22902 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
22903 current ABI.
22904
22905 @cindex OS ABI
22906 @kindex set osabi
22907 @kindex show osabi
22908 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
22909
22910 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
22911 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
22912 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
22913 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
22914 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
22915 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
22916 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
22917 platform provides.
22918
22919 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
22920 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
22921 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
22922 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
22923
22924 @table @code
22925 @item show osabi
22926 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
22927
22928 @item set osabi
22929 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
22930
22931 @item set osabi @var{abi}
22932 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
22933 @end table
22934
22935 @cindex float promotion
22936
22937 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
22938 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
22939 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
22940 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
22941 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
22942 @code{double} and then passed.
22943
22944 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
22945 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
22946 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
22947
22948 @table @code
22949 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
22950 @item set coerce-float-to-double
22951 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
22952 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
22953 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
22954
22955 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
22956 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
22957 functions.
22958
22959 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
22960 @item show coerce-float-to-double
22961 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
22962 @end table
22963
22964 @kindex set cp-abi
22965 @kindex show cp-abi
22966 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
22967 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
22968 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
22969 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
22970 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
22971 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
22972 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
22973 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
22974 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
22975 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
22976 ``auto''.
22977
22978 @table @code
22979 @item show cp-abi
22980 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
22981
22982 @item set cp-abi
22983 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
22984
22985 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
22986 @itemx set cp-abi auto
22987 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
22988 @end table
22989
22990 @node Auto-loading
22991 @section Automatically loading associated files
22992 @cindex auto-loading
22993
22994 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
22995 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
22996 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
22997 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
22998 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
22999 sources).
23000
23001 @menu
23002 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
23003 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
23004
23005 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
23006 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
23007 @end menu
23008
23009 There are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load.
23010 In addition to these files, @value{GDBN} supports auto-loading code written
23011 in various extension languages. @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
23012
23013 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
23014 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
23015 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23016
23017 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
23018 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
23019
23020 @table @code
23021 @anchor{set auto-load off}
23022 @kindex set auto-load off
23023 @item set auto-load off
23024 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
23025 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
23026 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
23027 @smallexample
23028 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
23029 @end smallexample
23030
23031 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
23032 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
23033 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
23034 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
23035 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
23036 @code{set auto-load no}.
23037
23038 @anchor{show auto-load}
23039 @kindex show auto-load
23040 @item show auto-load
23041 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
23042 or disabled.
23043
23044 @smallexample
23045 (gdb) show auto-load
23046 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
23047 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
23048 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
23049 is on.
23050 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
23051 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
23052 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
23053 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
23054 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
23055 @end smallexample
23056
23057 @anchor{info auto-load}
23058 @kindex info auto-load
23059 @item info auto-load
23060 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
23061 not.
23062
23063 @smallexample
23064 (gdb) info auto-load
23065 gdb-scripts:
23066 Loaded Script
23067 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
23068 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
23069 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
23070 loaded.
23071 python-scripts:
23072 Loaded Script
23073 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
23074 @end smallexample
23075 @end table
23076
23077 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
23078
23079 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
23080 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
23081 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
23082 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
23083 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
23084 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
23085 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
23086 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23087 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23088 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23089 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23090 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23091 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23092 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
23093 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23094 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
23095 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23096 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
23097 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23098 @item @xref{set auto-load guile-scripts}.
23099 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23100 @item @xref{show auto-load guile-scripts}.
23101 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23102 @item @xref{info auto-load guile-scripts}.
23103 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23104 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
23105 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
23106 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
23107 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
23108 @item @xref{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}.
23109 @tab Add directory for auto-loaded scripts location list.
23110 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23111 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
23112 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23113 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
23114 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23115 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
23116 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
23117 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
23118 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
23119 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
23120 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
23121 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
23122 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
23123 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
23124 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
23125 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
23126 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
23127 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
23128 @end multitable
23129
23130 @node Init File in the Current Directory
23131 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
23132 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
23133
23134 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
23135 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
23136 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
23137
23138 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
23139 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23140
23141 @table @code
23142 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
23143 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
23144 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
23145 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
23146 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
23147
23148 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
23149 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
23150 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
23151 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
23152 current directory is enabled or disabled.
23153
23154 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
23155 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
23156 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
23157 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
23158 current directory have been auto-loaded.
23159 @end table
23160
23161 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
23162 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
23163 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
23164
23165 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
23166
23167 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
23168 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
23169
23170 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
23171 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
23172 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
23173 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
23174 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
23175 library.
23176
23177 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
23178 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23179
23180 @table @code
23181 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
23182 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
23183 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
23184 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
23185
23186 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
23187 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
23188 @item show auto-load libthread-db
23189 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
23190 enabled or disabled.
23191
23192 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
23193 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
23194 @item info auto-load libthread-db
23195 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
23196 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
23197 @end table
23198
23199 @node Auto-loading safe path
23200 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
23201 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
23202
23203 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
23204 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
23205 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
23206 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
23207 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
23208
23209 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
23210 get loaded:
23211
23212 @smallexample
23213 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
23214 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
23215 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
23216 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
23217 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
23218 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
23219 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
23220 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
23221 @end smallexample
23222
23223 @noindent
23224 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
23225 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
23226
23227 @smallexample
23228 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
23229 @end smallexample
23230
23231 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
23232
23233 @table @code
23234 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
23235 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
23236 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
23237 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
23238 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
23239 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
23240 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
23241 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
23242 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
23243 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
23244
23245 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
23246 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
23247 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
23248
23249 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
23250 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
23251 @item show auto-load safe-path
23252 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
23253 scripts.
23254
23255 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
23256 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
23257 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
23258 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of directories trusted for
23259 automatic loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited
23260 by the host platform path separator in use.
23261 @end table
23262
23263 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
23264 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
23265 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
23266 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
23267 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
23268
23269 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
23270 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
23271 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
23272 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
23273 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
23274 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
23275 init file in the current directory
23276 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
23277
23278 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
23279 example, you could use one of the following ways:
23280
23281 @table @asis
23282 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
23283 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
23284 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
23285 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
23286
23287 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
23288 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
23289 @value{GDBN} session.
23290
23291 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
23292 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
23293 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
23294 from trusted sources.
23295
23296 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
23297 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
23298 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
23299 trusted sources.
23300 @end table
23301
23302 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
23303 also suppresses any such warning messages:
23304
23305 @table @asis
23306 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
23307 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
23308
23309 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
23310 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
23311 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
23312 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
23313 @end table
23314
23315 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
23316 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
23317 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
23318 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
23319 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
23320 recommended to be entered.
23321
23322 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
23323 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
23324 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
23325
23326 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
23327 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
23328 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
23329 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
23330 be printed.
23331
23332 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
23333 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
23334 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
23335
23336 @smallexample
23337 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
23338 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
23339 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
23340 for objfile "/tmp/true".
23341 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
23342 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
23343 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
23344 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
23345 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
23346 @end smallexample
23347
23348 @table @code
23349 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
23350 @kindex set debug auto-load
23351 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
23352 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
23353
23354 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
23355 @kindex show debug auto-load
23356 @item show debug auto-load
23357 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
23358 on or off.
23359 @end table
23360
23361 @node Messages/Warnings
23362 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
23363
23364 @cindex verbose operation
23365 @cindex optional warnings
23366 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
23367 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
23368 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
23369 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
23370
23371 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
23372 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
23373 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
23374
23375 @table @code
23376 @kindex set verbose
23377 @item set verbose on
23378 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
23379
23380 @item set verbose off
23381 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
23382
23383 @kindex show verbose
23384 @item show verbose
23385 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
23386 @end table
23387
23388 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
23389 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
23390 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
23391 Symbol Files}).
23392
23393 @table @code
23394
23395 @kindex set complaints
23396 @item set complaints @var{limit}
23397 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
23398 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
23399 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
23400 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
23401
23402 @kindex show complaints
23403 @item show complaints
23404 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
23405
23406 @end table
23407
23408 @anchor{confirmation requests}
23409 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
23410 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
23411 you try to run a program which is already running:
23412
23413 @smallexample
23414 (@value{GDBP}) run
23415 The program being debugged has been started already.
23416 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
23417 @end smallexample
23418
23419 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
23420 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
23421
23422 @table @code
23423
23424 @kindex set confirm
23425 @cindex flinching
23426 @cindex confirmation
23427 @cindex stupid questions
23428 @item set confirm off
23429 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
23430 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
23431 automatically disables confirmation requests.
23432
23433 @item set confirm on
23434 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
23435
23436 @kindex show confirm
23437 @item show confirm
23438 Displays state of confirmation requests.
23439
23440 @end table
23441
23442 @cindex command tracing
23443 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
23444 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
23445 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
23446 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
23447
23448 @table @code
23449 @kindex set trace-commands
23450 @cindex command scripts, debugging
23451 @item set trace-commands on
23452 Enable command tracing.
23453 @item set trace-commands off
23454 Disable command tracing.
23455 @item show trace-commands
23456 Display the current state of command tracing.
23457 @end table
23458
23459 @node Debugging Output
23460 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
23461 @cindex optional debugging messages
23462
23463 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
23464 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
23465 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
23466 section documents those commands.
23467
23468 @table @code
23469 @kindex set exec-done-display
23470 @item set exec-done-display
23471 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
23472 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
23473 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
23474 @kindex show exec-done-display
23475 @item show exec-done-display
23476 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
23477 notification.
23478 @kindex set debug
23479 @cindex ARM AArch64
23480 @item set debug aarch64
23481 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
23482 The default is off.
23483 @kindex show debug
23484 @item show debug aarch64
23485 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
23486 ARM AArch64.
23487 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
23488 @cindex architecture debugging info
23489 @item set debug arch
23490 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
23491 @item show debug arch
23492 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
23493 @item set debug aix-solib
23494 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
23495 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
23496 support module. The default is off.
23497 @item show debug aix-thread
23498 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
23499 @item set debug aix-thread
23500 @cindex AIX threads
23501 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
23502 module.
23503 @item show debug aix-thread
23504 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
23505 @item set debug check-physname
23506 @cindex physname
23507 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
23508 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
23509 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
23510 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
23511 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
23512 both ways and display any discrepancies.
23513 @item show debug check-physname
23514 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
23515 @item set debug coff-pe-read
23516 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
23517 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
23518 exported symbols. The default is off.
23519 @item show debug coff-pe-read
23520 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
23521 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
23522 @item set debug dwarf-die
23523 @cindex DWARF DIEs
23524 Dump DWARF DIEs after they are read in.
23525 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
23526 A value of zero turns off the display.
23527 @item show debug dwarf-die
23528 Show the current state of DWARF DIE debugging.
23529 @item set debug dwarf-line
23530 @cindex DWARF Line Tables
23531 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
23532 DWARF line tables. The default is 0 (off).
23533 A value of 1 provides basic information.
23534 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
23535 @item show debug dwarf-line
23536 Show the current state of DWARF line table debugging.
23537 @item set debug dwarf-read
23538 @cindex DWARF Reading
23539 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
23540 DWARF debug info. The default is 0 (off).
23541 A value of 1 provides basic information.
23542 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
23543 @item show debug dwarf-read
23544 Show the current state of DWARF reader debugging.
23545 @item set debug displaced
23546 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
23547 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
23548 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
23549 @item show debug displaced
23550 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
23551 related to displaced stepping.
23552 @item set debug event
23553 @cindex event debugging info
23554 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
23555 default is off.
23556 @item show debug event
23557 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
23558 info.
23559 @item set debug expression
23560 @cindex expression debugging info
23561 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
23562 expression parsing. The default is off.
23563 @item show debug expression
23564 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
23565 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
23566 @item set debug frame
23567 @cindex frame debugging info
23568 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
23569 default is off.
23570 @item show debug frame
23571 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
23572 info.
23573 @item set debug gnu-nat
23574 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
23575 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
23576 @item show debug gnu-nat
23577 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
23578 @item set debug infrun
23579 @cindex inferior debugging info
23580 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
23581 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
23582 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
23583 @item show debug infrun
23584 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
23585 @item set debug jit
23586 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
23587 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
23588 @item show debug jit
23589 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
23590 @item set debug lin-lwp
23591 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
23592 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
23593 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
23594 @item show debug lin-lwp
23595 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
23596 @item set debug linux-namespaces
23597 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux namespaces debug messages
23598 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux namespaces debug support.
23599 @item show debug linux-namespaces
23600 Show the current state of Linux namespaces debugging messages.
23601 @item set debug mach-o
23602 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
23603 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
23604 processing. The default is off.
23605 @item show debug mach-o
23606 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
23607 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
23608 @item set debug notification
23609 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
23610 Turns on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
23611 The default is off.
23612 @item show debug notification
23613 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
23614 @item set debug observer
23615 @cindex observer debugging info
23616 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
23617 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
23618 @item show debug observer
23619 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
23620 @item set debug overload
23621 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
23622 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
23623 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
23624 is off.
23625 @item show debug overload
23626 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
23627 debugging info.
23628 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
23629 @cindex debug expression parser
23630 @item set debug parser
23631 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
23632 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
23633 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
23634 details. The default is off.
23635 @item show debug parser
23636 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
23637 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
23638 @cindex serial connections, debugging
23639 @cindex debug remote protocol
23640 @cindex remote protocol debugging
23641 @cindex display remote packets
23642 @item set debug remote
23643 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
23644 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
23645 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
23646 @item show debug remote
23647 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
23648 @item set debug serial
23649 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
23650 default is off.
23651 @item show debug serial
23652 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
23653 info.
23654 @item set debug solib-frv
23655 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
23656 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
23657 @item show debug solib-frv
23658 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
23659 messages.
23660 @item set debug symbol-lookup
23661 @cindex symbol lookup
23662 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol lookup.
23663 The default is 0 (off).
23664 A value of 1 provides basic information.
23665 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
23666 @item show debug symbol-lookup
23667 Show the current state of symbol lookup debugging messages.
23668 @item set debug symfile
23669 @cindex symbol file functions
23670 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
23671 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
23672 @item show debug symfile
23673 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
23674 @item set debug symtab-create
23675 @cindex symbol table creation
23676 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
23677 The default is 0 (off).
23678 A value of 1 provides basic information.
23679 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
23680 @item show debug symtab-create
23681 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
23682 @item set debug target
23683 @cindex target debugging info
23684 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
23685 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
23686 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
23687 value of large memory transfers.
23688 @item show debug target
23689 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
23690 info.
23691 @item set debug timestamp
23692 @cindex timestampping debugging info
23693 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
23694 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
23695 message.
23696 @item show debug timestamp
23697 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
23698 debugging info.
23699 @item set debug varobj
23700 @cindex variable object debugging info
23701 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
23702 info. The default is off.
23703 @item show debug varobj
23704 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
23705 debugging info.
23706 @item set debug xml
23707 @cindex XML parser debugging
23708 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
23709 @item show debug xml
23710 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
23711 @end table
23712
23713 @node Other Misc Settings
23714 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
23715 @cindex miscellaneous settings
23716
23717 @table @code
23718 @kindex set interactive-mode
23719 @item set interactive-mode
23720 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
23721 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
23722 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
23723 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
23724 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
23725 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
23726 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
23727 is, non-interactively otherwise.
23728
23729 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
23730 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
23731 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
23732 inside a cygwin window.
23733
23734 @kindex show interactive-mode
23735 @item show interactive-mode
23736 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
23737 @end table
23738
23739 @node Extending GDB
23740 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
23741 @cindex extending GDB
23742
23743 @value{GDBN} provides several mechanisms for extension.
23744 @value{GDBN} also provides the ability to automatically load
23745 extensions when it reads a file for debugging. This allows the
23746 user to automatically customize @value{GDBN} for the program
23747 being debugged.
23748
23749 @menu
23750 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of @value{GDBN} Commands
23751 * Python:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Python
23752 * Guile:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Guile
23753 * Auto-loading extensions:: Automatically loading extensions
23754 * Multiple Extension Languages:: Working with multiple extension languages
23755 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
23756 @end menu
23757
23758 To facilitate the use of extension languages, @value{GDBN} is capable
23759 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
23760 can recognize which extension language is being used by looking at
23761 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
23762 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
23763 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
23764
23765 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
23766 setting:
23767
23768 @table @code
23769 @kindex set script-extension
23770 @kindex show script-extension
23771 @item set script-extension off
23772 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
23773
23774 @item set script-extension soft
23775 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
23776 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
23777 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
23778 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
23779
23780 @item set script-extension strict
23781 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
23782 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
23783 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
23784
23785 @item show script-extension
23786 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
23787
23788 @end table
23789
23790 @node Sequences
23791 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
23792
23793 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
23794 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
23795 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
23796 files.
23797
23798 @menu
23799 * Define:: How to define your own commands
23800 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
23801 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
23802 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
23803 * Auto-loading sequences:: Controlling auto-loaded command files
23804 @end menu
23805
23806 @node Define
23807 @subsection User-defined Commands
23808
23809 @cindex user-defined command
23810 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
23811 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
23812 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
23813 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
23814 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
23815 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
23816
23817 @smallexample
23818 define adder
23819 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
23820 end
23821 @end smallexample
23822
23823 @noindent
23824 To execute the command use:
23825
23826 @smallexample
23827 adder 1 2 3
23828 @end smallexample
23829
23830 @noindent
23831 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
23832 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
23833 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
23834 functions calls.
23835
23836 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
23837 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
23838 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
23839 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
23840
23841 @smallexample
23842 define adder
23843 if $argc == 2
23844 print $arg0 + $arg1
23845 end
23846 if $argc == 3
23847 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
23848 end
23849 end
23850 @end smallexample
23851
23852 @table @code
23853
23854 @kindex define
23855 @item define @var{commandname}
23856 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
23857 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
23858 The argument @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
23859 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
23860 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
23861 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
23862
23863 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
23864 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
23865 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
23866
23867 @kindex document
23868 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
23869 @item document @var{commandname}
23870 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
23871 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
23872 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
23873 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
23874 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
23875 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
23876
23877 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
23878 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
23879 does not change the documentation.
23880
23881 @kindex dont-repeat
23882 @cindex don't repeat command
23883 @item dont-repeat
23884 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
23885 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
23886 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
23887
23888 @kindex help user-defined
23889 @item help user-defined
23890 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
23891 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
23892 included (if any).
23893
23894 @kindex show user
23895 @item show user
23896 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
23897 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
23898 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
23899 definitions for all user-defined commands.
23900 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
23901
23902 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
23903 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
23904 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
23905 @item show max-user-call-depth
23906 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
23907 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
23908 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
23909 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
23910 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
23911 @end table
23912
23913 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
23914 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
23915
23916 When user-defined commands are executed, the
23917 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
23918 stops execution of the user-defined command.
23919
23920 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
23921 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
23922 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
23923 messages when used in a user-defined command.
23924
23925 @node Hooks
23926 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
23927 @cindex command hooks
23928 @cindex hooks, for commands
23929 @cindex hooks, pre-command
23930
23931 @kindex hook
23932 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
23933 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
23934 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
23935 before that command.
23936
23937 @cindex hooks, post-command
23938 @kindex hookpost
23939 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
23940 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
23941 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
23942 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
23943 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
23944
23945 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
23946 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
23947
23948 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
23949 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
23950
23951 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
23952 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
23953 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
23954 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
23955 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
23956
23957 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
23958 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
23959 you could define:
23960
23961 @smallexample
23962 define hook-stop
23963 handle SIGALRM nopass
23964 end
23965
23966 define hook-run
23967 handle SIGALRM pass
23968 end
23969
23970 define hook-continue
23971 handle SIGALRM pass
23972 end
23973 @end smallexample
23974
23975 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
23976 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
23977 you could define:
23978
23979 @smallexample
23980 define hook-echo
23981 echo <<<---
23982 end
23983
23984 define hookpost-echo
23985 echo --->>>\n
23986 end
23987
23988 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
23989 <<<---Hello World--->>>
23990 (@value{GDBP})
23991
23992 @end smallexample
23993
23994 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
23995 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
23996 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
23997 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
23998 @c or not?
23999 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
24000 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
24001 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
24002
24003 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
24004 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
24005 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
24006
24007 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
24008 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
24009
24010 @node Command Files
24011 @subsection Command Files
24012
24013 @cindex command files
24014 @cindex scripting commands
24015 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
24016 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
24017 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
24018 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
24019 terminal.
24020
24021 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
24022 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
24023 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
24024 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
24025 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
24026
24027 @table @code
24028 @kindex source
24029 @cindex execute commands from a file
24030 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
24031 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
24032 @end table
24033
24034 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
24035 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
24036 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
24037 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
24038 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
24039
24040 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
24041 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
24042 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
24043 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
24044 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
24045 is not relevant to scripts.
24046
24047 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
24048 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
24049 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
24050 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
24051 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
24052 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
24053 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
24054 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
24055 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
24056 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
24057 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
24058 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
24059 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
24060 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
24061
24062 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
24063 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
24064 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
24065
24066 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
24067 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
24068 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
24069 when called from command files.
24070
24071 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
24072 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
24073 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
24074 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
24075 the next command.
24076
24077 @smallexample
24078 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
24079 @end smallexample
24080
24081 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
24082 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
24083 would be directed to @file{log}.
24084
24085 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
24086 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
24087 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
24088 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
24089 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
24090 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
24091 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
24092 conditionally, etc.
24093
24094 @table @code
24095 @kindex if
24096 @kindex else
24097 @item if
24098 @itemx else
24099 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
24100 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
24101 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
24102 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
24103 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
24104 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
24105 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
24106
24107 @kindex while
24108 @item while
24109 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
24110 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
24111 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
24112 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
24113 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
24114 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
24115
24116 @kindex loop_break
24117 @item loop_break
24118 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
24119 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
24120 line.
24121
24122 @kindex loop_continue
24123 @item loop_continue
24124 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
24125 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
24126 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
24127 the controlling expression.
24128
24129 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
24130 @item end
24131 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
24132 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
24133 @end table
24134
24135
24136 @node Output
24137 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
24138
24139 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
24140 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
24141 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
24142 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
24143 want.
24144
24145 @table @code
24146 @kindex echo
24147 @item echo @var{text}
24148 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
24149 @c because it is not in ANSI.
24150 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
24151 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
24152 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
24153 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
24154 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
24155 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
24156 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
24157 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
24158 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
24159
24160 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
24161 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
24162
24163 @smallexample
24164 echo This is some text\n\
24165 which is continued\n\
24166 onto several lines.\n
24167 @end smallexample
24168
24169 produces the same output as
24170
24171 @smallexample
24172 echo This is some text\n
24173 echo which is continued\n
24174 echo onto several lines.\n
24175 @end smallexample
24176
24177 @kindex output
24178 @item output @var{expression}
24179 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
24180 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
24181 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
24182 on expressions.
24183
24184 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
24185 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
24186 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
24187 Formats}, for more information.
24188
24189 @kindex printf
24190 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
24191 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
24192 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
24193 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
24194 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
24195 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
24196 executing the code below:
24197
24198 @smallexample
24199 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
24200 @end smallexample
24201
24202 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
24203 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
24204 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
24205 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
24206 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
24207 printed.
24208
24209 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
24210
24211 @smallexample
24212 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
24213 @end smallexample
24214
24215 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
24216 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
24217 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
24218
24219 @itemize @bullet
24220 @item
24221 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
24222
24223 @item
24224 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
24225 width.
24226
24227 @item
24228 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
24229 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
24230
24231 @item
24232 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
24233 supported.
24234
24235 @item
24236 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
24237
24238 @item
24239 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
24240 @end itemize
24241
24242 @noindent
24243 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
24244 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
24245 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
24246 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
24247
24248 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
24249 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
24250 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
24251 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
24252 supported.
24253
24254 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
24255 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
24256 together with a floating point specifier.
24257 letters:
24258
24259 @itemize @bullet
24260 @item
24261 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
24262
24263 @item
24264 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
24265
24266 @item
24267 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
24268 @end itemize
24269
24270 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
24271 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
24272 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
24273
24274 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
24275 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
24276
24277 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
24278 @smallexample
24279 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
24280 @end smallexample
24281
24282 @kindex eval
24283 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
24284 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
24285 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
24286
24287 @end table
24288
24289 @node Auto-loading sequences
24290 @subsection Controlling auto-loading native @value{GDBN} scripts
24291 @cindex native script auto-loading
24292
24293 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
24294 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
24295 @value{GDBN} will look for the command file @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}.
24296 @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
24297
24298 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
24299 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
24300
24301 @table @code
24302 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
24303 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
24304 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
24305 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
24306
24307 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
24308 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
24309 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
24310 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
24311 disabled.
24312
24313 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
24314 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
24315 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
24316 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
24317 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
24318 auto-loaded.
24319 @end table
24320
24321 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
24322 matching names are printed.
24323
24324 @c Python docs live in a separate file.
24325 @include python.texi
24326
24327 @c Guile docs live in a separate file.
24328 @include guile.texi
24329
24330 @node Auto-loading extensions
24331 @section Auto-loading extensions
24332 @cindex auto-loading extensions
24333
24334 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for automatically loading extensions
24335 when a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
24336 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library):
24337 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} and the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}
24338 section of modern file formats like ELF.
24339
24340 @menu
24341 * objfile-gdb.ext file: objfile-gdbdotext file. The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
24342 * .debug_gdb_scripts section: dotdebug_gdb_scripts section. The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
24343 * Which flavor to choose?::
24344 @end menu
24345
24346 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
24347 debugging commands and features.
24348
24349 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
24350 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
24351 See the @samp{auto-loading} section of each extension language
24352 for more information.
24353 For @value{GDBN} command files see @ref{Auto-loading sequences}.
24354 For Python files see @ref{Python Auto-loading}.
24355
24356 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
24357 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24358
24359 @node objfile-gdbdotext file
24360 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
24361 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
24362 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
24363 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
24364
24365 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for a file named
24366 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
24367 where @var{objfile} is the object file's name and
24368 where @var{ext} is the file extension for the extension language:
24369
24370 @table @code
24371 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
24372 GDB's own command language
24373 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
24374 Python
24375 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
24376 Guile
24377 @end table
24378
24379 @var{script-name} is formed by ensuring that the file name of @var{objfile}
24380 is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving @code{.} and @code{..}
24381 components, and appending the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} suffix.
24382 If this file exists and is readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a
24383 script in the specified extension language.
24384
24385 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
24386 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
24387
24388 Note that loading of these files requires an accordingly configured
24389 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24390
24391 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
24392 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
24393 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
24394 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
24395 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
24396 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
24397
24398 @table @code
24399 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
24400 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
24401 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
24402 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
24403 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
24404 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
24405
24406 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
24407 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
24408
24409 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
24410 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
24411 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
24412 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
24413
24414 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
24415 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
24416 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
24417 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
24418 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
24419 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
24420 platform.
24421
24422 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
24423 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
24424 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
24425
24426 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
24427 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
24428 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
24429 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
24430
24431 @anchor{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}
24432 @kindex add-auto-load-scripts-directory
24433 @item add-auto-load-scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@dots{}@r{]}
24434 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of auto-loaded scripts locations.
24435 Multiple entries may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use.
24436 @end table
24437
24438 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
24439 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
24440 @var{objfile} is opened.
24441 So your @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
24442 is evaluated more than once.
24443
24444 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
24445 @subsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
24446 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
24447
24448 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
24449 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
24450 it will look for a special section named @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
24451 If this section exists, its contents is a list of null-terminated entries
24452 specifying scripts to load. Each entry begins with a non-null prefix byte that
24453 specifies the kind of entry, typically the extension language and whether the
24454 script is in a file or inlined in @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
24455
24456 The following entries are supported:
24457
24458 @table @code
24459 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_FILE = 1
24460 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_FILE = 3
24461 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT = 4
24462 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_TEXT = 6
24463 @end table
24464
24465 @subsubsection Script File Entries
24466
24467 If the entry specifies a file, @value{GDBN} will look for the file first
24468 in the current directory and then along the source search path
24469 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
24470 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
24471 directory is not relevant to scripts.
24472
24473 File entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
24474 for example, this GCC macro for Python scripts.
24475
24476 @example
24477 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
24478 #define DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT(script_name) \
24479 asm("\
24480 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
24481 .byte 1 /* Python */\n\
24482 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
24483 .popsection \n\
24484 ");
24485 @end example
24486
24487 @noindent
24488 For Guile scripts, replace @code{.byte 1} with @code{.byte 3}.
24489 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
24490
24491 @example
24492 DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
24493 @end example
24494
24495 The script name may include directories if desired.
24496
24497 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
24498 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24499
24500 If the macro invocation is put in a header, any application or library
24501 using this header will get a reference to the specified script,
24502 and with the use of @code{"MS"} attributes on the section, the linker
24503 will remove duplicates.
24504
24505 @subsubsection Script Text Entries
24506
24507 Script text entries allow to put the executable script in the entry
24508 itself instead of loading it from a file.
24509 The first line of the entry, everything after the prefix byte and up to
24510 the first newline (@code{0xa}) character, is the script name, and must not
24511 contain any kind of space character, e.g., spaces or tabs.
24512 The rest of the entry, up to the trailing null byte, is the script to
24513 execute in the specified language. The name needs to be unique among
24514 all script names, as @value{GDBN} executes each script only once based
24515 on its name.
24516
24517 Here is an example from file @file{py-section-script.c} in the @value{GDBN}
24518 testsuite.
24519
24520 @example
24521 #include "symcat.h"
24522 #include "gdb/section-scripts.h"
24523 asm(
24524 ".pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n"
24525 ".byte " XSTRING (SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT) "\n"
24526 ".ascii \"gdb.inlined-script\\n\"\n"
24527 ".ascii \"class test_cmd (gdb.Command):\\n\"\n"
24528 ".ascii \" def __init__ (self):\\n\"\n"
24529 ".ascii \" super (test_cmd, self).__init__ ("
24530 "\\\"test-cmd\\\", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)\\n\"\n"
24531 ".ascii \" def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):\\n\"\n"
24532 ".ascii \" print (\\\"test-cmd output, arg = %s\\\" % arg)\\n\"\n"
24533 ".ascii \"test_cmd ()\\n\"\n"
24534 ".byte 0\n"
24535 ".popsection\n"
24536 );
24537 @end example
24538
24539 Loading of inlined scripts requires a properly configured
24540 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24541 The path to specify in @code{auto-load safe-path} is the path of the file
24542 containing the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
24543
24544 @node Which flavor to choose?
24545 @subsection Which flavor to choose?
24546
24547 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading extensions, it might not always
24548 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
24549
24550 @noindent
24551 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way:
24552
24553 @itemize @bullet
24554 @item
24555 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
24556
24557 @item
24558 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
24559
24560 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
24561 in the source search path.
24562 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
24563 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
24564
24565 @item
24566 Doesn't require source code additions.
24567 @end itemize
24568
24569 @noindent
24570 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
24571
24572 @itemize @bullet
24573 @item
24574 Works with static linking.
24575
24576 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way require an objfile to
24577 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
24578 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
24579 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's
24580 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script.
24581
24582 @item
24583 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
24584
24585 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
24586 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script to.
24587
24588 @item
24589 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
24590
24591 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
24592 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
24593 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
24594 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
24595 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
24596 top of the source tree to the source search path.
24597 @end itemize
24598
24599 @node Multiple Extension Languages
24600 @section Multiple Extension Languages
24601
24602 The Guile and Python extension languages do not share any state,
24603 and generally do not interfere with each other.
24604 There are some things to be aware of, however.
24605
24606 @subsection Python comes first
24607
24608 Python was @value{GDBN}'s first extension language, and to avoid breaking
24609 existing behaviour Python comes first. This is generally solved by the
24610 ``first one wins'' principle. @value{GDBN} maintains a list of enabled
24611 extension languages, and when it makes a call to an extension language,
24612 (say to pretty-print a value), it tries each in turn until an extension
24613 language indicates it has performed the request (e.g., has returned the
24614 pretty-printed form of a value).
24615 This extends to errors while performing such requests: If an error happens
24616 while, for example, trying to pretty-print an object then the error is
24617 reported and any following extension languages are not tried.
24618
24619 @node Aliases
24620 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
24621 @cindex aliases for commands
24622
24623 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
24624 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
24625 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
24626 that involves less typing.
24627
24628 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
24629 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
24630 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
24631
24632 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
24633 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
24634 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
24635
24636 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
24637
24638 @table @code
24639
24640 @kindex alias
24641 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
24642
24643 @end table
24644
24645 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
24646 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
24647 underscores.
24648
24649 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
24650 that is being aliased.
24651
24652 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
24653 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
24654 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
24655
24656 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
24657 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
24658
24659 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
24660 of a command so that there is less to type.
24661 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
24662 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
24663 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
24664 The following will accomplish this.
24665
24666 @smallexample
24667 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
24668 @end smallexample
24669
24670 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
24671 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
24672 for it with the @samp{document} command.
24673 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
24674
24675 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
24676 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
24677 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
24678 of a command.
24679
24680 @smallexample
24681 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
24682 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
24683 (gdb) set p elms 20
24684 (gdb) show p elms
24685 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
24686 @end smallexample
24687
24688 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
24689 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
24690 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
24691
24692 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
24693 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
24694
24695 @smallexample
24696 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
24697 @end smallexample
24698
24699 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
24700 alias for a more complex command.
24701 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
24702
24703 @smallexample
24704 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
24705 (gdb) spe 20
24706 @end smallexample
24707
24708 @node Interpreters
24709 @chapter Command Interpreters
24710 @cindex command interpreters
24711
24712 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
24713 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
24714 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
24715
24716 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
24717 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
24718 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
24719 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
24720
24721 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
24722 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
24723 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
24724 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
24725
24726 @table @code
24727 @item console
24728 @cindex console interpreter
24729 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
24730 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
24731 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
24732
24733 @item mi
24734 @cindex mi interpreter
24735 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
24736 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
24737 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
24738 Interface}.
24739
24740 @item mi2
24741 @cindex mi2 interpreter
24742 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
24743
24744 @item mi1
24745 @cindex mi1 interpreter
24746 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
24747
24748 @end table
24749
24750 @cindex invoke another interpreter
24751 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
24752 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
24753 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
24754 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
24755 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
24756 the IDE inoperable!
24757
24758 @kindex interpreter-exec
24759 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
24760 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
24761 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
24762 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
24763
24764 @smallexample
24765 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
24766 @end smallexample
24767
24768 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
24769 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
24770
24771 @node TUI
24772 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
24773 @cindex TUI
24774 @cindex Text User Interface
24775
24776 @menu
24777 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
24778 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
24779 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
24780 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
24781 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
24782 @end menu
24783
24784 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
24785 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
24786 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
24787 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
24788 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
24789 is available.
24790
24791 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
24792 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
24793 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
24794 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @command{tui
24795 enable} or @kbd{C-x C-a}. @xref{TUI Commands, ,TUI Commands}, and
24796 @ref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
24797
24798 @node TUI Overview
24799 @section TUI Overview
24800
24801 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
24802
24803 @table @emph
24804 @item command
24805 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
24806 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
24807 managed using readline.
24808
24809 @item source
24810 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
24811 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
24812
24813 @item assembly
24814 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
24815
24816 @item register
24817 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
24818 when their values change.
24819 @end table
24820
24821 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
24822 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
24823 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
24824 indicates the breakpoint type:
24825
24826 @table @code
24827 @item B
24828 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
24829
24830 @item b
24831 Breakpoint which was never hit.
24832
24833 @item H
24834 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
24835
24836 @item h
24837 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
24838 @end table
24839
24840 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
24841
24842 @table @code
24843 @item +
24844 Breakpoint is enabled.
24845
24846 @item -
24847 Breakpoint is disabled.
24848 @end table
24849
24850 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
24851 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
24852 changes.
24853
24854 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
24855 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
24856 layouts:
24857
24858 @itemize @bullet
24859 @item
24860 source only,
24861
24862 @item
24863 assembly only,
24864
24865 @item
24866 source and assembly,
24867
24868 @item
24869 source and registers, or
24870
24871 @item
24872 assembly and registers.
24873 @end itemize
24874
24875 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
24876
24877 @table @emph
24878 @item target
24879 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
24880 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
24881
24882 @item process
24883 Gives the current process or thread number.
24884 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
24885
24886 @item function
24887 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
24888 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
24889 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
24890 the string @code{??} is displayed.
24891
24892 @item line
24893 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
24894 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
24895
24896 @item pc
24897 Indicates the current program counter address.
24898 @end table
24899
24900 @node TUI Keys
24901 @section TUI Key Bindings
24902 @cindex TUI key bindings
24903
24904 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
24905 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
24906 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
24907 @end ifset
24908 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
24909 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
24910 @end ifclear
24911 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
24912 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
24913
24914 @table @kbd
24915 @kindex C-x C-a
24916 @item C-x C-a
24917 @kindex C-x a
24918 @itemx C-x a
24919 @kindex C-x A
24920 @itemx C-x A
24921 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
24922 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
24923 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
24924 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
24925 The screen is then refreshed.
24926
24927 @kindex C-x 1
24928 @item C-x 1
24929 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
24930 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
24931 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
24932
24933 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
24934
24935 @kindex C-x 2
24936 @item C-x 2
24937 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
24938 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
24939 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
24940 previous layout and the new one.
24941
24942 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
24943
24944 @kindex C-x o
24945 @item C-x o
24946 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
24947 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
24948 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
24949
24950 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
24951
24952 @kindex C-x s
24953 @item C-x s
24954 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
24955 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
24956 @end table
24957
24958 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
24959
24960 @table @asis
24961 @kindex PgUp
24962 @item @key{PgUp}
24963 Scroll the active window one page up.
24964
24965 @kindex PgDn
24966 @item @key{PgDn}
24967 Scroll the active window one page down.
24968
24969 @kindex Up
24970 @item @key{Up}
24971 Scroll the active window one line up.
24972
24973 @kindex Down
24974 @item @key{Down}
24975 Scroll the active window one line down.
24976
24977 @kindex Left
24978 @item @key{Left}
24979 Scroll the active window one column left.
24980
24981 @kindex Right
24982 @item @key{Right}
24983 Scroll the active window one column right.
24984
24985 @kindex C-L
24986 @item @kbd{C-L}
24987 Refresh the screen.
24988 @end table
24989
24990 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
24991 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
24992 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
24993 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
24994 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
24995
24996 @node TUI Single Key Mode
24997 @section TUI Single Key Mode
24998 @cindex TUI single key mode
24999
25000 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
25001 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
25002 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
25003
25004 @table @kbd
25005 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25006 @item c
25007 continue
25008
25009 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25010 @item d
25011 down
25012
25013 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25014 @item f
25015 finish
25016
25017 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25018 @item n
25019 next
25020
25021 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25022 @item q
25023 exit the SingleKey mode.
25024
25025 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25026 @item r
25027 run
25028
25029 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25030 @item s
25031 step
25032
25033 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25034 @item u
25035 up
25036
25037 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25038 @item v
25039 info locals
25040
25041 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25042 @item w
25043 where
25044 @end table
25045
25046 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
25047 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
25048 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
25049 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
25050 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
25051 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
25052
25053
25054 @node TUI Commands
25055 @section TUI-specific Commands
25056 @cindex TUI commands
25057
25058 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
25059 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
25060 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
25061 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
25062
25063 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
25064 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
25065 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
25066 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
25067 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
25068
25069 @table @code
25070 @item tui enable
25071 @kindex tui enable
25072 Activate TUI mode. The last active TUI window layout will be used if
25073 TUI mode has prevsiouly been used in the current debugging session,
25074 otherwise a default layout is used.
25075
25076 @item tui disable
25077 @kindex tui disable
25078 Disable TUI mode, returning to the console interpreter.
25079
25080 @item info win
25081 @kindex info win
25082 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
25083
25084 @item layout @var{name}
25085 @kindex layout
25086 Changes which TUI windows are displayed. In each layout the command
25087 window is always displayed, the @var{name} parameter controls which
25088 additional windows are displayed, and can be any of the following:
25089
25090 @table @code
25091 @item next
25092 Display the next layout.
25093
25094 @item prev
25095 Display the previous layout.
25096
25097 @item src
25098 Display the source and command windows.
25099
25100 @item asm
25101 Display the assembly and command windows.
25102
25103 @item split
25104 Display the source, assembly, and command windows.
25105
25106 @item regs
25107 When in @code{src} layout display the register, source, and command
25108 windows. When in @code{asm} or @code{split} layout display the
25109 register, assembler, and command windows.
25110 @end table
25111
25112 @item focus @var{name}
25113 @kindex focus
25114 Changes which TUI window is currently active for scrolling. The
25115 @var{name} parameter can be any of the following:
25116
25117 @table @code
25118 @item next
25119 Make the next window active for scrolling.
25120
25121 @item prev
25122 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
25123
25124 @item src
25125 Make the source window active for scrolling.
25126
25127 @item asm
25128 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
25129
25130 @item regs
25131 Make the register window active for scrolling.
25132
25133 @item cmd
25134 Make the command window active for scrolling.
25135 @end table
25136
25137 @item refresh
25138 @kindex refresh
25139 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
25140
25141 @item tui reg @var{group}
25142 @kindex tui reg
25143 Changes the register group displayed in the tui register window to
25144 @var{group}. If the register window is not currently displayed this
25145 command will cause the register window to be displayed. The list of
25146 register groups, as well as their order is target specific. The
25147 following groups are available on most targets:
25148 @table @code
25149 @item next
25150 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
25151 through all of the available register groups.
