Fix "make info" in gdb
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-2018 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{} 1988-2018 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) 1988-2018 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
164
165 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
166
167 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
168 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
169 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
170 @end ifset
171 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
172 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
173 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
174 @end ifclear
175 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
176 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
177 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
178 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
179 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
180 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
181 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
182 @value{GDBN}
183 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
184 the operating system
185 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
186 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
187 * Man Pages:: Manual pages
188 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
189 how you can copy and share GDB
190 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
191 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
192 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
193 functions, and Python data types
194 @end menu
195
196 @end ifnottex
197
198 @contents
199
200 @node Summary
201 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
202
203 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
204 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
205 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
206
207 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
208 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
209
210 @itemize @bullet
211 @item
212 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
213
214 @item
215 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
216
217 @item
218 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
219
220 @item
221 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
222 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
223 @end itemize
224
225 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
226 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
227 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
228
229 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
230 @ref{D,,D}.
231
232 @cindex Modula-2
233 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
234 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
235
236 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
237 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
238
239 @cindex Pascal
240 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
241 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
242 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
243 syntax.
244
245 @cindex Fortran
246 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
247 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
248 underscore.
249
250 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
251 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
252
253 @menu
254 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
255 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
256 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
257 @end menu
258
259 @node Free Software
260 @unnumberedsec Free Software
261
262 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
263 General Public License
264 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
265 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
266 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
267 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
268 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
269 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
270
271 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
272 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
273 from anyone else.
274
275 @node Free Documentation
276 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
277
278 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
279 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
280 include with the free software. Many of our most important
281 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
282 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
283 when an important free software package does not come with a free
284 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
285 gaps today.
286
287 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
288 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
289 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
290 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
291 them from the free software world.
292
293 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
294 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
295 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
296 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
297 contract to make it non-free.
298
299 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
300 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
301 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
302 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
303 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
304 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
305 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
306
307 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
308 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
309 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
310 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
311
312 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
313 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
314 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
315 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
316 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
317 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
318 community.
319
320 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
321 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
322 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
323 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
324 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
325 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
326 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
327 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
328 of the manual.
329
330 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
331 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
332 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
333 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
334 manual to replace it.
335
336 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
337 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
338 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
339 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
340 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
341 the free software community.
342
343 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
344 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
345 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
346 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
347 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
348 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
349 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
350 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
351 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
352
353 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
354 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
355 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
356 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
357 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
358 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
359 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
360 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
361
362 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
363 published by other publishers, at
364 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
365
366 @node Contributors
367 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
368
369 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
370 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
371 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
372 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
373 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
374 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
375 blow-by-blow account.
376
377 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
378
379 @quotation
380 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
381 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
382 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
383 @end quotation
384
385 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
386 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
387 releases:
388 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
389 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
390 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
391 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
392 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
393 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
394 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
395 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
396 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
397
398 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
399 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
400
401 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
402 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
403 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
404 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
405 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
406
407 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
408 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
409 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
410
411 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
412 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
413
414 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
415
416 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
417 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
418 support.
419 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
420 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
421 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
422 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
423 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
424 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
425 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
426 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
427 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
428 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
429 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
430 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
431 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
432 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
433 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
434 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
435
436 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
437
438 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
439 libraries.
440
441 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
442 about several machine instruction sets.
443
444 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
445 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
446 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
447 and RDI targets, respectively.
448
449 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
450 command-line editing and command history.
451
452 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
453 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
454
455 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
456 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
457 symbols.
458
459 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
460 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
461
462 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
463
464 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
465 processors.
466
467 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
468
469 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
470
471 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
472
473 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
474 watchpoints.
475
476 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
477
478 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
479
480 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
481 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
482
483 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
484 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
485 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
486 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
487 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
488 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
489 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
490
491 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
492 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
493
494 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
495 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
496 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
497 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
498 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
499 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
500 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
501 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
502 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
503 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
504 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
505 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
506 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
507 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
508 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
509
510 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
511 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
512
513 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
514 Hat.
515
516 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
517 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
518 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
519 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
520 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
521 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
522
523 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
524 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
525 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
526 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
527 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
528 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
529 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
530 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
531 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
532 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
533 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
534 Weigand.
535
536 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
537 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
538 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
539 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
540
541 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
542 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
543
544 Initial support for the FreeBSD/mips target and native configuration
545 was developed by SRI International and the University of Cambridge
546 Computer Laboratory under DARPA/AFRL contract FA8750-10-C-0237
547 ("CTSRD"), as part of the DARPA CRASH research programme.
548
549 Initial support for the FreeBSD/riscv target and native configuration
550 was developed by SRI International and the University of Cambridge
551 Computer Laboratory (Department of Computer Science and Technology)
552 under DARPA contract HR0011-18-C-0016 ("ECATS"), as part of the DARPA
553 SSITH research programme.
554
555 The original port to the OpenRISC 1000 is believed to be due to
556 Alessandro Forin and Per Bothner. More recent ports have been the work
557 of Jeremy Bennett, Franck Jullien, Stefan Wallentowitz and
558 Stafford Horne.
559
560 @node Sample Session
561 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
562
563 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
564 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
565 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
566
567 @iftex
568 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
569 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
570 @end iftex
571
572 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
573 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
574
575 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
576 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
577 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
578 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
579 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
580 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
581 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
582 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
583 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
584
585 @smallexample
586 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
587 $ @b{./m4}
588 @b{define(foo,0000)}
589
590 @b{foo}
591 0000
592 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
593
594 @b{bar}
595 0000
596 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
597
598 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
599 @b{baz}
600 @b{Ctrl-d}
601 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
602 @end smallexample
603
604 @noindent
605 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
606
607 @smallexample
608 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
609 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
610 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
611 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
612 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
613 the conditions.
614 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
615 for details.
616
617 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
618 (@value{GDBP})
619 @end smallexample
620
621 @noindent
622 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
623 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
624 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
625 that examples fit in this manual.
626
627 @smallexample
628 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
629 @end smallexample
630
631 @noindent
632 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
633 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
634 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
635 @code{break} command.
636
637 @smallexample
638 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
639 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
640 @end smallexample
641
642 @noindent
643 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
644 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
645 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
646
647 @smallexample
648 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
649 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
650 @b{define(foo,0000)}
651
652 @b{foo}
653 0000
654 @end smallexample
655
656 @noindent
657 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
658 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
659 context where it stops.
660
661 @smallexample
662 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
663
664 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
665 at builtin.c:879
666 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
667 @end smallexample
668
669 @noindent
670 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
671 the next line of the current function.
672
673 @smallexample
674 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
675 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
676 : nil,
677 @end smallexample
678
679 @noindent
680 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
681 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
682 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
683 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
684
685 @smallexample
686 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
687 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
688 at input.c:530
689 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
690 @end smallexample
691
692 @noindent
693 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
694 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
695 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
696 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
697 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
698 stack frame for each active subroutine.
699
700 @smallexample
701 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
702 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
703 at input.c:530
704 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
705 at builtin.c:882
706 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
707 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
708 at macro.c:71
709 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
710 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
711 @end smallexample
712
713 @noindent
714 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
715 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
716 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
717
718 @smallexample
719 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
720 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
721 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
722 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
723 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
724 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
725 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
726 : xstrdup(rq);
727 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
728 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
729 @end smallexample
730
731 @noindent
732 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
733 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
734 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
735 (@code{print}) to see their values.
736
737 @smallexample
738 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
739 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
740 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
741 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
742 @end smallexample
743
744 @noindent
745 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
746 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
747 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
748
749 @smallexample
750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
751 533 xfree(rquote);
752 534
753 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
754 : xstrdup (lq);
755 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
756 : xstrdup (rq);
757 537
758 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
759 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
760 540 @}
761 541
762 542 void
763 @end smallexample
764
765 @noindent
766 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
767 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
768
769 @smallexample
770 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
771 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
772 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
773 540 @}
774 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
775 $3 = 9
776 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
777 $4 = 7
778 @end smallexample
779
780 @noindent
781 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
782 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
783 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
784 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
785 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
786 assignments.
787
788 @smallexample
789 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
790 $5 = 7
791 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
792 $6 = 9
793 @end smallexample
794
795 @noindent
796 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
797 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
798 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
799 example that caused trouble initially:
800
801 @smallexample
802 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
803 Continuing.
804
805 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
806
807 baz
808 0000
809 @end smallexample
810
811 @noindent
812 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
813 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
814 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
815
816 @smallexample
817 @b{Ctrl-d}
818 Program exited normally.
819 @end smallexample
820
821 @noindent
822 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
823 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
824 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
825
826 @smallexample
827 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
828 @end smallexample
829
830 @node Invocation
831 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
832
833 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
834 The essentials are:
835 @itemize @bullet
836 @item
837 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
838 @item
839 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
840 @end itemize
841
842 @menu
843 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
844 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
845 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
846 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
847 @end menu
848
849 @node Invoking GDB
850 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
851
852 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
853 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
854
855 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
856 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
857
858 The command-line options described here are designed
859 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
860 options may effectively be unavailable.
861
862 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
863 specifying an executable program:
864
865 @smallexample
866 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
867 @end smallexample
868
869 @noindent
870 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
871 specified:
872
873 @smallexample
874 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
875 @end smallexample
876
877 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
878 to debug a running process:
879
880 @smallexample
881 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
882 @end smallexample
883
884 @noindent
885 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
886 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
887
888 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
889 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
890 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
891 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
892 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
893
894 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
895 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
896 option processing.
897 @smallexample
898 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
899 @end smallexample
900 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
901 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
902
903 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
904 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{--silent}
905 (or @code{-q}/@code{--quiet}):
906
907 @smallexample
908 @value{GDBP} --silent
909 @end smallexample
910
911 @noindent
912 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
913 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
914
915 @noindent
916 Type
917
918 @smallexample
919 @value{GDBP} -help
920 @end smallexample
921
922 @noindent
923 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
924 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
925
926 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
927 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
928 @samp{-x} option is used.
929
930
931 @menu
932 * File Options:: Choosing files
933 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
934 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
935 @end menu
936
937 @node File Options
938 @subsection Choosing Files
939
940 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
941 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
942 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
943 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
944 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
945 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
946 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
947 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
948 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
949 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
950 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
951 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
952 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
953
954 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
955 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
956 argument and ignore it.
957
958 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
959 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
960 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
961 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
962 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
963
964 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
965 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
966 @c it.
967
968 @table @code
969 @item -symbols @var{file}
970 @itemx -s @var{file}
971 @cindex @code{--symbols}
972 @cindex @code{-s}
973 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
974
975 @item -exec @var{file}
976 @itemx -e @var{file}
977 @cindex @code{--exec}
978 @cindex @code{-e}
979 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
980 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
981
982 @item -se @var{file}
983 @cindex @code{--se}
984 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
985 file.
986
987 @item -core @var{file}
988 @itemx -c @var{file}
989 @cindex @code{--core}
990 @cindex @code{-c}
991 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
992
993 @item -pid @var{number}
994 @itemx -p @var{number}
995 @cindex @code{--pid}
996 @cindex @code{-p}
997 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
998
999 @item -command @var{file}
1000 @itemx -x @var{file}
1001 @cindex @code{--command}
1002 @cindex @code{-x}
1003 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
1004 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
1005 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
1006
1007 @item -eval-command @var{command}
1008 @itemx -ex @var{command}
1009 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
1010 @cindex @code{-ex}
1011 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
1012
1013 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
1014 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
1015
1016 @smallexample
1017 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1018 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1019 @end smallexample
1020
1021 @item -init-command @var{file}
1022 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1023 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1024 @cindex @code{-ix}
1025 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1026 after loading gdbinit files).