25152
25153 @item prev
25154 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
25155 through all of the available register groups in the reverse order to
25156 @var{next}.
25157
25158 @item general
25159 Display the general registers.
25160 @item float
25161 Display the floating point registers.
25162 @item system
25163 Display the system registers.
25164 @item vector
25165 Display the vector registers.
25166 @item all
25167 Display all registers.
25168 @end table
25169
25170 @item update
25171 @kindex update
25172 Update the source window and the current execution point.
25173
25174 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
25175 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
25176 @kindex winheight
25177 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
25178 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
25179 decrease it. The @var{name} parameter can be one of @code{src} (the
25180 source window), @code{cmd} (the command window), @code{asm} (the
25181 disassembly window), or @code{regs} (the register display window).
25182
25183 @item tabset @var{nchars}
25184 @kindex tabset
25185 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters. This
25186 setting affects the display of TAB characters in the source and
25187 assembly windows.
25188 @end table
25189
25190 @node TUI Configuration
25191 @section TUI Configuration Variables
25192 @cindex TUI configuration variables
25193
25194 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
25195
25196 @table @code
25197 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
25198 @kindex set tui border-kind
25199 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
25200 The possible values are the following:
25201 @table @code
25202 @item space
25203 Use a space character to draw the border.
25204
25205 @item ascii
25206 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
25207
25208 @item acs
25209 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
25210 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
25211 @end table
25212
25213 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
25214 @kindex set tui border-mode
25215 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
25216 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
25217 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
25218 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
25219 @table @code
25220 @item normal
25221 Use normal attributes to display the border.
25222
25223 @item standout
25224 Use standout mode.
25225
25226 @item reverse
25227 Use reverse video mode.
25228
25229 @item half
25230 Use half bright mode.
25231
25232 @item half-standout
25233 Use half bright and standout mode.
25234
25235 @item bold
25236 Use extra bright or bold mode.
25237
25238 @item bold-standout
25239 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
25240 @end table
25241 @end table
25242
25243 @node Emacs
25244 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
25245
25246 @cindex Emacs
25247 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
25248 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
25249 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
25250 @value{GDBN}.
25251
25252 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
25253 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
25254 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
25255 created Emacs buffer.
25256 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
25257
25258 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
25259 things:
25260
25261 @itemize @bullet
25262 @item
25263 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
25264 the GUD buffer.
25265
25266 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
25267 and output done by the program you are debugging.
25268
25269 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
25270 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
25271 in this way.
25272
25273 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
25274 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
25275 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
25276 stop.
25277
25278 @item
25279 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
25280
25281 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
25282 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
25283 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
25284 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
25285 and the source.
25286
25287 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
25288 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
25289 @end itemize
25290
25291 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
25292 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
25293 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
25294 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
25295
25296 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
25297 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
25298 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
25299 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
25300 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
25301 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
25302 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
25303 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
25304 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
25305
25306 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
25307 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
25308 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
25309 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
25310
25311 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
25312 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
25313 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
25314 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
25315 one you want.
25316
25317 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
25318 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
25319
25320 @table @kbd
25321 @item C-h m
25322 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
25323
25324 @item C-c C-s
25325 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
25326 update the display window to show the current file and location.
25327
25328 @item C-c C-n
25329 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
25330 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
25331 to show the current file and location.
25332
25333 @item C-c C-i
25334 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
25335 display window accordingly.
25336
25337 @item C-c C-f
25338 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
25339 @code{finish} command.
25340
25341 @item C-c C-r
25342 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
25343 command.
25344
25345 @item C-c <
25346 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
25347 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
25348 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
25349
25350 @item C-c >
25351 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
25352 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
25353 @end table
25354
25355 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
25356 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
25357
25358 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
25359 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
25360 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
25361 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
25362 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
25363 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
25364 speedbar displays watch expressions.
25365
25366 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
25367 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
25368 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
25369 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
25370 frame.
25371
25372 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
25373 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
25374 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
25375 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
25376 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
25377 to correspond properly with the code.
25378
25379 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
25380 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
25381 Emacs Manual}).
25382
25383 @node GDB/MI
25384 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
25385
25386 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
25387
25388 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
25389 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
25390 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
25391 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
25392 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
25393 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
25394
25395 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
25396 in the form of a reference manual.
25397
25398 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
25399 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
25400 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
25401
25402 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
25403
25404 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
25405 This chapter uses the following notation:
25406
25407 @itemize @bullet
25408 @item
25409 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
25410
25411 @item
25412 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
25413 it may or may not be given.
25414
25415 @item
25416 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
25417 may repeat zero or more times.
25418
25419 @item
25420 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
25421 may repeat one or more times.
25422
25423 @item
25424 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
25425 @end itemize
25426
25427 @ignore
25428 @heading Dependencies
25429 @end ignore
25430
25431 @menu
25432 * GDB/MI General Design::
25433 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
25434 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
25435 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
25436 * GDB/MI Output Records::
25437 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
25438 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
25439 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
25440 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
25441 * GDB/MI Program Context::
25442 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
25443 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
25444 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
25445 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
25446 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
25447 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
25448 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
25449 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
25450 * GDB/MI File Commands::
25451 @ignore
25452 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
25453 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
25454 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
25455 @end ignore
25456 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
25457 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
25458 * GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands::
25459 * GDB/MI Support Commands::
25460 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
25461 @end menu
25462
25463 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25464 @node GDB/MI General Design
25465 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
25466 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
25467
25468 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
25469 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
25470 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
25471 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
25472 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
25473 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
25474 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
25475 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
25476 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
25477 a command and reported as part of that command response.
25478
25479 The important examples of notifications are:
25480 @itemize @bullet
25481
25482 @item
25483 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
25484 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
25485 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
25486 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
25487 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
25488 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
25489 command itself was successfully executed.
25490
25491 @item
25492 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
25493 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
25494 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
25495 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
25496 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
25497 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
25498
25499 @item
25500 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
25501 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
25502 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
25503 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
25504 orthogonal frontend design.
25505
25506 @end itemize
25507
25508 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
25509 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
25510 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
25511 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
25512 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
25513 the user interface.
25514
25515
25516 @menu
25517 * Context management::
25518 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
25519 * Thread groups::
25520 @end menu
25521
25522 @node Context management
25523 @subsection Context management
25524
25525 @subsubsection Threads and Frames
25526
25527 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
25528 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
25529 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
25530 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
25531 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
25532 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
25533 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
25534 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
25535 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
25536
25537 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
25538 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
25539 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
25540 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
25541 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
25542 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
25543 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
25544 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
25545 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
25546 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} global
25547 identifier for thread and frame to operate on.
25548
25549 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
25550 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
25551 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
25552 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
25553 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
25554 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
25555 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
25556 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
25557 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
25558 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
25559
25560 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
25561 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
25562 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
25563 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
25564 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
25565 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
25566 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
25567 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
25568 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
25569 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
25570 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
25571 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
25572 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
25573 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
25574 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
25575 @samp{--frame} options.
25576
25577 @subsubsection Language
25578
25579 The execution of several commands depends on which language is selected.
25580 By default, the current language (@pxref{show language}) is used.
25581 But for commands known to be language-sensitive, it is recommended
25582 to use the @samp{--language} option. This option takes one argument,
25583 which is the name of the language to use while executing the command.
25584 For instance:
25585
25586 @smallexample
25587 -data-evaluate-expression --language c "sizeof (void*)"
25588 ^done,value="4"
25589 (gdb)
25590 @end smallexample
25591
25592 The valid language names are the same names accepted by the
25593 @samp{set language} command (@pxref{Manually}), excluding @samp{auto},
25594 @samp{local} or @samp{unknown}.
25595
25596 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
25597 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
25598
25599 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
25600 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
25601 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
25602 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
25603 @code{-gdb-set mi-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
25604 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
25605 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
25606 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
25607 @code{-list-target-features} command.
25608
25609 @table @code
25610 @item -gdb-set mi-async on
25611 @item -gdb-set mi-async off
25612 Set whether MI is in asynchronous mode.
25613
25614 When @code{off}, which is the default, MI execution commands (e.g.,
25615 @code{-exec-continue}) are foreground commands, and @value{GDBN} waits
25616 for the program to stop before processing further commands.
25617
25618 When @code{on}, MI execution commands are background execution
25619 commands (e.g., @code{-exec-continue} becomes the equivalent of the
25620 @code{c&} CLI command), and so @value{GDBN} is capable of processing
25621 MI commands even while the target is running.
25622
25623 @item -gdb-show mi-async
25624 Show whether MI asynchronous mode is enabled.
25625 @end table
25626
25627 Note: In @value{GDBN} version 7.7 and earlier, this option was called
25628 @code{target-async} instead of @code{mi-async}, and it had the effect
25629 of both putting MI in asynchronous mode and making CLI background
25630 commands possible. CLI background commands are now always possible
25631 ``out of the box'' if the target supports them. The old spelling is
25632 kept as a deprecated alias for backwards compatibility.
25633
25634 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
25635 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
25636 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
25637 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
25638 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
25639 are running.
25640
25641 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
25642 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
25643 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
25644 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
25645 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
25646 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
25647 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
25648 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
25649 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
25650 @samp{--thread} option).
25651
25652 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
25653 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
25654 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
25655 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
25656
25657 @node Thread groups
25658 @subsection Thread groups
25659 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
25660 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
25661 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
25662 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
25663 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
25664
25665 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
25666 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
25667 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
25668 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
25669 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
25670 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
25671 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
25672 into processes.
25673
25674 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
25675 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
25676 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
25677 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
25678 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
25679 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
25680 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
25681 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
25682 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
25683 the members of specific thread group.
25684
25685 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
25686 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
25687 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
25688 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
25689 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
25690 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
25691 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
25692 after attaching to that thread group.
25693
25694 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
25695 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
25696 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
25697 such thread groups.
25698
25699 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25700 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
25701 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
25702
25703 @menu
25704 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
25705 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
25706 @end menu
25707
25708 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
25709 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
25710
25711 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
25712 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
25713 @table @code
25714 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
25715 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
25716
25717 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
25718 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
25719 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
25720
25721 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
25722 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
25723 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
25724
25725 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
25726 "any sequence of digits"
25727
25728 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
25729 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
25730
25731 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
25732 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
25733
25734 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
25735 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
25736
25737 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
25738 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
25739 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
25740
25741 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
25742 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
25743
25744 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
25745 @code{CR | CR-LF}
25746 @end table
25747
25748 @noindent
25749 Notes:
25750
25751 @itemize @bullet
25752 @item
25753 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
25754 output is described below.
25755
25756 @item
25757 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
25758 finishes.
25759
25760 @item
25761 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
25762 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
25763 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
25764 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
25765 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
25766 @end itemize
25767
25768 Pragmatics:
25769
25770 @itemize @bullet
25771 @item
25772 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
25773
25774 @item
25775 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
25776 @end itemize
25777
25778 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
25779 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
25780
25781 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
25782 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
25783 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
25784 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
25785 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
25786 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
25787
25788 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
25789 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
25790 @var{token}.
25791
25792 @table @code
25793 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
25794 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
25795
25796 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
25797 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
25798
25799 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
25800 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
25801
25802 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
25803 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
25804
25805 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
25806 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output nl}}
25807
25808 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
25809 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output nl}}
25810
25811 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
25812 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output nl}}
25813
25814 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
25815 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )*}
25816
25817 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
25818 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
25819
25820 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
25821 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
25822 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
25823
25824 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
25825 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
25826
25827 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
25828 @code{ @var{string} }
25829
25830 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
25831 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
25832
25833 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
25834 @code{@var{c-string}}
25835
25836 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
25837 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
25838
25839 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
25840 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
25841 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
25842
25843 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
25844 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
25845
25846 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
25847 @code{"~" @var{c-string nl}}
25848
25849 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
25850 @code{"@@" @var{c-string nl}}
25851
25852 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
25853 @code{"&" @var{c-string nl}}
25854
25855 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
25856 @code{CR | CR-LF}
25857
25858 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
25859 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
25860 @end table
25861
25862 @noindent
25863 Notes:
25864
25865 @itemize @bullet
25866 @item
25867 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
25868
25869 @item
25870 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
25871 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
25872 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
25873 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
25874 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
25875 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
25876 prior command.
25877
25878 @item
25879 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
25880 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
25881 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
25882 prefixed by @samp{+}.
25883
25884 @item
25885 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
25886 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
25887 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
25888 @samp{*}.
25889
25890 @item
25891 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
25892 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
25893 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
25894 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
25895
25896 @item
25897 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
25898 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
25899 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
25900 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
25901
25902 @item
25903 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
25904 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
25905 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
25906
25907 @item
25908 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
25909 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
25910 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
25911 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
25912
25913 @item
25914 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
25915 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
25916 @var{values}.
25917
25918
25919 @end itemize
25920
25921 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
25922 details about the various output records.
25923
25924 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25925 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
25926 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
25927
25928 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
25929 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
25930
25931 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
25932 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
25933 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
25934 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
25935 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
25936 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
25937
25938 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
25939 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
25940 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
25941
25942 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25943 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
25944 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
25945 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
25946
25947 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
25948 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
25949
25950 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
25951 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
25952 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
25953 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
25954 might change.
25955
25956 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
25957 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
25958 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
25959 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
25960
25961 @itemize @bullet
25962 @item
25963 New MI commands may be added.
25964
25965 @item
25966 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
25967
25968 @item
25969 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
25970 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
25971
25972 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
25973 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
25974
25975 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
25976 @c resolve inconsistencies.
25977 @end itemize
25978
25979 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
25980 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
25981 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
25982 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
25983 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
25984
25985 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
25986 @c version?
25987
25988 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
25989 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
25990 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
25991 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
25992 @cindex mailing lists
25993
25994 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25995 @node GDB/MI Output Records
25996 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
25997
25998 @menu
25999 * GDB/MI Result Records::
26000 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
26001 * GDB/MI Async Records::
26002 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
26003 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
26004 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
26005 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
26006 @end menu
26007
26008 @node GDB/MI Result Records
26009 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
26010
26011 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26012 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
26013 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
26014 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
26015
26016 @table @code
26017 @findex ^done
26018 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
26019 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
26020 values.
26021
26022 @item "^running"
26023 @findex ^running
26024 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
26025 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
26026 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
26027 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
26028 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
26029 which threads are resumed.
26030
26031 @item "^connected"
26032 @findex ^connected
26033 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
26034
26035 @item "^error" "," "msg=" @var{c-string} [ "," "code=" @var{c-string} ]
26036 @findex ^error
26037 The operation failed. The @code{msg=@var{c-string}} variable contains
26038 the corresponding error message.
26039
26040 If present, the @code{code=@var{c-string}} variable provides an error
26041 code on which consumers can rely on to detect the corresponding
26042 error condition. At present, only one error code is defined:
26043
26044 @table @samp
26045 @item "undefined-command"
26046 Indicates that the command causing the error does not exist.
26047 @end table
26048
26049 @item "^exit"
26050 @findex ^exit
26051 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
26052
26053 @end table
26054
26055 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
26056 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
26057
26058 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
26059 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26060 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
26061 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
26062 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
26063
26064 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
26065 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
26066 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
26067 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
26068 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
26069
26070 @table @code
26071 @item "~" @var{string-output}
26072 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
26073 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
26074
26075 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
26076 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
26077 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
26078 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
26079
26080 @item "&" @var{string-output}
26081 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
26082 internals.
26083 @end table
26084
26085 @node GDB/MI Async Records
26086 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
26087
26088 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26089 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
26090 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
26091 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
26092 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
26093 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
26094
26095 The following is the list of possible async records:
26096
26097 @table @code
26098
26099 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
26100 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field can be the global
26101 thread ID of the the thread that is now running, and it can be
26102 @samp{all} if all threads are running. The frontend should assume
26103 that no interaction with a running thread is possible after this
26104 notification is produced. The frontend should not assume that this
26105 notification is output only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may
26106 emit this notification several times, either for different threads,
26107 because it cannot resume all threads together, or even for a single
26108 thread, if the thread must be stepped though some code before letting
26109 it run freely.
26110
26111 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
26112 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
26113 following values:
26114
26115 @table @code
26116 @item breakpoint-hit
26117 A breakpoint was reached.
26118 @item watchpoint-trigger
26119 A watchpoint was triggered.
26120 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
26121 A read watchpoint was triggered.
26122 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
26123 An access watchpoint was triggered.
26124 @item function-finished
26125 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
26126 @item location-reached
26127 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
26128 @item watchpoint-scope
26129 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
26130 @item end-stepping-range
26131 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
26132 similar CLI command was accomplished.
26133 @item exited-signalled
26134 The inferior exited because of a signal.
26135 @item exited
26136 The inferior exited.
26137 @item exited-normally
26138 The inferior exited normally.
26139 @item signal-received
26140 A signal was received by the inferior.
26141 @item solib-event
26142 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
26143 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
26144 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
26145 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
26146 @item fork
26147 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
26148 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26149 @item vfork
26150 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
26151 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26152 @item syscall-entry
26153 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
26154 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26155 @item syscall-return
26156 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
26157 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26158 @item exec
26159 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
26160 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26161 @end table
26162
26163 The @var{id} field identifies the global thread ID of the thread
26164 that directly caused the stop -- for example by hitting a breakpoint.
26165 Depending on whether all-stop
26166 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
26167 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
26168 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
26169 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
26170 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
26171 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
26172 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
26173 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
26174 if such information is not available.
26175
26176 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
26177 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
26178 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
26179 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
26180 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
26181 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
26182 cannot be used in any way.
26183
26184 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
26185 A thread group became associated with a running program,
26186 either because the program was just started or the thread group
26187 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
26188 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
26189 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
26190
26191 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
26192 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
26193 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
26194 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
26195 thread group. The @var{code} field is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
26196 only when the inferior exited with some code.
26197
26198 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
26199 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
26200 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
26201 contains the global @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
26202 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
26203
26204 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
26205 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
26206 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
26207 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
26208 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
26209 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
26210 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
26211
26212 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
26213 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
26214 that thread.
26215
26216 @item =library-loaded,...
26217 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
26218 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
26219 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
26220 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
26221 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
26222 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
26223 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
26224 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
26225 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
26226 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
26227 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
26228 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
26229 thread groups.
26230
26231 @item =library-unloaded,...
26232 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
26233 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
26234 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
26235 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
26236 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
26237 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
26238 thread groups.
26239
26240 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
26241 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
26242 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
26243 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
26244 frame is @var{tpnum}.
26245
26246 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
26247 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
26248 initial value @var{initial}.
26249
26250 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
26251 @itemx =tsv-deleted
26252 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
26253 trace state variables are deleted.
26254
26255 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
26256 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
26257 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
26258 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
26259 value of trace state variable is known.
26260
26261 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
26262 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
26263 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
26264 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
26265 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
26266 user.
26267
26268 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
26269 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
26270 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
26271
26272 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
26273 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
26274
26275 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}"
26276 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
26277 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
26278 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
26279 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
26280
26281 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
26282 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
26283 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
26284 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
26285 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
26286 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
26287
26288 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
26289 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
26290 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
26291 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
26292 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
26293 executable code.
26294 @end table
26295
26296 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
26297 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
26298
26299 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
26300 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
26301 following fields:
26302
26303 @table @code
26304 @item number
26305 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
26306 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
26307 @samp{1.2}.
26308
26309 @item type
26310 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
26311 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
26312
26313 @item catch-type
26314 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
26315 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
26316
26317 @item disp
26318 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
26319 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
26320 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
26321
26322 @item enabled
26323 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
26324 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
26325 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
26326
26327 @item addr
26328 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
26329 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
26330 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
26331 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
26332 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
26333
26334 @item func
26335 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
26336 If not known, this field is not present.
26337
26338 @item filename
26339 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
26340 If not known, this field is not present.
26341
26342 @item fullname
26343 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
26344 known. If not known, this field is not present.
26345
26346 @item line
26347 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
26348 If not known, this field is not present.
26349
26350 @item at
26351 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
26352 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
26353 by a symbol name.
26354
26355 @item pending
26356 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
26357 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
26358
26359 @item evaluated-by
26360 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
26361 @samp{target}.
26362
26363 @item thread
26364 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
26365 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
26366
26367 @item task
26368 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
26369 field will hold the task identifier.
26370
26371 @item cond
26372 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
26373
26374 @item ignore
26375 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
26376
26377 @item enable
26378 The enable count of the breakpoint.
26379
26380 @item traceframe-usage
26381 FIXME.
26382
26383 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
26384 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
26385
26386 @item mask
26387 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
26388
26389 @item pass
26390 A tracepoint's pass count.
26391
26392 @item original-location
26393 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
26394 This field is optional.
26395
26396 @item times
26397 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
26398
26399 @item installed
26400 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
26401 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
26402 is not.
26403
26404 @item what
26405 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
26406
26407 @end table
26408
26409 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
26410 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
26411
26412 @smallexample
26413 -> -break-insert main
26414 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
26415 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
26416 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
26417 times="0"@}
26418 <- (gdb)
26419 @end smallexample
26420
26421 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
26422 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
26423
26424 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
26425 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
26426 fields:
26427
26428 @table @code
26429 @item level
26430 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
26431 zero. This field is always present.
26432
26433 @item func
26434 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
26435 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
26436
26437 @item addr
26438 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
26439
26440 @item file
26441 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
26442 address. This field may be absent.
26443
26444 @item line
26445 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
26446 may be absent.
26447
26448 @item from
26449 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
26450 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
26451
26452 @end table
26453
26454 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
26455 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
26456
26457 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
26458 uses a tuple with the following fields:
26459
26460 @table @code
26461 @item id
26462 The global numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
26463 always present.
26464
26465 @item target-id
26466 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
26467
26468 @item details
26469 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
26470 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
26471 frontend. This field is optional.
26472
26473 @item state
26474 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
26475 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
26476
26477 @item core
26478 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
26479 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
26480 @end table
26481
26482 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
26483 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
26484
26485 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
26486 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
26487 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
26488 the @code{exception-name} field.
26489
26490 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26491 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
26492 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
26493 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
26494
26495 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
26496 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
26497 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
26498 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
26499
26500 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
26501 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
26502
26503 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
26504
26505 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
26506 information of the breakpoint.
26507
26508 @smallexample
26509 -> -break-insert main
26510 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
26511 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
26512 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
26513 times="0"@}
26514 <- (gdb)
26515 @end smallexample
26516
26517 @subheading Program Execution
26518
26519 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
26520 reason that execution stopped.
26521
26522 @smallexample
26523 -> -exec-run
26524 <- ^running
26525 <- (gdb)
26526 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
26527 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
26528 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
26529 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
26530 <- (gdb)
26531 -> -exec-continue
26532 <- ^running
26533 <- (gdb)
26534 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
26535 <- (gdb)
26536 @end smallexample
26537
26538 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
26539
26540 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
26541
26542 @smallexample
26543 -> (gdb)
26544 <- -gdb-exit
26545 <- ^exit
26546 @end smallexample
26547
26548 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
26549 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
26550 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
26551 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
26552 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
26553 fails to exit in reasonable time.
26554
26555 @subheading A Bad Command
26556
26557 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
26558
26559 @smallexample
26560 -> -rubbish
26561 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
26562 <- (gdb)
26563 @end smallexample
26564
26565
26566 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26567 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
26568 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
26569
26570 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
26571 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
26572
26573 @subheading Motivation
26574
26575 The motivation for this collection of commands.
26576
26577 @subheading Introduction
26578
26579 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
26580
26581 @subheading Commands
26582
26583 For each command in the block, the following is described:
26584
26585 @subsubheading Synopsis
26586
26587 @smallexample
26588 -command @var{args}@dots{}
26589 @end smallexample
26590
26591 @subsubheading Result
26592
26593 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26594
26595 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
26596
26597 @subsubheading Example
26598
26599 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
26600 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
26601
26602
26603 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26604 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
26605 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
26606
26607 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
26608 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
26609 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
26610 breakpoints.
26611
26612 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
26613 @findex -break-after
26614
26615 @subsubheading Synopsis
26616
26617 @smallexample
26618 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
26619 @end smallexample
26620
26621 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
26622 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
26623 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
26624 @samp{-break-list} command below.
26625
26626 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26627
26628 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
26629
26630 @subsubheading Example
26631
26632 @smallexample
26633 (gdb)
26634 -break-insert main
26635 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
26636 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
26637 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
26638 times="0"@}
26639 (gdb)
26640 -break-after 1 3
26641 ~
26642 ^done
26643 (gdb)
26644 -break-list
26645 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
26646 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26647 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26648 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26649 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26650 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26651 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26652 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26653 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
26654 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
26655 (gdb)
26656 @end smallexample
26657
26658 @ignore
26659 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
26660 @findex -break-catch
26661 @end ignore
26662
26663 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
26664 @findex -break-commands
26665
26666 @subsubheading Synopsis
26667
26668 @smallexample
26669 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
26670 @end smallexample
26671
26672 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
26673 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
26674 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
26675 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
26676 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
26677 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
26678
26679 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26680
26681 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
26682
26683 @subsubheading Example
26684
26685 @smallexample
26686 (gdb)
26687 -break-insert main
26688 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
26689 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
26690 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
26691 times="0"@}
26692 (gdb)
26693 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
26694 ^done
26695 (gdb)
26696 @end smallexample
26697
26698 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
26699 @findex -break-condition
26700
26701 @subsubheading Synopsis
26702
26703 @smallexample
26704 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
26705 @end smallexample
26706
26707 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
26708 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
26709 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
26710 command below).
26711
26712 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26713
26714 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
26715
26716 @subsubheading Example
26717
26718 @smallexample
26719 (gdb)
26720 -break-condition 1 1
26721 ^done
26722 (gdb)
26723 -break-list
26724 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
26725 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26726 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26727 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26728 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26729 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26730 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26731 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26732 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
26733 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
26734 (gdb)
26735 @end smallexample
26736
26737 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
26738 @findex -break-delete
26739
26740 @subsubheading Synopsis
26741
26742 @smallexample
26743 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
26744 @end smallexample
26745
26746 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
26747 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
26748
26749 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26750
26751 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
26752
26753 @subsubheading Example
26754
26755 @smallexample
26756 (gdb)
26757 -break-delete 1
26758 ^done
26759 (gdb)
26760 -break-list
26761 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
26762 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26763 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26764 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26765 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26766 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26767 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26768 body=[]@}
26769 (gdb)
26770 @end smallexample
26771
26772 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
26773 @findex -break-disable
26774
26775 @subsubheading Synopsis
26776
26777 @smallexample
26778 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
26779 @end smallexample
26780
26781 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
26782 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
26783
26784 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26785
26786 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
26787
26788 @subsubheading Example
26789
26790 @smallexample
26791 (gdb)
26792 -break-disable 2
26793 ^done
26794 (gdb)
26795 -break-list
26796 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
26797 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26798 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26799 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26800 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26801 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26802 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26803 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
26804 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
26805 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
26806 (gdb)
26807 @end smallexample
26808
26809 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
26810 @findex -break-enable
26811
26812 @subsubheading Synopsis
26813
26814 @smallexample
26815 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
26816 @end smallexample
26817
26818 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
26819
26820 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26821
26822 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
26823
26824 @subsubheading Example
26825
26826 @smallexample
26827 (gdb)
26828 -break-enable 2
26829 ^done
26830 (gdb)
26831 -break-list
26832 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
26833 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26834 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26835 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26836 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26837 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26838 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26839 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26840 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
26841 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
26842 (gdb)
26843 @end smallexample
26844
26845 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
26846 @findex -break-info
26847
26848 @subsubheading Synopsis
26849
26850 @smallexample
26851 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
26852 @end smallexample
26853
26854 @c REDUNDANT???
26855 Get information about a single breakpoint.
26856
26857 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
26858 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
26859 table.
26860
26861 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26862
26863 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
26864
26865 @subsubheading Example
26866 N.A.
26867
26868 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
26869 @findex -break-insert
26870 @anchor{-break-insert}
26871
26872 @subsubheading Synopsis
26873
26874 @smallexample
26875 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
26876 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
26877 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
26878 @end smallexample
26879
26880 @noindent
26881 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
26882
26883 @table @var
26884 @item linespec location
26885 A linespec location. @xref{Linespec Locations}.
26886
26887 @item explicit location
26888 An explicit location. @sc{gdb/mi} explicit locations are
26889 analogous to the CLI's explicit locations using the option names
26890 listed below. @xref{Explicit Locations}.
26891
26892 @table @samp
26893 @item --source @var{filename}
26894 The source file name of the location. This option requires the use
26895 of either @samp{--function} or @samp{--line}.
26896
26897 @item --function @var{function}
26898 The name of a function or method.
26899
26900 @item --label @var{label}
26901 The name of a label.
26902
26903 @item --line @var{lineoffset}
26904 An absolute or relative line offset from the start of the location.
26905 @end table
26906
26907 @item address location
26908 An address location, *@var{address}. @xref{Address Locations}.
26909 @end table
26910
26911 @noindent
26912 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
26913
26914 @table @samp
26915 @item -t
26916 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
26917 @item -h
26918 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
26919 @item -f
26920 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
26921 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
26922 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
26923 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
26924 cannot be parsed.
26925 @item -d
26926 Create a disabled breakpoint.
26927 @item -a
26928 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
26929 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
26930 @item -c @var{condition}
26931 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
26932 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
26933 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
26934 @item -p @var{thread-id}
26935 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
26936 @var{thread-id}.
26937 @end table
26938
26939 @subsubheading Result
26940
26941 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
26942 resulting breakpoint.
26943
26944 Note: this format is open to change.
26945 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
26946
26947 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26948
26949 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
26950 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
26951
26952 @subsubheading Example
26953
26954 @smallexample
26955 (gdb)
26956 -break-insert main
26957 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
26958 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
26959 times="0"@}
26960 (gdb)
26961 -break-insert -t foo
26962 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
26963 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
26964 times="0"@}
26965 (gdb)
26966 -break-list
26967 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
26968 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26969 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26970 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26971 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26972 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26973 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26974 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26975 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
26976 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
26977 times="0"@},
26978 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
26979 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
26980 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
26981 times="0"@}]@}
26982 (gdb)
26983 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
26984 @c ~int foo(int, int);
26985 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
26986 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
26987 @c times="0"@}
26988 @c (gdb)
26989 @end smallexample
26990
26991 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
26992 @findex -dprintf-insert
26993
26994 @subsubheading Synopsis
26995
26996 @smallexample
26997 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
26998 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
26999 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
27000 [ @var{argument} ]
27001 @end smallexample
27002
27003 @noindent
27004 If supplied, @var{location} may be specified the same way as for
27005 the @code{-break-insert} command. @xref{-break-insert}.
27006
27007 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
27008
27009 @table @samp
27010 @item -t
27011 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
27012 @item -f
27013 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
27014 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
27015 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
27016 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
27017 cannot be parsed.
27018 @item -d
27019 Create a disabled breakpoint.
27020 @item -c @var{condition}
27021 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27022 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
27023 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
27024 to @var{ignore-count}.
27025 @item -p @var{thread-id}
27026 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
27027 @var{thread-id}.
27028 @end table
27029
27030 @subsubheading Result
27031
27032 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
27033 resulting breakpoint.
27034
27035 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
27036
27037 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27038
27039 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
27040
27041 @subsubheading Example
27042
27043 @smallexample
27044 (gdb)
27045 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
27046 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27047 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
27048 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
27049 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
27050 original-location="foo"@}
27051 (gdb)
27052 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
27053 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27054 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
27055 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
27056 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
27057 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
27058 (gdb)
27059 @end smallexample
27060
27061 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
27062 @findex -break-list
27063
27064 @subsubheading Synopsis
27065
27066 @smallexample
27067 -break-list
27068 @end smallexample
27069
27070 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
27071
27072 @table @samp
27073 @item Number
27074 number of the breakpoint
27075 @item Type
27076 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
27077 @item Disposition
27078 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
27079 or @samp{nokeep}
27080 @item Enabled
27081 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
27082 @item Address
27083 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
27084 @item What
27085 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
27086 name, line number
27087 @item Thread-groups
27088 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
27089 @item Times
27090 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
27091 @end table
27092
27093 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
27094 @code{body} field is an empty list.
27095
27096 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27097
27098 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
27099
27100 @subsubheading Example
27101
27102 @smallexample
27103 (gdb)
27104 -break-list
27105 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27106 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27107 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27108 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27109 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27110 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27111 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27112 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27113 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27114 times="0"@},
27115 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27116 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27117 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27118 (gdb)
27119 @end smallexample
27120
27121 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
27122
27123 @smallexample
27124 (gdb)
27125 -break-list
27126 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27127 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27128 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27129 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27130 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27131 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27132 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27133 body=[]@}
27134 (gdb)
27135 @end smallexample
27136
27137 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
27138 @findex -break-passcount
27139
27140 @subsubheading Synopsis
27141
27142 @smallexample
27143 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
27144 @end smallexample
27145
27146 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
27147 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
27148 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
27149 command @samp{passcount}.
27150
27151 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
27152 @findex -break-watch
27153
27154 @subsubheading Synopsis
27155
27156 @smallexample
27157 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
27158 @end smallexample
27159
27160 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
27161 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
27162 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
27163 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
27164 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
27165 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
27166 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
27167 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
27168
27169 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
27170 breakpoints inserted.
27171
27172 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27173
27174 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
27175 @samp{rwatch}.
27176
27177 @subsubheading Example
27178
27179 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
27180
27181 @smallexample
27182 (gdb)
27183 -break-watch x
27184 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
27185 (gdb)
27186 -exec-continue
27187 ^running
27188 (gdb)
27189 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
27190 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
27191 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
27192 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
27193 (gdb)
27194 @end smallexample
27195
27196 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
27197 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
27198 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
27199
27200 @smallexample
27201 (gdb)
27202 -break-watch C
27203 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
27204 (gdb)
27205 -exec-continue
27206 ^running
27207 (gdb)
27208 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
27209 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
27210 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
27211 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27212 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
27213 (gdb)
27214 -exec-continue
27215 ^running
27216 (gdb)
27217 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
27218 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
27219 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
27220 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27221 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
27222 (gdb)
27223 @end smallexample
27224
27225 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
27226 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
27227 deleted.
27228
27229 @smallexample
27230 (gdb)
27231 -break-watch C
27232 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
27233 (gdb)
27234 -break-list
27235 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27236 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27237 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27238 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27239 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27240 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27241 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27242 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27243 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27244 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27245 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
27246 times="1"@},
27247 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
27248 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27249 (gdb)
27250 -exec-continue
27251 ^running
27252 (gdb)
27253 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
27254 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
27255 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
27256 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27257 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
27258 (gdb)
27259 -break-list
27260 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27261 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27262 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27263 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27264 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27265 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27266 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27267 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27268 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27269 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27270 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
27271 times="1"@},
27272 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
27273 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
27274 (gdb)
27275 -exec-continue
27276 ^running
27277 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
27278 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
27279 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
27280 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27281 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
27282 (gdb)
27283 -break-list
27284 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27285 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27286 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27287 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27288 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27289 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27290 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27291 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27292 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27293 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27294 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
27295 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
27296 (gdb)
27297 @end smallexample
27298
27299
27300 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27301 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
27302 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
27303
27304 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
27305 catchpoints.
27306
27307 @menu
27308 * Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
27309 * Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
27310 @end menu
27311
27312 @node Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
27313 @subsection Shared Library @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
27314
27315 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
27316 @findex -catch-load
27317
27318 @subsubheading Synopsis
27319
27320 @smallexample
27321 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
27322 @end smallexample
27323
27324 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
27325 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
27326 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
27327 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
27328 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
27329
27330
27331 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27332
27333 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
27334
27335 @subsubheading Example
27336
27337 @smallexample
27338 -catch-load -t foo.so
27339 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
27340 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
27341 (gdb)
27342 @end smallexample
27343
27344
27345 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
27346 @findex -catch-unload
27347
27348 @subsubheading Synopsis
27349
27350 @smallexample
27351 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
27352 @end smallexample
27353
27354 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
27355 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
27356 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
27357 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
27358 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
27359
27360 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27361
27362 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
27363
27364 @subsubheading Example
27365
27366 @smallexample
27367 -catch-unload -d bar.so
27368 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
27369 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
27370 (gdb)
27371 @end smallexample
27372
27373 @node Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
27374 @subsection Ada Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
27375
27376 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
27377 that stop the execution when Ada exceptions are being raised.
27378
27379 @subheading The @code{-catch-assert} Command
27380 @findex -catch-assert
27381
27382 @subsubheading Synopsis
27383
27384 @smallexample
27385 -catch-assert [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -t ]
27386 @end smallexample
27387
27388 Add a catchpoint for failed Ada assertions.
27389
27390 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
27391
27392 @table @samp
27393 @item -c @var{condition}
27394 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27395 @item -d
27396 Create a disabled catchpoint.
27397 @item -t
27398 Create a temporary catchpoint.
27399 @end table
27400
27401 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27402
27403 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch assert}.
27404
27405 @subsubheading Example
27406
27407 @smallexample
27408 -catch-assert
27409 ^done,bkptno="5",bkpt=@{number="5",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27410 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404888",what="failed Ada assertions",
27411 thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",
27412 original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_assert_failure"@}
27413 (gdb)
27414 @end smallexample
27415
27416 @subheading The @code{-catch-exception} Command
27417 @findex -catch-exception
27418
27419 @subsubheading Synopsis
27420
27421 @smallexample
27422 -catch-exception [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
27423 [ -t ] [ -u ]
27424 @end smallexample
27425
27426 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are raised.
27427 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
27428 gets raised. But it is also possible, by using some of the
27429 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
27430 catchpoints.
27431
27432 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
27433
27434 @table @samp
27435 @item -c @var{condition}
27436 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27437 @item -d
27438 Create a disabled catchpoint.
27439 @item -e @var{exception-name}
27440 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is raised. This option cannot
27441 be used combined with @samp{-u}.
27442 @item -t
27443 Create a temporary catchpoint.
27444 @item -u
27445 Stop only when an unhandled exception gets raised. This option
27446 cannot be used combined with @samp{-e}.
27447 @end table
27448
27449 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27450
27451 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch exception}
27452 and @samp{catch exception unhandled}.
27453
27454 @subsubheading Example
27455
27456 @smallexample
27457 -catch-exception -e Program_Error
27458 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27459 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404874",
27460 what="`Program_Error' Ada exception", thread-groups=["i1"],
27461 times="0",original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_exception"@}
27462 (gdb)
27463 @end smallexample
27464
27465 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27466 @node GDB/MI Program Context
27467 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
27468
27469 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
27470 @findex -exec-arguments
27471
27472
27473 @subsubheading Synopsis
27474
27475 @smallexample
27476 -exec-arguments @var{args}
27477 @end smallexample
27478
27479 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
27480 @samp{-exec-run}.
27481
27482 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27483
27484 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
27485
27486 @subsubheading Example
27487
27488 @smallexample
27489 (gdb)
27490 -exec-arguments -v word
27491 ^done
27492 (gdb)
27493 @end smallexample
27494
27495
27496 @ignore
27497 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
27498 @findex -exec-show-arguments
27499
27500 @subsubheading Synopsis
27501
27502 @smallexample
27503 -exec-show-arguments
27504 @end smallexample
27505
27506 Print the arguments of the program.
27507
27508 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27509
27510 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
27511
27512 @subsubheading Example
27513 N.A.
27514 @end ignore
27515
27516
27517 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
27518 @findex -environment-cd
27519
27520 @subsubheading Synopsis
27521
27522 @smallexample
27523 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
27524 @end smallexample
27525
27526 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
27527
27528 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27529
27530 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
27531
27532 @subsubheading Example
27533
27534 @smallexample
27535 (gdb)
27536 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
27537 ^done
27538 (gdb)
27539 @end smallexample
27540
27541
27542 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
27543 @findex -environment-directory
27544
27545 @subsubheading Synopsis
27546
27547 @smallexample
27548 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
27549 @end smallexample
27550
27551 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
27552 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
27553 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
27554 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
27555 occurs as normal.
27556 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
27557 multiple directories in a single command
27558 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
27559 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
27560 If blanks are needed as
27561 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
27562 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
27563 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
27564 character must not be used
27565 in any directory name.
27566 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
27567
27568 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27569
27570 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
27571
27572 @subsubheading Example
27573
27574 @smallexample
27575 (gdb)
27576 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
27577 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
27578 (gdb)
27579 -environment-directory ""
27580 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
27581 (gdb)
27582 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
27583 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
27584 (gdb)
27585 -environment-directory -r
27586 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
27587 (gdb)
27588 @end smallexample
27589
27590
27591 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
27592 @findex -environment-path
27593
27594 @subsubheading Synopsis
27595
27596 @smallexample
27597 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
27598 @end smallexample
27599
27600 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
27601 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
27602 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
27603 supplied in addition to the
27604 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
27605 occurs as normal.