1027 @xref{Startup}.
1028
1029 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1030 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1031 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1032 @cindex @code{-iex}
1033 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1034 after loading gdbinit files).
1035 @xref{Startup}.
1036
1037 @item -directory @var{directory}
1038 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1039 @cindex @code{--directory}
1040 @cindex @code{-d}
1041 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1042
1043 @item -r
1044 @itemx -readnow
1045 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1046 @cindex @code{-r}
1047 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1048 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1049 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1050
1051 @item --readnever
1052 @anchor{--readnever}
1053 @cindex @code{--readnever}, command-line option
1054 Do not read each symbol file's symbolic debug information. This makes
1055 startup faster but at the expense of not being able to perform
1056 symbolic debugging. DWARF unwind information is also not read,
1057 meaning backtraces may become incomplete or inaccurate. One use of
1058 this is when a user simply wants to do the following sequence: attach,
1059 dump core, detach. Loading the debugging information in this case is
1060 an unnecessary cause of delay.
1061 @end table
1062
1063 @node Mode Options
1064 @subsection Choosing Modes
1065
1066 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1067 batch mode or quiet mode.
1068
1069 @table @code
1070 @anchor{-nx}
1071 @item -nx
1072 @itemx -n
1073 @cindex @code{--nx}
1074 @cindex @code{-n}
1075 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1076 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1077
1078 @table @code
1079 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1080 This is the system-wide init file.
1081 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1082 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1083 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1084 have been processed.
1085 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1086 This is the init file in your home directory.
1087 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1088 command options have been processed.
1089 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1090 This is the init file in the current directory.
1091 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1092 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1093 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1094 @end table
1095
1096 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1097 For documentation on how to write command files,
1098 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1099
1100 @anchor{-nh}
1101 @item -nh
1102 @cindex @code{--nh}
1103 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1104 in your home directory.
1105 @xref{Startup}.
1106
1107 @item -quiet
1108 @itemx -silent
1109 @itemx -q
1110 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1111 @cindex @code{--silent}
1112 @cindex @code{-q}
1113 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1114 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1115
1116 @item -batch
1117 @cindex @code{--batch}
1118 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1119 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1120 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1121 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1122 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1123 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1124 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1125
1126 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1127 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1128 make this more useful, the message
1129
1130 @smallexample
1131 Program exited normally.
1132 @end smallexample
1133
1134 @noindent
1135 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1136 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1137 mode.
1138
1139 @item -batch-silent
1140 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1141 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1142 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1143 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1144 for an interactive session.
1145
1146 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1147 messages, for example.
1148
1149 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1150 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1151
1152 @item -return-child-result
1153 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1154 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1155 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1156
1157 @itemize @bullet
1158 @item
1159 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1160 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1161 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1162 @item
1163 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1164 @item
1165 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1166 the exit code will be -1.
1167 @end itemize
1168
1169 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1170 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1171 interface.
1172
1173 @item -nowindows
1174 @itemx -nw
1175 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1176 @cindex @code{-nw}
1177 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1178 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1179 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1180
1181 @item -windows
1182 @itemx -w
1183 @cindex @code{--windows}
1184 @cindex @code{-w}
1185 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1186 used if possible.
1187
1188 @item -cd @var{directory}
1189 @cindex @code{--cd}
1190 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1191 instead of the current directory.
1192
1193 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1194 @itemx -D @var{directory}
1195 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1196 @cindex @code{-D}
1197 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1198 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1199 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1200
1201 @item -fullname
1202 @itemx -f
1203 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1204 @cindex @code{-f}
1205 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1206 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1207 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1208 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1209 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1210 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1211 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1212 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1213 frame.
1214
1215 @item -annotate @var{level}
1216 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1217 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1218 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1219 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1220 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1221 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1222 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1223 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1224 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1225
1226 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1227 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1228
1229 @item --args
1230 @cindex @code{--args}
1231 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1232 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1233 This option stops option processing.
1234
1235 @item -baud @var{bps}
1236 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1237 @cindex @code{--baud}
1238 @cindex @code{-b}
1239 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1240 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1241
1242 @item -l @var{timeout}
1243 @cindex @code{-l}
1244 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1245 for remote debugging.
1246
1247 @item -tty @var{device}
1248 @itemx -t @var{device}
1249 @cindex @code{--tty}
1250 @cindex @code{-t}
1251 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1252 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1253
1254 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1255 @item -tui
1256 @cindex @code{--tui}
1257 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1258 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1259 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1260 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1261 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1262 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1263
1264 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1265 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1266 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1267 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1268 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1269 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1270
1271 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1272 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1273 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1274 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1275 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1276 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1277
1278 @item -write
1279 @cindex @code{--write}
1280 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1281 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1282 (@pxref{Patching}).
1283
1284 @item -statistics
1285 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1286 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1287 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1288
1289 @item -version
1290 @cindex @code{--version}
1291 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1292 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1293
1294 @item -configuration
1295 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1296 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1297 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1298 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1299
1300 @end table
1301
1302 @node Startup
1303 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1304 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1305
1306 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1307
1308 @enumerate
1309 @item
1310 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1311 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1312
1313 @item
1314 @cindex init file
1315 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1316 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1317 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1318 that file.
1319
1320 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1321 @item
1322 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1323 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1324 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1325 that file.
1326
1327 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1328 @item
1329 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1330 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1331 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1332 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1333 gets loaded.
1334
1335 @item
1336 Processes command line options and operands.
1337
1338 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1339 @item
1340 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1341 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1342 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1343 This is only done if the current directory is
1344 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1345 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1346 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1347 @value{GDBN}.
1348
1349 @item
1350 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1351 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1352 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1353 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1354
1355 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1356 you must do something like the following:
1357
1358 @smallexample
1359 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1360 @end smallexample
1361
1362 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1363 off too late.
1364
1365 @item
1366 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1367 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1368 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1369
1370 @item
1371 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1372 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1373 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1374 @end enumerate
1375
1376 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1377 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1378 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1379 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1380 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1381 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1382
1383 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1384 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1385
1386 @cindex init file name
1387 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1388 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1389 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1390 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1391 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1392 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1393 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1394 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1395
1396
1397 @node Quitting GDB
1398 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1399 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1400 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1401
1402 @table @code
1403 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1404 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1405 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1406 @itemx q
1407 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1408 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1409 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1410 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1411 error code.
1412 @end table
1413
1414 @cindex interrupt
1415 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1416 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1417 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1418 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1419 until a time when it is safe.
1420
1421 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1422 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1423 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1424
1425 @node Shell Commands
1426 @section Shell Commands
1427
1428 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1429 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1430 just use the @code{shell} command.
1431
1432 @table @code
1433 @kindex shell
1434 @kindex !
1435 @cindex shell escape
1436 @item shell @var{command-string}
1437 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1438 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1439 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1440 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1441 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1442 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1443 @end table
1444
1445 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1446 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1447 @value{GDBN}:
1448
1449 @table @code
1450 @kindex make
1451 @cindex calling make
1452 @item make @var{make-args}
1453 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1454 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1455 @end table
1456
1457 @node Logging Output
1458 @section Logging Output
1459 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1460 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1461
1462 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1463 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1464
1465 @table @code
1466 @kindex set logging
1467 @item set logging on
1468 Enable logging.
1469 @item set logging off
1470 Disable logging.
1471 @cindex logging file name
1472 @item set logging file @var{file}
1473 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1474 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1475 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1476 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1477 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1478 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1479 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1480 @kindex show logging
1481 @item show logging
1482 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1483 @end table
1484
1485 @node Commands
1486 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1487
1488 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1489 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1490 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1491 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1492 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1493
1494 @menu
1495 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1496 * Completion:: Command completion
1497 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1498 @end menu
1499
1500 @node Command Syntax
1501 @section Command Syntax
1502
1503 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1504 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1505 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1506 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1507 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1508 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1509
1510 @cindex abbreviation
1511 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1512 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1513 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1514 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1515 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1516 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1517 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1518
1519 @cindex repeating commands
1520 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1521 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1522 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1523 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1524 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1525 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1526 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1527
1528 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1529 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1530 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1531
1532 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1533 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1534 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1535 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1536 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1537
1538 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1539 @cindex comment
1540 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1541 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1542 Files,,Command Files}).
1543
1544 @cindex repeating command sequences
1545 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1546 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1547 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1548 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1549 for editing.
1550
1551 @node Completion
1552 @section Command Completion
1553
1554 @cindex completion
1555 @cindex word completion
1556 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1557 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1558 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1559 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1560
1561 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1562 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1563 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1564 enter it). For example, if you type
1565
1566 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1567 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1568 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1569 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1570 @smallexample
1571 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1572 @end smallexample
1573
1574 @noindent
1575 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1576 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1577
1578 @smallexample
1579 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1580 @end smallexample
1581
1582 @noindent
1583 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1584 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1585 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1586 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1587 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1588 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1589
1590 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1591 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1592 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1593 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1594 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1595 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1596 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1597 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1598 example:
1599
1600 @smallexample
1601 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1602 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1603 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1604 make_abs_section make_function_type
1605 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1606 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1607 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1608 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1609 @end smallexample
1610
1611 @noindent
1612 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1613 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1614 command.
1615
1616 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1617 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1618 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1619 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1620 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1621
1622 If the number of possible completions is large, @value{GDBN} will
1623 print as much of the list as it has collected, as well as a message
1624 indicating that the list may be truncated.
1625
1626 @smallexample
1627 (@value{GDBP}) b m@key{TAB}@key{TAB}
1628 main
1629 <... the rest of the possible completions ...>
1630 *** List may be truncated, max-completions reached. ***
1631 (@value{GDBP}) b m
1632 @end smallexample
1633
1634 @noindent
1635 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands:
1636
1637 @table @code
1638 @kindex set max-completions
1639 @item set max-completions @var{limit}
1640 @itemx set max-completions unlimited
1641 Set the maximum number of completion candidates. @value{GDBN} will
1642 stop looking for more completions once it collects this many candidates.
1643 This is useful when completing on things like function names as collecting
1644 all the possible candidates can be time consuming.
1645 The default value is 200. A value of zero disables tab-completion.
1646 Note that setting either no limit or a very large limit can make
1647 completion slow.
1648 @kindex show max-completions
1649 @item show max-completions
1650 Show the maximum number of candidates that @value{GDBN} will collect and show
1651 during completion.
1652 @end table
1653
1654 @cindex quotes in commands
1655 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1656 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1657 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1658 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1659 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1660 @value{GDBN} commands.