27606 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
27607 multiple directories in a single command
27608 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
27609 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
27610 If blanks are needed as
27611 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
27612 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
27613 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
27614 character must not be used
27615 in any directory name.
27616 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
27617
27618
27619 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27620
27621 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
27622
27623 @subsubheading Example
27624
27625 @smallexample
27626 (gdb)
27627 -environment-path
27628 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
27629 (gdb)
27630 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
27631 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
27632 (gdb)
27633 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
27634 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
27635 (gdb)
27636 @end smallexample
27637
27638
27639 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
27640 @findex -environment-pwd
27641
27642 @subsubheading Synopsis
27643
27644 @smallexample
27645 -environment-pwd
27646 @end smallexample
27647
27648 Show the current working directory.
27649
27650 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27651
27652 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
27653
27654 @subsubheading Example
27655
27656 @smallexample
27657 (gdb)
27658 -environment-pwd
27659 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
27660 (gdb)
27661 @end smallexample
27662
27663 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27664 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
27665 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
27666
27667
27668 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
27669 @findex -thread-info
27670
27671 @subsubheading Synopsis
27672
27673 @smallexample
27674 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
27675 @end smallexample
27676
27677 Reports information about either a specific thread, if the
27678 @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all threads.
27679 @var{thread-id} is the thread's global thread ID. When printing
27680 information about all threads, also reports the global ID of the
27681 current thread.
27682
27683 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27684
27685 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
27686 about all threads.
27687
27688 @subsubheading Result
27689
27690 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
27691 defined for a given thread:
27692
27693 @table @samp
27694 @item current
27695 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
27696
27697 @item id
27698 The global identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
27699
27700 @item target-id
27701 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
27702
27703 @item details
27704 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
27705 field is optional.
27706
27707 @item name
27708 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
27709 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
27710 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
27711 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
27712 field is omitted.
27713
27714 @item frame
27715 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
27716
27717 @item state
27718 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
27719 values:
27720
27721 @table @code
27722 @item stopped
27723 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
27724 threads.
27725
27726 @item running
27727 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
27728 threads.
27729
27730 @end table
27731
27732 @item core
27733 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
27734 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
27735
27736 @end table
27737
27738 @subsubheading Example
27739
27740 @smallexample
27741 -thread-info
27742 ^done,threads=[
27743 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
27744 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
27745 args=[]@},state="running"@},
27746 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
27747 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
27748 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
27749 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
27750 state="running"@}],
27751 current-thread-id="1"
27752 (gdb)
27753 @end smallexample
27754
27755 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
27756 @findex -thread-list-ids
27757
27758 @subsubheading Synopsis
27759
27760 @smallexample
27761 -thread-list-ids
27762 @end smallexample
27763
27764 Produces a list of the currently known global @value{GDBN} thread ids.
27765 At the end of the list it also prints the total number of such
27766 threads.
27767
27768 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
27769 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
27770
27771 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27772
27773 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
27774
27775 @subsubheading Example
27776
27777 @smallexample
27778 (gdb)
27779 -thread-list-ids
27780 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
27781 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
27782 (gdb)
27783 @end smallexample
27784
27785
27786 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
27787 @findex -thread-select
27788
27789 @subsubheading Synopsis
27790
27791 @smallexample
27792 -thread-select @var{thread-id}
27793 @end smallexample
27794
27795 Make thread with global thread number @var{thread-id} the current
27796 thread. It prints the number of the new current thread, and the
27797 topmost frame for that thread.
27798
27799 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
27800 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
27801
27802 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27803
27804 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
27805
27806 @subsubheading Example
27807
27808 @smallexample
27809 (gdb)
27810 -exec-next
27811 ^running
27812 (gdb)
27813 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
27814 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
27815 (gdb)
27816 -thread-list-ids
27817 ^done,
27818 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
27819 number-of-threads="3"
27820 (gdb)
27821 -thread-select 3
27822 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
27823 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
27824 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
27825 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
27826 (gdb)
27827 @end smallexample
27828
27829 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27830 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
27831 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
27832
27833 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
27834 @findex -ada-task-info
27835
27836 @subsubheading Synopsis
27837
27838 @smallexample
27839 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
27840 @end smallexample
27841
27842 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
27843 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
27844
27845 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27846
27847 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
27848 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
27849
27850 @subsubheading Result
27851
27852 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
27853 defined for each Ada task:
27854
27855 @table @samp
27856 @item current
27857 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
27858
27859 @item id
27860 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
27861
27862 @item task-id
27863 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
27864
27865 @item thread-id
27866 The global thread identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada
27867 task.
27868
27869 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
27870 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
27871 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
27872
27873 @item parent-id
27874 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
27875 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
27876
27877 @item priority
27878 The base priority of the task.
27879
27880 @item state
27881 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
27882 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
27883
27884 @item name
27885 The name of the task.
27886
27887 @end table
27888
27889 @subsubheading Example
27890
27891 @smallexample
27892 -ada-task-info
27893 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
27894 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
27895 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
27896 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
27897 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
27898 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
27899 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
27900 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
27901 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
27902 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
27903 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
27904 (gdb)
27905 @end smallexample
27906
27907 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27908 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
27909 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
27910
27911 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
27912 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
27913 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
27914 other cases.
27915
27916 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
27917 @findex -exec-continue
27918
27919 @subsubheading Synopsis
27920
27921 @smallexample
27922 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
27923 @end smallexample
27924
27925 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
27926 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
27927 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
27928 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
27929 @itemize @bullet
27930 @item
27931 breakpoints or watchpoints
27932 @item
27933 signals or exceptions
27934 @item
27935 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
27936 @item
27937 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
27938 @end itemize
27939 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
27940 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
27941 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
27942 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
27943 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
27944 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
27945
27946 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27947
27948 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
27949
27950 @subsubheading Example
27951
27952 @smallexample
27953 -exec-continue
27954 ^running
27955 (gdb)
27956 @@Hello world
27957 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
27958 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
27959 line="13"@}
27960 (gdb)
27961 @end smallexample
27962
27963
27964 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
27965 @findex -exec-finish
27966
27967 @subsubheading Synopsis
27968
27969 @smallexample
27970 -exec-finish [--reverse]
27971 @end smallexample
27972
27973 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
27974 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
27975 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
27976 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
27977 function was called.
27978
27979 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27980
27981 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
27982
27983 @subsubheading Example
27984
27985 Function returning @code{void}.
27986
27987 @smallexample
27988 -exec-finish
27989 ^running
27990 (gdb)
27991 @@hello from foo
27992 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
27993 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
27994 (gdb)
27995 @end smallexample
27996
27997 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
27998 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
27999 value itself.
28000
28001 @smallexample
28002 -exec-finish
28003 ^running
28004 (gdb)
28005 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
28006 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
28007 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28008 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
28009 (gdb)
28010 @end smallexample
28011
28012
28013 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
28014 @findex -exec-interrupt
28015
28016 @subsubheading Synopsis
28017
28018 @smallexample
28019 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
28020 @end smallexample
28021
28022 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
28023 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
28024 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
28025 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
28026 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
28027
28028 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
28029 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
28030 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
28031 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
28032
28033 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
28034 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
28035 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
28036 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
28037
28038 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28039
28040 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
28041
28042 @subsubheading Example
28043
28044 @smallexample
28045 (gdb)
28046 111-exec-continue
28047 111^running
28048
28049 (gdb)
28050 222-exec-interrupt
28051 222^done
28052 (gdb)
28053 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
28054 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
28055 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
28056 (gdb)
28057
28058 (gdb)
28059 -exec-interrupt
28060 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
28061 (gdb)
28062 @end smallexample
28063
28064 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
28065 @findex -exec-jump
28066
28067 @subsubheading Synopsis
28068
28069 @smallexample
28070 -exec-jump @var{location}
28071 @end smallexample
28072
28073 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
28074 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
28075 different forms of @var{location}.
28076
28077 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28078
28079 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
28080
28081 @subsubheading Example
28082
28083 @smallexample
28084 -exec-jump foo.c:10
28085 *running,thread-id="all"
28086 ^running
28087 @end smallexample
28088
28089
28090 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
28091 @findex -exec-next
28092
28093 @subsubheading Synopsis
28094
28095 @smallexample
28096 -exec-next [--reverse]
28097 @end smallexample
28098
28099 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
28100 of the next source line is reached.
28101
28102 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
28103 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
28104 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
28105 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
28106 source line where the function was called.
28107
28108
28109 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28110
28111 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
28112
28113 @subsubheading Example
28114
28115 @smallexample
28116 -exec-next
28117 ^running
28118 (gdb)
28119 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
28120 (gdb)
28121 @end smallexample
28122
28123
28124 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
28125 @findex -exec-next-instruction
28126
28127 @subsubheading Synopsis
28128
28129 @smallexample
28130 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
28131 @end smallexample
28132
28133 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
28134 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
28135 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
28136 printed as well.
28137
28138 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
28139 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
28140 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
28141 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
28142 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
28143
28144 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28145
28146 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
28147
28148 @subsubheading Example
28149
28150 @smallexample
28151 (gdb)
28152 -exec-next-instruction
28153 ^running
28154
28155 (gdb)
28156 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28157 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
28158 (gdb)
28159 @end smallexample
28160
28161
28162 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
28163 @findex -exec-return
28164
28165 @subsubheading Synopsis
28166
28167 @smallexample
28168 -exec-return
28169 @end smallexample
28170
28171 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
28172 Displays the new current frame.
28173
28174 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28175
28176 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
28177
28178 @subsubheading Example
28179
28180 @smallexample
28181 (gdb)
28182 200-break-insert callee4
28183 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
28184 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
28185 (gdb)
28186 000-exec-run
28187 000^running
28188 (gdb)
28189 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
28190 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28191 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28192 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
28193 (gdb)
28194 205-break-delete
28195 205^done
28196 (gdb)
28197 111-exec-return
28198 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
28199 args=[@{name="strarg",
28200 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28201 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28202 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28203 (gdb)
28204 @end smallexample
28205
28206
28207 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
28208 @findex -exec-run
28209
28210 @subsubheading Synopsis
28211
28212 @smallexample
28213 -exec-run [ --all | --thread-group N ] [ --start ]
28214 @end smallexample
28215
28216 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
28217 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
28218 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
28219 the program has exited exceptionally.
28220
28221 When neither the @samp{--all} nor the @samp{--thread-group} option
28222 is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
28223 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
28224 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
28225 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
28226
28227 Using the @samp{--start} option instructs the debugger to stop
28228 the execution at the start of the inferior's main subprogram,
28229 following the same behavior as the @code{start} command
28230 (@pxref{Starting}).
28231
28232 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28233
28234 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
28235
28236 @subsubheading Examples
28237
28238 @smallexample
28239 (gdb)
28240 -break-insert main
28241 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
28242 (gdb)
28243 -exec-run
28244 ^running
28245 (gdb)
28246 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
28247 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28248 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
28249 (gdb)
28250 @end smallexample
28251
28252 @noindent
28253 Program exited normally:
28254
28255 @smallexample
28256 (gdb)
28257 -exec-run
28258 ^running
28259 (gdb)
28260 x = 55
28261 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
28262 (gdb)
28263 @end smallexample
28264
28265 @noindent
28266 Program exited exceptionally:
28267
28268 @smallexample
28269 (gdb)
28270 -exec-run
28271 ^running
28272 (gdb)
28273 x = 55
28274 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
28275 (gdb)
28276 @end smallexample
28277
28278 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
28279 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
28280
28281 @smallexample
28282 (gdb)
28283 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
28284 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
28285 @end smallexample
28286
28287
28288 @c @subheading -exec-signal
28289
28290
28291 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
28292 @findex -exec-step
28293
28294 @subsubheading Synopsis
28295
28296 @smallexample
28297 -exec-step [--reverse]
28298 @end smallexample
28299
28300 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
28301 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
28302 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
28303 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
28304 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
28305 previously executed source line.
28306
28307 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28308
28309 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
28310
28311 @subsubheading Example
28312
28313 Stepping into a function:
28314
28315 @smallexample
28316 -exec-step
28317 ^running
28318 (gdb)
28319 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28320 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
28321 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
28322 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
28323 (gdb)
28324 @end smallexample
28325
28326 Regular stepping:
28327
28328 @smallexample
28329 -exec-step
28330 ^running
28331 (gdb)
28332 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
28333 (gdb)
28334 @end smallexample
28335
28336
28337 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
28338 @findex -exec-step-instruction
28339
28340 @subsubheading Synopsis
28341
28342 @smallexample
28343 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
28344 @end smallexample
28345
28346 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
28347 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
28348 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
28349 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
28350 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
28351 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
28352 as well.
28353
28354 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28355
28356 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
28357
28358 @subsubheading Example
28359
28360 @smallexample
28361 (gdb)
28362 -exec-step-instruction
28363 ^running
28364
28365 (gdb)
28366 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28367 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
28368 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
28369 (gdb)
28370 -exec-step-instruction
28371 ^running
28372
28373 (gdb)
28374 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28375 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
28376 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
28377 (gdb)
28378 @end smallexample
28379
28380
28381 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
28382 @findex -exec-until
28383
28384 @subsubheading Synopsis
28385
28386 @smallexample
28387 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
28388 @end smallexample
28389
28390 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
28391 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
28392 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
28393 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
28394
28395 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28396
28397 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
28398
28399 @subsubheading Example
28400
28401 @smallexample
28402 (gdb)
28403 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
28404 ^running
28405 (gdb)
28406 x = 55
28407 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
28408 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
28409 (gdb)
28410 @end smallexample
28411
28412 @ignore
28413 @subheading -file-clear
28414 Is this going away????
28415 @end ignore
28416
28417 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28418 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
28419 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
28420
28421 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
28422 @findex -enable-frame-filters
28423
28424 @smallexample
28425 -enable-frame-filters
28426 @end smallexample
28427
28428 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
28429 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
28430 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
28431 request that this functionality be enabled.
28432
28433 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
28434
28435 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
28436 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
28437
28438 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
28439 @findex -stack-info-frame
28440
28441 @subsubheading Synopsis
28442
28443 @smallexample
28444 -stack-info-frame
28445 @end smallexample
28446
28447 Get info on the selected frame.
28448
28449 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28450
28451 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
28452 (without arguments).
28453
28454 @subsubheading Example
28455
28456 @smallexample
28457 (gdb)
28458 -stack-info-frame
28459 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
28460 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28461 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
28462 (gdb)
28463 @end smallexample
28464
28465 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
28466 @findex -stack-info-depth
28467
28468 @subsubheading Synopsis
28469
28470 @smallexample
28471 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
28472 @end smallexample
28473
28474 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
28475 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
28476
28477 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28478
28479 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
28480
28481 @subsubheading Example
28482
28483 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
28484
28485 @smallexample
28486 (gdb)
28487 -stack-info-depth
28488 ^done,depth="12"
28489 (gdb)
28490 -stack-info-depth 4
28491 ^done,depth="4"
28492 (gdb)
28493 -stack-info-depth 12
28494 ^done,depth="12"
28495 (gdb)
28496 -stack-info-depth 11
28497 ^done,depth="11"
28498 (gdb)
28499 -stack-info-depth 13
28500 ^done,depth="12"
28501 (gdb)
28502 @end smallexample
28503
28504 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
28505 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
28506 @findex -stack-list-arguments
28507
28508 @subsubheading Synopsis
28509
28510 @smallexample
28511 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
28512 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
28513 @end smallexample
28514
28515 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
28516 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
28517 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
28518 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
28519 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
28520 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
28521 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
28522 which case only existing frames will be returned.
28523
28524 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
28525 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
28526 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
28527 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
28528 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
28529 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
28530
28531 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
28532 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
28533 are still displayed, however.
28534
28535 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
28536 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
28537
28538 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28539
28540 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
28541 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
28542 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
28543
28544 @subsubheading Example
28545
28546 @smallexample
28547 (gdb)
28548 -stack-list-frames
28549 ^done,
28550 stack=[
28551 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28552 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28553 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
28554 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
28555 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28556 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
28557 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
28558 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28559 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
28560 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
28561 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28562 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
28563 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
28564 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28565 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
28566 (gdb)
28567 -stack-list-arguments 0
28568 ^done,
28569 stack-args=[
28570 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
28571 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
28572 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
28573 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
28574 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
28575 (gdb)
28576 -stack-list-arguments 1
28577 ^done,
28578 stack-args=[
28579 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
28580 frame=@{level="1",
28581 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
28582 frame=@{level="2",args=[
28583 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
28584 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
28585 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
28586 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
28587 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
28588 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
28589 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
28590 (gdb)
28591 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
28592 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
28593 (gdb)
28594 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
28595 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
28596 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
28597 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
28598 (gdb)
28599 @end smallexample
28600
28601 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
28602
28603
28604 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
28605 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
28606 @findex -stack-list-frames
28607
28608 @subsubheading Synopsis
28609
28610 @smallexample
28611 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
28612 @end smallexample
28613
28614 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
28615 following info:
28616
28617 @table @samp
28618 @item @var{level}
28619 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
28620 @item @var{addr}
28621 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
28622 @item @var{func}
28623 Function name.
28624 @item @var{file}
28625 File name of the source file where the function lives.
28626 @item @var{fullname}
28627 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
28628 @item @var{line}
28629 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
28630 @item @var{from}
28631 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
28632 if the frame's function is not known.
28633 @end table
28634
28635 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
28636 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
28637 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
28638 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
28639 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
28640 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
28641 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
28642 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
28643 Python frame filters will not be executed.
28644
28645 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28646
28647 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
28648
28649 @subsubheading Example
28650
28651 Full stack backtrace:
28652
28653 @smallexample
28654 (gdb)
28655 -stack-list-frames
28656 ^done,stack=
28657 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
28658 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
28659 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28660 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28661 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28662 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28663 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28664 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28665 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28666 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28667 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28668 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28669 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28670 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28671 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28672 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28673 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28674 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28675 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28676 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28677 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28678 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28679 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
28680 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
28681 (gdb)
28682 @end smallexample
28683
28684 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
28685
28686 @smallexample
28687 (gdb)
28688 -stack-list-frames 3 5
28689 ^done,stack=
28690 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28691 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28692 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28693 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28694 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28695 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
28696 (gdb)
28697 @end smallexample
28698
28699 Show a single frame:
28700
28701 @smallexample
28702 (gdb)
28703 -stack-list-frames 3 3
28704 ^done,stack=
28705 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
28706 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
28707 (gdb)
28708 @end smallexample
28709
28710
28711 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
28712 @findex -stack-list-locals
28713 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
28714
28715 @subsubheading Synopsis
28716
28717 @smallexample
28718 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
28719 @end smallexample
28720
28721 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
28722 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
28723 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
28724 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
28725 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
28726 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
28727 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
28728 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
28729 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
28730 Python frame filters will not be executed.
28731
28732 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
28733 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
28734 variables are still displayed, however.
28735
28736 This command is deprecated in favor of the
28737 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
28738
28739 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28740
28741 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
28742
28743 @subsubheading Example
28744
28745 @smallexample
28746 (gdb)
28747 -stack-list-locals 0
28748 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
28749 (gdb)
28750 -stack-list-locals --all-values
28751 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
28752 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
28753 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
28754 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
28755 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
28756 (gdb)
28757 @end smallexample
28758
28759 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
28760 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
28761 @findex -stack-list-variables
28762
28763 @subsubheading Synopsis
28764
28765 @smallexample
28766 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
28767 @end smallexample
28768
28769 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
28770 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
28771 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
28772 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
28773 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
28774 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
28775 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
28776
28777 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
28778 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
28779 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
28780
28781 @subsubheading Example
28782
28783 @smallexample
28784 (gdb)
28785 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
28786 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
28787 (gdb)
28788 @end smallexample
28789
28790
28791 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
28792 @findex -stack-select-frame
28793
28794 @subsubheading Synopsis
28795
28796 @smallexample
28797 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
28798 @end smallexample
28799
28800 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
28801 the stack.
28802
28803 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
28804 option to every command.
28805
28806 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28807
28808 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
28809 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
28810
28811 @subsubheading Example
28812
28813 @smallexample
28814 (gdb)
28815 -stack-select-frame 2
28816 ^done
28817 (gdb)
28818 @end smallexample
28819
28820 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28821 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
28822 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
28823
28824 @ignore
28825
28826 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
28827
28828 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
28829 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
28830 used by @code{Insight}.
28831
28832 The two main reasons for that are:
28833
28834 @enumerate 1
28835 @item
28836 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
28837
28838 @item
28839 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
28840 now).
28841 @end enumerate
28842
28843 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
28844 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
28845 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
28846 hints about their use.
28847
28848 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
28849 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
28850 least, the following operations:
28851
28852 @itemize @bullet
28853 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
28854 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
28855 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
28856 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
28857 @end itemize
28858
28859 @end ignore
28860
28861 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
28862
28863 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
28864
28865 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
28866 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
28867 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
28868 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
28869 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
28870 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
28871 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
28872 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
28873 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
28874 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
28875 object, or to change display format.
28876
28877 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
28878 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
28879 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
28880 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
28881 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
28882 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
28883 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
28884 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
28885 child will be created.
28886
28887 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
28888 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
28889 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
28890 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
28891 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
28892
28893 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
28894 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
28895 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
28896 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
28897 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
28898 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
28899 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
28900 variables that frontend has created.
28901
28902 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
28903 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
28904 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
28905 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
28906 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
28907 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
28908 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
28909 implicitly updated.
28910
28911 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
28912 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
28913 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
28914 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
28915 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
28916 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
28917 frame. Consider this example:
28918
28919 @smallexample
28920 void do_work(...)
28921 @{
28922 struct work_state state;
28923
28924 if (...)
28925 do_work(...);
28926 @}
28927 @end smallexample
28928
28929 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
28930 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
28931 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
28932 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
28933 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
28934
28935 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
28936 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
28937 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
28938 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
28939 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
28940 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
28941
28942 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
28943 access this functionality:
28944
28945 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
28946 @item @strong{Operation}
28947 @tab @strong{Description}
28948
28949 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
28950 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
28951 @item @code{-var-create}
28952 @tab create a variable object
28953 @item @code{-var-delete}
28954 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
28955 @item @code{-var-set-format}
28956 @tab set the display format of this variable
28957 @item @code{-var-show-format}
28958 @tab show the display format of this variable
28959 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
28960 @tab tells how many children this object has
28961 @item @code{-var-list-children}
28962 @tab return a list of the object's children
28963 @item @code{-var-info-type}
28964 @tab show the type of this variable object
28965 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
28966 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
28967 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
28968 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
28969 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
28970 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
28971 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
28972 @tab get the value of this variable
28973 @item @code{-var-assign}
28974 @tab set the value of this variable
28975 @item @code{-var-update}
28976 @tab update the variable and its children
28977 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
28978 @tab set frozeness attribute
28979 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
28980 @tab set range of children to display on update
28981 @end multitable
28982
28983 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
28984 how it can be used.
28985
28986 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
28987
28988 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
28989 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
28990
28991 @smallexample
28992 -enable-pretty-printing
28993 @end smallexample
28994
28995 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
28996 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
28997 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
28998 request that this functionality be enabled.
28999
29000 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
29001
29002 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
29003 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
29004
29005 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
29006 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
29007
29008 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
29009 @findex -var-create
29010
29011 @subsubheading Synopsis
29012
29013 @smallexample
29014 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
29015 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
29016 @end smallexample
29017
29018 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
29019 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
29020 register.
29021
29022 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
29023 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
29024 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
29025 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
29026 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
29027
29028 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
29029 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
29030 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
29031 object must be created.
29032
29033 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
29034 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
29035
29036 @itemize @bullet
29037 @item
29038 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
29039
29040 @item
29041 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
29042
29043 @item
29044 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
29045 @end itemize
29046
29047 @cindex dynamic varobj
29048 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
29049 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
29050 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
29051 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
29052 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
29053 compatibility for existing clients.
29054
29055 @subsubheading Result
29056
29057 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
29058 are:
29059
29060 @table @samp
29061 @item name
29062 The name of the varobj.
29063
29064 @item numchild
29065 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
29066 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
29067 @samp{has_more} attribute.
29068
29069 @item value
29070 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
29071 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
29072 will not be interesting.
29073
29074 @item type
29075 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
29076 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
29077 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29078 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
29079 @emph{declared} one.
29080
29081 @item thread-id
29082 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
29083 thread's global identifier.
29084
29085 @item has_more
29086 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
29087 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
29088
29089 @item dynamic
29090 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29091 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29092 then this attribute will not be present.
29093
29094 @item displayhint
29095 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29096 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29097 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29098 @end table
29099
29100 Typical output will look like this:
29101
29102 @smallexample
29103 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
29104 has_more="@var{has_more}"
29105 @end smallexample
29106
29107
29108 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
29109 @findex -var-delete
29110
29111 @subsubheading Synopsis
29112
29113 @smallexample
29114 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
29115 @end smallexample
29116
29117 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
29118 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
29119
29120 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
29121
29122
29123 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
29124 @findex -var-set-format
29125
29126 @subsubheading Synopsis
29127
29128 @smallexample
29129 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
29130 @end smallexample
29131
29132 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
29133 @var{format-spec}.
29134
29135 @anchor{-var-set-format}
29136 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
29137
29138 @smallexample
29139 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
29140 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural | zero-hexadecimal@}
29141 @end smallexample
29142
29143 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
29144 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
29145 for pointers, etc.).
29146
29147 The zero-hexadecimal format has a representation similar to hexadecimal
29148 but with padding zeroes to the left of the value. For example, a 32-bit
29149 hexadecimal value of 0x1234 would be represented as 0x00001234 in the
29150 zero-hexadecimal format.
29151
29152 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
29153 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
29154
29155 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
29156 @findex -var-show-format
29157
29158 @subsubheading Synopsis
29159
29160 @smallexample
29161 -var-show-format @var{name}
29162 @end smallexample
29163
29164 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
29165
29166 @smallexample
29167 @var{format} @expansion{}
29168 @var{format-spec}
29169 @end smallexample
29170
29171
29172 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
29173 @findex -var-info-num-children
29174
29175 @subsubheading Synopsis
29176
29177 @smallexample
29178 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
29179 @end smallexample
29180
29181 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
29182
29183 @smallexample
29184 numchild=@var{n}
29185 @end smallexample
29186
29187 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
29188 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
29189 be available.
29190
29191
29192 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
29193 @findex -var-list-children
29194
29195 @subsubheading Synopsis
29196
29197 @smallexample
29198 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
29199 @end smallexample
29200 @anchor{-var-list-children}
29201
29202 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
29203 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
29204 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
29205 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
29206 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
29207 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
29208 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
29209 and unions.
29210
29211 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
29212 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
29213 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
29214 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
29215 reported.
29216
29217 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
29218 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
29219 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
29220 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
29221 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
29222 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
29223 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
29224 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
29225 the visible items.
29226
29227 For each child the following results are returned:
29228
29229 @table @var
29230
29231 @item name
29232 Name of the variable object created for this child.
29233
29234 @item exp
29235 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
29236 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
29237
29238 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
29239 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
29240
29241 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
29242 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
29243 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
29244 type and value are not present.
29245
29246 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
29247 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
29248 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
29249
29250 @item numchild
29251 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
29252 0.
29253
29254 @item type
29255 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
29256 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29257 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
29258 @emph{declared} one.
29259
29260 @item value
29261 If values were requested, this is the value.
29262
29263 @item thread-id
29264 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the
29265 thread's global thread id. Otherwise this result is not present.
29266
29267 @item frozen
29268 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
29269
29270 @item displayhint
29271 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29272 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29273 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29274
29275 @item dynamic
29276 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29277 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29278 then this attribute will not be present.
29279
29280 @end table
29281
29282 The result may have its own attributes:
29283
29284 @table @samp
29285 @item displayhint
29286 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29287 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29288 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29289
29290 @item has_more
29291 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
29292 remaining after the end of the selected range.
29293 @end table
29294
29295 @subsubheading Example
29296
29297 @smallexample
29298 (gdb)
29299 -var-list-children n
29300 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
29301 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
29302 (gdb)
29303 -var-list-children --all-values n
29304 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
29305 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
29306 @end smallexample
29307
29308
29309 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
29310 @findex -var-info-type
29311
29312 @subsubheading Synopsis
29313
29314 @smallexample
29315 -var-info-type @var{name}
29316 @end smallexample
29317
29318 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
29319 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
29320 @value{GDBN} CLI:
29321
29322 @smallexample
29323 type=@var{typename}
29324 @end smallexample
29325
29326
29327 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
29328 @findex -var-info-expression
29329
29330 @subsubheading Synopsis
29331
29332 @smallexample
29333 -var-info-expression @var{name}
29334 @end smallexample
29335
29336 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
29337 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
29338 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
29339
29340 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
29341 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
29342
29343 @smallexample
29344 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
29345 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
29346 @end smallexample
29347
29348 @noindent
29349 Here, the value of @code{lang} is the language name, which can be
29350 found in @ref{Supported Languages}.
29351
29352 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
29353 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
29354 is of limited use.
29355
29356 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
29357 @findex -var-info-path-expression
29358
29359 @subsubheading Synopsis
29360
29361 @smallexample
29362 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
29363 @end smallexample
29364
29365 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
29366 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
29367 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
29368 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
29369 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
29370 watchpoint from a variable object.
29371
29372 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
29373 and will give an error when invoked on one.
29374
29375 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
29376 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
29377 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
29378 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
29379 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
29380 @smallexample
29381 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
29382 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
29383 @end smallexample
29384
29385 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
29386 @findex -var-show-attributes
29387
29388 @subsubheading Synopsis
29389
29390 @smallexample
29391 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
29392 @end smallexample
29393
29394 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
29395
29396 @smallexample
29397 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
29398 @end smallexample
29399
29400 @noindent
29401 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
29402
29403 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
29404 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
29405
29406 @subsubheading Synopsis
29407
29408 @smallexample
29409 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
29410 @end smallexample
29411
29412 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
29413 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
29414 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
29415 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
29416 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
29417 the current display format will be used. The current display format
29418 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
29419
29420 @smallexample
29421 value=@var{value}
29422 @end smallexample
29423
29424 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
29425 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
29426
29427 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
29428 @findex -var-assign
29429
29430 @subsubheading Synopsis
29431
29432 @smallexample
29433 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
29434 @end smallexample
29435
29436 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
29437 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
29438 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
29439 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
29440
29441 @subsubheading Example
29442
29443 @smallexample
29444 (gdb)
29445 -var-assign var1 3
29446 ^done,value="3"
29447 (gdb)
29448 -var-update *
29449 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
29450 (gdb)
29451 @end smallexample
29452
29453 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
29454 @findex -var-update
29455
29456 @subsubheading Synopsis
29457
29458 @smallexample
29459 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
29460 @end smallexample
29461
29462 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
29463 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
29464 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
29465 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
29466 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
29467 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
29468 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
29469 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
29470 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
29471 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
29472 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
29473 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
29474 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
29475
29476 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
29477 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
29478 diagnostic.
29479
29480 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
29481 only the selected range of children will be reported.
29482
29483 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
29484 @samp{changelist}.
29485
29486 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
29487
29488 @table @samp
29489 @item name
29490 The name of the varobj.
29491
29492 @item value
29493 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
29494 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
29495
29496 @item in_scope
29497 @anchor{-var-update}
29498 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
29499
29500 @table @code
29501 @item "true"
29502 The variable object's current value is valid.
29503
29504 @item "false"
29505 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
29506 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
29507 scope.
29508
29509 @item "invalid"
29510 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
29511 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
29512 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
29513 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
29514 objects.
29515 @end table
29516
29517 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
29518 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
29519
29520 @item type_changed
29521 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
29522 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
29523 be @samp{false}.
29524
29525 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
29526 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
29527 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
29528 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
29529 unset.
29530
29531 @item new_type
29532 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
29533 hold the new type.
29534
29535 @item new_num_children
29536 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
29537 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
29538
29539 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
29540 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
29541 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
29542 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
29543 children which may be available.
29544
29545 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
29546 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
29547 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
29548 only happen at the end of the update range).
29549
29550 @item displayhint
29551 The display hint, if any.
29552
29553 @item has_more
29554 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
29555 available outside the varobj's update range.
29556
29557 @item dynamic
29558 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29559 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29560 then this attribute will not be present.
29561
29562 @item new_children
29563 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
29564 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
29565 be listed in this attribute.
29566 @end table
29567
29568 @subsubheading Example
29569
29570 @smallexample
29571 (gdb)
29572 -var-assign var1 3
29573 ^done,value="3"
29574 (gdb)
29575 -var-update --all-values var1
29576 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
29577 type_changed="false"@}]
29578 (gdb)
29579 @end smallexample
29580
29581 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
29582 @findex -var-set-frozen
29583 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
29584
29585 @subsubheading Synopsis
29586
29587 @smallexample
29588 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
29589 @end smallexample
29590
29591 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
29592 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
29593 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
29594 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
29595 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
29596 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
29597 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
29598 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
29599 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
29600 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
29601 @code{-var-update} does.
29602
29603 @subsubheading Example
29604
29605 @smallexample
29606 (gdb)
29607 -var-set-frozen V 1
29608 ^done
29609 (gdb)
29610 @end smallexample
29611
29612 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
29613 @findex -var-set-update-range
29614 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
29615
29616 @subsubheading Synopsis
29617
29618 @smallexample
29619 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
29620 @end smallexample
29621
29622 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
29623 @code{-var-update}.
29624
29625 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
29626 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
29627 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
29628 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
29629
29630 @subsubheading Example
29631
29632 @smallexample
29633 (gdb)
29634 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
29635 ^done
29636 @end smallexample
29637
29638 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
29639 @findex -var-set-visualizer
29640 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
29641
29642 @subsubheading Synopsis
29643
29644 @smallexample
29645 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
29646 @end smallexample
29647
29648 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
29649
29650 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
29651 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
29652
29653 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
29654 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
29655 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
29656 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
29657 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
29658 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
29659 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
29660
29661 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
29662 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
29663 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
29664 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
29665
29666 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
29667 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Support Commands})
29668 can be used to check this.
29669
29670 @subsubheading Example
29671
29672 Resetting the visualizer:
29673
29674 @smallexample
29675 (gdb)
29676 -var-set-visualizer V None
29677 ^done
29678 @end smallexample
29679
29680 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
29681
29682 @smallexample
29683 (gdb)
29684 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
29685 ^done
29686 @end smallexample
29687
29688 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
29689 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
29690
29691 @smallexample
29692 (gdb)
29693 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
29694 ^done
29695 @end smallexample
29696
29697 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29698 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
29699 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
29700
29701 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
29702 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
29703 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
29704 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
29705
29706 For details about what an addressable memory unit is,
29707 @pxref{addressable memory unit}.
29708
29709 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
29710 @c @subheading -data-assign
29711 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
29712 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
29713 @c set variable
29714 @c @subsubheading Example
29715 @c N.A.
29716
29717 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
29718 @findex -data-disassemble
29719
29720 @subsubheading Synopsis
29721
29722 @smallexample
29723 -data-disassemble
29724 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
29725 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
29726 -- @var{mode}
29727 @end smallexample
29728
29729 @noindent
29730 Where:
29731
29732 @table @samp
29733 @item @var{start-addr}
29734 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
29735 @item @var{end-addr}
29736 is the end address
29737 @item @var{filename}
29738 is the name of the file to disassemble
29739 @item @var{linenum}
29740 is the line number to disassemble around
29741 @item @var{lines}
29742 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
29743 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
29744 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
29745 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
29746 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
29747 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
29748 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
29749 are displayed.
29750 @item @var{mode}
29751 is one of:
29752 @itemize @bullet
29753 @item 0 disassembly only
29754 @item 1 mixed source and disassembly (deprecated)
29755 @item 2 disassembly with raw opcodes
29756 @item 3 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes (deprecated)
29757 @item 4 mixed source and disassembly
29758 @item 5 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes
29759 @end itemize
29760
29761 Modes 1 and 3 are deprecated. The output is ``source centric''
29762 which hasn't proved useful in practice.
29763 @xref{Machine Code}, for a discussion of the difference between
29764 @code{/m} and @code{/s} output of the @code{disassemble} command.
29765 @end table
29766
29767 @subsubheading Result
29768
29769 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
29770 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
29771 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
29772
29773 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
29774 following fields:
29775
29776 @table @code
29777 @item address
29778 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
29779
29780 @item func-name
29781 The name of the function this instruction is within.
29782
29783 @item offset
29784 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
29785
29786 @item inst
29787 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
29788
29789 @item opcodes
29790 This field is only present for modes 2, 3 and 5. This contains the raw opcode
29791 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
29792
29793 @end table
29794
29795 For modes 1, 3, 4 and 5 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
29796 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
29797
29798 @table @code
29799 @item line
29800 The line number within @samp{file}.
29801
29802 @item file
29803 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
29804 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
29805 used.
29806
29807 @item fullname
29808 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
29809 using the source file search path
29810 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
29811 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
29812
29813 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
29814 present in the debug information.
29815
29816 @item line_asm_insn
29817 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
29818 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
29819 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
29820 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
29821 @samp{opcodes}.
29822
29823 @end table
29824
29825 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
29826 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
29827 adjust its format.
29828
29829 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29830
29831 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
29832
29833 @subsubheading Example
29834
29835 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
29836
29837 @smallexample
29838 (gdb)
29839 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
29840 ^done,
29841 asm_insns=[
29842 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
29843 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
29844 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
29845 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
29846 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
29847 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
29848 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
29849 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
29850 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
29851 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
29852 (gdb)
29853 @end smallexample
29854
29855 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
29856 @code{main}.
29857
29858 @smallexample
29859 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
29860 ^done,asm_insns=[
29861 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
29862 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
29863 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
29864 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
29865 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
29866 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
29867 [@dots{}]
29868 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
29869 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
29870 (gdb)
29871 @end smallexample
29872
29873 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
29874
29875 @smallexample
29876 (gdb)
29877 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
29878 ^done,asm_insns=[
29879 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
29880 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
29881 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
29882 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
29883 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
29884 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
29885 (gdb)
29886 @end smallexample
29887
29888 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
29889
29890 @smallexample
29891 (gdb)
29892 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
29893 ^done,asm_insns=[
29894 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
29895 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29896 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29897 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
29898 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
29899 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
29900 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29901 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29902 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
29903 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
29904 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
29905 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
29906 (gdb)
29907 @end smallexample
29908
29909
29910 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
29911 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
29912
29913 @subsubheading Synopsis
29914
29915 @smallexample
29916 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
29917 @end smallexample
29918
29919 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
29920 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
29921 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
29922
29923 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29924
29925 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
29926 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
29927 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
29928
29929 @subsubheading Example
29930
29931 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
29932 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
29933 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
29934 output.
29935
29936 @smallexample
29937 211-data-evaluate-expression A
29938 211^done,value="1"
29939 (gdb)
29940 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
29941 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
29942 (gdb)
29943 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
29944 411^done,value="4"
29945 (gdb)
29946 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
29947 511^done,value="4"
29948 (gdb)
29949 @end smallexample
29950
29951
29952 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
29953 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
29954
29955 @subsubheading Synopsis
29956
29957 @smallexample
29958 -data-list-changed-registers
29959 @end smallexample
29960
29961 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
29962
29963 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29964
29965 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
29966 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
29967
29968 @subsubheading Example
29969
29970 On a PPC MBX board:
29971
29972 @smallexample
29973 (gdb)
29974 -exec-continue
29975 ^running
29976
29977 (gdb)
29978 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
29979 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
29980 line="5"@}
29981 (gdb)
29982 -data-list-changed-registers
29983 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
29984 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
29985 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
29986 (gdb)
29987 @end smallexample
29988
29989
29990 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
29991 @findex -data-list-register-names
29992
29993 @subsubheading Synopsis
29994
29995 @smallexample
29996 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
29997 @end smallexample
29998
29999 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
30000 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
30001 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
30002 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
30003 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
30004 include empty register names.
30005
30006 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30007
30008 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
30009 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
30010 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
30011
30012 @subsubheading Example
30013
30014 For the PPC MBX board:
30015 @smallexample
30016 (gdb)
30017 -data-list-register-names
30018 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
30019 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
30020 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
30021 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
30022 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
30023 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
30024 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
30025 (gdb)
30026 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
30027 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
30028 (gdb)
30029 @end smallexample
30030
30031 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
30032 @findex -data-list-register-values
30033
30034 @subsubheading Synopsis
30035
30036 @smallexample
30037 -data-list-register-values
30038 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
30039 @end smallexample
30040
30041 Display the registers' contents. The format according to which the
30042 registers' contents are to be returned is given by @var{fmt}, followed
30043 by an optional list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A
30044 missing list of numbers indicates that the contents of all the
30045 registers must be returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option
30046 indicates that only the available registers are to be returned.
30047
30048 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
30049
30050 @table @code
30051 @item x
30052 Hexadecimal
30053 @item o
30054 Octal
30055 @item t
30056 Binary
30057 @item d
30058 Decimal
30059 @item r
30060 Raw
30061 @item N
30062 Natural
30063 @end table
30064
30065 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30066
30067 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
30068 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
30069
30070 @subsubheading Example
30071
30072 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
30073 don't appear in the actual output):
30074
30075 @smallexample
30076 (gdb)
30077 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
30078 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30079 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
30080 (gdb)
30081 -data-list-register-values x
30082 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
30083 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30084 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
30085 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
30086 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
30087 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
30088 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
30089 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
30090 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
30091 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30092 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
30093 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
30094 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
30095 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
30096 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
30097 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
30098 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
30099 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
30100 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
30101 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
30102 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
30103 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
30104 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
30105 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
30106 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
30107 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
30108 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
30109 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
30110 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
30111 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
30112 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
30113 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
30114 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30115 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
30116 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
30117 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
30118 (gdb)
30119 @end smallexample
30120
30121
30122 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
30123 @findex -data-read-memory
30124
30125 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
30126
30127 @subsubheading Synopsis
30128
30129 @smallexample
30130 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
30131 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
30132 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
30133 @end smallexample
30134
30135 @noindent
30136 where:
30137
30138 @table @samp
30139 @item @var{address}
30140 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
30141 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30142 quoted using the C convention.
30143
30144 @item @var{word-format}
30145 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
30146 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
30147 ,Output Formats}).
30148
30149 @item @var{word-size}
30150 The size of each memory word in bytes.
30151
30152 @item @var{nr-rows}
30153 The number of rows in the output table.
30154
30155 @item @var{nr-cols}
30156 The number of columns in the output table.
30157
30158 @item @var{aschar}
30159 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
30160 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
30161 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
30162 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
30163
30164 @item @var{byte-offset}
30165 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
30166 @end table
30167
30168 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
30169 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
30170 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
30171 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
30172 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
30173 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
30174 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
30175 @samp{addr}.
30176
30177 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
30178 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
30179 @samp{prev-page}.
30180
30181 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30182
30183 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
30184 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
30185
30186 @subsubheading Example
30187
30188 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
30189 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
30190 word. Display each word in hex.
30191
30192 @smallexample
30193 (gdb)
30194 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
30195 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
30196 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
30197 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
30198 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
30199 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
30200 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
30201 (gdb)
30202 @end smallexample
30203
30204 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
30205 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
30206
30207 @smallexample
30208 (gdb)
30209 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
30210 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
30211 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
30212 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
30213 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
30214 (gdb)
30215 @end smallexample
30216
30217 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
30218 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
30219 used as the non-printable character.
30220
30221 @smallexample
30222 (gdb)
30223 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
30224 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
30225 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
30226 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
30227 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30228 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30229 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30230 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30231 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
30232 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
30233 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
30234 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
30235 (gdb)
30236 @end smallexample
30237
30238 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
30239 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
30240
30241 @subsubheading Synopsis
30242
30243 @smallexample
30244 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{offset} ]
30245 @var{address} @var{count}
30246 @end smallexample
30247
30248 @noindent
30249 where:
30250
30251 @table @samp
30252 @item @var{address}
30253 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
30254 to be read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30255 quoted using the C convention.
30256
30257 @item @var{count}
30258 The number of addressable memory units to read. This should be an integer
30259 literal.
30260
30261 @item @var{offset}
30262 The offset relative to @var{address} at which to start reading. This
30263 should be an integer literal. This option is provided so that a frontend
30264 is not required to first evaluate address and then perform address
30265 arithmetics itself.
30266
30267 @end table
30268
30269 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
30270 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
30271 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
30272 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
30273 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
30274 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
30275
30276 In general, every single memory unit in the region may be readable or not,
30277 and the only way to read every readable unit is to try a read at
30278 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
30279 attempt to read all accessible memory units at either beginning or the end
30280 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
30281 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
30282 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
30283 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
30284
30285 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
30286 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
30287 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
30288 and has the following fields:
30289
30290 @table @code
30291 @item begin
30292 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
30293
30294 @item end
30295 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
30296
30297 @item offset
30298 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
30299 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
30300
30301 @item contents
30302 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
30303
30304 @end table
30305
30306
30307
30308 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30309
30310 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
30311
30312 @subsubheading Example
30313
30314 @smallexample
30315 (gdb)
30316 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
30317 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
30318 end="0xbffff15e",
30319 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
30320 (gdb)
30321 @end smallexample
30322
30323
30324 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
30325 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
30326
30327 @subsubheading Synopsis
30328
30329 @smallexample
30330 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
30331 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
30332 @end smallexample
30333
30334 @noindent
30335 where:
30336
30337 @table @samp
30338 @item @var{address}
30339 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
30340 to be written. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should
30341 be quoted using the C convention.
30342
30343 @item @var{contents}
30344 The hex-encoded data to write. It is an error if @var{contents} does
30345 not represent an integral number of addressable memory units.
30346
30347 @item @var{count}
30348 Optional argument indicating the number of addressable memory units to be
30349 written. If @var{count} is greater than @var{contents}' length,
30350 @value{GDBN} will repeatedly write @var{contents} until it fills
30351 @var{count} memory units.
30352
30353 @end table
30354
30355 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30356
30357 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
30358
30359 @subsubheading Example
30360
30361 @smallexample
30362 (gdb)
30363 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
30364 ^done
30365 (gdb)
30366 @end smallexample
30367
30368 @smallexample
30369 (gdb)
30370 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
30371 ^done
30372 (gdb)
30373 @end smallexample
30374
30375 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30376 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
30377 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
30378
30379 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
30380 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
30381
30382 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
30383 @findex -trace-find
30384
30385 @subsubheading Synopsis
30386
30387 @smallexample
30388 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
30389 @end smallexample
30390
30391 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
30392 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
30393 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
30394
30395 @table @samp
30396
30397 @item none
30398 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
30399
30400 @item frame-number
30401 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
30402 that index.
30403
30404 @item tracepoint-number
30405 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
30406 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
30407
30408 @item pc
30409 An address is required as parameter. Finds
30410 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
30411 address.
30412
30413 @item pc-inside-range
30414 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
30415 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
30416 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
30417
30418 @item pc-outside-range
30419 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
30420 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
30421 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
30422
30423 @item line
30424 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
30425 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
30426 the specified location.
30427
30428 @end table
30429
30430 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
30431 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
30432
30433 @table @samp
30434 @item found
30435 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
30436 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
30437
30438 @item traceframe
30439 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
30440 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
30441
30442 @item tracepoint
30443 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
30444 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
30445
30446 @item frame
30447 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
30448 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
30449 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
30450
30451 @end table
30452
30453 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30454
30455 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
30456
30457 @subheading -trace-define-variable
30458 @findex -trace-define-variable
30459
30460 @subsubheading Synopsis
30461
30462 @smallexample
30463 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
30464 @end smallexample
30465
30466 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
30467 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
30468 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
30469 with the @samp{$} character.
30470
30471 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30472
30473 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
30474
30475 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
30476 @findex -trace-frame-collected
30477
30478 @subsubheading Synopsis
30479
30480 @smallexample
30481 -trace-frame-collected
30482 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
30483 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
30484 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
30485 [--memory-contents]
30486 @end smallexample
30487
30488 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
30489 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
30490 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
30491 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
30492 See the output description table below for more details.
30493
30494 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
30495 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
30496 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
30497 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
30498 memory range and which is a computed expression.
30499
30500 For instance, if the actions were
30501 @smallexample
30502 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
30503 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
30504 @end smallexample
30505
30506 @noindent
30507 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
30508 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
30509 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
30510 objects would be computed expressions.
30511
30512 An example output would be:
30513
30514 @smallexample
30515 (gdb)
30516 -trace-frame-collected
30517 ^done,
30518 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
30519 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
30520 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
30521 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
30522 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
30523 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
30524 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
30525 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
30526 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
30527 ...
30528 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
30529 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
30530 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
30531 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
30532 (gdb)
30533 @end smallexample
30534
30535 Where:
30536
30537 @table @code
30538 @item explicit-variables
30539 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
30540 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
30541 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
30542 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
30543 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
30544 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
30545 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
30546 arrays, structures and unions.
30547
30548 @item computed-expressions
30549 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
30550 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
30551 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
30552 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
30553
30554 @item registers
30555 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
30556 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
30557 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
30558 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
30559 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
30560
30561 @item tvars
30562 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
30563 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
30564 current value are returned.
30565
30566 @item memory
30567 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
30568 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
30569 collected memory range and has the following fields:
30570
30571 @table @code
30572 @item address
30573 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
30574
30575 @item length
30576 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
30577
30578 @item contents
30579 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
30580 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
30581
30582 @end table
30583
30584 @end table
30585
30586 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30587
30588 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
30589
30590 @subsubheading Example
30591
30592 @subheading -trace-list-variables
30593 @findex -trace-list-variables
30594
30595 @subsubheading Synopsis
30596
30597 @smallexample
30598 -trace-list-variables
30599 @end smallexample
30600
30601 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
30602 table has the following fields:
30603
30604 @table @samp
30605 @item name
30606 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
30607
30608 @item initial
30609 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
30610 field is always present.
30611
30612 @item current
30613 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
30614 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
30615 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
30616 presently running.
30617
30618 @end table
30619
30620 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30621
30622 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
30623
30624 @subsubheading Example
30625
30626 @smallexample
30627 (gdb)
30628 -trace-list-variables
30629 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
30630 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
30631 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
30632 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
30633 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
30634 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
30635 (gdb)
30636 @end smallexample
30637
30638 @subheading -trace-save
30639 @findex -trace-save
30640
30641 @subsubheading Synopsis
30642
30643 @smallexample
30644 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
30645 @end smallexample
30646
30647 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
30648 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
30649 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
30650 to perform the save.
30651
30652 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30653
30654 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
30655
30656
30657 @subheading -trace-start
30658 @findex -trace-start
30659
30660 @subsubheading Synopsis
30661
30662 @smallexample
30663 -trace-start
30664 @end smallexample
30665
30666 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
30667 have any fields.
30668
30669 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30670
30671 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
30672
30673 @subheading -trace-status
30674 @findex -trace-status
30675
30676 @subsubheading Synopsis
30677
30678 @smallexample
30679 -trace-status
30680 @end smallexample
30681
30682 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
30683 the following fields:
30684
30685 @table @samp
30686
30687 @item supported
30688 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
30689 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
30690 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
30691 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
30692 started. This field is always present.
30693
30694 @item running
30695 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
30696 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
30697 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
30698
30699 @item stop-reason
30700 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
30701 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
30702 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
30703 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
30704 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
30705 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
30706 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
30707 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
30708 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
30709
30710 @item stopping-tracepoint
30711 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
30712 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
30713 @samp{passcount}.
30714
30715 @item frames
30716 @itemx frames-created
30717 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
30718 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
30719 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
30720 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
30721
30722 @item buffer-size
30723 @itemx buffer-free
30724 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
30725 remaining space. These fields are optional.
30726
30727 @item circular
30728 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
30729 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
30730 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
30731 and may fill up.
30732
30733 @item disconnected
30734 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
30735 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
30736 that the trace run will stop.
30737
30738 @item trace-file
30739 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
30740 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
30741
30742 @end table
30743
30744 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30745
30746 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
30747
30748 @subheading -trace-stop
30749 @findex -trace-stop
30750
30751 @subsubheading Synopsis
30752
30753 @smallexample
30754 -trace-stop
30755 @end smallexample
30756
30757 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
30758 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
30759 @samp{running} fields are not output.
30760
30761 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30762
30763 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
30764
30765
30766 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30767 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
30768 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
30769
30770
30771 @ignore
30772 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
30773 @findex -symbol-info-address
30774
30775 @subsubheading Synopsis
30776
30777 @smallexample
30778 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
30779 @end smallexample
30780
30781 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
30782
30783 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30784
30785 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
30786
30787 @subsubheading Example
30788 N.A.
30789
30790
30791 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
30792 @findex -symbol-info-file
30793
30794 @subsubheading Synopsis
30795
30796 @smallexample
30797 -symbol-info-file
30798 @end smallexample
30799
30800 Show the file for the symbol.
30801
30802 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30803
30804 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
30805 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
30806
30807 @subsubheading Example
30808 N.A.
30809
30810
30811 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
30812 @findex -symbol-info-function
30813
30814 @subsubheading Synopsis
30815
30816 @smallexample
30817 -symbol-info-function
30818 @end smallexample
30819
30820 Show which function the symbol lives in.
30821
30822 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30823
30824 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
30825
30826 @subsubheading Example
30827 N.A.
30828
30829
30830 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
30831 @findex -symbol-info-line
30832
30833 @subsubheading Synopsis
30834
30835 @smallexample
30836 -symbol-info-line
30837 @end smallexample
30838
30839 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
30840
30841 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30842
30843 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
30844 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
30845
30846 @subsubheading Example
30847 N.A.
30848
30849
30850 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
30851 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
30852
30853 @subsubheading Synopsis
30854
30855 @smallexample
30856 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
30857 @end smallexample
30858
30859 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
30860
30861 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30862
30863 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
30864
30865 @subsubheading Example
30866 N.A.
30867
30868
30869 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
30870 @findex -symbol-list-functions
30871
30872 @subsubheading Synopsis
30873
30874 @smallexample
30875 -symbol-list-functions
30876 @end smallexample
30877
30878 List the functions in the executable.
30879
30880 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30881
30882 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
30883 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
30884
30885 @subsubheading Example
30886 N.A.
30887 @end ignore
30888
30889
30890 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
30891 @findex -symbol-list-lines
30892
30893 @subsubheading Synopsis
30894
30895 @smallexample
30896 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
30897 @end smallexample
30898
30899 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
30900 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
30901 ascending PC order.
30902
30903 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30904
30905 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
30906
30907 @subsubheading Example
30908 @smallexample
30909 (gdb)
30910 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
30911 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
30912 (gdb)
30913 @end smallexample
30914
30915
30916 @ignore
30917 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
30918 @findex -symbol-list-types
30919
30920 @subsubheading Synopsis
30921
30922 @smallexample
30923 -symbol-list-types
30924 @end smallexample
30925
30926 List all the type names.
30927
30928 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30929
30930 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
30931 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
30932
30933 @subsubheading Example
30934 N.A.
30935
30936
30937 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
30938 @findex -symbol-list-variables
30939
30940 @subsubheading Synopsis
30941
30942 @smallexample
30943 -symbol-list-variables
30944 @end smallexample
30945
30946 List all the global and static variable names.
30947
30948 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30949
30950 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
30951
30952 @subsubheading Example
30953 N.A.
30954
30955
30956 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
30957 @findex -symbol-locate
30958
30959 @subsubheading Synopsis
30960
30961 @smallexample
30962 -symbol-locate
30963 @end smallexample
30964
30965 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30966
30967 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
30968
30969 @subsubheading Example
30970 N.A.
30971
30972
30973 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
30974 @findex -symbol-type
30975
30976 @subsubheading Synopsis
30977
30978 @smallexample
30979 -symbol-type @var{variable}
30980 @end smallexample
30981
30982 Show type of @var{variable}.
30983
30984 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30985
30986 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
30987 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
30988
30989 @subsubheading Example
30990 N.A.
30991 @end ignore
30992
30993
30994 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30995 @node GDB/MI File Commands
30996 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
30997
30998 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
30999 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
31000
31001 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
31002 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
31003
31004 @subsubheading Synopsis
31005
31006 @smallexample
31007 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
31008 @end smallexample
31009
31010 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
31011 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
31012 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
31013 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
31014 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
31015 notification.
31016
31017 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31018
31019 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
31020
31021 @subsubheading Example
31022
31023 @smallexample
31024 (gdb)
31025 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31026 ^done
31027 (gdb)
31028 @end smallexample
31029
31030
31031 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
31032 @findex -file-exec-file
31033
31034 @subsubheading Synopsis
31035
31036 @smallexample
31037 -file-exec-file @var{file}
31038 @end smallexample
31039
31040 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
31041 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
31042 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
31043 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
31044 notification.
31045
31046 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31047
31048 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
31049
31050 @subsubheading Example
31051
31052 @smallexample
31053 (gdb)
31054 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31055 ^done
31056 (gdb)
31057 @end smallexample
31058
31059
31060 @ignore
31061 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
31062 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
31063
31064 @subsubheading Synopsis
31065
31066 @smallexample
31067 -file-list-exec-sections
31068 @end smallexample
31069
31070 List the sections of the current executable file.
31071
31072 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31073
31074 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
31075 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
31076 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
31077
31078 @subsubheading Example
31079 N.A.
31080 @end ignore
31081
31082
31083 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
31084 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
31085
31086 @subsubheading Synopsis
31087
31088 @smallexample
31089 -file-list-exec-source-file
31090 @end smallexample
31091
31092 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
31093 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
31094 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
31095 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
31096
31097 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31098
31099 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
31100
31101 @subsubheading Example
31102
31103 @smallexample
31104 (gdb)
31105 123-file-list-exec-source-file
31106 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
31107 (gdb)
31108 @end smallexample
31109
31110
31111 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
31112 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
31113
31114 @subsubheading Synopsis
31115
31116 @smallexample
31117 -file-list-exec-source-files
31118 @end smallexample
31119
31120 List the source files for the current executable.
31121
31122 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
31123 name) of a source file.
31124
31125 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31126
31127 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
31128 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
31129
31130 @subsubheading Example
31131 @smallexample
31132 (gdb)
31133 -file-list-exec-source-files
31134 ^done,files=[
31135 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
31136 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
31137 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
31138 (gdb)
31139 @end smallexample
31140
31141 @ignore
31142 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
31143 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
31144
31145 @subsubheading Synopsis
31146
31147 @smallexample
31148 -file-list-shared-libraries
31149 @end smallexample
31150
31151 List the shared libraries in the program.
31152
31153 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31154
31155 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
31156
31157 @subsubheading Example
31158 N.A.
31159
31160
31161 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
31162 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
31163
31164 @subsubheading Synopsis
31165
31166 @smallexample
31167 -file-list-symbol-files
31168 @end smallexample
31169
31170 List symbol files.
31171
31172 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31173
31174 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
31175
31176 @subsubheading Example
31177 N.A.
31178 @end ignore
31179
31180
31181 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
31182 @findex -file-symbol-file
31183
31184 @subsubheading Synopsis
31185
31186 @smallexample
31187 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
31188 @end smallexample
31189
31190 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
31191 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
31192 produced, except for a completion notification.
31193
31194 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31195
31196 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
31197
31198 @subsubheading Example
31199
31200 @smallexample
31201 (gdb)
31202 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31203 ^done
31204 (gdb)
31205 @end smallexample
31206
31207 @ignore
31208 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31209 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
31210 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
31211
31212 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
31213
31214 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
31215
31216 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
31217
31218 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
31219
31220 @c @subheading -overlay-map
31221
31222 @c @subheading -overlay-off
31223
31224 @c @subheading -overlay-on
31225
31226 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
31227
31228 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31229 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
31230 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
31231
31232 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
31233
31234 @c @subheading -signal-handle
31235
31236 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
31237
31238 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
31239 @end ignore
31240
31241
31242 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31243 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
31244 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
31245
31246
31247 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
31248 @findex -target-attach
31249
31250 @subsubheading Synopsis
31251
31252 @smallexample
31253 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
31254 @end smallexample
31255
31256 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
31257 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
31258 group, the id previously returned by
31259 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
31260
31261 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31262
31263 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
31264
31265 @subsubheading Example
31266 @smallexample
31267 (gdb)
31268 -target-attach 34
31269 =thread-created,id="1"
31270 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
31271 ^done
31272 (gdb)
31273 @end smallexample
31274
31275 @ignore
31276 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
31277 @findex -target-compare-sections
31278
31279 @subsubheading Synopsis
31280
31281 @smallexample
31282 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
31283 @end smallexample
31284
31285 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
31286 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
31287
31288 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31289
31290 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
31291
31292 @subsubheading Example
31293 N.A.
31294 @end ignore
31295
31296
31297 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
31298 @findex -target-detach
31299
31300 @subsubheading Synopsis
31301
31302 @smallexample
31303 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
31304 @end smallexample
31305
31306 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
31307 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
31308 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
31309
31310 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31311
31312 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
31313
31314 @subsubheading Example
31315
31316 @smallexample
31317 (gdb)
31318 -target-detach
31319 ^done
31320 (gdb)
31321 @end smallexample
31322
31323
31324 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
31325 @findex -target-disconnect
31326
31327 @subsubheading Synopsis
31328
31329 @smallexample
31330 -target-disconnect
31331 @end smallexample
31332
31333 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
31334 generally not resumed.
31335
31336 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31337
31338 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
31339
31340 @subsubheading Example
31341
31342 @smallexample
31343 (gdb)
31344 -target-disconnect
31345 ^done
31346 (gdb)
31347 @end smallexample
31348
31349
31350 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
31351 @findex -target-download
31352
31353 @subsubheading Synopsis
31354
31355 @smallexample
31356 -target-download
31357 @end smallexample
31358
31359 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
31360 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
31361
31362 @table @samp
31363 @item section
31364 The name of the section.
31365 @item section-sent
31366 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
31367 @item section-size
31368 The size of the section.
31369 @item total-sent
31370 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
31371 @item total-size
31372 The size of the overall executable to download.
31373 @end table
31374
31375 @noindent
31376 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
31377 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
31378
31379 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
31380 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
31381
31382 @table @samp
31383 @item section
31384 The name of the section.
31385 @item section-size
31386 The size of the section.
31387 @item total-size
31388 The size of the overall executable to download.
31389 @end table
31390
31391 @noindent
31392 At the end, a summary is printed.
31393
31394 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31395
31396 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
31397
31398 @subsubheading Example
31399
31400 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
31401 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
31402
31403 @smallexample
31404 (gdb)
31405 -target-download
31406 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
31407 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
31408 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
31409 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
31410 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
31411 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
31412 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
31413 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
31414 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
31415 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
31416 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
31417 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
31418 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
31419 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
31420 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
31421 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
31422 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
31423 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
31424 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
31425 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
31426 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
31427 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
31428 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
31429 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
31430 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
31431 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
31432 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
31433 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
31434 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
31435 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
31436 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
31437 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
31438 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
31439 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
31440 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
31441 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
31442 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
31443 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
31444 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
31445 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
31446 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
31447 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
31448 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
31449 write-rate="429"
31450 (gdb)
31451 @end smallexample
31452
31453
31454 @ignore
31455 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
31456 @findex -target-exec-status
31457
31458 @subsubheading Synopsis
31459
31460 @smallexample
31461 -target-exec-status
31462 @end smallexample
31463
31464 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
31465 not, for instance).
31466
31467 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31468
31469 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
31470
31471 @subsubheading Example
31472 N.A.
31473
31474
31475 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
31476 @findex -target-list-available-targets
31477
31478 @subsubheading Synopsis
31479
31480 @smallexample
31481 -target-list-available-targets
31482 @end smallexample
31483
31484 List the possible targets to connect to.
31485
31486 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31487
31488 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
31489
31490 @subsubheading Example
31491 N.A.
31492
31493
31494 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
31495 @findex -target-list-current-targets
31496
31497 @subsubheading Synopsis
31498
31499 @smallexample
31500 -target-list-current-targets
31501 @end smallexample
31502
31503 Describe the current target.
31504
31505 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31506
31507 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
31508 other things).
31509
31510 @subsubheading Example
31511 N.A.
31512
31513
31514 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
31515 @findex -target-list-parameters
31516
31517 @subsubheading Synopsis
31518
31519 @smallexample
31520 -target-list-parameters
31521 @end smallexample
31522
31523 @c ????
31524 @end ignore
31525
31526 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31527
31528 No equivalent.
31529
31530 @subsubheading Example
31531 N.A.
31532
31533
31534 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
31535 @findex -target-select
31536
31537 @subsubheading Synopsis
31538
31539 @smallexample
31540 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
31541 @end smallexample
31542
31543 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
31544
31545 @table @samp
31546 @item @var{type}
31547 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
31548 @item @var{parameters}
31549 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
31550 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
31551 @end table
31552
31553 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
31554 which the target program is, in the following form:
31555
31556 @smallexample
31557 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
31558 args=[@var{arg list}]
31559 @end smallexample
31560
31561 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31562
31563 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
31564
31565 @subsubheading Example
31566
31567 @smallexample
31568 (gdb)
31569 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
31570 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
31571 (gdb)
31572 @end smallexample
31573
31574 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31575 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
31576 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
31577
31578
31579 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
31580 @findex -target-file-put
31581
31582 @subsubheading Synopsis
31583
31584 @smallexample
31585 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
31586 @end smallexample
31587
31588 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
31589 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
31590
31591 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31592
31593 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
31594
31595 @subsubheading Example
31596
31597 @smallexample
31598 (gdb)
31599 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
31600 ^done
31601 (gdb)
31602 @end smallexample
31603
31604
31605 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
31606 @findex -target-file-get
31607
31608 @subsubheading Synopsis
31609
31610 @smallexample
31611 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
31612 @end smallexample
31613
31614 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
31615 on the host system.
31616
31617 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31618
31619 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
31620
31621 @subsubheading Example
31622
31623 @smallexample
31624 (gdb)
31625 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
31626 ^done
31627 (gdb)
31628 @end smallexample
31629
31630
31631 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
31632 @findex -target-file-delete
31633
31634 @subsubheading Synopsis
31635
31636 @smallexample
31637 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
31638 @end smallexample
31639
31640 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
31641
31642 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31643
31644 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
31645
31646 @subsubheading Example
31647
31648 @smallexample
31649 (gdb)
31650 -target-file-delete remotefile
31651 ^done
31652 (gdb)
31653 @end smallexample
31654
31655
31656 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31657 @node GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands
31658 @section Ada Exceptions @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
31659
31660 @subheading The @code{-info-ada-exceptions} Command
31661 @findex -info-ada-exceptions
31662
31663 @subsubheading Synopsis
31664
31665 @smallexample
31666 -info-ada-exceptions [ @var{regexp}]
31667 @end smallexample
31668
31669 List all Ada exceptions defined within the program being debugged.
31670 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those exceptions whose
31671 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
31672
31673 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31674
31675 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info exceptions}.
31676
31677 @subsubheading Result
31678
31679 The result is a table of Ada exceptions. The following columns are
31680 defined for each exception:
31681
31682 @table @samp
31683 @item name
31684 The name of the exception.
31685
31686 @item address
31687 The address of the exception.
31688
31689 @end table
31690
31691 @subsubheading Example
31692
31693 @smallexample
31694 -info-ada-exceptions aint
31695 ^done,ada-exceptions=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="2",
31696 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
31697 @{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="address",colhdr="Address"@}],
31698 body=[@{name="constraint_error",address="0x0000000000613da0"@},
31699 @{name="const.aint_global_e",address="0x0000000000613b00"@}]@}
31700 @end smallexample
31701
31702 @subheading Catching Ada Exceptions
31703
31704 The commands describing how to ask @value{GDBN} to stop when a program
31705 raises an exception are described at @ref{Ada Exception GDB/MI
31706 Catchpoint Commands}.
31707
31708
31709 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31710 @node GDB/MI Support Commands
31711 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Support Commands
31712
31713 Since new commands and features get regularly added to @sc{gdb/mi},
31714 some commands are available to help front-ends query the debugger
31715 about support for these capabilities. Similarly, it is also possible
31716 to query @value{GDBN} about target support of certain features.
31717
31718 @subheading The @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} Command
31719 @cindex @code{-info-gdb-mi-command}
31720 @findex -info-gdb-mi-command
31721
31722 @subsubheading Synopsis
31723
31724 @smallexample
31725 -info-gdb-mi-command @var{cmd_name}
31726 @end smallexample
31727
31728 Query support for the @sc{gdb/mi} command named @var{cmd_name}.
31729
31730 Note that the dash (@code{-}) starting all @sc{gdb/mi} commands
31731 is technically not part of the command name (@pxref{GDB/MI Input
31732 Syntax}), and thus should be omitted in @var{cmd_name}. However,
31733 for ease of use, this command also accepts the form with the leading
31734 dash.
31735
31736 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31737
31738 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31739
31740 @subsubheading Result
31741
31742 The result is a tuple. There is currently only one field:
31743
31744 @table @samp
31745 @item exists
31746 This field is equal to @code{"true"} if the @sc{gdb/mi} command exists,
31747 @code{"false"} otherwise.
31748
31749 @end table
31750
31751 @subsubheading Example
31752
31753 Here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command does not exist:
31754
31755 @smallexample
31756 -info-gdb-mi-command unsupported-command
31757 ^done,command=@{exists="false"@}
31758 @end smallexample
31759
31760 @noindent
31761 And here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command is known
31762 to the debugger:
31763
31764 @smallexample
31765 -info-gdb-mi-command symbol-list-lines
31766 ^done,command=@{exists="true"@}
31767 @end smallexample
31768
31769 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
31770 @findex -list-features
31771 @cindex supported @sc{gdb/mi} features, list
31772
31773 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
31774 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
31775 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
31776 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
31777 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
31778 startup.
31779
31780 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
31781 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
31782 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
31783 is given below.
31784
31785 Example output:
31786
31787 @smallexample
31788 (gdb) -list-features
31789 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
31790 @end smallexample
31791
31792 The current list of features is:
31793
31794 @ftable @samp
31795 @item frozen-varobjs
31796 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
31797 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
31798 of @code{-varobj-create}.
31799 @item pending-breakpoints
31800 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
31801 command.
31802 @item python
31803 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
31804 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
31805 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
31806 @item thread-info
31807 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
31808 @item data-read-memory-bytes
31809 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
31810 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
31811 @item breakpoint-notifications
31812 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
31813 CLI will be announced via async records.
31814 @item ada-task-info
31815 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
31816 @item language-option
31817 Indicates that all @sc{gdb/mi} commands accept the @option{--language}
31818 option (@pxref{Context management}).
31819 @item info-gdb-mi-command
31820 Indicates support for the @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} command.
31821 @item undefined-command-error-code
31822 Indicates support for the "undefined-command" error code in error result
31823 records, produced when trying to execute an undefined @sc{gdb/mi} command
31824 (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}).
31825 @item exec-run-start-option
31826 Indicates that the @code{-exec-run} command supports the @option{--start}
31827 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}).
31828 @end ftable
31829
31830 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
31831 @findex -list-target-features
31832
31833 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
31834 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
31835 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
31836 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
31837 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
31838 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
31839 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
31840 Example output:
31841
31842 @smallexample
31843 (gdb) -list-target-features
31844 ^done,result=["async"]
31845 @end smallexample
31846
31847 The current list of features is:
31848
31849 @table @samp
31850 @item async
31851 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
31852 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
31853 while the target is running.
31854
31855 @item reverse
31856 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
31857 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
31858
31859 @end table
31860
31861 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31862 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
31863 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
31864
31865 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
31866
31867 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
31868 @findex -gdb-exit
31869
31870 @subsubheading Synopsis
31871
31872 @smallexample
31873 -gdb-exit
31874 @end smallexample
31875
31876 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
31877
31878 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31879
31880 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
31881
31882 @subsubheading Example
31883
31884 @smallexample
31885 (gdb)
31886 -gdb-exit
31887 ^exit
31888 @end smallexample
31889
31890
31891 @ignore
31892 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
31893 @findex -exec-abort
31894
31895 @subsubheading Synopsis
31896
31897 @smallexample
31898 -exec-abort
31899 @end smallexample
31900
31901 Kill the inferior running program.
31902
31903 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31904
31905 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
31906
31907 @subsubheading Example
31908 N.A.
31909 @end ignore
31910
31911
31912 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
31913 @findex -gdb-set
31914
31915 @subsubheading Synopsis
31916
31917 @smallexample
31918 -gdb-set
31919 @end smallexample
31920
31921 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
31922 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
31923
31924 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31925
31926 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
31927
31928 @subsubheading Example
31929
31930 @smallexample
31931 (gdb)
31932 -gdb-set $foo=3
31933 ^done
31934 (gdb)
31935 @end smallexample
31936
31937
31938 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
31939 @findex -gdb-show
31940
31941 @subsubheading Synopsis
31942
31943 @smallexample
31944 -gdb-show
31945 @end smallexample
31946
31947 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
31948
31949 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31950
31951 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
31952
31953 @subsubheading Example
31954
31955 @smallexample
31956 (gdb)
31957 -gdb-show annotate
31958 ^done,value="0"
31959 (gdb)
31960 @end smallexample
31961
31962 @c @subheading -gdb-source
31963
31964
31965 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
31966 @findex -gdb-version
31967
31968 @subsubheading Synopsis
31969
31970 @smallexample
31971 -gdb-version
31972 @end smallexample
31973
31974 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
31975
31976 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31977
31978 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
31979 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
31980
31981 @subsubheading Example
31982
31983 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
31984 @c box in TeX.
31985 @smallexample
31986 (gdb)
31987 -gdb-version
31988 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
31989 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
31990 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
31991 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
31992 ~ certain conditions.
31993 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
31994 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
31995 ~ details.
31996 ~This GDB was configured as
31997 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
31998 ^done
31999 (gdb)
32000 @end smallexample
32001
32002 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
32003 @findex -list-thread-groups
32004
32005 @subheading Synopsis
32006
32007 @smallexample
32008 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
32009 @end smallexample
32010
32011 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
32012 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
32013 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
32014 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
32015 top-level thread groups.
32016
32017 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
32018 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
32019 available on the target.
32020
32021 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
32022 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
32023 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
32024 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
32025 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
32026 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
32027 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
32028 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
32029
32030 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
32031 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
32032 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
32033 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
32034 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
32035 @samp{threads} field.
32036
32037 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
32038 the following caveats:
32039
32040 @itemize @bullet
32041 @item
32042 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
32043 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
32044 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
32045
32046 @item
32047 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
32048 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
32049 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
32050 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
32051 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
32052 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
32053
32054 @end itemize
32055
32056 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
32057 have the following fields:
32058
32059 @table @code
32060 @item id
32061 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
32062 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
32063 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
32064
32065 @item type
32066 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
32067 valid type.
32068
32069 @item pid
32070 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
32071 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
32072
32073 @item exit-code
32074 The exit code of this group's last exited thread, formatted in octal.
32075 This field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process} and
32076 only if the process is not running.
32077
32078 @item num_children
32079 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
32080 absent for an available thread group.
32081
32082 @item threads
32083 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
32084 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
32085 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
32086
32087 @item cores
32088 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
32089 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
32090 such information is not available.
32091
32092 @item executable
32093 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
32094 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
32095 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
32096
32097 @end table
32098
32099 @subheading Example
32100
32101 @smallexample
32102 @value{GDBP}
32103 -list-thread-groups
32104 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
32105 -list-thread-groups 17
32106 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
32107 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
32108 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
32109 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
32110 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
32111 -list-thread-groups --available
32112 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
32113 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
32114 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32115 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32116 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
32117 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
32118 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32119 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32120 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
32121 @end smallexample
32122
32123 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
32124 @findex -info-os
32125
32126 @subsubheading Synopsis
32127
32128 @smallexample
32129 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
32130 @end smallexample
32131
32132 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
32133 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
32134 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
32135 of data of that type.
32136
32137 The types of information available depend on the target operating
32138 system.
32139
32140 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32141
32142 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
32143
32144 @subsubheading Example
32145
32146 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
32147 like this:
32148
32149 @smallexample
32150 @value{GDBP}
32151 -info-os
32152 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="10",nr_cols="3",
32153 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
32154 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
32155 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
32156 body=[item=@{col0="cpus",col1="Listing of all cpus/cores on the system",
32157 col2="CPUs"@},
32158 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
32159 col2="File descriptors"@},
32160 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
32161 col2="Kernel modules"@},
32162 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
32163 col2="Message queues"@},
32164 item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
32165 col2="Processes"@},
32166 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
32167 col2="Process groups"@},
32168 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
32169 col2="Semaphores"@},
32170 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
32171 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
32172 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
32173 col2="Sockets"@},
32174 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
32175 col2="Threads"@}]
32176 @value{GDBP}
32177 -info-os processes
32178 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
32179 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
32180 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
32181 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
32182 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
32183 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
32184 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
32185 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
32186 ...
32187 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
32188 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
32189 (gdb)
32190 @end smallexample
32191
32192 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
32193 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
32194 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
32195 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
32196 @code{info os} omits it.)
32197
32198 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
32199 @findex -add-inferior
32200
32201 @subheading Synopsis
32202
32203 @smallexample
32204 -add-inferior
32205 @end smallexample
32206
32207 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
32208 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
32209 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
32210 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
32211 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
32212 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
32213
32214 @subheading Example
32215
32216 @smallexample
32217 @value{GDBP}
32218 -add-inferior
32219 ^done,inferior="i3"
32220 @end smallexample
32221
32222 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
32223 @findex -interpreter-exec
32224
32225 @subheading Synopsis
32226
32227 @smallexample
32228 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
32229 @end smallexample
32230 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
32231
32232 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
32233
32234 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32235
32236 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
32237
32238 @subheading Example
32239
32240 @smallexample
32241 (gdb)
32242 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
32243 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
32244 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
32245 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
32246 ^done
32247 (gdb)
32248 @end smallexample
32249
32250 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
32251 @findex -inferior-tty-set
32252
32253 @subheading Synopsis
32254
32255 @smallexample
32256 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32257 @end smallexample
32258
32259 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
32260
32261 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32262
32263 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
32264
32265 @subheading Example
32266
32267 @smallexample
32268 (gdb)
32269 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32270 ^done
32271 (gdb)
32272 @end smallexample
32273
32274 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
32275 @findex -inferior-tty-show
32276
32277 @subheading Synopsis
32278
32279 @smallexample
32280 -inferior-tty-show
32281 @end smallexample
32282
32283 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
32284
32285 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32286
32287 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
32288
32289 @subheading Example
32290
32291 @smallexample
32292 (gdb)
32293 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32294 ^done
32295 (gdb)
32296 -inferior-tty-show
32297 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
32298 (gdb)
32299 @end smallexample
32300
32301 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
32302 @findex -enable-timings
32303
32304 @subheading Synopsis
32305
32306 @smallexample
32307 -enable-timings [yes | no]
32308 @end smallexample
32309
32310 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
32311 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
32312 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
32313 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
32314
32315 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32316
32317 No equivalent.
32318
32319 @subheading Example
32320
32321 @smallexample
32322 (gdb)
32323 -enable-timings
32324 ^done
32325 (gdb)
32326 -break-insert main
32327 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
32328 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
32329 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
32330 times="0"@},
32331 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
32332 (gdb)
32333 -enable-timings no
32334 ^done
32335 (gdb)
32336 -exec-run
32337 ^running
32338 (gdb)
32339 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
32340 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
32341 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
32342 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
32343 (gdb)
32344 @end smallexample
32345
32346 @node Annotations
32347 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
32348
32349 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
32350 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
32351 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
32352 relatively high level.
32353
32354 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
32355 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
32356
32357 @ignore
32358 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
32359 @end ignore
32360
32361 @menu
32362 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
32363 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
32364 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
32365 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
32366 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
32367 * Annotations for Running::
32368 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
32369 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
32370 @end menu
32371
32372 @node Annotations Overview
32373 @section What is an Annotation?
32374 @cindex annotations
32375
32376 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
32377 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
32378 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
32379 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
32380 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
32381 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
32382 cannot contain newline characters.
32383
32384 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
32385 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
32386 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
32387 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
32388 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
32389 means those three characters as output.
32390
32391 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
32392 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
32393 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
32394 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
32395 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
32396 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
32397 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
32398 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
32399 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
32400
32401 @table @code
32402 @kindex set annotate
32403 @item set annotate @var{level}
32404 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
32405 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
32406
32407 @item show annotate
32408 @kindex show annotate
32409 Show the current annotation level.
32410 @end table
32411
32412 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
32413
32414 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
32415
32416 @smallexample
32417 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
32418 GNU gdb 6.0
32419 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
32420 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
32421 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
32422 under certain conditions.
32423 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
32424 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
32425 for details.
32426 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
32427
32428 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
32429 (@value{GDBP})
32430 ^Z^Zprompt
32431 @kbd{quit}
32432
32433 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
32434 $
32435 @end smallexample
32436
32437 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
32438 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
32439 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
32440 output from @value{GDBN}.
32441
32442 @node Server Prefix
32443 @section The Server Prefix
32444 @cindex server prefix
32445
32446 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
32447 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
32448 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
32449 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
32450 a transparent manner.
32451
32452 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
32453 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
32454 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
32455 @code{print} command.
32456
32457 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
32458 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
32459
32460 @node Prompting
32461 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
32462
32463 @cindex annotations for prompts
32464 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
32465 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
32466 over, etc.
32467
32468 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
32469 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
32470 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
32471 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
32472 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
32473 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
32474 features the following annotations:
32475
32476 @smallexample
32477 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
32478 ^Z^Zprompt
32479 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
32480 @end smallexample
32481
32482 The input types are
32483
32484 @table @code
32485 @findex pre-prompt annotation
32486 @findex prompt annotation
32487 @findex post-prompt annotation
32488 @item prompt
32489 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
32490
32491 @findex pre-commands annotation
32492 @findex commands annotation
32493 @findex post-commands annotation
32494 @item commands
32495 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
32496 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
32497
32498 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
32499 @findex overload-choice annotation
32500 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
32501 @item overload-choice
32502 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
32503
32504 @findex pre-query annotation
32505 @findex query annotation
32506 @findex post-query annotation
32507 @item query
32508 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
32509
32510 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
32511 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
32512 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
32513 @item prompt-for-continue
32514 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
32515 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
32516 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
32517 presence of annotations.