1661
1662 A likely situation where you might need this is in typing an
1663 expression that involves a C@t{++} symbol name with template
1664 parameters. This is because when completing expressions, GDB treats
1665 the @samp{<} character as word delimiter, assuming that it's the
1666 less-than comparison operator (@pxref{C Operators, , C and C@t{++}
1667 Operators}).
1668
1669 For example, when you want to call a C@t{++} template function
1670 interactively using the @code{print} or @code{call} commands, you may
1671 need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name} that
1672 was specialized for @code{int}, @code{name<int>()}, or the version
1673 that was specialized for @code{float}, @code{name<float>()}. To use
1674 the word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1675 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1676 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1677 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1678
1679 @smallexample
1680 (@value{GDBP}) p 'func< @kbd{M-?}
1681 func<int>() func<float>()
1682 (@value{GDBP}) p 'func<
1683 @end smallexample
1684
1685 When setting breakpoints however (@pxref{Specify Location}), you don't
1686 usually need to type a quote before the function name, because
1687 @value{GDBN} understands that you want to set a breakpoint on a
1688 function:
1689
1690 @smallexample
1691 (@value{GDBP}) b func< @kbd{M-?}
1692 func<int>() func<float>()
1693 (@value{GDBP}) b func<
1694 @end smallexample
1695
1696 This is true even in the case of typing the name of C@t{++} overloaded
1697 functions (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished by
1698 argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1699 don't need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1700 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1701 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}.
1702
1703 @smallexample
1704 (@value{GDBP}) b bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1705 bubble(int) bubble(double)
1706 (@value{GDBP}) b bubble(dou @kbd{M-?}
1707 bubble(double)
1708 @end smallexample
1709
1710 See @ref{quoting names} for a description of other scenarios that
1711 require quoting.
1712
1713 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1714 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1715 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1716 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1717
1718 @cindex completion of structure field names
1719 @cindex structure field name completion
1720 @cindex completion of union field names
1721 @cindex union field name completion
1722 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1723 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1724 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1725 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1726 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1727 left-hand-side:
1728
1729 @smallexample
1730 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1731 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1732 to_data to_isatty to_write
1733 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1734 to_flush to_read
1735 @end smallexample
1736
1737 @noindent
1738 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1739 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1740 follows:
1741
1742 @smallexample
1743 struct ui_file
1744 @{
1745 int *magic;
1746 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1747 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1748 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1749 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1750 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1751 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1752 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1753 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1754 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1755 void *to_data;
1756 @}
1757 @end smallexample
1758
1759
1760 @node Help
1761 @section Getting Help
1762 @cindex online documentation
1763 @kindex help
1764
1765 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1766 using the command @code{help}.
1767
1768 @table @code
1769 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1770 @item help
1771 @itemx h
1772 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1773 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1774
1775 @smallexample
1776 (@value{GDBP}) help
1777 List of classes of commands:
1778
1779 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1780 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1781 data -- Examining data
1782 files -- Specifying and examining files
1783 internals -- Maintenance commands
1784 obscure -- Obscure features
1785 running -- Running the program
1786 stack -- Examining the stack
1787 status -- Status inquiries
1788 support -- Support facilities
1789 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1790 stopping the program
1791 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1792
1793 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1794 commands in that class.
1795 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1796 documentation.
1797 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1798 (@value{GDBP})
1799 @end smallexample
1800 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1801
1802 @item help @var{class}
1803 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1804 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1805 help display for the class @code{status}:
1806
1807 @smallexample
1808 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1809 Status inquiries.
1810
1811 List of commands:
1812
1813 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1814 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1815 info -- Generic command for showing things
1816 about the program being debugged
1817 show -- Generic command for showing things
1818 about the debugger
1819
1820 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1821 documentation.
1822 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1823 (@value{GDBP})
1824 @end smallexample
1825
1826 @item help @var{command}
1827 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1828 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1829
1830 @kindex apropos
1831 @item apropos @var{args}
1832 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1833 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1834 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1835
1836 @smallexample
1837 apropos alias
1838 @end smallexample
1839
1840 @noindent
1841 results in:
1842
1843 @smallexample
1844 @c @group
1845 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1846 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1847 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1848 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1849 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1850 @c @end group
1851 @end smallexample
1852
1853 @kindex complete
1854 @item complete @var{args}
1855 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1856 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1857 command you want completed. For example:
1858
1859 @smallexample
1860 complete i
1861 @end smallexample
1862
1863 @noindent results in:
1864
1865 @smallexample
1866 @group
1867 if
1868 ignore
1869 info
1870 inspect
1871 @end group
1872 @end smallexample
1873
1874 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1875 @end table
1876
1877 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1878 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1879 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1880 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1881 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1882 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1883 Index}.
1884
1885 @c @group
1886 @table @code
1887 @kindex info
1888 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1889 @item info
1890 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1891 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1892 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1893 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1894 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1895 @w{@code{help info}}.
1896
1897 @kindex set
1898 @item set
1899 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1900 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1901 @code{set prompt $}.
1902
1903 @kindex show
1904 @item show
1905 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1906 @value{GDBN} itself.
1907 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1908 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1909 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1910 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1911
1912 @kindex info set
1913 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1914 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1915 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1916 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1917 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1918 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1919 @end table
1920 @c @end group
1921
1922 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1923 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1924
1925 @table @code
1926 @kindex show version
1927 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1928 @item show version
1929 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1930 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1931 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1932 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1933 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1934 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1935 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1936 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1937 @value{GDBN}.
1938
1939 @kindex show copying
1940 @kindex info copying
1941 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1942 @item show copying
1943 @itemx info copying
1944 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1945
1946 @kindex show warranty
1947 @kindex info warranty
1948 @item show warranty
1949 @itemx info warranty
1950 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1951 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1952
1953 @kindex show configuration
1954 @item show configuration
1955 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1956 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1957 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1958 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1959 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1960 your report.
1961
1962 @end table
1963
1964 @node Running
1965 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1966
1967 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1968 debugging information when you compile it.
1969
1970 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1971 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1972 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1973 kill a child process.
1974
1975 @menu
1976 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1977 * Starting:: Starting your program
1978 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1979 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1980
1981 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1982 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1983 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1984 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1985
1986 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1987 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1988 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1989 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1990 @end menu
1991
1992 @node Compilation
1993 @section Compiling for Debugging
1994
1995 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1996 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1997 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1998 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1999 and addresses in the executable code.
2000
2001 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
2002 the compiler.
2003
2004 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
2005 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
2006 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
2007 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
2008 executables containing debugging information.
2009
2010 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
2011 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
2012 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
2013 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
2014 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
2015
2016 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
2017 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
2018 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
2019
2020 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
2021 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
2022 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
2023 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
2024 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
2025 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
2026
2027 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
2028 gcc, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
2029 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
2030
2031 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
2032 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
2033 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
2034 format in @value{GDBN}.
2035
2036 @need 2000
2037 @node Starting
2038 @section Starting your Program
2039 @cindex starting
2040 @cindex running
2041
2042 @table @code
2043 @kindex run
2044 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
2045 @item run
2046 @itemx r
2047 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
2048 You must first specify the program name with an argument to
2049 @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
2050 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file}
2051 command (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
2052
2053 @end table
2054
2055 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
2056 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
2057 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
2058 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
2059 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
2060 message like this one:
2061
2062 @smallexample
2063 The "remote" target does not support "run".
2064 Try "help target" or "continue".
2065 @end smallexample
2066
2067 @noindent
2068 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
2069 first (@pxref{load}).
2070
2071 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2072 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2073 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2074 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2075 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2076 divided into four categories:
2077
2078 @table @asis
2079 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2080 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2081 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2082 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2083 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2084 the arguments.
2085 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2086 @code{SHELL} environment variable. If you do not define @code{SHELL},
2087 @value{GDBN} uses the default shell (@file{/bin/sh}). You can disable
2088 use of any shell with the @code{set startup-with-shell} command (see
2089 below for details).
2090
2091 @item The @emph{environment.}
2092 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2093 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2094 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2095 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2096
2097 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2098 You can set your program's working directory with the command
2099 @kbd{set cwd}. If you do not set any working directory with this
2100 command, your program will inherit @value{GDBN}'s working directory if
2101 native debugging, or the remote server's working directory if remote
2102 debugging. @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working
2103 Directory}.
2104
2105 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2106 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2107 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2108 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2109 set a different device for your program.
2110 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2111
2112 @cindex pipes
2113 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2114 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2115 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2116 wrong program.
2117 @end table
2118
2119 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2120 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2121 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2122 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2123 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2124
2125 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2126 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2127 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2128 your current breakpoints.
2129
2130 @table @code
2131 @kindex start
2132 @item start
2133 @cindex run to main procedure
2134 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2135 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2136 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2137 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2138 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2139 procedure, depending on the language used.
2140
2141 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2142 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2143 the @samp{run} command.
2144
2145 @cindex elaboration phase
2146 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2147 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2148 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2149 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2150 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2151 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2152 will remain to halt execution.
2153
2154 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2155 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2156 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2157 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2158 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2159
2160 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2161 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution
2162 of your program too late, as the program would have already completed
2163 the elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, either insert
2164 breakpoints in your elaboration code before running your program or
2165 use the @code{starti} command.
2166
2167 @kindex starti
2168 @item starti
2169 @cindex run to first instruction
2170 The @samp{starti} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2171 breakpoint at the first instruction of a program's execution and then
2172 invoking the @samp{run} command. For programs containing an
2173 elaboration phase, the @code{starti} command will stop execution at
2174 the start of the elaboration phase.
2175
2176 @anchor{set exec-wrapper}
2177 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2178 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2179 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2180 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2181 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2182 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2183 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2184 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2185 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2186 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2187 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2188
2189 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2190 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2191 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2192 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2193
2194 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2195 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2196 environment:
2197
2198 @smallexample
2199 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2200 (@value{GDBP}) run
2201 @end smallexample
2202
2203 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2204 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2205
2206 @kindex set startup-with-shell
2207 @anchor{set startup-with-shell}
2208 @item set startup-with-shell
2209 @itemx set startup-with-shell on
2210 @itemx set startup-with-shell off
2211 @itemx show startup-with-shell
2212 On Unix systems, by default, if a shell is available on your target,
2213 @value{GDBN}) uses it to start your program. Arguments of the
2214 @code{run} command are passed to the shell, which does variable
2215 substitution, expands wildcard characters and performs redirection of
2216 I/O. In some circumstances, it may be useful to disable such use of a
2217 shell, for example, when debugging the shell itself or diagnosing
2218 startup failures such as:
2219
2220 @smallexample
2221 (@value{GDBP}) run
2222 Starting program: ./a.out
2223 During startup program terminated with signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
2224 @end smallexample
2225
2226 @noindent
2227 which indicates the shell or the wrapper specified with
2228 @samp{exec-wrapper} crashed, not your program. Most often, this is
2229 caused by something odd in your shell's non-interactive mode
2230 initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell,
2231 $@file{.zshenv} for the Z shell, or the file specified in the
2232 @samp{BASH_ENV} environment variable for BASH.
2233
2234 @anchor{set auto-connect-native-target}
2235 @kindex set auto-connect-native-target
2236 @item set auto-connect-native-target
2237 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target on
2238 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target off
2239 @itemx show auto-connect-native-target
2240
2241 By default, if not connected to any target yet (e.g., with
2242 @code{target remote}), the @code{run} command starts your program as a
2243 native process under @value{GDBN}, on your local machine. If you're
2244 sure you don't want to debug programs on your local machine, you can
2245 tell @value{GDBN} to not connect to the native target automatically
2246 with the @code{set auto-connect-native-target off} command.
2247
2248 If @code{on}, which is the default, and if @value{GDBN} is not
2249 connected to a target already, the @code{run} command automaticaly
2250 connects to the native target, if one is available.