32518 @end table
32519
32520 @node Errors
32521 @section Errors
32522 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
32523
32524 @findex quit annotation
32525 @smallexample
32526 ^Z^Zquit
32527 @end smallexample
32528
32529 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
32530
32531 @findex error annotation
32532 @smallexample
32533 ^Z^Zerror
32534 @end smallexample
32535
32536 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
32537
32538 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
32539 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
32540 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
32541 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
32542 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
32543 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
32544 to the top level.
32545
32546 @findex error-begin annotation
32547 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
32548
32549 @smallexample
32550 ^Z^Zerror-begin
32551 @end smallexample
32552
32553 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
32554 message.
32555
32556 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
32557 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
32558 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
32559
32560 @node Invalidation
32561 @section Invalidation Notices
32562
32563 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
32564 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
32565 changed.
32566
32567 @table @code
32568 @findex frames-invalid annotation
32569 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
32570
32571 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
32572 have changed.
32573
32574 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
32575 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
32576
32577 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
32578 deleted a breakpoint.
32579 @end table
32580
32581 @node Annotations for Running
32582 @section Running the Program
32583 @cindex annotations for running programs
32584
32585 @findex starting annotation
32586 @findex stopping annotation
32587 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
32588 @code{step} or @code{continue},
32589
32590 @smallexample
32591 ^Z^Zstarting
32592 @end smallexample
32593
32594 is output. When the program stops,
32595
32596 @smallexample
32597 ^Z^Zstopped
32598 @end smallexample
32599
32600 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
32601 annotations describe how the program stopped.
32602
32603 @table @code
32604 @findex exited annotation
32605 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
32606 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
32607 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
32608
32609 @findex signalled annotation
32610 @findex signal-name annotation
32611 @findex signal-name-end annotation
32612 @findex signal-string annotation
32613 @findex signal-string-end annotation
32614 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
32615 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
32616 annotation continues:
32617
32618 @smallexample
32619 @var{intro-text}
32620 ^Z^Zsignal-name
32621 @var{name}
32622 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
32623 @var{middle-text}
32624 ^Z^Zsignal-string
32625 @var{string}
32626 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
32627 @var{end-text}
32628 @end smallexample
32629
32630 @noindent
32631 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
32632 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
32633 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}. The arguments
32634 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
32635 user's benefit and have no particular format.
32636
32637 @findex signal annotation
32638 @item ^Z^Zsignal
32639 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
32640 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
32641 terminated with it.
32642
32643 @findex breakpoint annotation
32644 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
32645 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
32646
32647 @findex watchpoint annotation
32648 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
32649 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
32650 @end table
32651
32652 @node Source Annotations
32653 @section Displaying Source
32654 @cindex annotations for source display
32655
32656 @findex source annotation
32657 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
32658
32659 @smallexample
32660 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
32661 @end smallexample
32662
32663 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
32664 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
32665 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
32666 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
32667 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
32668 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
32669 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
32670 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
32671 source which is being displayed. The @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
32672 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
32673 depend on the language).
32674
32675 @node JIT Interface
32676 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
32677 @cindex just-in-time compilation
32678 @cindex JIT compilation interface
32679
32680 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
32681 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
32682 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
32683 performance while maintaining platform independence.
32684
32685 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
32686 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
32687 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
32688 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
32689 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
32690 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
32691
32692 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
32693 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
32694 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
32695 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
32696 LLVM JIT.
32697
32698 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
32699 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
32700 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
32701 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
32702 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
32703 out about additional code.
32704
32705 @menu
32706 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
32707 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
32708 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
32709 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
32710 @end menu
32711
32712 @node Declarations
32713 @section JIT Declarations
32714
32715 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
32716 implement the interface:
32717
32718 @smallexample
32719 typedef enum
32720 @{
32721 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
32722 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
32723 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
32724 @} jit_actions_t;
32725
32726 struct jit_code_entry
32727 @{
32728 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
32729 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
32730 const char *symfile_addr;
32731 uint64_t symfile_size;
32732 @};
32733
32734 struct jit_descriptor
32735 @{
32736 uint32_t version;
32737 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
32738 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
32739 uint32_t action_flag;
32740 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
32741 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
32742 @};
32743
32744 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
32745 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
32746
32747 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
32748 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
32749 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
32750 @end smallexample
32751
32752 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
32753 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
32754 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
32755
32756 @node Registering Code
32757 @section Registering Code
32758
32759 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
32760
32761 @itemize @bullet
32762 @item
32763 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
32764 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
32765
32766 @item
32767 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
32768 file.
32769
32770 @item
32771 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
32772
32773 @item
32774 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
32775
32776 @item
32777 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
32778 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
32779 @end itemize
32780
32781 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
32782 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
32783 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
32784 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
32785
32786 @node Unregistering Code
32787 @section Unregistering Code
32788
32789 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
32790
32791 @itemize @bullet
32792 @item
32793 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
32794
32795 @item
32796 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
32797
32798 @item
32799 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
32800 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
32801 @end itemize
32802
32803 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
32804 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
32805
32806 @node Custom Debug Info
32807 @section Custom Debug Info
32808 @cindex custom JIT debug info
32809 @cindex JIT debug info reader
32810
32811 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
32812 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
32813 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
32814 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
32815 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
32816 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
32817 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
32818 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
32819 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
32820
32821 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
32822 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
32823 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
32824 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
32825 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
32826 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
32827 compiler.
32828
32829 @menu
32830 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
32831 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
32832 @end menu
32833
32834 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
32835 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
32836 @kindex jit-reader-load
32837 @kindex jit-reader-unload
32838
32839 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
32840 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
32841
32842 @table @code
32843 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
32844 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}, which is a shared
32845 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
32846 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
32847 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
32848 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
32849 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
32850
32851 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
32852 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
32853 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
32854 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
32855 @code{jit-reader-load}.
32856
32857 @item jit-reader-unload
32858 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
32859
32860 @end table
32861
32862 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
32863 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
32864 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
32865
32866 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
32867 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
32868
32869 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
32870 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
32871 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
32872 the system include directory.
32873
32874 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
32875 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
32876 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
32877
32878 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
32879 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
32880
32881 @findex gdb_init_reader
32882 @smallexample
32883 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
32884 @end smallexample
32885
32886 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
32887
32888 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
32889 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
32890 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
32891 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
32892 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
32893 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
32894
32895 @smallexample
32896 struct gdb_reader_funcs
32897 @{
32898 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
32899 int reader_version;
32900
32901 /* For use by the reader. */
32902 void *priv_data;
32903
32904 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
32905 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
32906 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
32907 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
32908 @};
32909 @end smallexample
32910
32911 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
32912 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
32913
32914 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
32915 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
32916 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
32917 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
32918 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
32919 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
32920 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
32921 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
32922 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
32923 target's address space.
32924
32925 @node In-Process Agent
32926 @chapter In-Process Agent
32927 @cindex debugging agent
32928 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
32929 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
32930 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
32931 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
32932 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
32933 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
32934 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
32935 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
32936 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
32937 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
32938 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
32939 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
32940 behavior without interrupting it.
32941
32942 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
32943 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
32944 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
32945 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
32946 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
32947 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
32948 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
32949 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
32950 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
32951
32952 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
32953 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
32954 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
32955 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
32956
32957 @anchor{Control Agent}
32958 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
32959 debugging with the following commands:
32960
32961 @table @code
32962 @kindex set agent on
32963 @item set agent on
32964 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
32965 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
32966 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
32967 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
32968 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
32969 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
32970
32971 @kindex set agent off
32972 @item set agent off
32973 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
32974 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
32975
32976 @kindex show agent
32977 @item show agent
32978 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
32979 the in-process agent.
32980 @end table
32981
32982 @menu
32983 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
32984 @end menu
32985
32986 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
32987 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
32988 @cindex in-process agent protocol
32989
32990 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
32991 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
32992 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
32993 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
32994 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
32995 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
32996 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
32997 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
32998 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
32999
33000 @menu
33001 * IPA Protocol Objects::
33002 * IPA Protocol Commands::
33003 @end menu
33004
33005 @node IPA Protocol Objects
33006 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
33007 @cindex ipa protocol objects
33008
33009 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
33010 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
33011
33012 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
33013 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
33014 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
33015 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
33016
33017 @enumerate
33018 @item
33019 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
33020 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
33021 @item
33022 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
33023 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
33024 the other one.
33025 @end enumerate
33026
33027 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
33028
33029 @enumerate
33030 @item
33031 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
33032 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
33033 @anchor{agent expression object}
33034 @item
33035 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
33036 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
33037 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
33038 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
33039 @item
33040 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
33041 @anchor{tracepoint object}
33042
33043 @end enumerate
33044
33045 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
33046 object:
33047
33048 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
33049 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
33050 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
33051 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
33052 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
33053 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
33054 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33055 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
33056 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
33057 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
33058 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
33059 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
33060 memory address for collecting.
33061 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
33062 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33063 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
33064 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33065 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
33066 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33067 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
33068 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
33069 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
33070 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
33071 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
33072 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
33073 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
33074 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
33075 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
33076 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
33077 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
33078 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
33079 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
33080 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
33081 @ref{agent expression object}
33082 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
33083 @ref{agent expression object}
33084 @item actions @tab variable
33085 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
33086 @end multitable
33087
33088 @node IPA Protocol Commands
33089 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
33090 @cindex ipa protocol commands
33091
33092 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
33093 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
33094
33095 @table @samp
33096
33097 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
33098 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
33099 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
33100 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
33101 in IPA finally.
33102
33103 Replies:
33104 @table @samp
33105 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
33106 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
33107 The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
33108 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
33109 The @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
33110 The @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
33111 @item E @var{NN}
33112 for an error
33113
33114 @end table
33115
33116 @item close
33117 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
33118 is about to kill inferiors.
33119
33120 @item qTfSTM
33121 @xref{qTfSTM}.
33122 @item qTsSTM
33123 @xref{qTsSTM}.
33124 @item qTSTMat
33125 @xref{qTSTMat}.
33126 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
33127 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
33128
33129 Replies:
33130 @table @samp
33131 @item E @var{NN}
33132 for an error
33133 @end table
33134 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
33135 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
33136 @end table
33137
33138 @node GDB Bugs
33139 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
33140 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
33141 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
33142
33143 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
33144
33145 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
33146 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
33147 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
33148 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
33149
33150 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
33151 information that enables us to fix the bug.
33152
33153 @menu
33154 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
33155 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
33156 @end menu
33157
33158 @node Bug Criteria
33159 @section Have You Found a Bug?
33160 @cindex bug criteria
33161
33162 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
33163
33164 @itemize @bullet
33165 @cindex fatal signal
33166 @cindex debugger crash
33167 @cindex crash of debugger
33168 @item
33169 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
33170 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
33171
33172 @cindex error on valid input
33173 @item
33174 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
33175 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
33176 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
33177
33178 @cindex invalid input
33179 @item
33180 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
33181 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
33182 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
33183 for traditional practice''.
33184
33185 @item
33186 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
33187 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
33188 @end itemize
33189
33190 @node Bug Reporting
33191 @section How to Report Bugs
33192 @cindex bug reports
33193 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
33194
33195 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
33196 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
33197 contact that organization first.
33198
33199 You can find contact information for many support companies and
33200 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
33201 distribution.
33202 @c should add a web page ref...
33203
33204 @ifset BUGURL
33205 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
33206 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33207 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
33208 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
33209 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
33210 be used.
33211
33212 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
33213 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
33214 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
33215 @samp{bug-gdb}.
33216
33217 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
33218 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
33219 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
33220 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
33221 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
33222 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
33223 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
33224 bug reports to the mailing list.
33225 @end ifset
33226 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
33227 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33228 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
33229 @end ifclear
33230 @end ifset
33231
33232 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
33233 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
33234 fact or leave it out, state it!
33235
33236 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
33237 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
33238 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
33239 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
33240 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
33241 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
33242 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
33243 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
33244 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
33245
33246 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
33247 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
33248 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
33249 self-contained.
33250
33251 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
33252 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
33253 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
33254 bugs properly.
33255
33256 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
33257
33258 @itemize @bullet
33259 @item
33260 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
33261 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
33262 version}.
33263
33264 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
33265 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
33266
33267 @item
33268 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
33269 version number.
33270
33271 @item
33272 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
33273 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
33274 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
33275 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
33276
33277 @item
33278 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
33279 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
33280
33281 @item
33282 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
33283 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
33284 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
33285 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
33286 those compilers.
33287
33288 @item
33289 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
33290 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
33291 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
33292 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
33293
33294 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
33295 and then we might not encounter the bug.
33296
33297 @item
33298 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
33299 reproduce the bug.
33300
33301 @item
33302 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
33303 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
33304
33305 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
33306 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
33307 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
33308 a chance to make a mistake.
33309
33310 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
33311 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
33312 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
33313 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
33314 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
33315 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
33316 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
33317 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
33318
33319 @pindex script
33320 @cindex recording a session script
33321 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
33322 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
33323 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
33324 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
33325
33326 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
33327 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
33328
33329 @item
33330 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
33331 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
33332 it by context, not by line number.
33333
33334 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
33335 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
33336
33337 @end itemize
33338
33339 Here are some things that are not necessary:
33340
33341 @itemize @bullet
33342 @item
33343 A description of the envelope of the bug.
33344
33345 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
33346 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
33347 changes will not affect it.
33348
33349 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
33350 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
33351 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
33352 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
33353
33354 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
33355 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
33356 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
33357 less time, and so on.
33358
33359 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
33360 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
33361
33362 @item
33363 A patch for the bug.
33364
33365 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
33366 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
33367 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
33368 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
33369
33370 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
33371 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
33372 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
33373 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
33374
33375 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
33376 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
33377 help us to understand.
33378
33379 @item
33380 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
33381
33382 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
33383 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
33384 @end itemize
33385
33386 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
33387 @c and consists of the two following files:
33388 @c rluser.texi
33389 @c hsuser.texi
33390 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
33391 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
33392 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
33393 @include rluser.texi
33394 @include hsuser.texi
33395 @end ifclear
33396
33397 @node In Memoriam
33398 @appendix In Memoriam
33399
33400 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
33401 contributors:
33402
33403 @table @code
33404 @item Fred Fish
33405 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
33406 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
33407 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
33408
33409 @item Michael Snyder
33410 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
33411 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
33412 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
33413 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
33414 @end table
33415
33416 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
33417 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
33418
33419 @node Formatting Documentation
33420 @appendix Formatting Documentation
33421
33422 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
33423 @cindex reference card
33424 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
33425 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
33426 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
33427 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
33428 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
33429 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
33430
33431 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
33432 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
33433
33434 @smallexample
33435 make refcard.dvi
33436 @end smallexample
33437
33438 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
33439 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
33440 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
33441 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
33442 your @sc{dvi} output program.
33443
33444 @cindex documentation
33445
33446 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
33447 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
33448 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
33449 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
33450 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
33451 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
33452
33453 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
33454 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
33455 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
33456 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
33457 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
33458 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
33459 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
33460 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
33461
33462 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
33463 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
33464 @code{makeinfo}.
33465
33466 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
33467 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
33468 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
33469
33470 @smallexample
33471 cd gdb
33472 make gdb.info
33473 @end smallexample
33474
33475 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
33476 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
33477 Texinfo definitions file.
33478
33479 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
33480 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
33481 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
33482 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
33483 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
33484 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
33485 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
33486
33487 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
33488 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
33489 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
33490 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
33491 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
33492 directory.
33493
33494 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
33495 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
33496 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
33497 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
33498
33499 @smallexample
33500 make gdb.dvi
33501 @end smallexample
33502
33503 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
33504
33505 @node Installing GDB
33506 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
33507 @cindex installation
33508
33509 @menu
33510 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
33511 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
33512 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
33513 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
33514 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
33515 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
33516 @end menu
33517
33518 @node Requirements
33519 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
33520 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
33521
33522 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
33523 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
33524
33525 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
33526 @table @asis
33527 @item ISO C90 compiler
33528 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
33529 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
33530
33531 @end table
33532
33533 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
33534 @table @asis
33535 @item Expat
33536 @anchor{Expat}
33537 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
33538 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
33539 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
33540 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
33541 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
33542 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
33543
33544 Expat is used for:
33545
33546 @itemize @bullet
33547 @item
33548 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
33549 @item
33550 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
33551 @item
33552 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
33553 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
33554 @item
33555 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
33556 @item
33557 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
33558 @item
33559 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format},
33560 @pxref{Branch Trace Configuration Format})
33561 @end itemize
33562
33563 @item zlib
33564 @cindex compressed debug sections
33565 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
33566 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
33567 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
33568 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
33569 information in such binaries.
33570
33571 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
33572 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
33573 @url{http://zlib.net}.
33574
33575 @item iconv
33576 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
33577 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
33578 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
33579 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
33580
33581 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
33582 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
33583 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
33584 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
33585
33586 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
33587 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
33588 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
33589
33590 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
33591 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
33592 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
33593 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
33594 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
33595 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
33596 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
33597 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
33598 @end table
33599
33600 @node Running Configure
33601 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
33602 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
33603 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
33604 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
33605 build the @code{gdb} program.
33606 @iftex
33607 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
33608 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
33609 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
33610 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
33611 @end iftex
33612
33613 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
33614 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
33615 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
33616
33617 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
33618 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
33619
33620 @table @code
33621 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
33622 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
33623
33624 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
33625 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
33626
33627 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
33628 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
33629
33630 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
33631 @sc{gnu} include files
33632
33633 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
33634 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
33635
33636 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
33637 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
33638
33639 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
33640 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
33641
33642 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
33643 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
33644
33645 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
33646 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
33647 @end table
33648
33649 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
33650 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
33651 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
33652
33653 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
33654 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
33655 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
33656 argument.
33657
33658 For example:
33659
33660 @smallexample
33661 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
33662 ./configure @var{host}
33663 make
33664 @end smallexample
33665
33666 @noindent
33667 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
33668 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
33669 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
33670 correct value by examining your system.)
33671
33672 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
33673 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
33674 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
33675 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
33676
33677 @need 750
33678 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
33679 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
33680 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
33681
33682 @smallexample
33683 sh configure @var{host}
33684 @end smallexample
33685
33686 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
33687 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
33688 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
33689 @file{configure}
33690 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
33691 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
33692
33693 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
33694 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
33695 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
33696 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
33697 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
33698 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
33699 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
33700 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
33701 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
33702
33703 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
33704 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
33705 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
33706 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
33707 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
33708
33709 @node Separate Objdir
33710 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
33711
33712 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
33713 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
33714 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
33715 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
33716 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
33717 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
33718 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
33719 program specified there.
33720
33721 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
33722 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
33723 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
33724 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
33725 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
33726 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
33727
33728 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
33729 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
33730
33731 @smallexample
33732 @group
33733 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
33734 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
33735 cd ../gdb-sun4
33736 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
33737 make
33738 @end group
33739 @end smallexample
33740
33741 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
33742 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
33743 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
33744 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
33745 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
33746 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
33747
33748 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
33749 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
33750 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
33751 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
33752 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
33753
33754 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
33755 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
33756 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
33757 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
33758 You specify a cross-debugging target by
33759 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
33760
33761 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
33762 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
33763 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
33764
33765 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
33766 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
33767 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
33768 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
33769 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
33770
33771 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
33772 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
33773 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
33774 with each other.
33775
33776 @node Config Names
33777 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
33778
33779 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
33780 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
33781 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
33782 of information in the following pattern:
33783
33784 @smallexample
33785 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
33786 @end smallexample
33787
33788 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
33789 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
33790 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
33791
33792 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
33793 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
33794 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
33795 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
33796 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
33797 abbreviations---for example:
33798
33799 @smallexample
33800 % sh config.sub i386-linux
33801 i386-pc-linux-gnu
33802 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
33803 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
33804 % sh config.sub hp9k700
33805 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
33806 % sh config.sub sun4
33807 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
33808 % sh config.sub sun3
33809 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
33810 % sh config.sub i986v
33811 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
33812 @end smallexample
33813
33814 @noindent
33815 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
33816 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
33817
33818 @node Configure Options
33819 @section @file{configure} Options
33820
33821 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
33822 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
33823 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
33824 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
33825
33826 @smallexample
33827 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
33828 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
33829 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
33830 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
33831 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
33832 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
33833 @var{host}
33834 @end smallexample
33835
33836 @noindent
33837 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
33838 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
33839 @samp{--}.
33840
33841 @table @code
33842 @item --help
33843 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
33844
33845 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
33846 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
33847 @file{@var{dir}}.
33848
33849 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
33850 Configure the source to install programs under directory
33851 @file{@var{dir}}.
33852
33853 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
33854 @need 2000
33855 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
33856 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
33857 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
33858 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
33859 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
33860 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
33861 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
33862 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
33863 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
33864 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
33865 @var{dirname}.
33866
33867 @item --norecursion
33868 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
33869 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
33870
33871 @item --target=@var{target}
33872 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
33873 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
33874 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
33875
33876 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
33877
33878 @item @var{host} @dots{}
33879 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
33880
33881 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
33882 @end table
33883
33884 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
33885 needed for special purposes only.
33886
33887 @node System-wide configuration
33888 @section System-wide configuration and settings
33889 @cindex system-wide init file
33890
33891 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
33892 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
33893 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
33894
33895 Here is the corresponding configure option:
33896
33897 @table @code
33898 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
33899 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
33900 @var{file}.
33901 @end table
33902
33903 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
33904 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
33905
33906 @itemize @bullet
33907 @item
33908 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
33909 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
33910 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
33911 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
33912 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
33913 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
33914
33915 @item
33916 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
33917 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
33918 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
33919 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
33920 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
33921 @end itemize
33922
33923 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
33924 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
33925 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
33926 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
33927 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
33928 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
33929 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
33930 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
33931 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
33932 reread.
33933
33934 @menu
33935 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
33936 @end menu
33937
33938 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
33939 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
33940 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
33941
33942 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
33943 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
33944 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
33945 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
33946 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
33947 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
33948
33949 The following scripts are currently available:
33950 @itemize @bullet
33951
33952 @item @file{elinos.py}
33953 @pindex elinos.py
33954 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
33955 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
33956 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
33957 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
33958 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
33959 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
33960
33961 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
33962 @pindex wrs-linux.py
33963 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
33964 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
33965 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
33966 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
33967
33968 @end itemize
33969
33970 @node Maintenance Commands
33971 @appendix Maintenance Commands
33972 @cindex maintenance commands
33973 @cindex internal commands
33974
33975 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
33976 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
33977 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
33978 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
33979 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
33980
33981 @table @code
33982 @kindex maint agent
33983 @kindex maint agent-eval
33984 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
33985 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
33986 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
33987 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
33988 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
33989 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
33990 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
33991 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
33992 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
33993 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
33994 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
33995 addition and return the sum.
33996 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
33997 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
33998
33999 @kindex maint agent-printf
34000 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
34001 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
34002 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
34003 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
34004 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
34005
34006 @kindex maint info breakpoints
34007 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
34008 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
34009 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
34010 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
34011 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
34012 is shown:
34013
34014 @table @code
34015 @item breakpoint
34016 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
34017
34018 @item watchpoint
34019 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
34020
34021 @item longjmp
34022 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
34023 @code{longjmp} calls.
34024
34025 @item longjmp resume
34026 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
34027
34028 @item until
34029 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
34030
34031 @item finish
34032 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
34033
34034 @item shlib events
34035 Shared library events.
34036
34037 @end table
34038
34039 @kindex maint info btrace
34040 @item maint info btrace
34041 Pint information about raw branch tracing data.
34042
34043 @kindex maint btrace packet-history
34044 @item maint btrace packet-history
34045 Print the raw branch trace packets that are used to compute the
34046 execution history for the @samp{record btrace} command. Both the
34047 information and the format in which it is printed depend on the btrace
34048 recording format.
34049
34050 @table @code
34051 @item bts
34052 For the BTS recording format, print a list of blocks of sequential
34053 code. For each block, the following information is printed:
34054
34055 @table @asis
34056 @item Block number
34057 Newer blocks have higher numbers. The oldest block has number zero.
34058 @item Lowest @samp{PC}
34059 @item Highest @samp{PC}
34060 @end table
34061
34062 @item pt
34063 For the Intel Processor Trace recording format, print a list of
34064 Intel Processor Trace packets. For each packet, the following
34065 information is printed:
34066
34067 @table @asis
34068 @item Packet number
34069 Newer packets have higher numbers. The oldest packet has number zero.
34070 @item Trace offset
34071 The packet's offset in the trace stream.
34072 @item Packet opcode and payload
34073 @end table
34074 @end table
34075
34076 @kindex maint btrace clear-packet-history
34077 @item maint btrace clear-packet-history
34078 Discards the cached packet history printed by the @samp{maint btrace
34079 packet-history} command. The history will be computed again when
34080 needed.
34081
34082 @kindex maint btrace clear
34083 @item maint btrace clear
34084 Discard the branch trace data. The data will be fetched anew and the
34085 branch trace will be recomputed when needed.
34086
34087 This implicitly truncates the branch trace to a single branch trace
34088 buffer. When updating branch trace incrementally, the branch trace
34089 available to @value{GDBN} may be bigger than a single branch trace
34090 buffer.
34091
34092 @kindex maint set btrace pt skip-pad
34093 @item maint set btrace pt skip-pad
34094 @kindex maint show btrace pt skip-pad
34095 @item maint show btrace pt skip-pad
34096 Control whether @value{GDBN} will skip PAD packets when computing the
34097 packet history.
34098
34099 @kindex set displaced-stepping
34100 @kindex show displaced-stepping
34101 @cindex displaced stepping support
34102 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
34103 @item set displaced-stepping
34104 @itemx show displaced-stepping
34105 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
34106 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
34107 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
34108 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
34109 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
34110
34111 @table @code
34112 @item set displaced-stepping on
34113 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
34114 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
34115
34116 @item set displaced-stepping off
34117 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
34118 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
34119
34120 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
34121 @item set displaced-stepping auto
34122 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
34123 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
34124 architecture supports displaced stepping.
34125 @end table
34126
34127 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
34128 @item maint check-psymtabs
34129 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
34130 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
34131
34132 @kindex maint check-symtabs
34133 @item maint check-symtabs
34134 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
34135
34136 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
34137 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
34138 Expand symbol tables.
34139 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
34140 names matching @var{regexp}.
34141
34142 @kindex maint set catch-demangler-crashes
34143 @kindex maint show catch-demangler-crashes
34144 @cindex demangler crashes
34145 @item maint set catch-demangler-crashes [on|off]
34146 @itemx maint show catch-demangler-crashes
34147 Control whether @value{GDBN} should attempt to catch crashes in the
34148 symbol name demangler. The default is to attempt to catch crashes.
34149 If enabled, the first time a crash is caught, a core file is created,
34150 the offending symbol is displayed and the user is presented with the
34151 option to terminate the current session.
34152
34153 @kindex maint cplus first_component
34154 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
34155 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
34156
34157 @kindex maint cplus namespace
34158 @item maint cplus namespace
34159 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
34160
34161 @kindex maint deprecate
34162 @kindex maint undeprecate
34163 @cindex deprecated commands
34164 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
34165 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
34166 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
34167 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
34168 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
34169 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
34170 the replacement as part of the warning.
34171
34172 @kindex maint dump-me
34173 @item maint dump-me
34174 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
34175 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
34176 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
34177 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
34178
34179 @kindex maint internal-error
34180 @kindex maint internal-warning
34181 @kindex maint demangler-warning
34182 @cindex demangler crashes
34183 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34184 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34185 @itemx maint demangler-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34186
34187 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error},
34188 @code{internal_warning} or @code{demangler_warning} and hence behave
34189 as though an internal problem has been detected. In addition to
34190 reporting the internal problem, these functions give the user the
34191 opportunity to either quit @value{GDBN} or (for @code{internal_error}
34192 and @code{internal_warning}) create a core file of the current
34193 @value{GDBN} session.
34194
34195 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
34196 used as the text of the error or warning message.
34197
34198 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
34199
34200 @smallexample
34201 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
34202 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
34203 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
34204 debugging may prove unreliable.
34205 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34206 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34207 (@value{GDBP})
34208 @end smallexample
34209
34210 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
34211 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
34212 @cindex demangler crashes
34213
34214 @kindex maint set internal-error
34215 @kindex maint show internal-error
34216 @kindex maint set internal-warning
34217 @kindex maint show internal-warning
34218 @kindex maint set demangler-warning
34219 @kindex maint show demangler-warning
34220 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34221 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
34222 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34223 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
34224 @itemx maint set demangler-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34225 @itemx maint show demangler-warning @var{action}
34226 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
34227 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
34228 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
34229 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
34230 described in the table below.
34231
34232 @table @samp
34233 @item quit
34234 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34235 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
34236
34237 @item corefile
34238 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34239 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do. Note
34240 that there is no @code{corefile} option for @code{demangler-warning}:
34241 demangler warnings always create a core file and this cannot be
34242 disabled.
34243 @end table
34244
34245 @kindex maint packet
34246 @item maint packet @var{text}
34247 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
34248 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
34249 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
34250 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
34251 checksum.
34252
34253 @kindex maint print architecture
34254 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34255 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
34256 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
34257
34258 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
34259 @item maint print c-tdesc
34260 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
34261 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
34262 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
34263
34264 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
34265 @item maint print dummy-frames
34266 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
34267
34268 @smallexample
34269 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
34270 @dots{}
34271 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
34272 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
34273 58 return (a + b);
34274 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
34275 @dots{}
34276 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
34277 0xa8206d8: id=@{stack=0xbfffe734,code=0xbfffe73f,!special@}, ptid=process 9353
34278 (@value{GDBP})
34279 @end smallexample
34280
34281 Takes an optional file parameter.
34282
34283 @kindex maint print registers
34284 @kindex maint print raw-registers
34285 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
34286 @kindex maint print register-groups
34287 @kindex maint print remote-registers
34288 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34289 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34290 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34291 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34292 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34293 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
34294
34295 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
34296 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
34297 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
34298 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
34299 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
34300 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
34301 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
34302 and offsets in the `G' packets.
34303
34304 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
34305 write the information.
34306
34307 @kindex maint print reggroups
34308 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34309 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
34310 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
34311 information.
34312
34313 The register groups info looks like this:
34314
34315 @smallexample
34316 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
34317 Group Type
34318 general user
34319 float user
34320 all user
34321 vector user
34322 system user
34323 save internal
34324 restore internal
34325 @end smallexample
34326
34327 @kindex flushregs
34328 @item flushregs
34329 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
34330
34331 @kindex maint print objfiles
34332 @cindex info for known object files
34333 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
34334 Print a dump of all known object files.
34335 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
34336 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
34337 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
34338
34339 @kindex maint print user-registers
34340 @cindex user registers
34341 @item maint print user-registers
34342 List all currently available @dfn{user registers}. User registers
34343 typically provide alternate names for actual hardware registers. They
34344 include the four ``standard'' registers @code{$fp}, @code{$pc},
34345 @code{$sp}, and @code{$ps}. @xref{standard registers}. User
34346 registers can be used in expressions in the same way as the canonical
34347 register names, but only the latter are listed by the @code{info
34348 registers} and @code{maint print registers} commands.
34349
34350 @kindex maint print section-scripts
34351 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
34352 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
34353 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
34354 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
34355 matching @var{regexp}.
34356 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
34357 and the full path if known.
34358 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
34359
34360 @kindex maint print statistics
34361 @cindex bcache statistics
34362 @item maint print statistics
34363 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
34364 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
34365 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
34366 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
34367 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
34368 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
34369 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
34370 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
34371 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
34372 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
34373 lengths.
34374
34375 @kindex maint print target-stack
34376 @cindex target stack description
34377 @item maint print target-stack
34378 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
34379 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
34380 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
34381 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
34382 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
34383 address.
34384
34385 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
34386 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
34387
34388 @kindex maint print type
34389 @cindex type chain of a data type
34390 @item maint print type @var{expr}
34391 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
34392 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
34393 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
34394 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
34395 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
34396
34397 @kindex maint set dwarf always-disassemble
34398 @kindex maint show dwarf always-disassemble
34399 @item maint set dwarf always-disassemble
34400 @item maint show dwarf always-disassemble
34401 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
34402 information.
34403
34404 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
34405 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
34406 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
34407 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
34408 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
34409 always see the disassembly form.
34410
34411 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
34412
34413 @smallexample
34414 (gdb) info addr argc
34415 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
34416 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
34417 @end smallexample
34418
34419 For more information on these expressions, see
34420 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
34421
34422 @kindex maint set dwarf max-cache-age
34423 @kindex maint show dwarf max-cache-age
34424 @item maint set dwarf max-cache-age
34425 @itemx maint show dwarf max-cache-age
34426 Control the DWARF compilation unit cache.
34427
34428 @cindex DWARF compilation units cache
34429 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
34430 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF
34431 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
34432 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
34433 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
34434 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
34435 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
34436 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
34437
34438 @kindex maint set profile
34439 @kindex maint show profile
34440 @cindex profiling GDB
34441 @item maint set profile
34442 @itemx maint show profile
34443 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
34444
34445 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
34446 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
34447 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
34448 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
34449 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
34450 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
34451 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
34452
34453 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
34454 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
34455
34456 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
34457 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
34458 @cindex hardware debug registers
34459 @item maint set show-debug-regs
34460 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
34461 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
34462 registers. Use @code{on} to enable, @code{off} to disable. If
34463 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
34464 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
34465 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
34466
34467 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
34468 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
34469 @item maint set show-all-tib
34470 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
34471 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
34472 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
34473 command.
34474
34475 @kindex maint set target-async
34476 @kindex maint show target-async
34477 @item maint set target-async
34478 @itemx maint show target-async
34479 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets operate in synchronous or
34480 asynchronous mode (@pxref{Background Execution}). Normally the
34481 default is asynchronous, if it is available; but this can be changed
34482 to more easily debug problems occurring only in synchronous mode.
34483
34484 @kindex maint set target-non-stop @var{mode} [on|off|auto]
34485 @kindex maint show target-non-stop
34486 @item maint set target-non-stop
34487 @itemx maint show target-non-stop
34488
34489 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets always operate in non-stop
34490 mode even if @code{set non-stop} is @code{off} (@pxref{Non-Stop
34491 Mode}). The default is @code{auto}, meaning non-stop mode is enabled
34492 if supported by the target.
34493
34494 @table @code
34495 @item maint set target-non-stop auto
34496 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} controls the target in
34497 non-stop mode if the target supports it.
34498
34499 @item maint set target-non-stop on
34500 @value{GDBN} controls the target in non-stop mode even if the target
34501 does not indicate support.
34502
34503 @item maint set target-non-stop off
34504 @value{GDBN} does not control the target in non-stop mode even if the
34505 target supports it.
34506 @end table
34507
34508 @kindex maint set per-command
34509 @kindex maint show per-command
34510 @item maint set per-command
34511 @itemx maint show per-command
34512 @cindex resources used by commands
34513
34514 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
34515 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
34516
34517 @table @code
34518 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
34519 @itemx maint show per-command space
34520 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
34521 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
34522 took, following the command's own output.
34523 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
34524 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
34525
34526 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
34527 @itemx maint show per-command time
34528 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
34529 for each command.
34530 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
34531 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
34532 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
34533 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
34534 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
34535 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
34536 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
34537 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
34538 spent by the program been debugged.
34539 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
34540 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
34541
34542 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
34543 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
34544 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
34545 for each command.
34546 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
34547
34548 @enumerate a
34549 @item
34550 number of symbol tables
34551 @item
34552 number of primary symbol tables
34553 @item
34554 number of blocks in the blockvector
34555 @end enumerate
34556 @end table
34557
34558 @kindex maint space
34559 @cindex memory used by commands
34560 @item maint space @var{value}
34561 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
34562 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
34563
34564 @kindex maint time
34565 @cindex time of command execution
34566 @item maint time @var{value}
34567 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
34568 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
34569
34570 @kindex maint translate-address
34571 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
34572 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
34573 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
34574 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
34575 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
34576 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
34577 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
34578
34579 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
34580 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
34581 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
34582
34583 @end table
34584
34585 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
34586 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
34587
34588 @table @code
34589 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
34590 @kindex set watchdog
34591 @cindex watchdog timer
34592 @cindex timeout for commands
34593 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
34594 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
34595 reports and error and the command is aborted.
34596
34597 @item show watchdog
34598 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
34599 @end table
34600
34601 @node Remote Protocol
34602 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
34603
34604 @menu
34605 * Overview::
34606 * Packets::
34607 * Stop Reply Packets::
34608 * General Query Packets::
34609 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
34610 * Tracepoint Packets::
34611 * Host I/O Packets::
34612 * Interrupts::
34613 * Notification Packets::
34614 * Remote Non-Stop::
34615 * Packet Acknowledgment::
34616 * Examples::
34617 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
34618 * Library List Format::
34619 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
34620 * Memory Map Format::
34621 * Thread List Format::
34622 * Traceframe Info Format::
34623 * Branch Trace Format::
34624 * Branch Trace Configuration Format::
34625 @end menu
34626
34627 @node Overview
34628 @section Overview
34629
34630 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
34631 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
34632 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
34633 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
34634
34635 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
34636 transmitted and received data, respectively.
34637
34638 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
34639 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
34640 @cindex remote serial protocol
34641 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
34642 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
34643 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
34644 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
34645 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
34646
34647 @smallexample
34648 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
34649 @end smallexample
34650 @noindent
34651
34652 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
34653 @noindent
34654 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
34655 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
34656 eight bit unsigned checksum).
34657
34658 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
34659 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
34660
34661 @smallexample
34662 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
34663 @end smallexample
34664
34665 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
34666 @noindent
34667 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
34668 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
34669 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
34670
34671 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
34672 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
34673 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
34674 retransmission):
34675
34676 @smallexample
34677 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
34678 <- @code{+}
34679 @end smallexample
34680 @noindent
34681
34682 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
34683 once a connection is established.
34684 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
34685
34686 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
34687 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
34688 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
34689 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
34690 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
34691 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
34692 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
34693
34694 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
34695 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
34696 exceptions).
34697
34698 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
34699 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
34700 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
34701 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
34702
34703 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
34704 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
34705 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
34706
34707 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
34708 @anchor{Binary Data}
34709 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
34710 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
34711 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
34712 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
34713 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
34714 binary data.
34715
34716 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
34717 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
34718 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
34719 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
34720 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
34721 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
34722 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
34723 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
34724 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
34725 (described next).
34726
34727 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
34728 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
34729 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
34730 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
34731 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
34732 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
34733 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
34734 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
34735 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
34736 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
34737 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
34738 3}} more times.
34739
34740 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
34741 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
34742 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
34743 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
34744 @samp{0*"00}.
34745
34746 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
34747 error number. That number is not well defined.
34748
34749 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
34750 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
34751 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
34752 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
34753 on that response.
34754
34755 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
34756 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
34757 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
34758 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
34759 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
34760 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
34761
34762 @node Packets
34763 @section Packets
34764
34765 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
34766 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
34767 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
34768 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
34769
34770 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
34771 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
34772 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
34773 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
34774 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
34775 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
34776 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
34777 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
34778 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
34779 @var{baz}.
34780
34781 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
34782 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
34783 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
34784 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
34785 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
34786 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
34787 pick any thread.
34788
34789 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
34790 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
34791 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
34792 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
34793 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
34794 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
34795 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
34796 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
34797 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
34798 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
34799 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
34800 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
34801 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
34802
34803 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
34804 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
34805 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
34806 more information.
34807
34808 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
34809 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
34810
34811 Here are the packet descriptions.
34812
34813 @table @samp
34814
34815 @item !
34816 @cindex @samp{!} packet
34817 @anchor{extended mode}
34818 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
34819 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
34820 debugged.
34821
34822 Reply:
34823 @table @samp
34824 @item OK
34825 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
34826 @end table
34827
34828 @item ?
34829 @cindex @samp{?} packet
34830 @anchor{? packet}
34831 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
34832 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
34833 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
34834
34835 Reply:
34836 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
34837
34838 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
34839 @cindex @samp{A} packet
34840 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
34841 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
34842 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
34843
34844 Reply:
34845 @table @samp
34846 @item OK
34847 The arguments were set.
34848 @item E @var{NN}
34849 An error occurred.
34850 @end table
34851
34852 @item b @var{baud}
34853 @cindex @samp{b} packet
34854 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
34855 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
34856
34857 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
34858 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
34859 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
34860
34861 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
34862 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
34863 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
34864 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
34865 of view, nothing actually happened.}
34866
34867 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
34868 @cindex @samp{B} packet
34869 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
34870 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
34871
34872 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
34873 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
34874
34875 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
34876 @anchor{bc}
34877 @item bc
34878 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
34879 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
34880
34881 Reply:
34882 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
34883
34884 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
34885 @anchor{bs}
34886 @item bs
34887 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
34888 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
34889
34890 Reply:
34891 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
34892
34893 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
34894 @cindex @samp{c} packet
34895 Continue at @var{addr}, which is the address to resume. If @var{addr}
34896 is omitted, resume at current address.
34897
34898 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
34899 packet}.
34900
34901 Reply:
34902 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
34903
34904 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
34905 @cindex @samp{C} packet
34906 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
34907 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
34908
34909 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
34910 packet}.
34911
34912 Reply:
34913 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
34914
34915 @item d
34916 @cindex @samp{d} packet
34917 Toggle debug flag.
34918
34919 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
34920 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
34921
34922 @item D
34923 @itemx D;@var{pid}
34924 @cindex @samp{D} packet
34925 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
34926 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
34927 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
34928
34929 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
34930 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
34931 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
34932 big-endian hex string.
34933
34934 Reply:
34935 @table @samp
34936 @item OK
34937 for success
34938 @item E @var{NN}
34939 for an error
34940 @end table
34941
34942 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
34943 @cindex @samp{F} packet
34944 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
34945 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
34946 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
34947
34948 @item g
34949 @anchor{read registers packet}
34950 @cindex @samp{g} packet
34951 Read general registers.
34952
34953 Reply:
34954 @table @samp
34955 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
34956 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
34957 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
34958 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
34959 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
34960 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
34961 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
34962
34963 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
34964 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
34965 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
34966 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
34967 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
34968 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
34969 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
34970 have been collected, and both have zero value:
34971
34972 @smallexample
34973 -> @code{g}
34974 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
34975 @end smallexample
34976
34977 @item E @var{NN}
34978 for an error.
34979 @end table
34980
34981 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
34982 @cindex @samp{G} packet
34983 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
34984 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
34985
34986 Reply:
34987 @table @samp
34988 @item OK
34989 for success
34990 @item E @var{NN}
34991 for an error
34992 @end table
34993
34994 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
34995 @cindex @samp{H} packet
34996 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
34997 @samp{G}, et.al.). Depending on the operation to be performed, @var{op}
34998 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
34999 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
35000 option), and @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
35001 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
35002 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35003
35004 Reply:
35005 @table @samp
35006 @item OK
35007 for success
35008 @item E @var{NN}
35009 for an error
35010 @end table
35011
35012 @c FIXME: JTC:
35013 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
35014 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
35015 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
35016 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
35017 @c described. For example:
35018 @c
35019 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35020 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
35021 @c otherwise returns current registers.
35022 @c
35023 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35024 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
35025 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
35026
35027 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
35028 @anchor{cycle step packet}
35029 @cindex @samp{i} packet
35030 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
35031 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
35032 step starting at that address.
35033
35034 @item I
35035 @cindex @samp{I} packet
35036 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
35037 step packet}.
35038
35039 @item k
35040 @cindex @samp{k} packet
35041 Kill request.
35042
35043 The exact effect of this packet is not specified.
35044
35045 For a bare-metal target, it may power cycle or reset the target
35046 system. For that reason, the @samp{k} packet has no reply.
35047
35048 For a single-process target, it may kill that process if possible.
35049
35050 A multiple-process target may choose to kill just one process, or all
35051 that are under @value{GDBN}'s control. For more precise control, use
35052 the vKill packet (@pxref{vKill packet}).
35053
35054 If the target system immediately closes the connection in response to
35055 @samp{k}, @value{GDBN} does not consider the lack of packet
35056 acknowledgment to be an error, and assumes the kill was successful.
35057
35058 If connected using @kbd{target extended-remote}, and the target does
35059 not close the connection in response to a kill request, @value{GDBN}
35060 probes the target state as if a new connection was opened
35061 (@pxref{? packet}).
35062
35063 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
35064 @cindex @samp{m} packet
35065 Read @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
35066 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to
35067 any particular boundary.
35068
35069 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
35070 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
35071 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
35072 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
35073 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
35074 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
35075 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
35076 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
35077
35078 Reply:
35079 @table @samp
35080 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35081 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
35082 The reply may contain fewer addressable memory units than requested if the
35083 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
35084 @item E @var{NN}
35085 @var{NN} is errno
35086 @end table
35087
35088 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35089 @cindex @samp{M} packet
35090 Write @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
35091 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). The data is given by @var{XX@dots{}}; each
35092 byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
35093
35094 Reply:
35095 @table @samp
35096 @item OK
35097 for success
35098 @item E @var{NN}
35099 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
35100 written).
35101 @end table
35102
35103 @item p @var{n}
35104 @cindex @samp{p} packet
35105 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
35106 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
35107 register value is encoded.
35108
35109 Reply:
35110 @table @samp
35111 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35112 the register's value
35113 @item E @var{NN}
35114 for an error
35115 @item @w{}
35116 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
35117 @end table
35118
35119 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
35120 @anchor{write register packet}
35121 @cindex @samp{P} packet
35122 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
35123 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
35124 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
35125
35126 Reply:
35127 @table @samp
35128 @item OK
35129 for success
35130 @item E @var{NN}
35131 for an error
35132 @end table
35133
35134 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35135 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35136 @cindex @samp{q} packet
35137 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
35138 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
35139 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
35140
35141 @item r
35142 @cindex @samp{r} packet
35143 Reset the entire system.
35144
35145 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
35146
35147 @item R @var{XX}
35148 @cindex @samp{R} packet
35149 Restart the program being debugged. The @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
35150 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35151
35152 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
35153
35154 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35155 @cindex @samp{s} packet
35156 Single step, resuming at @var{addr}. If
35157 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
35158
35159 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35160 packet}.
35161
35162 Reply:
35163 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35164
35165 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35166 @anchor{step with signal packet}
35167 @cindex @samp{S} packet
35168 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
35169 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
35170
35171 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35172 packet}.
35173
35174 Reply:
35175 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35176
35177 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
35178 @cindex @samp{t} packet
35179 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
35180 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}, both of which are are 4 byte long.
35181 There must be at least 3 digits in @var{addr}.
35182
35183 @item T @var{thread-id}
35184 @cindex @samp{T} packet
35185 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
35186
35187 Reply:
35188 @table @samp
35189 @item OK
35190 thread is still alive
35191 @item E @var{NN}
35192 thread is dead
35193 @end table
35194
35195 @item v
35196 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
35197 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
35198
35199 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
35200 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
35201 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
35202 The process ID is a
35203 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
35204 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
35205 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
35206
35207 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
35208 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
35209 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
35210 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
35211 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
35212 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
35213 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
35214 @c stopping or restarting threads.
35215
35216 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35217
35218 Reply:
35219 @table @samp
35220 @item E @var{nn}
35221 for an error
35222 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35223 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35224 @item OK
35225 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
35226 @end table
35227
35228 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
35229 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
35230 @anchor{vCont packet}
35231 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
35232 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
35233 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
35234 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
35235 in their current state in non-stop mode.
35236 Specifying multiple
35237 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
35238 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35239
35240 Currently supported actions are:
35241
35242 @table @samp
35243 @item c
35244 Continue.
35245 @item C @var{sig}
35246 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
35247 @item s
35248 Step.
35249 @item S @var{sig}
35250 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
35251 @item t
35252 Stop.
35253 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
35254 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
35255 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
35256 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
35257 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
35258 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
35259
35260 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
35261 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
35262 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
35263 jumps to @var{start}).
35264
35265 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
35266 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
35267 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
35268
35269 @end table
35270
35271 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
35272 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
35273 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
35274
35275 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
35276 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
35277 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
35278 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
35279 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
35280 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
35281 as an implementation detail.
35282
35283 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
35284 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
35285 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
35286 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
35287 @var{thread-id}.
35288
35289 Reply:
35290 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35291
35292 @item vCont?
35293 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
35294 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
35295
35296 Reply:
35297 @table @samp
35298 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
35299 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
35300 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
35301 @item @w{}
35302 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
35303 @end table
35304
35305 @anchor{vCtrlC packet}
35306 @item vCtrlC
35307 @cindex @samp{vCtrlC} packet
35308 Interrupt remote target as if a control-C was pressed on the remote
35309 terminal. This is the equivalent to reacting to the @code{^C}
35310 (@samp{\003}, the control-C character) character in all-stop mode
35311 while the target is running, except this works in non-stop mode.
35312 @xref{interrupting remote targets}, for more info on the all-stop
35313 variant.
35314
35315 Reply:
35316 @table @samp
35317 @item E @var{nn}
35318 for an error
35319 @item OK
35320 for success
35321 @end table
35322
35323 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
35324 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
35325 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
35326 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
35327
35328 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
35329 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
35330 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
35331 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
35332 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
35333 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
35334 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
35335 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
35336 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
35337 packet is received.
35338
35339 Reply:
35340 @table @samp
35341 @item OK
35342 for success
35343 @item E @var{NN}
35344 for an error
35345 @end table
35346
35347 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35348 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
35349 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
35350 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
35351 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
35352 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
35353 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
35354 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
35355 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
35356 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
35357 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
35358 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
35359
35360
35361 Reply:
35362 @table @samp
35363 @item OK
35364 for success
35365 @item E.memtype
35366 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
35367 @item E @var{NN}
35368 for an error
35369 @end table
35370
35371 @item vFlashDone
35372 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
35373 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
35374 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
35375 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
35376 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
35377 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
35378 request is completed.
35379
35380 @item vKill;@var{pid}
35381 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
35382 @anchor{vKill packet}
35383 Kill the process with the specified process ID @var{pid}, which is a
35384 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
35385 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
35386 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
35387
35388 Reply:
35389 @table @samp
35390 @item E @var{nn}
35391 for an error
35392 @item OK
35393 for success
35394 @end table
35395
35396 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
35397 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
35398 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
35399 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
35400 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
35401 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
35402 state.
35403
35404 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
35405
35406 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35407
35408 Reply:
35409 @table @samp
35410 @item E @var{nn}
35411 for an error
35412 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35413 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35414 @end table
35415
35416 @item vStopped
35417 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
35418 @xref{Notification Packets}.
35419
35420 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35421 @anchor{X packet}
35422 @cindex @samp{X} packet
35423 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
35424 Memory is specified by its address @var{addr} and number of addressable memory
35425 units @var{length} (@pxref{addressable memory unit});
35426 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
35427
35428 Reply:
35429 @table @samp
35430 @item OK
35431 for success
35432 @item E @var{NN}
35433 for an error
35434 @end table
35435
35436 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
35437 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
35438 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
35439 @cindex @samp{z} packet
35440 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
35441 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
35442 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
35443
35444 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
35445 separately.
35446
35447 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
35448 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
35449 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
35450 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
35451 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
35452 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
35453
35454 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35455 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
35456 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
35457 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
35458 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
35459 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
35460
35461 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
35462 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
35463 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
35464 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
35465 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
35466 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
35467 @var{cond_list} is an optional list of conditional expressions in bytecode
35468 form that should be evaluated on the target's side. These are the
35469 conditions that should be taken into consideration when deciding if
35470 the breakpoint trigger should be reported back to @var{GDBN}.
35471
35472 See also the @samp{swbreak} stop reason (@pxref{swbreak stop reason})
35473 for how to best report a memory breakpoint event to @value{GDBN}.
35474
35475 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
35476 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
35477
35478 @table @samp
35479
35480 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
35481 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
35482 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
35483
35484 @end table
35485
35486 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
35487 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
35488 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
35489 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
35490 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
35491 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
35492 separators. Each expression has the following form:
35493
35494 @table @samp
35495
35496 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
35497 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
35498 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
35499
35500 @end table
35501
35502 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
35503
35504 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
35505 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
35506 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
35507 target, is not defined.}
35508
35509 Reply:
35510 @table @samp
35511 @item OK
35512 success
35513 @item @w{}
35514 not supported
35515 @item E @var{NN}
35516 for an error
35517 @end table
35518
35519 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35520 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}
35521 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
35522 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
35523 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
35524 address @var{addr}.
35525
35526 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
35527 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. The @var{kind}
35528 and @var{cond_list} have the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
35529
35530 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
35531 movement.}
35532
35533 Reply:
35534 @table @samp
35535 @item OK
35536 success
35537 @item @w{}
35538 not supported
35539 @item E @var{NN}
35540 for an error
35541 @end table
35542
35543 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35544 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35545 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
35546 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
35547 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35548 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
35549
35550 Reply:
35551 @table @samp
35552 @item OK
35553 success
35554 @item @w{}
35555 not supported
35556 @item E @var{NN}
35557 for an error
35558 @end table
35559
35560 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35561 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35562 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
35563 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
35564 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35565 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
35566
35567 Reply:
35568 @table @samp
35569 @item OK
35570 success
35571 @item @w{}
35572 not supported
35573 @item E @var{NN}
35574 for an error
35575 @end table
35576
35577 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35578 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35579 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
35580 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
35581 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35582 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
35583
35584 Reply:
35585 @table @samp
35586 @item OK
35587 success
35588 @item @w{}
35589 not supported
35590 @item E @var{NN}
35591 for an error
35592 @end table
35593
35594 @end table
35595
35596 @node Stop Reply Packets
35597 @section Stop Reply Packets
35598 @cindex stop reply packets
35599
35600 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
35601 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
35602 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
35603 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
35604 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
35605 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
35606 @value{GDBN} source code.
35607
35608 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
35609 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
35610 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
35611 components.
35612
35613 @table @samp
35614
35615 @item S @var{AA}
35616 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
35617 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
35618 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
35619
35620 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
35621 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
35622 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
35623 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
35624 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
35625 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
35626 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
35627 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
35628
35629 @itemize @bullet
35630 @item
35631 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
35632 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. The data @var{r} is a
35633 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
35634 two-digit hex number.
35635
35636 @item
35637 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
35638 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35639
35640 @item
35641 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
35642 the core on which the stop event was detected.
35643
35644 @item
35645 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
35646 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
35647 reasons are listed below. The @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
35648 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
35649
35650 @item
35651 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
35652 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
35653 future.
35654 @end itemize
35655
35656 The currently defined stop reasons are:
35657
35658 @table @samp
35659 @item watch
35660 @itemx rwatch
35661 @itemx awatch
35662 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
35663 hex.
35664
35665 @item syscall_entry
35666 @itemx syscall_return
35667 The packet indicates a syscall entry or return, and @var{r} is the
35668 syscall number, in hex.
35669
35670 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
35671 @item library
35672 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
35673 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
35674 list of loaded libraries. The @var{r} part is ignored.
35675
35676 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
35677 @item replaylog
35678 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
35679 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
35680 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
35681 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
35682 for more information.
35683
35684 @item swbreak
35685 @anchor{swbreak stop reason}
35686 The packet indicates a memory breakpoint instruction was executed,
35687 irrespective of whether it was @value{GDBN} that planted the
35688 breakpoint or the breakpoint is hardcoded in the program. The @var{r}
35689 part must be left empty.
35690
35691 On some architectures, such as x86, at the architecture level, when a
35692 breakpoint instruction executes the program counter points at the
35693 breakpoint address plus an offset. On such targets, the stub is
35694 responsible for adjusting the PC to point back at the breakpoint
35695 address.
35696
35697 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
35698 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
35699 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
35700 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
35701 indicating support.
35702
35703 This packet is required for correct non-stop mode operation.
35704
35705 @item hwbreak
35706 The packet indicates the target stopped for a hardware breakpoint.
35707 The @var{r} part must be left empty.
35708
35709 The same remarks about @samp{qSupported} and non-stop mode above
35710 apply.
35711
35712 @cindex fork events, remote reply
35713 @item fork
35714 The packet indicates that @code{fork} was called, and @var{r}
35715 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
35716 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
35717 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
35718 fork events.
35719
35720 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
35721 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
35722 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
35723 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
35724 indicating support.
35725
35726 @cindex vfork events, remote reply
35727 @item vfork
35728 The packet indicates that @code{vfork} was called, and @var{r}
35729 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
35730 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
35731 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
35732 vfork events.
35733
35734 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
35735 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
35736 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
35737 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
35738 indicating support.
35739
35740 @cindex vforkdone events, remote reply
35741 @item vforkdone
35742 The packet indicates that a child process created by a vfork
35743 has either called @code{exec} or terminated, so that the
35744 address spaces of the parent and child process are no longer
35745 shared. The @var{r} part is ignored. This packet is only
35746 applicable to targets that support vforkdone events.
35747
35748 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
35749 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
35750 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
35751 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
35752 indicating support.
35753
35754 @cindex exec events, remote reply
35755 @item exec
35756 The packet indicates that @code{execve} was called, and @var{r}
35757 is the absolute pathname of the file that was executed, in hex.
35758 This packet is only applicable to targets that support exec events.
35759
35760 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
35761 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
35762 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
35763 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
35764 indicating support.
35765
35766 @cindex thread create event, remote reply
35767 @anchor{thread create event}
35768 @item create
35769 The packet indicates that the thread was just created. The new thread
35770 is stopped until @value{GDBN} sets it running with a resumption packet
35771 (@pxref{vCont packet}). This packet should not be sent by default;
35772 @value{GDBN} requests it with the @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See
35773 also the @samp{w} (@ref{thread exit event}) remote reply below.
35774
35775 @end table
35776
35777 @item W @var{AA}
35778 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
35779 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
35780 applicable to certain targets.
35781
35782 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
35783 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
35784 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
35785 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
35786
35787 @item X @var{AA}
35788 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
35789 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
35790
35791 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
35792 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
35793 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
35794 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
35795
35796 @anchor{thread exit event}
35797 @cindex thread exit event, remote reply
35798 @item w @var{AA} ; @var{tid}
35799
35800 The thread exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This response
35801 should not be sent by default; @value{GDBN} requests it with the
35802 @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See also @ref{thread create event} above.
35803
35804 @item N
35805 There are no resumed threads left in the target. In other words, even
35806 though the process is alive, the last resumed thread has exited. For
35807 example, say the target process has two threads: thread 1 and thread
35808 2. The client leaves thread 1 stopped, and resumes thread 2, which
35809 subsequently exits. At this point, even though the process is still
35810 alive, and thus no @samp{W} stop reply is sent, no thread is actually
35811 executing either. The @samp{N} stop reply thus informs the client
35812 that it can stop waiting for stop replies. This packet should not be
35813 sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions did not support it.
35814 @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an appropriate
35815 @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The remote stub must
35816 also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature indicating
35817 support.
35818
35819 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
35820 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
35821 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
35822 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
35823 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
35824
35825 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
35826 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
35827 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
35828 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
35829 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
35830 system calls.
35831
35832 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
35833 this very system call.
35834
35835 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
35836 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
35837 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
35838 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
35839 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
35840 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
35841
35842 @end table
35843
35844 @node General Query Packets
35845 @section General Query Packets
35846 @cindex remote query requests
35847
35848 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
35849 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
35850 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
35851 sending information to and from the stub.
35852
35853 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
35854 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
35855 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
35856 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
35857 conventions:
35858
35859 @itemize @bullet
35860 @item
35861 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
35862 @item
35863 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
35864 letter.
35865 @item
35866 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
35867 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
35868 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
35869 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
35870 @end itemize
35871
35872 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
35873 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
35874 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
35875 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
35876 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
35877 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
35878 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
35879 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
35880 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
35881 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
35882 packet.}.
35883
35884 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
35885 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
35886 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
35887 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
35888 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
35889
35890 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
35891
35892 @table @samp
35893
35894 @item QAgent:1
35895 @itemx QAgent:0
35896 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
35897 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
35898
35899 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
35900 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
35901 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
35902 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
35903 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
35904 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
35905 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
35906 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
35907 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
35908 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
35909 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
35910
35911 @item qC
35912 @cindex current thread, remote request
35913 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
35914 Return the current thread ID.
35915
35916 Reply:
35917 @table @samp
35918 @item QC @var{thread-id}
35919 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
35920 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35921 @item @r{(anything else)}
35922 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
35923 @end table
35924
35925 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
35926 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
35927 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
35928 @anchor{qCRC packet}
35929 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
35930 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
35931 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
35932 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
35933
35934 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
35935 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
35936 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
35937 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
35938 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
35939 detect trailing zeros.
35940
35941 Reply:
35942 @table @samp
35943 @item E @var{NN}
35944 An error (such as memory fault)
35945 @item C @var{crc32}
35946 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
35947 @end table
35948
35949 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
35950 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
35951 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
35952 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
35953 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
35954 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
35955 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
35956 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
35957 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
35958 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
35959 randomization.
35960
35961 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35962
35963 Reply:
35964 @table @samp
35965 @item OK
35966 The request succeeded.
35967
35968 @item E @var{nn}
35969 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
35970
35971 @item @w{}
35972 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
35973 by the stub.
35974 @end table
35975
35976 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
35977 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
35978 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
35979 address space randomization.
35980
35981 @item qfThreadInfo
35982 @itemx qsThreadInfo
35983 @cindex list active threads, remote request
35984 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
35985 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
35986 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
35987 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
35988 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
35989 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
35990 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
35991 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
35992
35993 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
35994
35995 Reply:
35996 @table @samp
35997 @item m @var{thread-id}
35998 A single thread ID
35999 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
36000 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
36001 @item l
36002 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
36003 @end table
36004
36005 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
36006 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
36007 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
36008 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
36009 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
36010 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36011 fields.
36012
36013 @emph{Note: @value{GDBN} will send the @code{qfThreadInfo} query during the
36014 initial connection with the remote target, and the very first thread ID
36015 mentioned in the reply will be stopped by @value{GDBN} in a subsequent
36016 message. Therefore, the stub should ensure that the first thread ID in
36017 the @code{qfThreadInfo} reply is suitable for being stopped by @value{GDBN}.}
36018
36019 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
36020 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
36021 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
36022 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
36023 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
36024
36025 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
36026 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
36027
36028 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
36029 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
36030 information associated with the variable.)
36031
36032 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
36033 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
36034 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
36035 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
36036 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
36037 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
36038
36039 Reply:
36040 @table @samp
36041 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36042 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
36043 local storage requested.
36044
36045 @item E @var{nn}
36046 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36047
36048 @item @w{}
36049 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36050 @end table
36051
36052 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
36053 @cindex get thread information block address
36054 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
36055 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
36056
36057 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
36058
36059 Reply:
36060 @table @samp
36061 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36062 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
36063 thread information block.
36064
36065 @item E @var{nn}
36066 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
36067 address could not be retrieved.
36068
36069 @item @w{}
36070 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36071 @end table
36072
36073 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
36074 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
36075 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
36076 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
36077 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
36078 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
36079 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
36080
36081 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
36082
36083 Reply:
36084 @table @samp
36085 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
36086 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
36087 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
36088 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
36089 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
36090 is a sequence of thread IDs, @var{threadid} (eight hex
36091 digits), from the target. See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
36092 @end table
36093
36094 @item qOffsets
36095 @cindex section offsets, remote request
36096 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
36097 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
36098 image.
36099
36100 Reply:
36101 @table @samp
36102 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
36103 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
36104 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
36105 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
36106 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
36107 segments by the supplied offsets.
36108
36109 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
36110 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
36111 to the @code{Bss} section.}
36112
36113 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
36114 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
36115 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
36116 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
36117 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
36118 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
36119 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
36120 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
36121 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
36122 @end table
36123
36124 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
36125 @cindex thread information, remote request
36126 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
36127 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
36128 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
36129 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
36130
36131 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
36132 (see below).
36133
36134 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
36135
36136 @item QNonStop:1
36137 @itemx QNonStop:0
36138 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
36139 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
36140 @anchor{QNonStop}
36141 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
36142 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
36143
36144 Reply:
36145 @table @samp
36146 @item OK
36147 The request succeeded.
36148
36149 @item E @var{nn}
36150 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36151
36152 @item @w{}
36153 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
36154 the stub.
36155 @end table
36156
36157 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36158 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36159 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
36160 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
36161
36162 @item QCatchSyscalls:1 @r{[};@var{sysno}@r{]}@dots{}
36163 @itemx QCatchSyscalls:0
36164 @cindex catch syscalls from inferior, remote request
36165 @cindex @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
36166 @anchor{QCatchSyscalls}
36167 Enable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}) or disable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:0})
36168 catching syscalls from the inferior process.
36169
36170 For @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}, each listed syscall @var{sysno} (encoded
36171 in hex) should be reported to @value{GDBN}. If no syscall @var{sysno}
36172 is listed, every system call should be reported.
36173
36174 Note that if a syscall not in the list is reported, @value{GDBN} will
36175 still filter the event according to its own list from all corresponding
36176 @code{catch syscall} commands. However, it is more efficient to only
36177 report the requested syscalls.
36178
36179 Multiple @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} packets do not combine; any earlier
36180 @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} list is completely replaced by the new list.
36181
36182 If the inferior process execs, the state of @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is
36183 kept for the new process too. On targets where exec may affect syscall
36184 numbers, for example with exec between 32 and 64-bit processes, the
36185 client should send a new packet with the new syscall list.
36186
36187 Reply:
36188 @table @samp
36189 @item OK
36190 The request succeeded.
36191
36192 @item E @var{nn}
36193 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36194
36195 @item @w{}
36196 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is not supported by
36197 the stub.
36198 @end table
36199
36200 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote catch-syscalls}
36201 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote catch-syscalls}).
36202 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36203 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36204
36205 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
36206 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
36207 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
36208 @anchor{QPassSignals}
36209 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
36210 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
36211 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
36212 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
36213 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
36214 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
36215 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
36216 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
36217 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
36218
36219 Reply:
36220 @table @samp
36221 @item OK
36222 The request succeeded.
36223
36224 @item E @var{nn}
36225 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36226
36227 @item @w{}
36228 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
36229 the stub.
36230 @end table
36231
36232 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
36233 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
36234 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36235 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36236
36237 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
36238 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
36239 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
36240 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
36241 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
36242 Others should be silently discarded.
36243
36244 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
36245 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
36246 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
36247 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
36248 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
36249 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
36250 signals.
36251
36252 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
36253 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
36254
36255 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
36256 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
36257 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
36258 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
36259 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
36260
36261 Reply:
36262 @table @samp
36263 @item OK
36264 The request succeeded.
36265
36266 @item E @var{nn}
36267 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36268
36269 @item @w{}
36270 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
36271 by the stub.
36272 @end table
36273
36274 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
36275 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
36276 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36277 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36278
36279 @anchor{QThreadEvents}
36280 @item QThreadEvents:1
36281 @itemx QThreadEvents:0
36282 @cindex thread create/exit events, remote request
36283 @cindex @samp{QThreadEvents} packet
36284
36285 Enable (@samp{QThreadEvents:1}) or disable (@samp{QThreadEvents:0})
36286 reporting of thread create and exit events. @xref{thread create
36287 event}, for the reply specifications. For example, this is used in
36288 non-stop mode when @value{GDBN} stops a set of threads and
36289 synchronously waits for the their corresponding stop replies. Without
36290 exit events, if one of the threads exits, @value{GDBN} would hang
36291 forever not knowing that it should no longer expect a stop for that
36292 same thread. @value{GDBN} does not enable this feature unless the
36293 stub reports that it supports it by including @samp{QThreadEvents+} in
36294 its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36295
36296 Reply:
36297 @table @samp
36298 @item OK
36299 The request succeeded.
36300
36301 @item E @var{nn}
36302 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36303
36304 @item @w{}
36305 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QThreadEvents} is not supported by
36306 the stub.
36307 @end table
36308
36309 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote thread-events}
36310 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote thread-events}).
36311
36312 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
36313 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
36314 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
36315 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
36316 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
36317 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
36318 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
36319 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
36320 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
36321
36322 Reply:
36323 @table @samp
36324 @item OK
36325 A command response with no output.
36326 @item @var{OUTPUT}
36327 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
36328 @item E @var{NN}
36329 Indicate a badly formed request.
36330 @item @w{}
36331 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
36332 @end table
36333
36334 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
36335 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
36336 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
36337 packets.)
36338
36339 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
36340 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
36341 @ifnotinfo
36342 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
36343 @end ifnotinfo
36344 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
36345 @anchor{qSearch memory}
36346 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
36347 Both @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex;
36348 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, also hex encoded.
36349
36350 Reply:
36351 @table @samp
36352 @item 0
36353 The pattern was not found.
36354 @item 1,address
36355 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
36356 @item E @var{NN}
36357 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
36358 @item @w{}
36359 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
36360 @end table
36361
36362 @item QStartNoAckMode
36363 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
36364 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
36365 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
36366 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
36367
36368 Reply:
36369 @table @samp
36370 @item OK
36371 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
36372 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
36373 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
36374 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
36375 @item @w{}
36376 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
36377 @end table
36378
36379 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
36380 @cindex supported packets, remote query
36381 @cindex features of the remote protocol
36382 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
36383 @anchor{qSupported}
36384 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
36385 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
36386 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
36387 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
36388 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
36389 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
36390 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
36391 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
36392 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
36393 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
36394 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
36395 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
36396 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
36397 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
36398
36399 Reply:
36400 @table @samp
36401 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
36402 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
36403 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
36404 possible forms).
36405 @item @w{}
36406 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
36407 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
36408 @end table
36409
36410 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
36411 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
36412 are:
36413
36414 @table @samp
36415 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
36416 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
36417 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
36418 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
36419 @item @var{name}+
36420 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
36421 need an associated value.
36422 @item @var{name}-
36423 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
36424 @item @var{name}?
36425 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
36426 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
36427 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
36428 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
36429 @end table
36430
36431 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
36432 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
36433 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
36434 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
36435 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
36436
36437 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
36438 are defined:
36439
36440 @table @samp
36441 @item multiprocess
36442 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
36443 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
36444 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
36445 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36446 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
36447
36448 @item xmlRegisters
36449 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
36450 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
36451 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
36452 description.
36453
36454 @item qRelocInsn
36455 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
36456 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
36457 instruction reply packet}).
36458
36459 @item swbreak
36460 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the swbreak stop
36461 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
36462
36463 @item hwbreak
36464 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the hwbreak stop
36465 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
36466
36467 @item fork-events
36468 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports fork event
36469 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
36470 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
36471 including @samp{fork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36472
36473 @item vfork-events
36474 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports vfork event
36475 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
36476 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
36477 including @samp{vfork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36478
36479 @item exec-events
36480 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports exec event
36481 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
36482 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
36483 including @samp{exec-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36484
36485 @item vContSupported
36486 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} wants to know the
36487 supported actions in the reply to @samp{vCont?} packet.
36488 @end table
36489
36490 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
36491 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
36492 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
36493 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
36494 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
36495 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
36496 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
36497 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
36498 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
36499 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
36500 all the features it supports.
36501
36502 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
36503 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
36504
36505 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
36506 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
36507 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
36508 form response.
36509
36510 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
36511 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
36512 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
36513 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
36514
36515 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
36516 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
36517 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
36518 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
36519 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
36520
36521 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
36522
36523 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
36524 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
36525 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
36526 @item Feature Name
36527 @tab Value Required
36528 @tab Default
36529 @tab Probe Allowed
36530
36531 @item @samp{PacketSize}
36532 @tab Yes
36533 @tab @samp{-}
36534 @tab No
36535
36536 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
36537 @tab No
36538 @tab @samp{-}
36539 @tab Yes
36540
36541 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
36542 @tab No
36543 @tab @samp{-}
36544 @tab Yes
36545
36546 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
36547 @tab No
36548 @tab @samp{-}
36549 @tab Yes
36550
36551 @item @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read}
36552 @tab No
36553 @tab @samp{-}
36554 @tab Yes
36555
36556 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
36557 @tab No
36558 @tab @samp{-}
36559 @tab Yes
36560
36561 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
36562 @tab No
36563 @tab @samp{-}
36564 @tab Yes
36565
36566 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
36567 @tab No
36568 @tab @samp{-}
36569 @tab Yes
36570
36571 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
36572 @tab No
36573 @tab @samp{-}
36574 @tab No
36575
36576 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
36577 @tab No
36578 @tab @samp{-}
36579 @tab Yes
36580
36581 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
36582 @tab No
36583 @tab @samp{-}
36584 @tab Yes
36585
36586 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
36587 @tab No
36588 @tab @samp{-}
36589 @tab Yes
36590
36591 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
36592 @tab No
36593 @tab @samp{-}
36594 @tab Yes
36595
36596 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
36597 @tab No
36598 @tab @samp{-}
36599 @tab Yes
36600
36601 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
36602 @tab No
36603 @tab @samp{-}
36604 @tab Yes
36605
36606 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
36607 @tab No
36608 @tab @samp{-}
36609 @tab Yes
36610
36611 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
36612 @tab No
36613 @tab @samp{-}
36614 @tab Yes
36615
36616 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
36617 @tab No
36618 @tab @samp{-}
36619 @tab Yes
36620
36621 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
36622 @tab No
36623 @tab @samp{-}
36624 @tab Yes
36625
36626 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
36627 @tab Yes
36628 @tab @samp{-}
36629 @tab Yes
36630
36631 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
36632 @tab Yes
36633 @tab @samp{-}
36634 @tab Yes
36635
36636 @item @samp{Qbtrace:pt}
36637 @tab Yes
36638 @tab @samp{-}
36639 @tab Yes
36640
36641 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size}
36642 @tab Yes
36643 @tab @samp{-}
36644 @tab Yes
36645
36646 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size}
36647 @tab Yes
36648 @tab @samp{-}
36649 @tab Yes
36650
36651 @item @samp{QNonStop}
36652 @tab No
36653 @tab @samp{-}
36654 @tab Yes
36655
36656 @item @samp{QCatchSyscalls}
36657 @tab No
36658 @tab @samp{-}
36659 @tab Yes
36660
36661 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
36662 @tab No
36663 @tab @samp{-}
36664 @tab Yes
36665
36666 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
36667 @tab No
36668 @tab @samp{-}
36669 @tab Yes
36670
36671 @item @samp{multiprocess}
36672 @tab No
36673 @tab @samp{-}
36674 @tab No
36675
36676 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
36677 @tab No
36678 @tab @samp{-}
36679 @tab No
36680
36681 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
36682 @tab No
36683 @tab @samp{-}
36684 @tab No
36685
36686 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
36687 @tab No
36688 @tab @samp{-}
36689 @tab No
36690
36691 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
36692 @tab No
36693 @tab @samp{-}
36694 @tab No
36695
36696 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
36697 @tab No
36698 @tab @samp{-}
36699 @tab No
36700
36701 @item @samp{QAgent}
36702 @tab No
36703 @tab @samp{-}
36704 @tab No
36705
36706 @item @samp{QAllow}
36707 @tab No
36708 @tab @samp{-}
36709 @tab No
36710
36711 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
36712 @tab No
36713 @tab @samp{-}
36714 @tab No
36715
36716 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
36717 @tab No
36718 @tab @samp{-}
36719 @tab No
36720
36721 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
36722 @tab No
36723 @tab @samp{-}
36724 @tab No
36725
36726 @item @samp{tracenz}
36727 @tab No
36728 @tab @samp{-}
36729 @tab No
36730
36731 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
36732 @tab No
36733 @tab @samp{-}
36734 @tab No
36735
36736 @item @samp{swbreak}
36737 @tab No
36738 @tab @samp{-}
36739 @tab No
36740
36741 @item @samp{hwbreak}
36742 @tab No
36743 @tab @samp{-}
36744 @tab No
36745
36746 @item @samp{fork-events}
36747 @tab No
36748 @tab @samp{-}
36749 @tab No
36750
36751 @item @samp{vfork-events}
36752 @tab No
36753 @tab @samp{-}
36754 @tab No
36755
36756 @item @samp{exec-events}
36757 @tab No
36758 @tab @samp{-}
36759 @tab No
36760
36761 @item @samp{QThreadEvents}
36762 @tab No
36763 @tab @samp{-}
36764 @tab No
36765
36766 @item @samp{no-resumed}
36767 @tab No
36768 @tab @samp{-}
36769 @tab No
36770
36771 @end multitable
36772
36773 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
36774
36775 @table @samp
36776 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
36777 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
36778 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
36779 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
36780 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
36781 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
36782 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
36783 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
36784 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
36785 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
36786
36787 @item qXfer:auxv:read
36788 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
36789 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
36790
36791 @item qXfer:btrace:read
36792 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
36793 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
36794
36795 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read
36796 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
36797 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}).
36798
36799 @item qXfer:exec-file:read
36800 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read} packet
36801 (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}).
36802
36803 @item qXfer:features:read
36804 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
36805 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
36806
36807 @item qXfer:libraries:read
36808 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
36809 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
36810
36811 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
36812 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
36813 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
36814
36815 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
36816 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
36817 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
36818 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
36819
36820 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
36821 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
36822 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
36823
36824 @item qXfer:sdata:read
36825 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
36826 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
36827
36828 @item qXfer:spu:read
36829 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
36830 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
36831
36832 @item qXfer:spu:write
36833 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
36834 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
36835
36836 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
36837 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
36838 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
36839
36840 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
36841 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
36842 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
36843
36844 @item qXfer:threads:read
36845 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
36846 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
36847
36848 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
36849 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
36850 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
36851
36852 @item qXfer:uib:read
36853 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
36854 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
36855
36856 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
36857 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
36858 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
36859
36860 @item QNonStop
36861 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
36862 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
36863
36864 @item QCatchSyscalls
36865 The remote stub understands the @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
36866 (@pxref{QCatchSyscalls}).
36867
36868 @item QPassSignals
36869 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
36870 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
36871
36872 @item QStartNoAckMode
36873 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
36874 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
36875
36876 @item multiprocess
36877 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
36878 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
36879 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
36880 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
36881 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
36882 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
36883 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
36884 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
36885 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
36886 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
36887 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
36888
36889 @item qXfer:osdata:read
36890 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
36891 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
36892
36893 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
36894 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
36895 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
36896 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
36897
36898 @item ConditionalTracepoints
36899 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
36900 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
36901
36902 @item ReverseContinue
36903 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
36904 (@pxref{bc}).
36905
36906 @item ReverseStep
36907 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
36908 (@pxref{bs}).
36909
36910 @item TracepointSource
36911 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
36912 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
36913
36914 @item QAgent
36915 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
36916
36917 @item QAllow
36918 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
36919
36920 @item QDisableRandomization
36921 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
36922
36923 @item StaticTracepoint
36924 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
36925 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
36926
36927 @item InstallInTrace
36928 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
36929 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
36930
36931 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
36932 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
36933 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
36934 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
36935
36936 @item QTBuffer:size
36937 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
36938 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
36939
36940 @item tracenz
36941 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
36942 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
36943 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
36944
36945 @item BreakpointCommands
36946 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
36947 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
36948 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
36949
36950 @item Qbtrace:off
36951 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
36952
36953 @item Qbtrace:bts
36954 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
36955
36956 @item Qbtrace:pt
36957 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:pt} packet.
36958
36959 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size
36960 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size} packet.
36961
36962 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size
36963 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size} packet.
36964
36965 @item swbreak
36966 The remote stub reports the @samp{swbreak} stop reason for memory
36967 breakpoints.
36968
36969 @item hwbreak
36970 The remote stub reports the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason for hardware
36971 breakpoints.
36972
36973 @item fork-events
36974 The remote stub reports the @samp{fork} stop reason for fork events.
36975
36976 @item vfork-events
36977 The remote stub reports the @samp{vfork} stop reason for vfork events
36978 and vforkdone events.
36979
36980 @item exec-events
36981 The remote stub reports the @samp{exec} stop reason for exec events.
36982
36983 @item vContSupported
36984 The remote stub reports the supported actions in the reply to
36985 @samp{vCont?} packet.
36986
36987 @item QThreadEvents
36988 The remote stub understands the @samp{QThreadEvents} packet.
36989
36990 @item no-resumed
36991 The remote stub reports the @samp{N} stop reply.
36992
36993 @end table
36994
36995 @item qSymbol::
36996 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
36997 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
36998 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
36999 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
37000
37001 Reply:
37002 @table @samp
37003 @item OK
37004 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37005 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37006 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
37007 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
37008 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
37009 below.
37010 @end table
37011
37012 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
37013 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
37014
37015 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
37016 target has previously requested.
37017
37018 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
37019 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
37020 will be empty.
37021
37022 Reply:
37023 @table @samp
37024 @item OK
37025 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37026 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37027 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
37028 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
37029 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
37030 @end table
37031
37032 @item qTBuffer
37033 @itemx QTBuffer
37034 @itemx QTDisconnected
37035 @itemx QTDP
37036 @itemx QTDPsrc
37037 @itemx QTDV
37038 @itemx qTfP
37039 @itemx qTfV
37040 @itemx QTFrame
37041 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
37042
37043 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
37044
37045 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
37046 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
37047 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
37048 Obtain from the target OS a printable string description of thread
37049 attributes for the thread @var{thread-id}; see @ref{thread-id syntax},
37050 for the forms of @var{thread-id}. This
37051 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
37052 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
37053 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
37054 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
37055 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
37056
37057 Reply:
37058 @table @samp
37059 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
37060 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
37061 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
37062 the thread's attributes.
37063 @end table
37064
37065 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
37066 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
37067 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
37068 packets.)