2251
2252 If @code{off}, and if @value{GDBN} is not connected to a target
2253 already, the @code{run} command fails with an error:
2254
2255 @smallexample
2256 (@value{GDBP}) run
2257 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2258 @end smallexample
2259
2260 If @value{GDBN} is already connected to a target, @value{GDBN} always
2261 uses it with the @code{run} command.
2262
2263 In any case, you can explicitly connect to the native target with the
2264 @code{target native} command. For example,
2265
2266 @smallexample
2267 (@value{GDBP}) set auto-connect-native-target off
2268 (@value{GDBP}) run
2269 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2270 (@value{GDBP}) target native
2271 (@value{GDBP}) run
2272 Starting program: ./a.out
2273 [Inferior 1 (process 10421) exited normally]
2274 @end smallexample
2275
2276 In case you connected explicitly to the @code{native} target,
2277 @value{GDBN} remains connected even if all inferiors exit, ready for
2278 the next @code{run} command. Use the @code{disconnect} command to
2279 disconnect.
2280
2281 Examples of other commands that likewise respect the
2282 @code{auto-connect-native-target} setting: @code{attach}, @code{info
2283 proc}, @code{info os}.
2284
2285 @kindex set disable-randomization
2286 @item set disable-randomization
2287 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2288 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2289 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2290 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2291 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2292
2293 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2294 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2295
2296 @smallexample
2297 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2298 @end smallexample
2299
2300 @item set disable-randomization off
2301 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2302 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2303 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2304 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2305 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2306 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2307
2308 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2309 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2310 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2311 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2312 a code at its expected addresses.
2313
2314 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2315 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2316 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2317 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2318 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2319 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2320 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2321 a randomly chosen address.
2322
2323 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2324 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2325 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2326 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2327 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2328
2329 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2330 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2331
2332 @item show disable-randomization
2333 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2334 the virtual address space of the started program.
2335
2336 @end table
2337
2338 @node Arguments
2339 @section Your Program's Arguments
2340
2341 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2342 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2343 @code{run} command.
2344 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2345 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2346 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2347 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2348 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2349
2350 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2351 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2352 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2353 the program, not by the shell.
2354
2355 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2356 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2357
2358 @table @code
2359 @kindex set args
2360 @item set args
2361 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2362 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2363 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2364 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2365 it again without arguments.
2366
2367 @kindex show args
2368 @item show args
2369 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2370 @end table
2371
2372 @node Environment
2373 @section Your Program's Environment
2374
2375 @cindex environment (of your program)
2376 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2377 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2378 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2379 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2380 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2381 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2382 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2383
2384 @table @code
2385 @kindex path
2386 @item path @var{directory}
2387 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2388 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2389 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2390 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2391 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2392 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2393 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2394
2395 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2396 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2397 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2398 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2399 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2400 @var{directory} to the search path.
2401 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2402 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2403
2404 @kindex show paths
2405 @item show paths
2406 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2407 environment variable).
2408
2409 @kindex show environment
2410 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2411 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2412 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2413 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2414 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2415
2416 @kindex set environment
2417 @anchor{set environment}
2418 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2419 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2420 changes for your program (and the shell @value{GDBN} uses to launch
2421 it), not for @value{GDBN} itself. The @var{value} may be any string; the
2422 values of environment variables are just strings, and any
2423 interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2424 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2425 null value.
2426 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2427 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2428
2429 For example, this command:
2430
2431 @smallexample
2432 set env USER = foo
2433 @end smallexample
2434
2435 @noindent
2436 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2437 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2438 are not actually required.)
2439
2440 Note that on Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program via a shell,
2441 which also inherits the environment set with @code{set environment}.
2442 If necessary, you can avoid that by using the @samp{env} program as a
2443 wrapper instead of using @code{set environment}. @xref{set
2444 exec-wrapper}, for an example doing just that.
2445
2446 Environment variables that are set by the user are also transmitted to
2447 @command{gdbserver} to be used when starting the remote inferior.
2448 @pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}.
2449
2450 @kindex unset environment
2451 @anchor{unset environment}
2452 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2453 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2454 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2455 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2456 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2457
2458 Environment variables that are unset by the user are also unset on
2459 @command{gdbserver} when starting the remote inferior.
2460 @pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}.
2461 @end table
2462
2463 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2464 the shell indicated by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it
2465 exists (or @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable
2466 names a shell that runs an initialization file when started
2467 non-interactively---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, $@file{.zshenv}
2468 for the Z shell, or the file specified in the @samp{BASH_ENV}
2469 environment variable for BASH---any variables you set in that file
2470 affect your program. You may wish to move setting of environment
2471 variables to files that are only run when you sign on, such as
2472 @file{.login} or @file{.profile}.
2473
2474 @node Working Directory
2475 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2476
2477 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2478 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, the inferior will be
2479 initialized with the current working directory specified by the
2480 @kbd{set cwd} command. If no directory has been specified by this
2481 command, then the inferior will inherit @value{GDBN}'s current working
2482 directory as its working directory if native debugging, or it will
2483 inherit the remote server's current working directory if remote
2484 debugging.
2485
2486 @table @code
2487 @kindex set cwd
2488 @cindex change inferior's working directory
2489 @anchor{set cwd command}
2490 @item set cwd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2491 Set the inferior's working directory to @var{directory}, which will be
2492 @code{glob}-expanded in order to resolve tildes (@file{~}). If no
2493 argument has been specified, the command clears the setting and resets
2494 it to an empty state. This setting has no effect on @value{GDBN}'s
2495 working directory, and it only takes effect the next time you start
2496 the inferior. The @file{~} in @var{directory} is a short for the
2497 @dfn{home directory}, usually pointed to by the @env{HOME} environment
2498 variable. On MS-Windows, if @env{HOME} is not defined, @value{GDBN}
2499 uses the concatenation of @env{HOMEDRIVE} and @env{HOMEPATH} as
2500 fallback.
2501
2502 You can also change @value{GDBN}'s current working directory by using
2503 the @code{cd} command.
2504 @xref{cd command}.
2505
2506 @kindex show cwd
2507 @cindex show inferior's working directory
2508 @item show cwd
2509 Show the inferior's working directory. If no directory has been
2510 specified by @kbd{set cwd}, then the default inferior's working
2511 directory is the same as @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
2512
2513 @kindex cd
2514 @cindex change @value{GDBN}'s working directory
2515 @anchor{cd command}
2516 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2517 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2518 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2519
2520 The @value{GDBN} working directory serves as a default for the
2521 commands that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on.
2522 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
2523 @xref{set cwd command}.
2524
2525 @kindex pwd
2526 @item pwd
2527 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2528 @end table
2529
2530 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2531 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2532 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} supports
2533 the @code{info proc} command (@pxref{Process Information}), you can
2534 use the @code{info proc} command to find out the
2535 current working directory of the debuggee.
2536
2537 @node Input/Output
2538 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2539
2540 @cindex redirection
2541 @cindex i/o
2542 @cindex terminal
2543 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2544 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2545 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2546 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2547 running your program.
2548
2549 @table @code
2550 @kindex info terminal
2551 @item info terminal
2552 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2553 program is using.
2554 @end table
2555
2556 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2557 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2558
2559 @smallexample
2560 run > outfile
2561 @end smallexample
2562
2563 @noindent
2564 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2565
2566 @kindex tty
2567 @cindex controlling terminal
2568 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2569 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2570 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2571 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2572 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2573
2574 @smallexample
2575 tty /dev/ttyb
2576 @end smallexample
2577
2578 @noindent
2579 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2580 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2581 that as their controlling terminal.
2582
2583 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2584 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2585 terminal.
2586
2587 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2588 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2589 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2590 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2591
2592 @cindex inferior tty
2593 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2594 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2595 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2596 program.
2597
2598 @table @code
2599 @item set inferior-tty [ @var{tty} ]
2600 @kindex set inferior-tty
2601 Set the tty for the program being debugged to @var{tty}. Omitting @var{tty}
2602 restores the default behavior, which is to use the same terminal as
2603 @value{GDBN}.
2604
2605 @item show inferior-tty
2606 @kindex show inferior-tty
2607 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2608 @end table
2609
2610 @node Attach
2611 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2612 @kindex attach
2613 @cindex attach
2614
2615 @table @code
2616 @item attach @var{process-id}
2617 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2618 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2619 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2620 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2621 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2622
2623 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2624 executing the command.
2625 @end table
2626
2627 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2628 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2629 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2630 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2631
2632 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2633 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2634 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2635 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2636 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2637 Specify Files}.
2638
2639 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2640 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2641 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2642 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2643 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2644 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2645 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2646
2647 @table @code
2648 @kindex detach
2649 @item detach
2650 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2651 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2652 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2653 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2654 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2655 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2656 executing the command.
2657 @end table
2658
2659 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2660 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2661 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2662 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2663 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2664 Messages}).
2665
2666 @node Kill Process
2667 @section Killing the Child Process
2668
2669 @table @code
2670 @kindex kill
2671 @item kill
2672 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2673 @end table
2674
2675 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2676 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2677 is running.
2678
2679 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2680 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2681 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2682 outside the debugger.
2683
2684 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2685 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2686 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2687 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2688 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2689 breakpoint settings).
2690
2691 @node Inferiors and Programs
2692 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2693
2694 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2695 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2696 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2697 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2698 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2699 from multiple executables.
2700
2701 @cindex inferior
2702 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2703 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2704 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2705 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2706 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2707 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2708 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2709 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2710 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2711 threads running in it.
2712
2713 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2714 inferiors}}:
2715
2716 @table @code
2717 @kindex info inferiors [ @var{id}@dots{} ]
2718 @item info inferiors
2719 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2720 By default all inferiors are printed, but the argument @var{id}@dots{}
2721 -- a space separated list of inferior numbers -- can be used to limit
2722 the display to just the requested inferiors.
2723
2724 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2725
2726 @enumerate
2727 @item
2728 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2729
2730 @item
2731 the target system's inferior identifier
2732
2733 @item
2734 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2735
2736 @end enumerate
2737
2738 @noindent
2739 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2740 indicates the current inferior.
2741
2742 For example,
2743 @end table
2744 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2745
2746 @smallexample
2747 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2748 Num Description Executable
2749 2 process 2307 hello
2750 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2751 @end smallexample
2752
2753 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2754
2755 @table @code
2756 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2757 @item inferior @var{infno}
2758 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2759 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2760 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2761 @end table
2762
2763 @vindex $_inferior@r{, convenience variable}
2764 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_inferior} contains the
2765 number of the current inferior. You may find this useful in writing
2766 breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth.
2767 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2768 information on convenience variables.
2769
2770 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2771 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2772 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2773 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2774 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2775 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2776
2777 @table @code
2778 @kindex add-inferior
2779 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2780 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2781 executable; @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2782 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2783 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2784 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2785
2786 @kindex clone-inferior
2787 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2788 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2789 @var{infno}; @var{n} defaults to 1, and @var{infno} defaults to the
2790 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2791 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2792
2793 @smallexample
2794 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2795 Num Description Executable
2796 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2797 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2798 Added inferior 2.
2799 1 inferiors added.