37069
37070 @item QTNotes
37071 @itemx qTP
37072 @itemx QTSave
37073 @itemx qTsP
37074 @itemx qTsV
37075 @itemx QTStart
37076 @itemx QTStop
37077 @itemx QTEnable
37078 @itemx QTDisable
37079 @itemx QTinit
37080 @itemx QTro
37081 @itemx qTStatus
37082 @itemx qTV
37083 @itemx qTfSTM
37084 @itemx qTsSTM
37085 @itemx qTSTMat
37086 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
37087
37088 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37089 @cindex read special object, remote request
37090 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
37091 @anchor{qXfer read}
37092 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
37093 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
37094 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
37095 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
37096 additional details about what data to access.
37097
37098 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
37099 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
37100 formats, listed below.
37101
37102 @table @samp
37103 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37104 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
37105 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
37106 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
37107
37108 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37109 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37110
37111 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37112 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
37113
37114 Return a description of the current branch trace.
37115 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
37116 packet may have one of the following values:
37117
37118 @table @code
37119 @item all
37120 Returns all available branch trace.
37121
37122 @item new
37123 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
37124 the last read request.
37125
37126 @item delta
37127 Returns the new branch trace since the last read request. Adds a new
37128 block to the end of the trace that begins at zero and ends at the source
37129 location of the first branch in the trace buffer. This extra block is
37130 used to stitch traces together.
37131
37132 If the trace buffer overflowed, returns an error indicating the overflow.
37133 @end table
37134
37135 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
37136 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37137
37138 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37139 @anchor{qXfer btrace-conf read}
37140
37141 Return a description of the current branch trace configuration.
37142 @xref{Branch Trace Configuration Format}.
37143
37144 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
37145 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37146
37147 @item qXfer:exec-file:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37148 @anchor{qXfer executable filename read}
37149 Return the full absolute name of the file that was executed to create
37150 a process running on the remote system. The annex specifies the
37151 numeric process ID of the process to query, encoded as a hexadecimal
37152 number. If the annex part is empty the remote stub should return the
37153 filename corresponding to the currently executing process.
37154
37155 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37156 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37157
37158 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37159 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
37160 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
37161 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
37162 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
37163
37164 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37165 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37166
37167 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37168 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
37169 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
37170 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37171 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37172
37173 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
37174 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
37175 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
37176
37177 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37178 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37179
37180 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37181 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
37182 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
37183 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
37184 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
37185 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
37186 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37187 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
37188
37189 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
37190 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
37191
37192 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37193 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37194
37195 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
37196 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
37197 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
37198 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
37199
37200 @table @code
37201 @item start=@var{address}
37202 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
37203 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
37204 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
37205 chosen as the starting point.
37206
37207 @item prev=@var{address}
37208 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
37209 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
37210 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
37211 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
37212 exists prior to the starting point.
37213
37214 @end table
37215
37216 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
37217 ignored.
37218
37219 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37220 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
37221 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
37222 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37223 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37224
37225 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37226 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37227
37228 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37229 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
37230
37231 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
37232 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
37233 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
37234 Action Lists}.
37235
37236 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37237 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37238 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37239
37240 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37241 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
37242 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
37243 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
37244 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37245
37246 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37247 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37248 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37249
37250 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37251 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
37252 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
37253 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
37254 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
37255 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
37256 in that context to be accessed.
37257
37258 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37259 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37260 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37261
37262 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37263 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
37264 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
37265 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37266 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37267
37268 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37269 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37270
37271 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37272 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
37273
37274 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
37275 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
37276 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37277
37278 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37279 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37280
37281 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37282 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
37283
37284 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
37285 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
37286
37287 This packet is not probed by default.
37288
37289 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37290 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
37291 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
37292 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
37293 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
37294
37295 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37296 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37297
37298 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37299 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
37300 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
37301 @xref{Operating System Information}.
37302
37303 @end table
37304
37305 Reply:
37306 @table @samp
37307 @item m @var{data}
37308 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
37309 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
37310 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
37311 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
37312 It is possible for @var{data} to have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
37313 request.
37314
37315 @item l @var{data}
37316 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
37317 There is no more data to be read. It is possible for @var{data} to
37318 have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the request.
37319
37320 @item l
37321 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
37322 There is no more data to be read.
37323
37324 @item E00
37325 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
37326
37327 @item E @var{nn}
37328 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
37329 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
37330
37331 @item @w{}
37332 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
37333 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
37334 @end table
37335
37336 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37337 @cindex write data into object, remote request
37338 @anchor{qXfer write}
37339 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
37340 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
37341 into the data. The binary-encoded data (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be
37342 written is given by @var{data}@dots{}. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
37343 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
37344 to access.
37345
37346 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
37347 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
37348 formats, listed below.
37349
37350 @table @samp
37351 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37352 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
37353 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
37354 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
37355 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
37356
37357 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37358 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37359 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37360
37361 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37362 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
37363 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
37364 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
37365 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
37366 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
37367 in that context to be accessed.
37368
37369 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37370 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37371 @end table
37372
37373 Reply:
37374 @table @samp
37375 @item @var{nn}
37376 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
37377 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
37378
37379 @item E00
37380 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
37381
37382 @item E @var{nn}
37383 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
37384 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
37385
37386 @item @w{}
37387 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
37388 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
37389 @end table
37390
37391 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
37392 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
37393 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
37394 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
37395 must respond with an empty packet.
37396
37397 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
37398 @cindex query attached, remote request
37399 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
37400 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
37401 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
37402 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
37403 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
37404 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
37405 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
37406
37407 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
37408 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
37409 the @code{quit} command.
37410
37411 Reply:
37412 @table @samp
37413 @item 1
37414 The remote server attached to an existing process.
37415 @item 0
37416 The remote server created a new process.
37417 @item E @var{NN}
37418 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37419 @end table
37420
37421 @item Qbtrace:bts
37422 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Branch Trace Store.
37423
37424 Reply:
37425 @table @samp
37426 @item OK
37427 Branch tracing has been enabled.
37428 @item E.errtext
37429 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37430 @end table
37431
37432 @item Qbtrace:pt
37433 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Intel Processor Trace.
37434
37435 Reply:
37436 @table @samp
37437 @item OK
37438 Branch tracing has been enabled.
37439 @item E.errtext
37440 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37441 @end table
37442
37443 @item Qbtrace:off
37444 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
37445
37446 Reply:
37447 @table @samp
37448 @item OK
37449 Branch tracing has been disabled.
37450 @item E.errtext
37451 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37452 @end table
37453
37454 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size=@var{value}
37455 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
37456 btrace recording method in bts format.
37457
37458 Reply:
37459 @table @samp
37460 @item OK
37461 The ring buffer size has been set.
37462 @item E.errtext
37463 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37464 @end table
37465
37466 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size=@var{value}
37467 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
37468 btrace recording method in pt format.
37469
37470 Reply:
37471 @table @samp
37472 @item OK
37473 The ring buffer size has been set.
37474 @item E.errtext
37475 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37476 @end table
37477
37478 @end table
37479
37480 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
37481 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
37482
37483 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
37484 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
37485 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
37486
37487 @menu
37488 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
37489 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
37490 @end menu
37491
37492 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
37493 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
37494
37495 @menu
37496 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
37497 @end menu
37498
37499 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
37500 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
37501 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
37502
37503 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
37504
37505 @table @r
37506
37507 @item 2
37508 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
37509
37510 @item 3
37511 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
37512
37513 @item 4
37514 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
37515
37516 @end table
37517
37518 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
37519 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
37520
37521 @menu
37522 * MIPS Register packet Format::
37523 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
37524 @end menu
37525
37526 @node MIPS Register packet Format
37527 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
37528 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
37529
37530 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
37531 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
37532 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
37533 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
37534 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
37535 most-significant -- least-significant.
37536
37537 @table @r
37538
37539 @item MIPS32
37540 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
37541 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
37542 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
37543
37544 @item MIPS64
37545 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
37546 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
37547 as @code{MIPS32}.
37548
37549 @end table
37550
37551 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
37552 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
37553 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
37554
37555 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
37556
37557 @table @r
37558
37559 @item 2
37560 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
37561
37562 @item 3
37563 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
37564
37565 @item 4
37566 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
37567
37568 @item 5
37569 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
37570
37571 @end table
37572
37573 @node Tracepoint Packets
37574 @section Tracepoint Packets
37575 @cindex tracepoint packets
37576 @cindex packets, tracepoint
37577
37578 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
37579 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
37580
37581 @table @samp
37582
37583 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
37584 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
37585 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
37586 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
37587 the tracepoint is disabled. The @var{step} gives the tracepoint's step
37588 count, and @var{pass} gives its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
37589 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
37590 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
37591 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
37592 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
37593 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
37594 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
37595 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
37596 actions.
37597
37598 Replies:
37599 @table @samp
37600 @item OK
37601 The packet was understood and carried out.
37602 @item qRelocInsn
37603 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
37604 @item @w{}
37605 The packet was not recognized.
37606 @end table
37607
37608 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
37609 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. The @var{n} and
37610 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
37611 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
37612 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
37613 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
37614 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
37615
37616 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
37617 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
37618 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
37619 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
37620 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
37621 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
37622 tracepoint actions.
37623
37624 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
37625 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
37626 following forms:
37627
37628 @table @samp
37629
37630 @item R @var{mask}
37631 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask},
37632 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
37633 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
37634 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
37635 not fit in a 32-bit word.
37636
37637 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
37638 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
37639 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
37640 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
37641 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
37642 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
37643 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
37644
37645 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
37646 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
37647 it directs. The agent expression @var{expr} is as described in
37648 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
37649 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
37650 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
37651 packet).
37652
37653 @end table
37654
37655 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
37656 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
37657 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
37658 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
37659 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
37660 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
37661 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
37662 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
37663
37664 Replies:
37665 @table @samp
37666 @item OK
37667 The packet was understood and carried out.
37668 @item qRelocInsn
37669 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
37670 @item @w{}
37671 The packet was not recognized.
37672 @end table
37673
37674 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
37675 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
37676 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
37677 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
37678 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. The @var{type}
37679 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
37680 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
37681 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
37682
37683 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
37684 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
37685 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
37686 fit in a single packet.
37687 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
37688 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
37689
37690 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
37691 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
37692 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
37693 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
37694
37695 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
37696 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
37697 query packets.
37698
37699 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
37700 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
37701 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
37702 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
37703 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
37704 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
37705 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
37706 be found.
37707
37708 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}:@var{builtin}:@var{name}
37709 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
37710 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
37711 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
37712 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
37713 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
37714 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
37715 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
37716 mentioned in expressions. The value @var{builtin} should be 1 (one)
37717 if the trace state variable is builtin and 0 (zero) if it is not builtin.
37718 @value{GDBN} only sets @var{builtin} to 1 if a previous @samp{qTfV} or
37719 @samp{qTsV} packet had it set. The contents of @var{name} is the
37720 hex-encoded name (without the leading @samp{$}) of the trace state
37721 variable.
37722
37723 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
37724 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
37725 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
37726 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
37727 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
37728
37729 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
37730 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
37731 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
37732 one of the following forms:
37733
37734 @table @samp
37735 @item F @var{f}
37736 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
37737 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
37738 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
37739
37740 @item T @var{t}
37741 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
37742 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
37743
37744 @end table
37745
37746 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
37747 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
37748 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
37749 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
37750
37751 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
37752 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
37753 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
37754 is a hexadecimal number.
37755
37756 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
37757 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
37758 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
37759 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
37760 numbers.
37761
37762 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
37763 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
37764 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
37765
37766 @item qTMinFTPILen
37767 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
37768 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
37769 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
37770 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
37771 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
37772 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
37773 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
37774 arrange for that.
37775
37776 Replies:
37777
37778 @table @samp
37779 @item 0
37780 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
37781 @item @var{length}
37782 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length}
37783 is a hexadecimal number greater or equal to 1. A reply
37784 of 1 means that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction
37785 regardless of size.
37786 @item E
37787 An error has occurred.
37788 @item @w{}
37789 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
37790 @end table
37791
37792 @item QTStart
37793 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
37794 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
37795 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
37796 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
37797 instruction reply packet}).
37798
37799 @item QTStop
37800 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
37801 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
37802
37803 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
37804 @anchor{QTEnable}
37805 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
37806 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
37807 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
37808 of data from it will resume.
37809
37810 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
37811 @anchor{QTDisable}
37812 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
37813 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
37814 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
37815 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
37816
37817 @item QTinit
37818 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
37819 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
37820
37821 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
37822 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
37823 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
37824 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
37825 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
37826
37827 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
37828 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
37829 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
37830 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
37831
37832 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
37833 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
37834 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
37835 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
37836 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
37837 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
37838
37839 @item qTStatus
37840 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
37841 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
37842
37843 The reply has the form:
37844
37845 @table @samp
37846
37847 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
37848 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
37849 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
37850 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
37851
37852 @end table
37853
37854 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
37855 explanations as one of the optional fields:
37856
37857 @table @samp
37858
37859 @item tnotrun:0
37860 No trace has been run yet.
37861
37862 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
37863 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
37864 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
37865 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
37866 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
37867
37868 @item tfull:0
37869 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
37870
37871 @item tdisconnected:0
37872 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
37873
37874 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
37875 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
37876
37877 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
37878 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
37879 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
37880 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression); it
37881 is hex encoded.
37882
37883 @item tunknown:0
37884 The trace stopped for some other reason.
37885
37886 @end table
37887
37888 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
37889 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
37890 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
37891 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
37892 trace.
37893
37894 @table @samp
37895
37896 @item tframes:@var{n}
37897 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
37898
37899 @item tcreated:@var{n}
37900 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
37901 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
37902
37903 @item tsize:@var{n}
37904 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
37905
37906 @item tfree:@var{n}
37907 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
37908
37909 @item circular:@var{n}
37910 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
37911 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
37912 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
37913 and may fill up.
37914
37915 @item disconn:@var{n}
37916 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
37917 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
37918 that the trace run will stop.
37919
37920 @end table
37921
37922 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
37923 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
37924 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
37925 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
37926 address @var{addr}.
37927
37928 Replies:
37929 @table @samp
37930 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
37931 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
37932 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
37933 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
37934 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
37935
37936 @end table
37937
37938 @item qTV:@var{var}
37939 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
37940 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
37941 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
37942
37943 Replies:
37944 @table @samp
37945 @item V@var{value}
37946 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
37947 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
37948 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
37949 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
37950 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
37951 program is running.
37952
37953 @item U
37954 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
37955 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
37956 was not collected.
37957 @end table
37958
37959 @item qTfP
37960 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
37961 @itemx qTsP
37962 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
37963 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
37964 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
37965 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
37966 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
37967 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
37968
37969 @item qTfV
37970 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
37971 @itemx qTsV
37972 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
37973 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
37974 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
37975 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
37976 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
37977 trace state variables.
37978
37979 @item qTfSTM
37980 @itemx qTsSTM
37981 @anchor{qTfSTM}
37982 @anchor{qTsSTM}
37983 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
37984 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
37985 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
37986 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
37987 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
37988 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
37989
37990 Reply:
37991 @table @samp
37992 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
37993 A single marker
37994 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
37995 a comma-separated list of markers
37996 @item l
37997 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
37998 @item E @var{nn}
37999 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38000 @item @w{}
38001 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
38002 stub.
38003 @end table
38004
38005 The @var{address} is encoded in hex;
38006 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
38007
38008 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38009 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
38010 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
38011 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
38012 @dfn{last}).
38013
38014 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
38015 @anchor{qTSTMat}
38016 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
38017 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
38018 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
38019 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
38020 tracepoint markers.
38021
38022 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
38023 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
38024 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
38025 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. The @var{filename} is encoded
38026 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
38027 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
38028
38029 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
38030 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
38031 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
38032 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
38033 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
38034 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
38035 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
38036 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
38037 available.
38038
38039 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
38040 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
38041 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
38042
38043 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
38044 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
38045 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
38046 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
38047 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
38048 use whatever size it prefers.
38049
38050 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
38051 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
38052 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
38053 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
38054 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
38055
38056 @end table
38057
38058 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
38059 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
38060 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
38061 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
38062 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
38063 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
38064 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
38065 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
38066 it had executed in the original location.
38067
38068 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
38069 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
38070 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
38071 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
38072 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
38073 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
38074 format of the request is:
38075
38076 @table @samp
38077 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
38078
38079 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
38080 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
38081 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
38082 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
38083 memory starting at @var{to}.
38084 @end table
38085
38086 Replies:
38087 @table @samp
38088 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
38089 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. The @var{adjusted_size} is
38090 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
38091 @item E @var{NN}
38092 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
38093 relocating the instruction.
38094 @end table
38095
38096 @node Host I/O Packets
38097 @section Host I/O Packets
38098 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
38099 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
38100
38101 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
38102 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
38103 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
38104 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
38105 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
38106 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
38107 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
38108 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
38109 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
38110 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
38111
38112 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
38113 its arguments. They have this format:
38114
38115 @table @samp
38116
38117 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
38118 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
38119 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
38120 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
38121 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
38122 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
38123 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
38124 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
38125 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
38126
38127 @end table
38128
38129 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
38130
38131 @table @samp
38132
38133 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
38134 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
38135 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
38136 @var{errno} will be included in the result specifying a
38137 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
38138 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
38139 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
38140 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
38141 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
38142 @var{attachment}.
38143
38144 @item @w{}
38145 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
38146
38147 @end table
38148
38149 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
38150
38151 @table @samp
38152 @item vFile:open: @var{filename}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
38153 Open a file at @var{filename} and return a file descriptor for it, or
38154 return -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string,
38155 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
38156 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
38157 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
38158 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
38159
38160 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
38161 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
38162 -1 if an error occurs.
38163
38164 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
38165 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
38166 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
38167 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
38168 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
38169 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
38170 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
38171 @var{count} was zero.
38172
38173 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
38174 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
38175 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
38176 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
38177 some characters were escaped.
38178
38179 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
38180 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
38181 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
38182 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
38183 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
38184 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
38185 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
38186 error occurred.
38187
38188 @item vFile:fstat: @var{fd}
38189 Get information about the open file corresponding to @var{fd}.
38190 On success the information is returned as a binary attachment
38191 and the return value is the size of this attachment in bytes.
38192 If an error occurs the return value is -1. The format of the
38193 returned binary attachment is as described in @ref{struct stat}.
38194
38195 @item vFile:unlink: @var{filename}
38196 Delete the file at @var{filename} on the target. Return 0,
38197 or -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string.
38198
38199 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
38200 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
38201 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
38202
38203 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
38204 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
38205 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
38206 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
38207 some characters were escaped.
38208
38209 @item vFile:setfs: @var{pid}
38210 Select the filesystem on which @code{vFile} operations with
38211 @var{filename} arguments will operate. This is required for
38212 @value{GDBN} to be able to access files on remote targets where
38213 the remote stub does not share a common filesystem with the
38214 inferior(s).
38215
38216 If @var{pid} is nonzero, select the filesystem as seen by process
38217 @var{pid}. If @var{pid} is zero, select the filesystem as seen by
38218 the remote stub. Return 0 on success, or -1 if an error occurs.
38219 If @code{vFile:setfs:} indicates success, the selected filesystem
38220 remains selected until the next successful @code{vFile:setfs:}
38221 operation.
38222
38223 @end table
38224
38225 @node Interrupts
38226 @section Interrupts
38227 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
38228 @anchor{interrupting remote targets}
38229
38230 In all-stop mode, when a program on the remote target is running,
38231 @value{GDBN} may attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C},
38232 @code{BREAK} or a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}, control of which
38233 is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
38234
38235 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
38236 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
38237 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
38238 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
38239 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
38240
38241 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
38242 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
38243 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
38244 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
38245 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
38246 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
38247 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
38248 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
38249
38250 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
38251 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
38252 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
38253
38254 In non-stop mode, because packet resumptions are asynchronous
38255 (@pxref{vCont packet}), @value{GDBN} is always free to send a remote
38256 command to the remote stub, even when the target is running. For that
38257 reason, @value{GDBN} instead sends a regular packet (@pxref{vCtrlC
38258 packet}) with the usual packet framing instead of the single byte
38259 @code{0x03}.
38260
38261 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
38262 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
38263 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
38264 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
38265 currently-executing threads and processes.
38266 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
38267 running program, it should send one of the stop
38268 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
38269 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
38270 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
38271 Interrupts received while the
38272 program is stopped are queued and the program will be interrupted when
38273 it is resumed next time.
38274
38275 @node Notification Packets
38276 @section Notification Packets
38277 @cindex notification packets
38278 @cindex packets, notification
38279
38280 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
38281 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
38282 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
38283 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
38284 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
38285 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
38286 is not a problem.
38287
38288 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
38289 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
38290 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
38291 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
38292 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
38293 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
38294 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
38295
38296 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
38297 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
38298
38299 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
38300 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
38301 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
38302 not they understand it.
38303
38304 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
38305 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
38306 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
38307 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
38308 recipients.
38309
38310 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
38311 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
38312 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
38313 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
38314 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
38315
38316 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
38317 @table @samp
38318 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
38319 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
38320 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
38321 carrying the specific information about the notification, and
38322 @var{name} specifying the name of the notification.
38323 @item @var{ack}
38324 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
38325 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
38326 @end table
38327
38328 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
38329 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
38330
38331 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
38332 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
38333 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
38334 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
38335 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
38336 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
38337 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
38338 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
38339 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
38340 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
38341
38342 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
38343 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
38344 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
38345 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
38346 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
38347 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
38348
38349 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
38350 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
38351 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
38352 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
38353 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
38354
38355 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
38356 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
38357 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
38358 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
38359 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
38360 normally.
38361
38362 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
38363 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
38364 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
38365 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
38366 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
38367 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
38368 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
38369 the process shall be repeated.
38370
38371 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
38372 following example:
38373 @smallexample
38374 <- @code{%%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
38375 @code{...}
38376 -> @code{vStopped}
38377 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
38378 -> @code{vStopped}
38379 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
38380 -> @code{vStopped}
38381 <- @code{OK}
38382 @end smallexample
38383
38384 The following notifications are defined:
38385 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
38386
38387 @item Notification
38388 @tab Ack
38389 @tab Event
38390 @tab Description
38391
38392 @item Stop
38393 @tab vStopped
38394 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
38395 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
38396 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
38397 @value{GDBN}.
38398 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
38399
38400 @end multitable
38401
38402 @node Remote Non-Stop
38403 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
38404
38405 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
38406 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
38407 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
38408 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38409
38410 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
38411 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
38412 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
38413 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
38414 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
38415 probe the target state after a mode change.
38416
38417 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
38418 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
38419 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
38420 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
38421 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
38422 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
38423 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
38424 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
38425 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
38426 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
38427 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
38428
38429 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
38430 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
38431 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
38432 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
38433 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
38434 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
38435 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
38436 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
38437 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
38438 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
38439 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
38440 @samp{OK}.
38441
38442 If the stub supports non-stop mode, it should also support the
38443 @samp{swbreak} stop reason if software breakpoints are supported, and
38444 the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason if hardware breakpoints are supported
38445 (@pxref{swbreak stop reason}). This is because given the asynchronous
38446 nature of non-stop mode, between the time a thread hits a breakpoint
38447 and the time the event is finally processed by @value{GDBN}, the
38448 breakpoint may have already been removed from the target. Due to
38449 this, @value{GDBN} needs to be able to tell whether a trap stop was
38450 caused by a delayed breakpoint event, which should be ignored, as
38451 opposed to a random trap signal, which should be reported to the user.
38452 Note the @samp{swbreak} feature implies that the target is responsible
38453 for adjusting the PC when a software breakpoint triggers, if
38454 necessary, such as on the x86 architecture.
38455
38456 @node Packet Acknowledgment
38457 @section Packet Acknowledgment
38458
38459 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
38460 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
38461 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
38462 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
38463 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
38464 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
38465 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
38466
38467 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
38468 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
38469 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
38470 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
38471 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
38472
38473 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
38474 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
38475 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
38476 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
38477
38478 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
38479 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
38480 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
38481 @pxref{qSupported}.
38482 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
38483 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
38484 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
38485 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
38486 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
38487 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
38488 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
38489
38490 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
38491 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
38492 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
38493 connection.
38494 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
38495 new connection is established,
38496 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
38497 for the current connection, once disabled.
38498
38499 @node Examples
38500 @section Examples
38501
38502 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
38503 does not get any direct output:
38504
38505 @smallexample
38506 -> @code{R00}
38507 <- @code{+}
38508 @emph{target restarts}
38509 -> @code{?}
38510 <- @code{+}
38511 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
38512 -> @code{+}
38513 @end smallexample
38514
38515 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
38516
38517 @smallexample
38518 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
38519 <- @code{+}
38520 -> @code{s}
38521 <- @code{+}
38522 @emph{time passes}
38523 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
38524 -> @code{+}
38525 -> @code{g}
38526 <- @code{+}
38527 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
38528 -> @code{+}
38529 @end smallexample
38530
38531 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
38532 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
38533 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
38534
38535 @menu
38536 * File-I/O Overview::
38537 * Protocol Basics::
38538 * The F Request Packet::
38539 * The F Reply Packet::
38540 * The Ctrl-C Message::
38541 * Console I/O::
38542 * List of Supported Calls::
38543 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
38544 * Constants::
38545 * File-I/O Examples::
38546 @end menu
38547
38548 @node File-I/O Overview
38549 @subsection File-I/O Overview
38550 @cindex file-i/o overview
38551
38552 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
38553 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
38554 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
38555 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
38556 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
38557 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
38558
38559 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
38560 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
38561 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
38562 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
38563 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
38564
38565 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
38566 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
38567 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
38568 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
38569 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
38570 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
38571 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
38572
38573 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
38574 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
38575 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
38576 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
38577 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
38578
38579 @smallexample
38580 (@value{GDBP}) continue
38581 <- target requests 'system call X'
38582 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
38583 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
38584 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
38585 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
38586 @end smallexample
38587
38588 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
38589 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
38590 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
38591 system are not supported by this protocol.
38592
38593 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
38594
38595 @node Protocol Basics
38596 @subsection Protocol Basics
38597 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
38598
38599 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
38600 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
38601 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
38602 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
38603 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
38604 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
38605 to call the appropriate host system call:
38606
38607 @itemize @bullet
38608 @item
38609 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
38610
38611 @item
38612 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
38613 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
38614 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
38615 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
38616
38617 @end itemize
38618
38619 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
38620
38621 @itemize @bullet
38622 @item
38623 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
38624 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
38625 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
38626 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
38627 packet.
38628
38629 @item
38630 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
38631 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
38632
38633 @item
38634 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
38635
38636 @item
38637 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
38638
38639 @item
38640 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
38641 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
38642 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
38643 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
38644 packet.
38645
38646 @end itemize
38647
38648 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
38649 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
38650
38651 @itemize @bullet
38652 @item
38653 Return value.
38654
38655 @item
38656 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
38657
38658 @item
38659 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
38660
38661 @end itemize
38662
38663 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
38664 the latest continue or step action.
38665
38666 @node The F Request Packet
38667 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
38668 @cindex file-i/o request packet
38669 @cindex @code{F} request packet
38670
38671 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
38672
38673 @table @samp
38674 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
38675
38676 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
38677 This is just the name of the function.
38678
38679 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
38680 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
38681 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
38682 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
38683 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
38684 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
38685 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
38686
38687 @end table
38688
38689
38690
38691 @node The F Reply Packet
38692 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
38693 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
38694 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
38695
38696 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
38697
38698 @table @samp
38699
38700 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
38701
38702 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
38703
38704 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
38705 representation.
38706 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
38707
38708 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
38709 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
38710 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
38711
38712 @smallexample
38713 F0,0,C
38714 @end smallexample
38715
38716 @noindent
38717 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
38718
38719 @smallexample
38720 F-1,4,C
38721 @end smallexample
38722
38723 @noindent
38724 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
38725
38726 @end table
38727
38728
38729 @node The Ctrl-C Message
38730 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
38731 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
38732
38733 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
38734 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
38735 the target should behave as if it had
38736 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
38737 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
38738 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
38739 packet.
38740
38741 It's important for the target to know in which
38742 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
38743
38744 @itemize @bullet
38745 @item
38746 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
38747
38748 @item
38749 The system call on the host has been finished.
38750
38751 @end itemize
38752
38753 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
38754 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
38755 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
38756 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
38757 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
38758 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
38759
38760 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
38761 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
38762 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
38763 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
38764 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
38765 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
38766 or the full action has been completed.
38767
38768 @node Console I/O
38769 @subsection Console I/O
38770 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
38771
38772 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
38773 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
38774 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
38775 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
38776 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
38777 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
38778 conditions is met:
38779
38780 @itemize @bullet
38781 @item
38782 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
38783 @code{read}
38784 system call is treated as finished.
38785
38786 @item
38787 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
38788 newline.
38789
38790 @item
38791 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
38792 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
38793
38794 @end itemize
38795
38796 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
38797 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
38798 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
38799 is stopped at the user's request.
38800
38801
38802 @node List of Supported Calls
38803 @subsection List of Supported Calls
38804 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
38805
38806 @menu
38807 * open::
38808 * close::
38809 * read::
38810 * write::
38811 * lseek::
38812 * rename::
38813 * unlink::
38814 * stat/fstat::
38815 * gettimeofday::
38816 * isatty::
38817 * system::
38818 @end menu
38819
38820 @node open
38821 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
38822 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
38823
38824 @table @asis
38825 @item Synopsis:
38826 @smallexample
38827 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
38828 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
38829 @end smallexample
38830
38831 @item Request:
38832 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
38833
38834 @noindent
38835 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
38836
38837 @table @code
38838 @item O_CREAT
38839 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
38840 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
38841 are concerned.
38842
38843 @item O_EXCL
38844 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
38845 an error and open() fails.
38846
38847 @item O_TRUNC
38848 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
38849 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
38850 truncated to zero length.
38851
38852 @item O_APPEND
38853 The file is opened in append mode.
38854
38855 @item O_RDONLY
38856 The file is opened for reading only.
38857
38858 @item O_WRONLY
38859 The file is opened for writing only.
38860
38861 @item O_RDWR
38862 The file is opened for reading and writing.
38863 @end table
38864
38865 @noindent
38866 Other bits are silently ignored.
38867
38868
38869 @noindent
38870 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
38871
38872 @table @code
38873 @item S_IRUSR
38874 User has read permission.
38875
38876 @item S_IWUSR
38877 User has write permission.
38878
38879 @item S_IRGRP
38880 Group has read permission.
38881
38882 @item S_IWGRP
38883 Group has write permission.
38884
38885 @item S_IROTH
38886 Others have read permission.
38887
38888 @item S_IWOTH
38889 Others have write permission.
38890 @end table
38891
38892 @noindent
38893 Other bits are silently ignored.
38894
38895
38896 @item Return value:
38897 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
38898 occurred.
38899
38900 @item Errors:
38901
38902 @table @code
38903 @item EEXIST
38904 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
38905
38906 @item EISDIR
38907 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
38908
38909 @item EACCES
38910 The requested access is not allowed.
38911
38912 @item ENAMETOOLONG
38913 @var{pathname} was too long.
38914
38915 @item ENOENT
38916 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
38917
38918 @item ENODEV
38919 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
38920
38921 @item EROFS
38922 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
38923 write access was requested.
38924
38925 @item EFAULT
38926 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
38927
38928 @item ENOSPC
38929 No space on device to create the file.
38930
38931 @item EMFILE
38932 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
38933
38934 @item ENFILE
38935 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
38936 has been reached.
38937
38938 @item EINTR
38939 The call was interrupted by the user.
38940 @end table
38941
38942 @end table
38943
38944 @node close
38945 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
38946 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
38947
38948 @table @asis
38949 @item Synopsis:
38950 @smallexample
38951 int close(int fd);
38952 @end smallexample
38953
38954 @item Request:
38955 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
38956
38957 @item Return value:
38958 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
38959
38960 @item Errors:
38961
38962 @table @code
38963 @item EBADF
38964 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
38965
38966 @item EINTR
38967 The call was interrupted by the user.
38968 @end table
38969
38970 @end table
38971
38972 @node read
38973 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
38974 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
38975
38976 @table @asis
38977 @item Synopsis:
38978 @smallexample
38979 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
38980 @end smallexample
38981
38982 @item Request:
38983 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
38984
38985 @item Return value:
38986 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
38987 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
38988 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
38989
38990 @item Errors:
38991
38992 @table @code
38993 @item EBADF
38994 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
38995 reading.
38996
38997 @item EFAULT
38998 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38999
39000 @item EINTR
39001 The call was interrupted by the user.
39002 @end table
39003
39004 @end table
39005
39006 @node write
39007 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
39008 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
39009
39010 @table @asis
39011 @item Synopsis:
39012 @smallexample
39013 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
39014 @end smallexample
39015
39016 @item Request:
39017 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39018
39019 @item Return value:
39020 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
39021 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
39022 is returned.
39023
39024 @item Errors:
39025
39026 @table @code
39027 @item EBADF
39028 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39029 writing.
39030
39031 @item EFAULT
39032 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39033
39034 @item EFBIG
39035 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
39036 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
39037
39038 @item ENOSPC
39039 No space on device to write the data.
39040
39041 @item EINTR
39042 The call was interrupted by the user.
39043 @end table
39044
39045 @end table
39046
39047 @node lseek
39048 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
39049 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
39050
39051 @table @asis
39052 @item Synopsis:
39053 @smallexample
39054 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
39055 @end smallexample
39056
39057 @item Request:
39058 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
39059
39060 @var{flag} is one of:
39061
39062 @table @code
39063 @item SEEK_SET
39064 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
39065
39066 @item SEEK_CUR
39067 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
39068 bytes.
39069
39070 @item SEEK_END
39071 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
39072 bytes.
39073 @end table
39074
39075 @item Return value:
39076 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
39077 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
39078 value of -1 is returned.
39079
39080 @item Errors:
39081
39082 @table @code
39083 @item EBADF
39084 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
39085
39086 @item ESPIPE
39087 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
39088
39089 @item EINVAL
39090 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
39091
39092 @item EINTR
39093 The call was interrupted by the user.
39094 @end table
39095
39096 @end table
39097
39098 @node rename
39099 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
39100 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
39101
39102 @table @asis
39103 @item Synopsis:
39104 @smallexample
39105 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
39106 @end smallexample
39107
39108 @item Request:
39109 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
39110
39111 @item Return value:
39112 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39113
39114 @item Errors:
39115
39116 @table @code
39117 @item EISDIR
39118 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
39119 directory.
39120
39121 @item EEXIST
39122 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
39123
39124 @item EBUSY
39125 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
39126 process.
39127
39128 @item EINVAL
39129 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
39130 of itself.
39131
39132 @item ENOTDIR
39133 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
39134 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
39135 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
39136
39137 @item EFAULT
39138 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
39139
39140 @item EACCES
39141 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39142
39143 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39144
39145 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
39146
39147 @item ENOENT
39148 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
39149
39150 @item EROFS
39151 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
39152
39153 @item ENOSPC
39154 The device containing the file has no room for the new
39155 directory entry.
39156
39157 @item EINTR
39158 The call was interrupted by the user.
39159 @end table
39160
39161 @end table
39162
39163 @node unlink
39164 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
39165 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
39166
39167 @table @asis
39168 @item Synopsis:
39169 @smallexample
39170 int unlink(const char *pathname);
39171 @end smallexample
39172
39173 @item Request:
39174 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
39175
39176 @item Return value:
39177 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39178
39179 @item Errors:
39180
39181 @table @code
39182 @item EACCES
39183 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39184
39185 @item EPERM
39186 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
39187
39188 @item EBUSY
39189 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
39190 being used by another process.
39191
39192 @item EFAULT
39193 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39194
39195 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39196 @var{pathname} was too long.
39197
39198 @item ENOENT
39199 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
39200
39201 @item ENOTDIR
39202 A component of the path is not a directory.
39203
39204 @item EROFS
39205 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
39206
39207 @item EINTR
39208 The call was interrupted by the user.
39209 @end table
39210
39211 @end table
39212
39213 @node stat/fstat
39214 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
39215 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
39216 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
39217
39218 @table @asis
39219 @item Synopsis:
39220 @smallexample
39221 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
39222 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
39223 @end smallexample
39224
39225 @item Request:
39226 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
39227 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
39228
39229 @item Return value:
39230 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39231
39232 @item Errors:
39233
39234 @table @code
39235 @item EBADF
39236 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
39237
39238 @item ENOENT
39239 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
39240 path is an empty string.
39241
39242 @item ENOTDIR
39243 A component of the path is not a directory.
39244
39245 @item EFAULT
39246 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39247
39248 @item EACCES
39249 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39250
39251 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39252 @var{pathname} was too long.
39253
39254 @item EINTR
39255 The call was interrupted by the user.
39256 @end table
39257
39258 @end table
39259
39260 @node gettimeofday
39261 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
39262 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
39263
39264 @table @asis
39265 @item Synopsis:
39266 @smallexample
39267 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
39268 @end smallexample
39269
39270 @item Request:
39271 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
39272
39273 @item Return value:
39274 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
39275
39276 @item Errors:
39277
39278 @table @code
39279 @item EINVAL
39280 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
39281
39282 @item EFAULT
39283 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39284 @end table
39285
39286 @end table
39287
39288 @node isatty
39289 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
39290 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
39291
39292 @table @asis
39293 @item Synopsis:
39294 @smallexample
39295 int isatty(int fd);
39296 @end smallexample
39297
39298 @item Request:
39299 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
39300
39301 @item Return value:
39302 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
39303
39304 @item Errors:
39305
39306 @table @code
39307 @item EINTR
39308 The call was interrupted by the user.
39309 @end table
39310
39311 @end table
39312
39313 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
39314 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
39315 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
39316 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
39317 needed.
39318
39319
39320 @node system
39321 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
39322 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
39323
39324 @table @asis
39325 @item Synopsis:
39326 @smallexample
39327 int system(const char *command);
39328 @end smallexample
39329
39330 @item Request:
39331 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
39332
39333 @item Return value:
39334 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
39335 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
39336 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
39337 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
39338 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
39339 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
39340 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
39341
39342 @item Errors:
39343
39344 @table @code
39345 @item EINTR
39346 The call was interrupted by the user.
39347 @end table
39348
39349 @end table
39350
39351 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
39352 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
39353 the host is simplified before it's returned
39354 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
39355 is discarded, and the return value consists
39356 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
39357
39358 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
39359 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
39360 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
39361
39362 @table @code
39363 @item set remote system-call-allowed
39364 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
39365 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
39366 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
39367
39368 @item show remote system-call-allowed
39369 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
39370 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
39371 protocol.
39372 @end table
39373
39374 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
39375 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
39376 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
39377
39378 @menu
39379 * Integral Datatypes::
39380 * Pointer Values::
39381 * Memory Transfer::
39382 * struct stat::
39383 * struct timeval::
39384 @end menu
39385
39386 @node Integral Datatypes
39387 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
39388 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
39389
39390 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
39391 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
39392 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
39393
39394 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
39395 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
39396
39397 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
39398
39399 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
39400 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
39401
39402 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
39403
39404 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
39405 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
39406 byte order.
39407
39408 @node Pointer Values
39409 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
39410 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
39411
39412 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
39413 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
39414 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
39415 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
39416
39417 @smallexample
39418 @code{1aaf/12}
39419 @end smallexample
39420
39421 @noindent
39422 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
39423 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
39424 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
39425 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
39426
39427 @smallexample
39428 @code{123456/d}
39429 @end smallexample
39430
39431 @node Memory Transfer
39432 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
39433 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
39434
39435 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
39436 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
39437 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
39438 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
39439 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
39440 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
39441 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
39442
39443
39444 @node struct stat
39445 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
39446 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
39447
39448 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
39449 is defined as follows:
39450
39451 @smallexample
39452 struct stat @{
39453 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
39454 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
39455 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
39456 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
39457 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
39458 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
39459 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
39460 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
39461 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
39462 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
39463 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
39464 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
39465 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
39466 @};
39467 @end smallexample
39468
39469 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
39470 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
39471 structure is of size 64 bytes.
39472
39473 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
39474 range of values.
39475
39476 @table @code
39477
39478 @item st_dev
39479 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
39480
39481 @item st_ino
39482 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
39483
39484 @item st_mode
39485 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
39486 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
39487
39488 @item st_uid
39489 @itemx st_gid
39490 @itemx st_rdev
39491 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
39492
39493 @item st_atime
39494 @itemx st_mtime
39495 @itemx st_ctime
39496 These values have a host and file system dependent
39497 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
39498 support exact timing values.
39499 @end table
39500
39501 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
39502 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
39503 continuing.
39504
39505 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
39506 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
39507 get truncated on the target.
39508
39509 @node struct timeval
39510 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
39511 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
39512
39513 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
39514 is defined as follows:
39515
39516 @smallexample
39517 struct timeval @{
39518 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
39519 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
39520 @};
39521 @end smallexample
39522
39523 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
39524 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
39525 structure is of size 8 bytes.
39526
39527 @node Constants
39528 @subsection Constants
39529 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
39530
39531 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
39532 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
39533 values before and after the call as needed.
39534
39535 @menu
39536 * Open Flags::
39537 * mode_t Values::
39538 * Errno Values::
39539 * Lseek Flags::
39540 * Limits::
39541 @end menu
39542
39543 @node Open Flags
39544 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
39545 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
39546
39547 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
39548
39549 @smallexample
39550 O_RDONLY 0x0
39551 O_WRONLY 0x1
39552 O_RDWR 0x2
39553 O_APPEND 0x8
39554 O_CREAT 0x200
39555 O_TRUNC 0x400
39556 O_EXCL 0x800
39557 @end smallexample
39558
39559 @node mode_t Values
39560 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
39561 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
39562
39563 All values are given in octal representation.
39564
39565 @smallexample
39566 S_IFREG 0100000
39567 S_IFDIR 040000
39568 S_IRUSR 0400
39569 S_IWUSR 0200
39570 S_IXUSR 0100
39571 S_IRGRP 040
39572 S_IWGRP 020
39573 S_IXGRP 010
39574 S_IROTH 04
39575 S_IWOTH 02
39576 S_IXOTH 01
39577 @end smallexample
39578
39579 @node Errno Values
39580 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
39581 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
39582
39583 All values are given in decimal representation.
39584
39585 @smallexample
39586 EPERM 1
39587 ENOENT 2
39588 EINTR 4
39589 EBADF 9
39590 EACCES 13
39591 EFAULT 14
39592 EBUSY 16
39593 EEXIST 17
39594 ENODEV 19
39595 ENOTDIR 20
39596 EISDIR 21
39597 EINVAL 22
39598 ENFILE 23
39599 EMFILE 24
39600 EFBIG 27
39601 ENOSPC 28
39602 ESPIPE 29
39603 EROFS 30
39604 ENAMETOOLONG 91
39605 EUNKNOWN 9999
39606 @end smallexample
39607
39608 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
39609 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
39610
39611 @node Lseek Flags
39612 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
39613 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
39614
39615 @smallexample
39616 SEEK_SET 0
39617 SEEK_CUR 1
39618 SEEK_END 2
39619 @end smallexample
39620
39621 @node Limits
39622 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
39623 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
39624
39625 All values are given in decimal representation.
39626
39627 @smallexample
39628 INT_MIN -2147483648
39629 INT_MAX 2147483647
39630 UINT_MAX 4294967295
39631 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
39632 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
39633 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
39634 @end smallexample
39635
39636 @node File-I/O Examples
39637 @subsection File-I/O Examples
39638 @cindex file-i/o examples
39639
39640 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
39641 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
39642
39643 @smallexample
39644 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
39645 @emph{request memory read from target}
39646 -> @code{m1234,6}
39647 <- XXXXXX
39648 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
39649 -> @code{F6}
39650 @end smallexample
39651
39652 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
39653 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
39654
39655 @smallexample
39656 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39657 @emph{request memory write to target}
39658 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
39659 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
39660 -> @code{F6}
39661 @end smallexample
39662
39663 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
39664 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
39665
39666 @smallexample
39667 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39668 -> @code{F-1,9}
39669 @end smallexample
39670
39671 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
39672 host is called:
39673
39674 @smallexample
39675 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39676 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
39677 <- @code{T02}
39678 @end smallexample
39679
39680 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
39681 host is called:
39682
39683 @smallexample
39684 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39685 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
39686 <- @code{T02}
39687 @end smallexample
39688
39689 @node Library List Format
39690 @section Library List Format
39691 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
39692
39693 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
39694 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
39695 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
39696 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
39697 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
39698 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
39699 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
39700 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
39701 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
39702 are loaded.
39703
39704 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
39705 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
39706 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
39707 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
39708
39709 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
39710 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
39711 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
39712 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
39713 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
39714 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
39715
39716 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39717 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
39718
39719 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
39720 offset, looks like this:
39721
39722 @smallexample
39723 <library-list>
39724 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
39725 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
39726 </library>
39727 </library-list>
39728 @end smallexample
39729
39730 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
39731 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
39732
39733 @smallexample
39734 <library-list>
39735 <library name="sharedlib.o">
39736 <section address="0x10000000"/>
39737 <section address="0x20000000"/>
39738 <section address="0x30000000"/>
39739 </library>
39740 </library-list>
39741 @end smallexample
39742
39743 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
39744
39745 @smallexample
39746 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
39747 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
39748 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
39749 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
39750 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
39751 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
39752 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
39753 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
39754 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
39755 @end smallexample
39756
39757 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
39758 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
39759 section for each library.
39760
39761 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
39762 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
39763 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
39764
39765 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
39766 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
39767 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
39768 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
39769
39770 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
39771 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
39772 target, the following parameters are reported:
39773
39774 @itemize @minus
39775 @item
39776 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
39777 @code{struct link_map}.
39778 @item
39779 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
39780 (Thread Local Storage) access.
39781 @item
39782 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
39783 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
39784 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
39785 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
39786 @item
39787 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
39788 @end itemize
39789
39790 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
39791 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
39792 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
39793
39794 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39795 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
39796
39797 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
39798 looks like this:
39799
39800 @smallexample
39801 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
39802 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
39803 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
39804 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
39805 l_ld="0x152350"/>
39806 </library-list-svr>
39807 @end smallexample
39808
39809 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
39810
39811 @smallexample
39812 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
39813 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
39814 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
39815 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
39816 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
39817 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
39818 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
39819 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
39820 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
39821 @end smallexample
39822
39823 @node Memory Map Format
39824 @section Memory Map Format
39825 @cindex memory map format
39826
39827 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
39828 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
39829 memory map.
39830
39831 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
39832 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
39833 lists memory regions.
39834
39835 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39836 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
39837
39838 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
39839
39840 @smallexample
39841 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39842 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
39843 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
39844 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
39845 <memory-map>
39846 region...
39847 </memory-map>
39848 @end smallexample
39849
39850 Each region can be either:
39851
39852 @itemize
39853
39854 @item
39855 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
39856 bytes from there:
39857
39858 @smallexample
39859 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
39860 @end smallexample
39861
39862
39863 @item
39864 A region of read-only memory:
39865
39866 @smallexample
39867 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
39868 @end smallexample
39869
39870
39871 @item
39872 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
39873 bytes in length:
39874
39875 @smallexample
39876 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
39877 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
39878 </memory>
39879 @end smallexample
39880
39881 @end itemize
39882
39883 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
39884 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
39885 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
39886
39887 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
39888
39889 @smallexample
39890 <!-- ................................................... -->
39891 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
39892 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
39893 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
39894 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
39895 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
39896 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
39897 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
39898 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
39899 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
39900 and its type, or device. -->
39901 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
39902 start CDATA #REQUIRED
39903 length CDATA #REQUIRED
39904 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
39905 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
39906 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
39907 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
39908 @end smallexample
39909
39910 @node Thread List Format
39911 @section Thread List Format
39912 @cindex thread list format
39913
39914 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
39915 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
39916 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
39917 the following structure:
39918
39919 @smallexample
39920 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39921 <threads>
39922 <thread id="id" core="0" name="name">
39923 ... description ...
39924 </thread>
39925 </threads>
39926 @end smallexample
39927
39928 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
39929 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
39930 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
39931 the thread was last executing on. The @samp{name} attribute, if
39932 present, specifies the human-readable name of the thread. The content
39933 of the of @samp{thread} element is interpreted as human-readable
39934 auxiliary information.
39935
39936 @node Traceframe Info Format
39937 @section Traceframe Info Format
39938 @cindex traceframe info format
39939
39940 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
39941 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
39942 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
39943 collected in a traceframe.
39944
39945 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
39946 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
39947
39948 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39949 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
39950
39951 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
39952
39953 @smallexample
39954 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39955 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
39956 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
39957 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
39958 <traceframe-info>
39959 block...
39960 </traceframe-info>
39961 @end smallexample
39962
39963 Each traceframe block can be either:
39964
39965 @itemize
39966
39967 @item
39968 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
39969 @var{length} bytes from there:
39970
39971 @smallexample
39972 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
39973 @end smallexample
39974
39975 @item
39976 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
39977 collected:
39978
39979 @smallexample
39980 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
39981 @end smallexample
39982
39983 @end itemize
39984
39985 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
39986
39987 @smallexample
39988 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
39989 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
39990
39991 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
39992 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
39993 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
39994 <!ELEMENT tvar>
39995 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
39996 @end smallexample
39997
39998 @node Branch Trace Format
39999 @section Branch Trace Format
40000 @cindex branch trace format
40001
40002 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
40003 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
40004 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
40005 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
40006
40007 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
40008 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
40009
40010 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40011 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40012
40013 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40014
40015 @smallexample
40016 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40017 <!DOCTYPE btrace
40018 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
40019 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
40020 <btrace>
40021 block...
40022 </btrace>
40023 @end smallexample
40024
40025 @itemize
40026
40027 @item
40028 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
40029 and ending at @var{end}:
40030
40031 @smallexample
40032 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
40033 @end smallexample
40034
40035 @end itemize
40036
40037 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
40038
40039 @smallexample
40040 <!ELEMENT btrace (block* | pt) >
40041 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40042
40043 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
40044 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
40045 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
40046
40047 <!ELEMENT pt (pt-config?, raw?)>
40048
40049 <!ELEMENT pt-config (cpu?)>
40050
40051 <!ELEMENT cpu EMPTY>
40052 <!ATTLIST cpu vendor CDATA #REQUIRED
40053 family CDATA #REQUIRED
40054 model CDATA #REQUIRED
40055 stepping CDATA #REQUIRED>
40056
40057 <!ELEMENT raw (#PCDATA)>
40058 @end smallexample
40059
40060 @node Branch Trace Configuration Format
40061 @section Branch Trace Configuration Format
40062 @cindex branch trace configuration format
40063
40064 For each inferior thread, @value{GDBN} can obtain the branch trace
40065 configuration using the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
40066 (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}) packet.
40067
40068 The configuration describes the branch trace format and configuration
40069 settings for that format. The following information is described:
40070
40071 @table @code
40072 @item bts
40073 This thread uses the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) format.
40074 @table @code
40075 @item size
40076 The size of the @acronym{BTS} ring buffer in bytes.
40077 @end table
40078 @item pt
40079 This thread uses the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} (@acronym{Intel
40080 PT}) format.
40081 @table @code
40082 @item size
40083 The size of the @acronym{Intel PT} ring buffer in bytes.
40084 @end table
40085 @end table
40086
40087 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40088 branch trace configuration discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40089
40090 The formal DTD for the branch trace configuration format is given below:
40091
40092 @smallexample
40093 <!ELEMENT btrace-conf (bts?, pt?)>
40094 <!ATTLIST btrace-conf version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40095
40096 <!ELEMENT bts EMPTY>
40097 <!ATTLIST bts size CDATA #IMPLIED>
40098
40099 <!ELEMENT pt EMPTY>
40100 <!ATTLIST pt size CDATA #IMPLIED>
40101 @end smallexample
40102
40103 @include agentexpr.texi
40104
40105 @node Target Descriptions
40106 @appendix Target Descriptions
40107 @cindex target descriptions
40108
40109 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
40110 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
40111 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
40112 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
40113 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
40114 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
40115 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
40116
40117 @itemize @bullet
40118 @item
40119 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
40120 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
40121 @item
40122 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
40123 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
40124 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
40125 @item
40126 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
40127 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
40128 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
40129 @end itemize
40130
40131 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
40132 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
40133 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
40134 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
40135 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
40136
40137 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40138 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
40139
40140 @menu
40141 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
40142 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
40143 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
40144 descriptions.
40145 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
40146 @end menu
40147
40148 @node Retrieving Descriptions
40149 @section Retrieving Descriptions
40150
40151 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
40152 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
40153 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
40154 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
40155 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
40156 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
40157 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
40158 Format}.
40159
40160 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
40161 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
40162 specify a file are:
40163
40164 @table @code
40165 @cindex set tdesc filename
40166 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
40167 Read the target description from @var{path}.
40168
40169 @cindex unset tdesc filename
40170 @item unset tdesc filename
40171 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
40172 will use the description supplied by the current target.
40173
40174 @cindex show tdesc filename
40175 @item show tdesc filename
40176 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
40177 @end table
40178
40179
40180 @node Target Description Format
40181 @section Target Description Format
40182 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
40183
40184 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
40185 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
40186 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
40187 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
40188 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
40189 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
40190 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
40191
40192 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
40193 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
40194 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
40195 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
40196 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
40197
40198 Here is a simple target description:
40199
40200 @smallexample
40201 <target version="1.0">
40202 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
40203 </target>
40204 @end smallexample
40205
40206 @noindent
40207 This minimal description only says that the target uses
40208 the x86-64 architecture.
40209
40210 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
40211 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
40212 are explained further below.
40213
40214 @smallexample
40215 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40216 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
40217 <target version="1.0">
40218 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
40219 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
40220 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
40221 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
40222 </target>
40223 @end smallexample
40224
40225 @noindent
40226 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
40227 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
40228 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
40229 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
40230 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
40231 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
40232 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
40233 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
40234 the version mismatch.
40235
40236 @subsection Inclusion
40237 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
40238 @cindex XInclude
40239 @ifnotinfo
40240 @cindex <xi:include>
40241 @end ifnotinfo
40242
40243 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
40244 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
40245 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
40246 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
40247 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
40248
40249 @smallexample
40250 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
40251 @end smallexample
40252
40253 @noindent
40254 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
40255 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
40256 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
40257 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
40258 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
40259 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
40260 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
40261 original description.
40262
40263 @subsection Architecture
40264 @cindex <architecture>
40265
40266 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
40267
40268 @smallexample
40269 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
40270 @end smallexample
40271
40272 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
40273 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
40274
40275 @subsection OS ABI
40276 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
40277
40278 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
40279 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
40280
40281 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
40282
40283 @smallexample
40284 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
40285 @end smallexample
40286
40287 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
40288 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
40289
40290 @subsection Compatible Architecture
40291 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
40292
40293 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
40294 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
40295
40296 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
40297
40298 @smallexample
40299 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
40300 @end smallexample
40301
40302 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
40303 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
40304
40305 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
40306 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
40307 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
40308 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
40309 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
40310 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
40311 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
40312
40313 @smallexample
40314 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
40315 <compatible>spu</compatible>
40316 @end smallexample
40317
40318 @subsection Features
40319 @cindex <feature>
40320
40321 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
40322 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
40323 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
40324 has this form:
40325
40326 @smallexample
40327 <feature name="@var{name}">
40328 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
40329 @var{reg}@dots{}
40330 </feature>
40331 @end smallexample
40332
40333 @noindent
40334 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
40335 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
40336 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
40337 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
40338
40339 @subsection Types
40340
40341 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
40342 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
40343 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
40344 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
40345 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
40346
40347 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
40348 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
40349 Types must be defined before they are used.
40350
40351 @cindex <vector>
40352 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
40353 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
40354 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
40355 @var{count}:
40356
40357 @smallexample
40358 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
40359 @end smallexample
40360
40361 @cindex <union>
40362 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
40363 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
40364 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
40365 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
40366
40367 @smallexample
40368 <union id="@var{id}">
40369 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
40370 @dots{}
40371 </union>
40372 @end smallexample
40373
40374 @cindex <struct>
40375 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
40376 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
40377 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
40378 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
40379 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
40380 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
40381 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
40382 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
40383
40384 @smallexample
40385 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
40386 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
40387 @dots{}
40388 </struct>
40389 @end smallexample
40390
40391 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
40392 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
40393
40394 @smallexample
40395 <struct id="@var{id}">
40396 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
40397 @dots{}
40398 </struct>
40399 @end smallexample
40400
40401 @cindex <flags>
40402 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
40403 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
40404 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
40405 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
40406 are supported.
40407
40408 @smallexample
40409 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
40410 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
40411 @dots{}
40412 </flags>
40413 @end smallexample
40414
40415 @subsection Registers
40416 @cindex <reg>
40417
40418 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
40419
40420 @smallexample
40421 <reg name="@var{name}"
40422 bitsize="@var{size}"
40423 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
40424 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
40425 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
40426 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
40427 @end smallexample
40428
40429 @noindent
40430 The components are as follows:
40431
40432 @table @var
40433
40434 @item name
40435 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
40436
40437 @item bitsize
40438 The register's size, in bits.
40439
40440 @item regnum
40441 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
40442 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
40443 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
40444 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
40445 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
40446 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
40447 in order of increasing register number.
40448
40449 @item save-restore
40450 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
40451 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
40452 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
40453 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
40454 ABI.
40455
40456 @item type
40457 The type of the register. It may be a predefined type, a type
40458 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
40459 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
40460 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
40461 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
40462 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
40463
40464 @item group
40465 The register group to which this register belongs. It must
40466 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
40467 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
40468 in @code{info registers}.
40469
40470 @end table
40471
40472 @node Predefined Target Types
40473 @section Predefined Target Types
40474 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
40475
40476 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
40477 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
40478 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
40479 types. The currently supported types are:
40480
40481 @table @code
40482
40483 @item int8
40484 @itemx int16
40485 @itemx int32
40486 @itemx int64
40487 @itemx int128
40488 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
40489
40490 @item uint8
40491 @itemx uint16
40492 @itemx uint32
40493 @itemx uint64
40494 @itemx uint128
40495 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
40496
40497 @item code_ptr
40498 @itemx data_ptr
40499 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
40500 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
40501 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
40502 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
40503 may be marked as data pointers.
40504
40505 @item ieee_single
40506 Single precision IEEE floating point.
40507
40508 @item ieee_double
40509 Double precision IEEE floating point.
40510
40511 @item arm_fpa_ext
40512 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
40513
40514 @item i387_ext
40515 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
40516
40517 @item i386_eflags
40518 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
40519
40520 @item i386_mxcsr
40521 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
40522
40523 @end table
40524
40525 @node Standard Target Features
40526 @section Standard Target Features
40527 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
40528
40529 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
40530 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
40531 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
40532 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
40533 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
40534 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
40535 can recognize them.
40536
40537 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
40538 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
40539 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
40540 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
40541 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
40542 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
40543 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
40544 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
40545
40546 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
40547 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
40548 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
40549
40550 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
40551 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
40552 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
40553 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
40554
40555 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
40556 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
40557 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
40558
40559 @menu
40560 * AArch64 Features::
40561 * ARM Features::
40562 * i386 Features::
40563 * MicroBlaze Features::
40564 * MIPS Features::
40565 * M68K Features::
40566 * Nios II Features::
40567 * PowerPC Features::
40568 * S/390 and System z Features::
40569 * TIC6x Features::
40570 @end menu
40571
40572
40573 @node AArch64 Features
40574 @subsection AArch64 Features
40575 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
40576
40577 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
40578 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
40579 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
40580
40581 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
40582 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
40583 and @samp{fpcr}.
40584
40585 @node ARM Features
40586 @subsection ARM Features
40587 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
40588
40589 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
40590 ARM targets.
40591 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
40592 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
40593
40594 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
40595 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
40596 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
40597 and @samp{xpsr}.
40598
40599 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
40600 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
40601
40602 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
40603 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
40604 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
40605 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
40606
40607 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
40608 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
40609 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
40610 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
40611 halves of the double-precision registers.
40612
40613 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
40614 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
40615 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
40616 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
40617 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
40618 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
40619
40620 @node i386 Features
40621 @subsection i386 Features
40622 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
40623
40624 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
40625 targets. It should describe the following registers:
40626
40627 @itemize @minus
40628 @item
40629 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
40630 @item
40631 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
40632 @item
40633 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
40634 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
40635 @item
40636 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
40637 @item
40638 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
40639 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
40640 @end itemize
40641
40642 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
40643
40644 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
40645 describe registers:
40646
40647 @itemize @minus
40648 @item
40649 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
40650 @item
40651 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
40652 @item
40653 @samp{mxcsr}
40654 @end itemize
40655
40656 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
40657 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
40658 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
40659
40660 @itemize @minus
40661 @item
40662 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
40663 @item
40664 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
40665 @end itemize
40666
40667 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.mpx} is an optional feature representing Intel
40668 Memory Protection Extension (MPX). It should describe the following registers:
40669
40670 @itemize @minus
40671 @item
40672 @samp{bnd0raw} through @samp{bnd3raw} for i386 and amd64.
40673 @item
40674 @samp{bndcfgu} and @samp{bndstatus} for i386 and amd64.
40675 @end itemize
40676
40677 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
40678 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
40679
40680 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx512} feature is optional and requires the
40681 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature. It should
40682 describe additional @sc{xmm} registers:
40683
40684 @itemize @minus
40685 @item
40686 @samp{xmm16h} through @samp{xmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
40687 @end itemize
40688
40689 It should describe the upper 128 bits of additional @sc{ymm} registers:
40690
40691 @itemize @minus
40692 @item
40693 @samp{ymm16h} through @samp{ymm31h}, only valid for amd64.
40694 @end itemize
40695
40696 It should
40697 describe the upper 256 bits of @sc{zmm} registers:
40698
40699 @itemize @minus
40700 @item
40701 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm7h} for i386.
40702 @item
40703 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm15h} for amd64.
40704 @end itemize
40705
40706 It should
40707 describe the additional @sc{zmm} registers:
40708
40709 @itemize @minus
40710 @item
40711 @samp{zmm16h} through @samp{zmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
40712 @end itemize
40713
40714 @node MicroBlaze Features
40715 @subsection MicroBlaze Features
40716 @cindex target descriptions, MicroBlaze features
40717
40718 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.core} feature is required for MicroBlaze
40719 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
40720 @samp{rpc}, @samp{rmsr}, @samp{rear}, @samp{resr}, @samp{rfsr}, @samp{rbtr},
40721 @samp{rpvr}, @samp{rpvr1} through @samp{rpvr11}, @samp{redr}, @samp{rpid},
40722 @samp{rzpr}, @samp{rtlbx}, @samp{rtlbsx}, @samp{rtlblo}, and @samp{rtlbhi}.
40723
40724 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.stack-protect} feature is optional.
40725 If present, it should contain registers @samp{rshr} and @samp{rslr}
40726
40727 @node MIPS Features
40728 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
40729 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
40730
40731 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
40732 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
40733 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
40734 on the target.
40735
40736 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
40737 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
40738 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40739
40740 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
40741 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
40742 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
40743 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40744
40745 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
40746 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
40747 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
40748 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40749
40750 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
40751 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
40752 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
40753
40754 @node M68K Features
40755 @subsection M68K Features
40756 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
40757
40758 @table @code
40759 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
40760 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
40761 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
40762 One of those features must be always present.
40763 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
40764 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
40765 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
40766 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
40767
40768 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
40769 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
40770 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
40771 @samp{fpiaddr}.
40772 @end table
40773
40774 @node Nios II Features
40775 @subsection Nios II Features
40776 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
40777
40778 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
40779 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
40780 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
40781 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
40782 @samp{mpuacc}).
40783
40784 @node PowerPC Features
40785 @subsection PowerPC Features
40786 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
40787
40788 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
40789 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
40790 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
40791 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40792
40793 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
40794 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
40795
40796 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
40797 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
40798 and @samp{vrsave}.
40799
40800 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
40801 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
40802 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
40803 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
40804 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
40805 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
40806
40807 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
40808 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
40809 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
40810 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
40811 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
40812 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
40813 user.
40814
40815 @node S/390 and System z Features
40816 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
40817 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
40818 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
40819
40820 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
40821 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
40822 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
40823 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
40824 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
40825 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
40826 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
40827 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
40828 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
40829
40830 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
40831 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
40832 @samp{fpc}.
40833
40834 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
40835 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
40836
40837 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
40838 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
40839 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
40840 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
40841 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
40842 32-bit wide.
40843
40844 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
40845 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
40846 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
40847
40848 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.vx} feature is optional. It should contain
40849 64-bit wide registers @samp{v0l} through @samp{v15l}, which will be
40850 combined by @value{GDBN} with the floating point registers @samp{f0}
40851 through @samp{f15} to present the 128-bit wide vector registers
40852 @samp{v0} through @samp{v15}. In addition, this feature should
40853 contain the 128-bit wide vector registers @samp{v16} through
40854 @samp{v31}.
40855
40856 @node TIC6x Features
40857 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
40858 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
40859 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
40860 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
40861 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
40862 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
40863
40864 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
40865 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
40866 through @samp{B31}.
40867
40868 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
40869 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
40870
40871 @node Operating System Information
40872 @appendix Operating System Information
40873 @cindex operating system information
40874
40875 @menu
40876 * Process list::
40877 @end menu
40878
40879 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
40880 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
40881 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
40882 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
40883 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
40884 on a different aspect of target.
40885
40886 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
40887 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
40888 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
40889 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
40890
40891 @node Process list
40892 @appendixsection Process list
40893 @cindex operating system information, process list
40894
40895 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
40896 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
40897 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
40898 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
40899
40900 An example document is:
40901
40902 @smallexample
40903 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40904 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
40905 <osdata type="processes">
40906 <item>
40907 <column name="pid">1</column>
40908 <column name="user">root</column>
40909 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
40910 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
40911 </item>
40912 </osdata>
40913 @end smallexample
40914
40915 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
40916 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
40917 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
40918 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
40919 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
40920 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
40921 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
40922
40923 @node Trace File Format
40924 @appendix Trace File Format
40925 @cindex trace file format
40926
40927 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
40928 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
40929
40930 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
40931 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
40932 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
40933 in the future.
40934
40935 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
40936 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
40937 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
40938 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
40939 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
40940 of this section.
40941
40942 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
40943
40944 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
40945 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
40946 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
40947 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
40948 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
40949 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
40950 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
40951 endianness.
40952
40953 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
40954
40955 @table @code
40956 @item R @var{bytes}
40957 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
40958 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
40959 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
40960 hexadecimal encoding.
40961
40962 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
40963 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
40964 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
40965 @var{length} bytes.
40966
40967 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
40968 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
40969 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
40970
40971 @end table
40972
40973 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
40974 of blocks.
40975
40976 @node Index Section Format
40977 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
40978 @cindex .gdb_index section format
40979 @cindex index section format
40980
40981 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
40982 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
40983 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
40984 description.
40985
40986 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
40987 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
40988 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
40989 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
40990 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
40991 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
40992
40993 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
40994
40995 @enumerate
40996 @item
40997 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
40998 unless otherwise noted:
40999
41000 @enumerate
41001 @item
41002 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
41003 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
41004 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
41005 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
41006 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
41007 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
41008 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
41009
41010 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
41011 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
41012 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
41013 currently not flagged as deprecated.
41014
41015 @item
41016 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
41017
41018 @item
41019 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
41020 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
41021 to the next offset.
41022
41023 @item
41024 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
41025
41026 @item
41027 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
41028
41029 @item
41030 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
41031 @end enumerate
41032
41033 @item
41034 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
41035 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
41036 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
41037 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
41038 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
41039 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
41040 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
41041 CU indices.
41042
41043 @item
41044 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
41045 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
41046 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
41047 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
41048
41049 @item
41050 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
41051 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
41052
41053 @enumerate
41054 @item
41055 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
41056
41057 @item
41058 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
41059 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
41060
41061 @item
41062 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
41063 @end enumerate
41064
41065 @item
41066 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
41067 the hash table is always a power of 2.
41068
41069 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
41070 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
41071 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
41072 constant pool.
41073
41074 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
41075 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
41076 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
41077
41078 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
41079 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
41080 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
41081 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
41082 index version:
41083
41084 @table @asis
41085 @item Version 4
41086 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
41087
41088 @item Versions 5 to 7
41089 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
41090 @end table
41091
41092 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
41093
41094 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
41095 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
41096 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
41097 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
41098 collision.
41099
41100 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
41101 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
41102 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
41103 the code.
41104
41105 @item
41106 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
41107 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
41108 strings.
41109
41110 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
41111 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
41112 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
41113 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
41114 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
41115 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
41116
41117 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
41118 @end enumerate
41119
41120 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
41121 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
41122 CU index+attributes value for each use.
41123
41124 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
41125 (bit 0 = LSB):
41126
41127 @table @asis
41128
41129 @item Bits 0-23
41130 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
41131 @item Bits 24-27
41132 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
41133 @item Bits 28-30
41134 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
41135
41136 @table @asis
41137 @item 0
41138 This value is reserved and should not be used.
41139 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
41140 with previous versions of the index.
41141 @item 1
41142 The symbol is a type.
41143 @item 2
41144 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
41145 @item 3
41146 The symbol is a function.
41147 @item 4
41148 Any other kind of symbol.
41149 @item 5,6,7
41150 These values are reserved.
41151 @end table
41152
41153 @item Bit 31
41154 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
41155
41156 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
41157 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
41158 @value{GDBN} sources.
41159
41160 @end table
41161
41162 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
41163 global/static attributes in the index.
41164
41165 @smallexample
41166 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
41167 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
41168 switch (die->tag)
41169 @{
41170 case DW_TAG_typedef:
41171 case DW_TAG_base_type:
41172 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
41173 kind = TYPE;
41174 is_static = 1;
41175 break;
41176 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
41177 kind = VARIABLE;
41178 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
41179 break;
41180 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
41181 kind = FUNCTION;
41182 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
41183 break;
41184 case DW_TAG_constant:
41185 kind = VARIABLE;
41186 is_static = ! is_external;
41187 break;
41188 case DW_TAG_variable:
41189 kind = VARIABLE;
41190 is_static = ! is_external;
41191 break;
41192 case DW_TAG_namespace:
41193 kind = TYPE;
41194 is_static = 0;
41195 break;
41196 case DW_TAG_class_type:
41197 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
41198 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
41199 case DW_TAG_union_type:
41200 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
41201 kind = TYPE;
41202 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
41203 break;
41204 default:
41205 assert (0);
41206 @}
41207 @end smallexample
41208
41209 @node Man Pages
41210 @appendix Manual pages
41211 @cindex Man pages
41212
41213 @menu
41214 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
41215 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
41216 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
41217 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
41218 @end menu
41219
41220 @node gdb man
41221 @heading gdb man
41222
41223 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
41224
41225 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
41226 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
41227 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
41228 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
41229 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
41230 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
41231 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
41232 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
41233 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
41234 @c man end
41235
41236 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
41237 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
41238 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
41239 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
41240
41241 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
41242 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
41243
41244 @itemize @bullet
41245 @item
41246 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
41247
41248 @item
41249 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
41250
41251 @item
41252 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
41253
41254 @item
41255 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
41256 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
41257 @end itemize
41258
41259 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
41260 Modula-2.
41261
41262 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
41263 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
41264 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
41265 by using the command @code{help}.
41266
41267 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
41268 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
41269 executable program as the argument:
41270
41271 @smallexample
41272 gdb program
41273 @end smallexample
41274
41275 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
41276
41277 @smallexample
41278 gdb program core
41279 @end smallexample
41280
41281 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
41282 to debug a running process:
41283
41284 @smallexample
41285 gdb program 1234
41286 gdb -p 1234
41287 @end smallexample
41288
41289 @noindent
41290 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
41291 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
41292 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
41293
41294 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
41295
41296 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
41297 @table @env
41298 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{functiop}
41299 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
41300
41301 @item run [@var{arglist}]
41302 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
41303
41304 @item bt
41305 Backtrace: display the program stack.
41306
41307 @item print @var{expr}
41308 Display the value of an expression.
41309
41310 @item c
41311 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
41312
41313 @item next
41314 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
41315 function calls in the line.
41316
41317 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
41318 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
41319
41320 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
41321 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
41322
41323 @item step
41324 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
41325 function calls in the line.
41326
41327 @item help [@var{name}]
41328 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
41329 about using @value{GDBN}.
41330
41331 @item quit
41332 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
41333 @end table
41334
41335 @ifset man
41336 For full details on @value{GDBN},
41337 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
41338 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
41339 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
41340 @end ifset
41341 @c man end
41342
41343 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
41344 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
41345 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
41346 encountered with no
41347 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
41348 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
41349 Many options have
41350 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
41351 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
41352 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
41353 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
41354 more usual convention.)
41355
41356 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
41357 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
41358 option is used.
41359
41360 @table @env
41361 @item -help
41362 @itemx -h
41363 List all options, with brief explanations.
41364
41365 @item -symbols=@var{file}
41366 @itemx -s @var{file}
41367 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
41368
41369 @item -write
41370 Enable writing into executable and core files.
41371
41372 @item -exec=@var{file}
41373 @itemx -e @var{file}
41374 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
41375 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
41376 dump.
41377
41378 @item -se=@var{file}
41379 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
41380 file.
41381
41382 @item -core=@var{file}
41383 @itemx -c @var{file}
41384 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
41385
41386 @item -command=@var{file}
41387 @itemx -x @var{file}
41388 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
41389
41390 @item -ex @var{command}
41391 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
41392
41393 @item -directory=@var{directory}
41394 @itemx -d @var{directory}
41395 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
41396
41397 @item -nh
41398 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
41399
41400 @item -nx
41401 @itemx -n
41402 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
41403
41404 @item -quiet
41405 @itemx -q
41406 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
41407 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
41408
41409 @item -batch
41410 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
41411 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
41412 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
41413 commands in the command files.
41414
41415 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
41416 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
41417 more useful, the message
41418
41419 @smallexample
41420 Program exited normally.
41421 @end smallexample
41422
41423 @noindent
41424 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
41425 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
41426
41427 @item -cd=@var{directory}
41428 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
41429 instead of the current directory.
41430
41431 @item -fullname
41432 @itemx -f
41433 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
41434 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
41435 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
41436 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
41437 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
41438 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
41439 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
41440 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
41441
41442 @item -b @var{bps}
41443 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
41444 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
41445
41446 @item -tty=@var{device}
41447 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
41448 @end table
41449 @c man end
41450
41451 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
41452 @ifset man
41453 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
41454 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
41455 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
41456
41457 @smallexample
41458 info gdb
41459 @end smallexample
41460
41461 @noindent
41462 should give you access to the complete manual.
41463
41464 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
41465 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
41466 @end ifset
41467 @c man end
41468
41469 @node gdbserver man
41470 @heading gdbserver man
41471
41472 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
41473 @format
41474 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
41475 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
41476
41477 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
41478
41479 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
41480 @c man end
41481 @end format
41482
41483 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
41484 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
41485 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
41486
41487 @ifclear man
41488 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
41489 @end ifclear
41490 @ifset man
41491 Usage (server (target) side):
41492 @end ifset
41493
41494 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
41495 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
41496 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
41497 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
41498
41499 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
41500 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
41501 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
41502
41503 @smallexample
41504 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
41505 @end smallexample
41506
41507 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
41508
41509 @smallexample
41510 @ifset man
41511 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
41512 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
41513 @end ifset
41514 @ifclear man
41515 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
41516 @end ifclear
41517 @end smallexample
41518
41519 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
41520 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
41521 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
41522
41523 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
41524
41525 @smallexample
41526 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
41527 @end smallexample
41528
41529 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
41530 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
41531 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
41532 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
41533 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
41534 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
41535 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
41536 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
41537 print an error message and exit.
41538
41539 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
41540 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
41541
41542 @smallexample
41543 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
41544 @end smallexample
41545
41546 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
41547 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
41548
41549 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
41550 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
41551 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
41552 the program you want to debug.
41553
41554 @smallexample
41555 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
41556 @end smallexample
41557
41558 @ifclear man
41559 @subheading Usage (host side)
41560 @end ifclear
41561 @ifset man
41562 Usage (host side):
41563 @end ifset
41564
41565 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
41566 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
41567 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
41568 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
41569 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
41570 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
41571 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
41572 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
41573 descriptor. For example:
41574
41575 @smallexample
41576 @ifset man
41577 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
41578 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
41579 @end ifset
41580 @ifclear man
41581 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
41582 @end ifclear
41583 @end smallexample
41584
41585 @noindent
41586 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
41587
41588 @smallexample
41589 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
41590 @end smallexample
41591
41592 @noindent
41593 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
41594 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
41595 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
41596 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
41597 `Connection refused'.
41598
41599 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
41600 described in
41601 @ifset man
41602 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
41603 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
41604 @end ifset
41605 @ifclear man
41606 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
41607 @end ifclear
41608 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
41609
41610 @smallexample
41611 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
41612 @end smallexample
41613
41614 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
41615 case.
41616 @c man end
41617
41618 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
41619 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
41620
41621 @itemize @bullet
41622
41623 @item
41624 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
41625
41626 @smallexample
41627 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
41628 @end smallexample
41629
41630 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
41631 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
41632 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
41633 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
41634 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
41635 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
41636 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
41637
41638 @item
41639 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
41640 program:
41641
41642 @smallexample
41643 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
41644 @end smallexample
41645
41646 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
41647 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
41648 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
41649 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
41650
41651 @item
41652 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
41653
41654 @smallexample
41655 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
41656 @end smallexample
41657
41658 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
41659 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
41660 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
41661 debug several processes in the same session.
41662 @end itemize
41663
41664 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
41665
41666 @table @env
41667
41668 @item --help
41669 List all options, with brief explanations.
41670
41671 @item --version
41672 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
41673
41674 @item --attach
41675 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
41676
41677 @smallexample
41678 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
41679 @end smallexample
41680
41681 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
41682 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
41683
41684 @item --multi
41685 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
41686 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
41687 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
41688 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
41689
41690 @smallexample
41691 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
41692 @end smallexample
41693
41694 @item --debug
41695 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
41696 process.
41697 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
41698 the developers.
41699
41700 @item --remote-debug
41701 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
41702 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
41703 the developers.
41704
41705 @item --debug-format=option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
41706 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to include extra information in each line
41707 of debugging output.
41708 @xref{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}.
41709
41710 @item --wrapper
41711 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
41712 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
41713 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
41714 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
41715
41716 @item --once
41717 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
41718 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
41719 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
41720 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
41721
41722 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
41723
41724 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
41725 @c QDisableRandomization.
41726
41727 @end table
41728 @c man end
41729
41730 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
41731 @ifset man
41732 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
41733 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
41734 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
41735
41736 @smallexample
41737 info gdb
41738 @end smallexample
41739
41740 should give you access to the complete manual.
41741
41742 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
41743 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
41744 @end ifset
41745 @c man end
41746
41747 @node gcore man
41748 @heading gcore
41749
41750 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
41751
41752 @format
41753 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
41754 gcore [-o @var{filename}] @var{pid}
41755 @c man end
41756 @end format
41757
41758 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
41759 Generate a core dump of a running program with process ID @var{pid}.
41760 Produced file is equivalent to a kernel produced core file as if the process
41761 crashed (and if @kbd{ulimit -c} were used to set up an appropriate core dump
41762 limit). Unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} the program remains
41763 running without any change.
41764 @c man end
41765
41766 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
41767 @table @env
41768 @item -o @var{filename}
41769 The optional argument
41770 @var{filename} specifies the file name where to put the core dump.
41771 If not specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}},
41772 where @var{pid} is the running program process ID.
41773 @end table
41774 @c man end
41775
41776 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
41777 @ifset man
41778 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
41779 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
41780 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
41781
41782 @smallexample
41783 info gdb
41784 @end smallexample
41785
41786 @noindent
41787 should give you access to the complete manual.
41788
41789 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
41790 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
41791 @end ifset
41792 @c man end
41793
41794 @node gdbinit man
41795 @heading gdbinit
41796
41797 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
41798
41799 @format
41800 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
41801 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
41802 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
41803 @end ifset
41804
41805 ~/.gdbinit
41806
41807 ./.gdbinit
41808 @c man end
41809 @end format
41810
41811 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
41812 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
41813 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
41814 described in
41815 @ifset man
41816 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
41817 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
41818 @end ifset
41819 @ifclear man
41820 @ref{Sequences}.
41821 @end ifclear
41822
41823 Please read more in
41824 @ifset man
41825 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
41826 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
41827 @end ifset
41828 @ifclear man
41829 @ref{Startup}.
41830 @end ifclear
41831
41832 @table @env
41833 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
41834 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
41835 @end ifset
41836 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
41837 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
41838 @end ifclear
41839 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
41840 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
41841 See more in
41842 @ifset man
41843 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
41844 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
41845 @end ifset
41846 @ifclear man
41847 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
41848 @end ifclear
41849
41850 @item ~/.gdbinit
41851 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
41852 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
41853
41854 @item ./.gdbinit
41855 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
41856 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
41857 See more in
41858 @ifset man
41859 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
41860 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
41861 @end ifset
41862 @ifclear man
41863 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
41864 @end ifclear
41865 @end table
41866 @c man end
41867
41868 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
41869 @ifset man
41870 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
41871
41872 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
41873 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
41874 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
41875
41876 @smallexample
41877 info gdb
41878 @end smallexample
41879
41880 should give you access to the complete manual.
41881
41882 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
41883 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
41884 @end ifset
41885 @c man end
41886
41887 @include gpl.texi
41888
41889 @node GNU Free Documentation License
41890 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
41891 @include fdl.texi
41892
41893 @node Concept Index
41894 @unnumbered Concept Index
41895
41896 @printindex cp
41897
41898 @node Command and Variable Index
41899 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
41900
41901 @printindex fn
41902
41903 @tex
41904 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
41905 % meantime:
41906 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
41907 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
41908 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
41909 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
41910 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
41911 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
41912 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
41913 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
41914 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
41915 \page\colophon
41916 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
41917 @end tex
41918
41919 @bye
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