2800 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2801 Num Description Executable
2802 2 <null> helloworld
2803 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2804 @end smallexample
2805
2806 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2807
2808 @kindex remove-inferiors
2809 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2810 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2811 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2812 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2813
2814 @end table
2815
2816 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2817 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2818 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2819 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2820
2821 @table @code
2822 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2823 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2824 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2825 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2826 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2827 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2828
2829 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2830 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2831 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2832 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2833 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2834 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2835 @end table
2836
2837 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2838 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2839 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2840 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2841
2842
2843 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2844 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2845
2846 @table @code
2847 @kindex set print inferior-events
2848 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2849 @item set print inferior-events
2850 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2851 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2852 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2853 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2854 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2855 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2856
2857 @kindex show print inferior-events
2858 @item show print inferior-events
2859 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2860 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2861 @end table
2862
2863 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2864 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2865 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2866
2867
2868 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2869 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2870 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2871 info program-spaces}} command.
2872
2873 @table @code
2874 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2875 @item maint info program-spaces
2876 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2877 @value{GDBN}.
2878
2879 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2880
2881 @enumerate
2882 @item
2883 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2884
2885 @item
2886 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2887 the @code{file} command.
2888
2889 @end enumerate
2890
2891 @noindent
2892 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2893 indicates the current program space.
2894
2895 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2896 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2897 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2898
2899 @smallexample
2900 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2901 Id Executable
2902 * 1 hello
2903 2 goodbye
2904 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2905 @end smallexample
2906
2907 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2908 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2909 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2910 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2911 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2912
2913 @smallexample
2914 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2915 Id Executable
2916 * 1 vfork-test
2917 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2918 @end smallexample
2919
2920 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2921 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2922 @end table
2923
2924 @node Threads
2925 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2926
2927 @cindex threads of execution
2928 @cindex multiple threads
2929 @cindex switching threads
2930 In some operating systems, such as GNU/Linux and Solaris, a single program
2931 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2932 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2933 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2934 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2935 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2936 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2937
2938 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2939 programs:
2940
2941 @itemize @bullet
2942 @item automatic notification of new threads
2943 @item @samp{thread @var{thread-id}}, a command to switch among threads
2944 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2945 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all] @var{args}},
2946 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2947 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2948 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2949 messages on thread start and exit.
2950 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2951 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2952 isn't compatible with the program.
2953 @end itemize
2954
2955 @cindex focus of debugging
2956 @cindex current thread
2957 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2958 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2959 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2960 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2961 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2962
2963 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2964 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2965 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2966 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2967 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2968 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2969 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2970 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}, where @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2971 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2972 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2973
2974 @smallexample
2975 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2976 @end smallexample
2977
2978 @noindent
2979 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on other systems,
2980 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2981 further qualifier.
2982
2983 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2984 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2985 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2986 @c program?
2987 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2988 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2989 @c threads ab initio?
2990
2991 @anchor{thread numbers}
2992 @cindex thread number, per inferior
2993 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2994 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread number
2995 ---always a single integer---with each thread of an inferior. This
2996 number is unique between all threads of an inferior, but not unique
2997 between threads of different inferiors.
2998
2999 @cindex qualified thread ID
3000 You can refer to a given thread in an inferior using the qualified
3001 @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} syntax, also known as
3002 @dfn{qualified thread ID}, with @var{inferior-num} being the inferior
3003 number and @var{thread-num} being the thread number of the given
3004 inferior. For example, thread @code{2.3} refers to thread number 3 of
3005 inferior 2. If you omit @var{inferior-num} (e.g., @code{thread 3}),
3006 then @value{GDBN} infers you're referring to a thread of the current
3007 inferior.
3008
3009 Until you create a second inferior, @value{GDBN} does not show the
3010 @var{inferior-num} part of thread IDs, even though you can always use
3011 the full @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} form to refer to threads
3012 of inferior 1, the initial inferior.
3013
3014 @anchor{thread ID lists}
3015 @cindex thread ID lists
3016 Some commands accept a space-separated @dfn{thread ID list} as
3017 argument. A list element can be:
3018
3019 @enumerate
3020 @item
3021 A thread ID as shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads}
3022 display, with or without an inferior qualifier. E.g., @samp{2.1} or
3023 @samp{1}.
3024
3025 @item
3026 A range of thread numbers, again with or without an inferior
3027 qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@var{thr1}-@var{thr2} or
3028 @var{thr1}-@var{thr2}. E.g., @samp{1.2-4} or @samp{2-4}.
3029
3030 @item
3031 All threads of an inferior, specified with a star wildcard, with or
3032 without an inferior qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@code{*} (e.g.,
3033 @samp{1.*}) or @code{*}. The former refers to all threads of the
3034 given inferior, and the latter form without an inferior qualifier
3035 refers to all threads of the current inferior.
3036
3037 @end enumerate
3038
3039 For example, if the current inferior is 1, and inferior 7 has one
3040 thread with ID 7.1, the thread list @samp{1 2-3 4.5 6.7-9 7.*}
3041 includes threads 1 to 3 of inferior 1, thread 5 of inferior 4, threads
3042 7 to 9 of inferior 6 and all threads of inferior 7. That is, in
3043 expanded qualified form, the same as @samp{1.1 1.2 1.3 4.5 6.7 6.8 6.9
3044 7.1}.
3045
3046
3047 @anchor{global thread numbers}
3048 @cindex global thread number
3049 @cindex global thread identifier (GDB)
3050 In addition to a @emph{per-inferior} number, each thread is also
3051 assigned a unique @emph{global} number, also known as @dfn{global
3052 thread ID}, a single integer. Unlike the thread number component of
3053 the thread ID, no two threads have the same global ID, even when
3054 you're debugging multiple inferiors.
3055
3056 From @value{GDBN}'s perspective, a process always has at least one
3057 thread. In other words, @value{GDBN} assigns a thread number to the
3058 program's ``main thread'' even if the program is not multi-threaded.
3059
3060 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
3061 @vindex $_gthread@r{, convenience variable}
3062 The debugger convenience variables @samp{$_thread} and
3063 @samp{$_gthread} contain, respectively, the per-inferior thread number
3064 and the global thread number of the current thread. You may find this
3065 useful in writing breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts,
3066 and so forth. @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for
3067 general information on convenience variables.
3068
3069 If @value{GDBN} detects the program is multi-threaded, it augments the
3070 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint with the ID and name of
3071 the thread that hit the breakpoint.
3072
3073 @smallexample
3074 Thread 2 "client" hit Breakpoint 1, send_message () at client.c:68
3075 @end smallexample
3076
3077 Likewise when the program receives a signal:
3078
3079 @smallexample
3080 Thread 1 "main" received signal SIGINT, Interrupt.
3081 @end smallexample
3082
3083 @table @code
3084 @kindex info threads
3085 @item info threads @r{[}@var{thread-id-list}@r{]}
3086
3087 Display information about one or more threads. With no arguments
3088 displays information about all threads. You can specify the list of
3089 threads that you want to display using the thread ID list syntax
3090 (@pxref{thread ID lists}).
3091
3092 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
3093
3094 @enumerate
3095 @item
3096 the per-inferior thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
3097
3098 @item
3099 the global thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}, if the @samp{-gid}
3100 option was specified
3101
3102 @item
3103 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
3104
3105 @item
3106 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
3107 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
3108 program itself.
3109
3110 @item
3111 the current stack frame summary for that thread
3112 @end enumerate
3113
3114 @noindent
3115 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
3116 indicates the current thread.
3117
3118 For example,
3119 @end table
3120 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
3121
3122 @smallexample
3123 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3124 Id Target Id Frame
3125 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3126 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3127 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3128 at threadtest.c:68
3129 @end smallexample
3130
3131 If you're debugging multiple inferiors, @value{GDBN} displays thread
3132 IDs using the qualified @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} format.
3133 Otherwise, only @var{thread-num} is shown.
3134
3135 If you specify the @samp{-gid} option, @value{GDBN} displays a column
3136 indicating each thread's global thread ID:
3137
3138 @smallexample
3139 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3140 Id GId Target Id Frame
3141 1.1 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3142 1.2 3 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3143 1.3 4 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3144 * 2.1 2 process 65 thread 1 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3145 @end smallexample
3146
3147 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
3148 Solaris-specific command:
3149
3150 @table @code
3151 @item maint info sol-threads
3152 @kindex maint info sol-threads
3153 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
3154 Display info on Solaris user threads.
3155 @end table
3156
3157 @table @code
3158 @kindex thread @var{thread-id}
3159 @item thread @var{thread-id}
3160 Make thread ID @var{thread-id} the current thread. The command
3161 argument @var{thread-id} is the @value{GDBN} thread ID, as shown in
3162 the first field of the @samp{info threads} display, with or without an
3163 inferior qualifier (e.g., @samp{2.1} or @samp{1}).
3164
3165 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the
3166 thread you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
3167
3168 @smallexample
3169 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
3170 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
3171 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
3172 8 printf ("hello\n");
3173 @end smallexample
3174
3175 @noindent
3176 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
3177 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
3178 threads.
3179
3180 @kindex thread apply
3181 @cindex apply command to several threads
3182 @item thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all [-ascending]] [@var{flag}]@dots{} @var{command}
3183 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
3184 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the threads that you
3185 want affected using the thread ID list syntax (@pxref{thread ID
3186 lists}), or specify @code{all} to apply to all threads. To apply a
3187 command to all threads in descending order, type @kbd{thread apply all
3188 @var{command}}. To apply a command to all threads in ascending order,
3189 type @kbd{thread apply all -ascending @var{command}}.
3190
3191 The @var{flag} arguments control what output to produce and how to handle
3192 errors raised when applying @var{command} to a thread. @var{flag}
3193 must start with a @code{-} directly followed by one letter in
3194 @code{qcs}. If several flags are provided, they must be given
3195 individually, such as @code{-c -q}.
3196
3197 By default, @value{GDBN} displays some thread information before the
3198 output produced by @var{command}, and an error raised during the
3199 execution of a @var{command} will abort @code{thread apply}. The
3200 following flags can be used to fine-tune this behavior:
3201
3202 @table @code
3203 @item -c
3204 The flag @code{-c}, which stands for @samp{continue}, causes any
3205 errors in @var{command} to be displayed, and the execution of
3206 @code{thread apply} then continues.
3207 @item -s
3208 The flag @code{-s}, which stands for @samp{silent}, causes any errors
3209 or empty output produced by a @var{command} to be silently ignored.
3210 That is, the execution continues, but the thread information and errors
3211 are not printed.
3212 @item -q
3213 The flag @code{-q} (@samp{quiet}) disables printing the thread
3214 information.
3215 @end table
3216
3217 Flags @code{-c} and @code{-s} cannot be used together.
3218
3219 @kindex taas
3220 @cindex apply command to all threads (ignoring errors and empty output)
3221 @item taas @var{command}
3222 Shortcut for @code{thread apply all -s @var{command}}.
3223 Applies @var{command} on all threads, ignoring errors and empty output.
3224
3225 @kindex tfaas
3226 @cindex apply a command to all frames of all threads (ignoring errors and empty output)
3227 @item tfaas @var{command}
3228 Shortcut for @code{thread apply all -s frame apply all -s @var{command}}.
3229 Applies @var{command} on all frames of all threads, ignoring errors
3230 and empty output. Note that the flag @code{-s} is specified twice:
3231 The first @code{-s} ensures that @code{thread apply} only shows the thread
3232 information of the threads for which @code{frame apply} produces
3233 some output. The second @code{-s} is needed to ensure that @code{frame
3234 apply} shows the frame information of a frame only if the
3235 @var{command} successfully produced some output.
3236
3237 It can for example be used to print a local variable or a function
3238 argument without knowing the thread or frame where this variable or argument
3239 is, using:
3240 @smallexample
3241 (@value{GDBP}) tfaas p some_local_var_i_do_not_remember_where_it_is
3242 @end smallexample
3243
3244
3245 @kindex thread name
3246 @cindex name a thread
3247 @item thread name [@var{name}]
3248 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
3249 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
3250 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
3251
3252 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
3253 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
3254 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
3255 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
3256 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
3257
3258 @kindex thread find
3259 @cindex search for a thread
3260 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
3261 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
3262 matches the supplied regular expression.
3263
3264 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
3265 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
3266 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
3267 is the LWP id.
3268
3269 @smallexample
3270 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
3271 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
3272 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
3273 Id Target Id Frame
3274 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
3275 @end smallexample
3276
3277 @kindex set print thread-events
3278 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
3279 @item set print thread-events
3280 @itemx set print thread-events on
3281 @itemx set print thread-events off
3282 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
3283 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
3284 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
3285 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
3286 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
3287
3288 @kindex show print thread-events
3289 @item show print thread-events
3290 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
3291 have started and exited.
3292 @end table
3293
3294 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
3295 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
3296 programs with multiple threads.
3297
3298 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
3299 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
3300
3301 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
3302 @table @code
3303 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
3304 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
3305 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
3306 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
3307 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
3308 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
3309 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
3310 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
3311 macro.
3312
3313 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
3314 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
3315 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3316 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
3317 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
3318 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3319
3320 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3321 refers to the default system directories that are
3322 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
3323 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
3324 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3325
3326 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3327 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
3328 was loaded in the inferior process.
3329
3330 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
3331 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
3332 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
3333 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
3334 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
3335 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
3336 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
3337
3338 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
3339 only on some platforms.
3340
3341 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
3342 @item show libthread-db-search-path
3343 Display current libthread_db search path.
3344
3345 @kindex set debug libthread-db
3346 @kindex show debug libthread-db
3347 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
3348 @item set debug libthread-db
3349 @itemx show debug libthread-db
3350 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
3351 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
3352 @end table
3353
3354 @node Forks
3355 @section Debugging Forks
3356
3357 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
3358 @cindex multiple processes
3359 @cindex processes, multiple
3360 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
3361 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
3362 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
3363 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
3364 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
3365 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
3366 will cause it to terminate.
3367
3368 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3369 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3370 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3371 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3372 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3373 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3374 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3375 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3376 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3377 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3378
3379 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs
3380 that create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork}
3381 functions. On @sc{gnu}/Linux platforms, this feature is supported
3382 with kernel version 2.5.46 and later.
3383
3384 The fork debugging commands are supported in native mode and when
3385 connected to @code{gdbserver} in either @code{target remote} mode or
3386 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3387
3388 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3389 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3390
3391 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3392 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3393
3394 @table @code
3395 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3396 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3397 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3398 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3399 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3400
3401 @table @code
3402 @item parent
3403 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3404 unimpeded. This is the default.
3405
3406 @item child
3407 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3408 unimpeded.
3409
3410 @end table
3411
3412 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3413 @item show follow-fork-mode
3414 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3415 @end table
3416
3417 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3418 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3419 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3420
3421 @table @code
3422 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3423 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3424 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3425 retain debugger control over them both.
3426
3427 @table @code
3428 @item on
3429 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3430 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3431 independently. This is the default.
3432
3433 @item off
3434 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3435 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3436 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3437 is held suspended.
3438
3439 @end table
3440
3441 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3442 @item show detach-on-fork
3443 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3444 @end table
3445
3446 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3447 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3448 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3449 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3450 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3451 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3452
3453 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3454 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3455 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3456 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3457 and Programs}.
3458
3459 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3460 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3461 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3462 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3463 the child process's @code{main}.
3464
3465 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3466 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3467
3468 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3469 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3470 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3471 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3472 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3473 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3474 command.
3475
3476 @table @code
3477 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3478 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3479
3480 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3481 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3482
3483 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3484
3485 @table @code
3486 @item new
3487 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3488 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3489 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3490 original inferior.
3491
3492 For example:
3493
3494 @smallexample
3495 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3496 (gdb) info inferior
3497 Id Description Executable
3498 * 1 <null> prog1
3499 (@value{GDBP}) run
3500 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3501 Program exited normally.
3502 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3503 Id Description Executable
3504 1 <null> prog1
3505 * 2 <null> prog2
3506 @end smallexample
3507
3508 @item same
3509 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3510 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3511 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3512 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3513 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3514
3515 For example:
3516
3517 @smallexample
3518 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3519 Id Description Executable
3520 * 1 <null> prog1
3521 (@value{GDBP}) run
3522 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3523 Program exited normally.
3524 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3525 Id Description Executable
3526 * 1 <null> prog2
3527 @end smallexample
3528
3529 @end table
3530 @end table
3531
3532 @code{follow-exec-mode} is supported in native mode and
3533 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3534
3535 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3536 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3537 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3538
3539 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3540 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3541
3542 @cindex checkpoint
3543 @cindex restart
3544 @cindex bookmark
3545 @cindex snapshot of a process
3546 @cindex rewind program state
3547
3548 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3549 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3550 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3551 later.
3552
3553 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3554 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3555 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3556 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3557 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3558
3559 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3560 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3561 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3562 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3563 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3564 start again from there.
3565
3566 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3567 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3568
3569 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3570
3571 @table @code
3572 @kindex checkpoint
3573 @item checkpoint
3574 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3575 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3576 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3577
3578 @kindex info checkpoints
3579 @item info checkpoints
3580 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3581 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3582 listed:
3583
3584 @table @code
3585 @item Checkpoint ID
3586 @item Process ID
3587 @item Code Address
3588 @item Source line, or label
3589 @end table
3590
3591 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3592 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3593 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3594 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3595 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3596 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3597 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3598
3599 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3600 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3601 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3602 the debugger.
3603
3604 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3605 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3606 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3607
3608 @end table
3609
3610 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3611 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3612 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3613 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3614 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3615 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3616 previously read data can be read again.
3617
3618 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3619 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3620 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3621 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3622 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3623 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3624
3625 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3626 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3627 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3628 different execution path this time.
3629
3630 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3631 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3632 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3633 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3634 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3635 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3636 potentially pose a problem.
3637
3638 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3639
3640 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3641 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3642 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3643 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3644 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3645 next.
3646
3647 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3648 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3649 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3650 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3651 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3652
3653 @node Stopping
3654 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3655
3656 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3657 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3658 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3659
3660 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3661 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3662 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3663 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3664 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3665 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3666 explicitly request this information at any time.
3667
3668 @table @code
3669 @kindex info program
3670 @item info program
3671 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3672 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3673 @end table
3674
3675 @menu
3676 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3677 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3678 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3679 Skipping over functions and files
3680 * Signals:: Signals
3681 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3682 @end menu
3683
3684 @node Breakpoints
3685 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3686
3687 @cindex breakpoints
3688 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3689 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3690 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3691 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3692 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3693 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3694 program.
3695
3696 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3697 the executable is run.
3698
3699 @cindex watchpoints
3700 @cindex data breakpoints
3701 @cindex memory tracing
3702 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3703 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3704 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3705 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3706 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3707 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3708 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3709 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3710 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3711 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3712 same commands.
3713
3714 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3715 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3716 Automatic Display}.
3717
3718 @cindex catchpoints
3719 @cindex breakpoint on events
3720 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3721 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3722 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3723 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3724 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3725 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3726 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3727
3728 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3729 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3730 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3731 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3732 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3733 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3734 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3735 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3736 enable it again.
3737
3738 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3739 @cindex breakpoint lists
3740 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3741 @cindex lists of breakpoints
3742 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a space-separated list of breakpoints
3743 on which to operate. A list element can be either a single breakpoint number,
3744 like @samp{5}, or a range of such numbers, like @samp{5-7}.
3745 When a breakpoint list is given to a command, all breakpoints in that list
3746 are operated on.
3747
3748 @menu
3749 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3750 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3751 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3752 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3753 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3754 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3755 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3756 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3757 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3758 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3759 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3760 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3761 @end menu
3762
3763 @node Set Breaks
3764 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3765
3766 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3767 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3768 @c
3769 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3770
3771 @kindex break
3772 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3773 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3774 @cindex latest breakpoint
3775 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3776 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3777 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3778 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3779 convenience variables.
3780
3781 @table @code
3782 @item break @var{location}
3783 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3784 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3785 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3786 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3787 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3788
3789 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3790 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3791 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3792 that situation.
3793
3794 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3795 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3796 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3797
3798 @item break
3799 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3800 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3801 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3802 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3803 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3804 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3805 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3806 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3807 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3808 inside loops.
3809
3810 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3811 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3812 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3813 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3814 existed when your program stopped.
3815
3816 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3817 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3818 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3819 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3820 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3821 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3822 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3823
3824 @kindex tbreak
3825 @item tbreak @var{args}
3826 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args} are the
3827 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3828 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3829 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3830
3831 @kindex hbreak
3832 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3833 @item hbreak @var{args}
3834 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. The @var{args} are the same as for the
3835 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3836 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3837 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3838 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3839 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3840 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3841 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3842 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3843 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3844 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3845 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3846 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3847 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3848 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3849 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3850 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3851 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3852
3853 @kindex thbreak
3854 @item thbreak @var{args}
3855 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args}
3856 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3857 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3858 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3859 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3860 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3861 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3862 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3863
3864 @kindex rbreak
3865 @cindex regular expression
3866 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3867 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3868 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3869 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3870 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3871 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3872 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3873 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3874 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3875
3876 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3877 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3878 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3879 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3880 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3881 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3882
3883 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3884 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3885 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3886 classes.
3887
3888 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3889 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3890 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3891
3892 @smallexample
3893 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3894 @end smallexample
3895
3896 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3897 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3898 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3899 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3900 every function in a given file:
3901
3902 @smallexample
3903 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3904 @end smallexample
3905
3906 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3907 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3908
3909 @kindex info breakpoints
3910 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3911 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3912 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3913 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3914 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3915 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3916 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3917
3918 @table @emph
3919 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3920 @item Type
3921 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3922 @item Disposition
3923 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3924 @item Enabled or Disabled
3925 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3926 that are not enabled.
3927 @item Address
3928 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3929 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3930 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3931 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3932 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3933 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3934 @item What
3935 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3936 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3937 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3938 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3939 @end table
3940
3941 @noindent
3942 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3943 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3944 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3945 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3946 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3947 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3948
3949 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3950 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3951 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3952 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3953
3954 @noindent
3955 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3956 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3957 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3958 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3959 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3960
3961 @noindent
3962 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3963 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3964 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3965 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3966 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3967 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3968
3969 @noindent
3970 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3971 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3972
3973 @end table
3974
3975 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3976 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3977 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3978 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3979
3980 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3981 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3982 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3983 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3984
3985 @itemize @bullet
3986 @item
3987 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3988
3989 @item
3990 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3991 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3992
3993 @item
3994 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3995 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3996
3997 @item
3998 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3999 several places where that function is inlined.
4000 @end itemize
4001
4002 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
4003 the relevant locations.
4004
4005 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
4006 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
4007 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
4008 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
4009 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
4010 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
4011 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
4012
4013 For example:
4014
4015 @smallexample
4016 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
4017 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
4018 stop only if i==1
4019 breakpoint already hit 1 time
4020 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
4021 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
4022 @end smallexample
4023
4024 You cannot delete the individual locations from a breakpoint. However,
4025 each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
4026 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
4027 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. It's also possible to
4028 @code{enable} and @code{disable} a range of @var{location-number}
4029 locations using a @var{breakpoint-number} and two @var{location-number}s,
4030 in increasing order, separated by a hyphen, like
4031 @kbd{@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number1}-@var{location-number2}},
4032 in which case @value{GDBN} acts on all the locations in the range (inclusive).
4033 Disabling or enabling the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects
4034 all of the locations that belong to that breakpoint.
4035
4036 @cindex pending breakpoints
4037 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
4038 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
4039 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
4040 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
4041 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
4042 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
4043 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
4044 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
4045 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
4046 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
4047 is not yet resolved.
4048
4049 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
4050 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
4051 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
4052 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
4053 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
4054 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
4055
4056 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
4057 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
4058 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
4059 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
4060
4061 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
4062 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
4063 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
4064
4065 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
4066 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
4067 address specification to an address:
4068
4069 @kindex set breakpoint pending
4070 @kindex show breakpoint pending
4071 @table @code
4072 @item set breakpoint pending auto
4073 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
4074 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
4075
4076 @item set breakpoint pending on
4077 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
4078 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
4079
4080 @item set breakpoint pending off
4081 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
4082 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
4083 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
4084
4085 @item show breakpoint pending
4086 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
4087 @end table
4088
4089 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
4090 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
4091 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
4092
4093 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
4094 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
4095 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
4096 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
4097 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
4098 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
4099 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
4100 breakpoints.
4101
4102 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands:
4103
4104 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
4105 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
4106 @table @code
4107 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
4108 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
4109 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
4110 breakpoint must be used.
4111
4112 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
4113 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
4114 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
4115 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
4116 @end table
4117
4118 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
4119 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
4120 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
4121 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
4122 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
4123 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
4124 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
4125 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
4126 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
4127
4128 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
4129 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
4130 @table @code
4131 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
4132 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
4133 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
4134 removed from the target when it stops. This is the default mode.
4135
4136 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
4137 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
4138 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
4139 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
4140 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is deleted.
4141 @end table
4142
4143 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
4144 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
4145 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
4146
4147 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
4148 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
4149
4150 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
4151
4152 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
4153 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
4154 @table @code
4155 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
4156 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
4157 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
4158 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
4159 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
4160
4161 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
4162 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
4163 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
4164 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
4165 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
4166 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
4167 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
4168 that is only known to the host. Examples include
4169 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
4170 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
4171 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
4172 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
4173 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
4174
4175 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
4176 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
4177 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
4178 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
4179 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
4180 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
4181 @end table
4182
4183
4184 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
4185 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
4186 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
4187 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
4188 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
4189 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
4190 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
4191 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
4192
4193
4194 @node Set Watchpoints
4195 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
4196
4197 @cindex setting watchpoints
4198 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
4199 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
4200 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
4201 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
4202 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
4203
4204 @itemize @bullet
4205 @item
4206 A reference to the value of a single variable.
4207
4208 @item
4209 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
4210 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
4211 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
4212
4213 @item
4214 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
4215 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
4216 language (@pxref{Languages}).
4217 @end itemize
4218
4219 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
4220 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
4221 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
4222 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
4223 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
4224 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
4225 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
4226 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
4227 the expression changes.
4228
4229 @cindex software watchpoints
4230 @cindex hardware watchpoints
4231 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
4232 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
4233 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
4234 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
4235 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
4236 culprit.)
4237
4238 On some systems, such as most PowerPC or x86-based targets,
4239 @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware watchpoints, which do not
4240 slow down the running of your program.
4241
4242 @table @code
4243 @kindex watch
4244 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4245 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
4246 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
4247 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
4248 to watch the value of a single variable:
4249
4250 @smallexample
4251 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
4252 @end smallexample
4253
4254 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]}}
4255 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
4256 @var{thread-id} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
4257 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
4258 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
4259 with Hardware Watchpoints.
4260
4261 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
4262 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
4263 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
4264 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
4265 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
4266 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
4267 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
4268 error.
4269
4270 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
4271 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
4272 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
4273 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
4274 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
4275 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
4276 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
4277 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
4278 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
4279 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
4280 Examples:
4281
4282 @smallexample
4283 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
4284 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
4285 @end smallexample
4286
4287 @kindex rwatch
4288 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4289 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
4290 by the program.
4291
4292 @kindex awatch
4293 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4294 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
4295 or written into by the program.
4296
4297 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4298 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4299 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
4300 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
4301 @end table
4302
4303 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
4304 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
4305 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
4306 a never-changing value:
4307
4308 @smallexample
4309 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
4310 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
4311 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
4312 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
4313 @end smallexample
4314
4315 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
4316 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
4317 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
4318 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
4319 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
4320 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
4321
4322 @cindex use only software watchpoints
4323 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
4324 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
4325 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
4326 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
4327 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
4328 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
4329 mechanism of watching expression values.)
4330
4331 @table @code
4332 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4333 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4334 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
4335
4336 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4337 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4338 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
4339 @end table
4340
4341 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
4342 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
4343 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
4344
4345 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
4346
4347 @smallexample
4348 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
4349 @end smallexample
4350
4351 @noindent
4352 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
4353
4354 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
4355 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
4356 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
4357 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
4358 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
4359 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
4360 will print a message like this:
4361
4362 @smallexample
4363 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
4364 @end smallexample
4365
4366 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4367 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4368 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4369 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4370 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4371 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4372 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4373 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4374
4375 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4376 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4377 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4378 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4379 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4380 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4381
4382 @smallexample
4383 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4384 @end smallexample
4385
4386 @noindent
4387 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4388
4389 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4390 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4391 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4392 expression with separately allocated resources.
4393
4394 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4395 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4396 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4397
4398 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4399 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4400 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4401 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4402 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4403 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4404 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4405 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4406 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4407
4408 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4409 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4410 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4411 watched expression from every thread.
4412
4413 @quotation
4414 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4415 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4416 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4417 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4418 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4419 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4420 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4421 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4422 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4423 @end quotation
4424
4425 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4426
4427 @node Set Catchpoints
4428 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4429 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4430 @cindex exception handlers
4431 @cindex event handling
4432
4433 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4434 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4435 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4436
4437 @table @code
4438 @kindex catch
4439 @item catch @var{event}
4440 Stop when @var{event} occurs. The @var{event} can be any of the following:
4441
4442 @table @code
4443 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4444 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4445 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4446 @kindex catch throw
4447 @kindex catch rethrow
4448 @kindex catch catch
4449 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4450 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4451
4452 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4453 regular expression will be caught.
4454
4455 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4456 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4457 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4458 exception being thrown.
4459
4460 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4461 @value{GDBN}:
4462
4463 @itemize @bullet
4464 @item
4465 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4466 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4467 supported.
4468
4469 @item
4470 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4471 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4472 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4473 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4474 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4475 built.
4476
4477 @item
4478 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4479 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4480
4481 @item
4482 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4483 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4484 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4485 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4486
4487 @item
4488 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4489 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4490 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4491 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4492 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4493 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4494 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4495 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4496 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4497
4498 @item
4499 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4500
4501 @item
4502 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4503 @end itemize
4504
4505 @item exception
4506 @kindex catch exception
4507 @cindex Ada exception catching
4508 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4509 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4510 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4511 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4512 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4513
4514 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4515 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4516 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4517 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4518 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4519 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4520 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4521 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4522
4523 @item handlers
4524 @kindex catch handlers
4525 @cindex Ada exception handlers catching
4526 @cindex catch Ada exceptions when handled
4527 An Ada exception being handled. If an exception name is
4528 specified at the end of the command
4529 (eg @kbd{catch handlers Program_Error}), the debugger will stop
4530 only when this specific exception is handled.
4531 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is handled.
4532
4533 When inserting a handlers catchpoint on a user-defined
4534 exception whose name is identical to one of the exceptions
4535 defined by the language, the fully qualified name must be used
4536 as the exception name. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will assume that it
4537 should stop on the pre-defined exception rather than the
4538 user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception called
4539 @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then the
4540 command to use to catch such exceptions handling is
4541 @kbd{catch handlers Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4542
4543 @item exception unhandled
4544 @kindex catch exception unhandled
4545 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4546
4547 @item assert
4548 @kindex catch assert
4549 A failed Ada assertion.
4550
4551 @item exec
4552 @kindex catch exec
4553 @cindex break on fork/exec
4554 A call to @code{exec}.
4555
4556 @item syscall
4557 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number} @r{|} @r{group:}@var{groupname} @r{|} @r{g:}@var{groupname}@r{]} @dots{}
4558 @kindex catch syscall
4559 @cindex break on a system call.
4560 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4561 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4562 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4563 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4564 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4565 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4566 will be caught.
4567
4568 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4569 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4570 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4571 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4572
4573 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4574 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4575 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4576 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4577
4578 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4579 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4580 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4581 available choices.
4582
4583 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4584 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4585 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4586 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4587 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4588 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4589 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4590 behind the OS upgrades).
4591
4592 You may specify a group of related syscalls to be caught at once using
4593 the @code{group:} syntax (@code{g:} is a shorter equivalent). For
4594 instance, on some platforms @value{GDBN} allows you to catch all
4595 network related syscalls, by passing the argument @code{group:network}
4596 to @code{catch syscall}. Note that not all syscall groups are
4597 available in every system. You can use the command completion
4598 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4599 syscall groups available on your environment.
4600
4601 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4602 arguments to it:
4603
4604 @smallexample
4605 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4606 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4607 (@value{GDBP}) r
4608 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4609
4610 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4611 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4612 (@value{GDBP}) c
4613 Continuing.
4614
4615 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4616 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4617 (@value{GDBP})
4618 @end smallexample
4619
4620 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4621
4622 @smallexample
4623 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4624 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4625 (@value{GDBP}) r
4626 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4627
4628 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4629 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4630 (@value{GDBP}) c
4631 Continuing.
4632
4633 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4634 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4635 (@value{GDBP})
4636 @end smallexample
4637
4638 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4639 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4640 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4641
4642 @smallexample
4643 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4644 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4645 (@value{GDBP}) r
4646 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4647
4648 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4649 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4650 (@value{GDBP}) c
4651 Continuing.
4652
4653 Program exited normally.
4654 (@value{GDBP})
4655 @end smallexample
4656
4657 Here is an example of catching a syscall group:
4658
4659 @smallexample
4660 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall group:process
4661 Catchpoint 1 (syscalls 'exit' [1] 'fork' [2] 'waitpid' [7]
4662 'execve' [11] 'wait4' [114] 'clone' [120] 'vfork' [190]
4663 'exit_group' [252] 'waitid' [284] 'unshare' [310])
4664 (@value{GDBP}) r
4665 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4666
4667 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall fork), 0x00007ffff7df4e27 in open64 ()
4668 from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
4669
4670 (@value{GDBP}) c
4671 Continuing.
4672 @end smallexample
4673
4674 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4675 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4676 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4677 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4678
4679 @smallexample
4680 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4681 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4682 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4683 (@value{GDBP})
4684 @end smallexample
4685
4686 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4687 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4688 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4689 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4690 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4691 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4692
4693 @smallexample
4694 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4695 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4696 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4697 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4698 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4699 (@value{GDBP})
4700 @end smallexample
4701
4702 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4703
4704 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4705 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4706
4707 @smallexample
4708 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4709 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4710 @end smallexample
4711
4712 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4713
4714 @item fork
4715 @kindex catch fork
4716 A call to @code{fork}.
4717
4718 @item vfork
4719 @kindex catch vfork
4720 A call to @code{vfork}.
4721
4722 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4723 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4724 @kindex catch load
4725 @kindex catch unload
4726 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4727 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4728 matches one of the affected libraries.
4729
4730 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4731 @kindex catch signal
4732 The delivery of a signal.
4733
4734 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4735 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4736 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4737
4738 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4739 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4740 signal names.
4741
4742 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4743 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4744 will be caught.
4745
4746 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4747 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4748 catchpoint.
4749
4750 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4751 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4752 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4753 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4754 commands.
4755
4756 @end table
4757
4758 @item tcatch @var{event}
4759 @kindex tcatch
4760 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4761 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4762
4763 @end table
4764
4765 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4766
4767
4768 @node Delete Breaks
4769 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4770
4771 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4772 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4773 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4774 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4775 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4776 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4777
4778 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4779 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4780 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4781 their breakpoint numbers.
4782
4783 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4784 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4785 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4786
4787 @table @code
4788 @kindex clear
4789 @item clear
4790 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4791 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4792 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4793 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4794
4795 @item clear @var{location}
4796 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4797 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4798 most useful ones are listed below:
4799
4800 @table @code
4801 @item clear @var{function}
4802 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4803 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4804
4805 @item clear @var{linenum}
4806 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4807 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4808 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4809 @end table
4810
4811 @cindex delete breakpoints
4812 @kindex delete
4813 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4814 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4815 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4816 list specified as argument. If no argument is specified, delete all
4817 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4818 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4819 @end table
4820
4821 @node Disabling
4822 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4823
4824 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4825 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4826 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4827 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4828 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4829
4830 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4831 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4832 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4833 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4834 do not know which numbers to use.
4835
4836 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4837 affects all of its locations.
4838
4839 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4840 different states of enablement:
4841
4842 @itemize @bullet
4843 @item
4844 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4845 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4846 @item
4847 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4848 @item
4849 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4850 disabled.
4851 @item
4852 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4853 N times, then becomes disabled.
4854 @item
4855 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4856 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4857 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4858 @end itemize
4859
4860 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4861 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4862
4863 @table @code
4864 @kindex disable
4865 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4866 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4867 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4868 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4869 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4870 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4871 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4872
4873 @kindex enable
4874 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4875 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4876 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4877
4878 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{list}@dots{}
4879 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4880 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4881
4882 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{list}@dots{}
4883 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4884 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4885 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4886 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4887 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4888 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4889
4890 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{list}@dots{}
4891 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4892 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4893 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4894 @end table
4895
4896 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4897 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4898 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4899 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4900 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4901 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4902 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4903 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4904 Stepping}.)
4905
4906 @node Conditions
4907 @subsection Break Conditions
4908 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4909 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4910
4911 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4912 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4913 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4914 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4915 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4916 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4917 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4918 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4919
4920 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4921 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4922 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4923 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4924 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4925
4926 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4927 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4928 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4929 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4930 one.
4931
4932 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4933 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4934 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4935 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4936 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4937 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4938 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4939 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4940 conditions for the
4941 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4942 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4943
4944 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4945 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4946 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4947 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4948 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4949 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4950
4951 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4952 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4953 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4954 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4955 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4956
4957 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4958 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4959 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4960 with the @code{condition} command.
4961
4962 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4963 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4964 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4965 catchpoint.
4966
4967 @table @code
4968 @kindex condition
4969 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4970 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4971 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4972 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4973 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4974 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4975 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4976 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4977 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4978 prints an error message:
4979
4980 @smallexample
4981 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4982 @end smallexample
4983
4984 @noindent
4985 @value{GDBN} does
4986 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4987 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4988 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4989
4990 @item condition @var{bnum}
4991 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4992 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4993 @end table
4994
4995 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4996 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4997 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4998 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4999 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
5000 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
5001 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
5002 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
5003 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
5004 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
5005 your program reaches it.
5006
5007 @table @code
5008 @kindex ignore
5009 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
5010 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
5011 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
5012 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
5013 takes no action.
5014
5015 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
5016 a count of zero.
5017
5018 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
5019 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
5020 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
5021 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
5022
5023 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
5024 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
5025 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
5026
5027 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
5028 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
5029 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
5030 Variables}.
5031 @end table
5032
5033 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
5034
5035
5036 @node Break Commands
5037 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
5038
5039 @cindex breakpoint commands
5040 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
5041 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
5042 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
5043 enable other breakpoints.
5044
5045 @table @code
5046 @kindex commands
5047 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
5048 @item commands @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
5049 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
5050 @itemx end
5051 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
5052 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
5053 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
5054
5055 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
5056 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
5057
5058 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
5059 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
5060 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
5061 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
5062 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
5063 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
5064 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
5065 Expressions}).
5066 @end table
5067
5068 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
5069 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
5070
5071 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
5072 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
5073 that resumes execution.
5074
5075 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
5076 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
5077 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
5078 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
5079 ambiguities about which list to execute.
5080
5081 @kindex silent
5082 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
5083 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
5084 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
5085 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
5086 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
5087 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
5088
5089 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
5090 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
5091 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
5092
5093 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
5094 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
5095
5096 @smallexample
5097 break foo if x>0
5098 commands
5099 silent
5100 printf "x is %d\n",x
5101 cont
5102 end
5103 @end smallexample
5104
5105 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
5106 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
5107 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
5108 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
5109 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
5110 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
5111 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
5112
5113 @smallexample
5114 break 403
5115 commands
5116 silent
5117 set x = y + 4
5118 cont
5119 end
5120 @end smallexample
5121
5122 @node Dynamic Printf
5123 @subsection Dynamic Printf
5124
5125 @cindex dynamic printf
5126 @cindex dprintf
5127 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
5128 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
5129 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
5130 having to recompile it.
5131
5132 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
5133 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
5134 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
5135 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
5136 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
5137 redirects to files and so forth.
5138
5139 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
5140 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
5141 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
5142 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
5143 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
5144 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
5145 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
5146
5147 @table @code
5148 @kindex dprintf
5149 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
5150 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
5151 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
5152 To print several values, separate them with commas.
5153
5154 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
5155 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
5156 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
5157 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
5158 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
5159 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
5160
5161 @table @code
5162 @item gdb
5163 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
5164 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
5165
5166 @item call
5167 @kindex dprintf-style call
5168 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
5169 @code{printf}).
5170
5171 @item agent
5172 @kindex dprintf-style agent
5173 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
5174 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
5175 support running commands on the target.
5176 @end table
5177
5178 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
5179 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
5180 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
5181 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
5182 command.
5183
5184 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
5185 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
5186 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
5187 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
5188 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
5189 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
5190
5191 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
5192 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
5193 you could do the following:
5194
5195 @example
5196 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
5197 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
5198 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
5199 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
5200 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
5201 (gdb) info break
5202 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
5203 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
5204 continue
5205 (gdb)
5206 @end example
5207
5208 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
5209 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
5210 the variable settings.
5211
5212 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
5213 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
5214 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
5215 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
5216 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
5217 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
5218
5219 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
5220 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
5221 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
5222
5223 @end table
5224
5225 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
5226 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
5227 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
5228 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
5229 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
5230 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
5231
5232 @node Save Breakpoints
5233 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
5234
5235 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
5236 breakpoints}} command.
5237
5238 @table @code
5239 @kindex save breakpoints
5240 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
5241 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
5242 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
5243 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
5244 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
5245 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
5246 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
5247 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
5248 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
5249 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
5250 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
5251 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
5252 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
5253 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
5254 that can no longer be recreated.
5255 @end table
5256
5257 @node Static Probe Points
5258 @subsection Static Probe Points
5259
5260 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
5261 @cindex static probe point, DTrace
5262 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
5263 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
5264 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations.
5265
5266 Currently, the following types of probes are supported on
5267 ELF-compatible systems:
5268
5269 @itemize @bullet
5270
5271 @item @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
5272 @acronym{SDT} probes@footnote{See
5273 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
5274 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT}
5275 probes in your applications.}. @code{SystemTap} probes are usable
5276 from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages@footnote{See
5277 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
5278 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.}.
5279
5280 @item @code{DTrace} (@uref{http://oss.oracle.com/projects/DTrace})
5281 @acronym{USDT} probes. @code{DTrace} probes are usable from C and
5282 C@t{++} languages.
5283 @end itemize
5284
5285 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
5286 Some @code{SystemTap} probes have an associated semaphore variable;
5287 for instance, this happens automatically if you defined your probe
5288 using a DTrace-style @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore,
5289 @value{GDBN} will automatically enable it when you specify a
5290 breakpoint using the @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a
5291 breakpoint at a probe's location by some other method (e.g.,
5292 @code{break file:line}), then @value{GDBN} will not automatically set
5293 the semaphore. @code{DTrace} probes do not support semaphores.
5294
5295 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
5296 probes}, with optional arguments:
5297
5298 @table @code
5299 @kindex info probes
5300 @item info probes @r{[}@var{type}@r{]} @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5301 If given, @var{type} is either @code{stap} for listing
5302 @code{SystemTap} probes or @code{dtrace} for listing @code{DTrace}
5303 probes. If omitted all probes are listed regardless of their types.
5304
5305 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
5306 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
5307 probes from all providers are listed.
5308
5309 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
5310 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
5311 considered when deciding whether to display them.
5312
5313 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5314 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5315 given, all object files are considered.
5316
5317 @item info probes all
5318 List the available static probes, from all types.
5319 @end table
5320
5321 @cindex enabling and disabling probes
5322 Some probe points can be enabled and/or disabled. The effect of
5323 enabling or disabling a probe depends on the type of probe being
5324 handled. Some @code{DTrace} probes can be enabled or
5325 disabled, but @code{SystemTap} probes cannot be disabled.
5326
5327 You can enable (or disable) one or more probes using the following
5328 commands, with optional arguments:
5329
5330 @table @code
5331 @kindex enable probes
5332 @item enable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5333 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against
5334 provider names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted,
5335 all probes from all providers are enabled.
5336
5337 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe
5338 names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted, probe names
5339 are not considered when deciding whether to enable them.
5340
5341 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5342 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5343 given, all object files are considered.
5344
5345 @kindex disable probes
5346 @item disable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5347 See the @code{enable probes} command above for a description of the
5348 optional arguments accepted by this command.
5349 @end table
5350
5351 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
5352 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
5353 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
5354 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
5355 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
5356 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. In @code{SystemTap}
5357 probes each probe argument is an integer of the appropriate size;
5358 types are not preserved. In @code{DTrace} probes types are preserved
5359 provided that they are recognized as such by @value{GDBN}; otherwise
5360 the value of the probe argument will be a long integer. The
5361 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
5362 at the current probe point.
5363
5364 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
5365 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
5366 an error message.
5367
5368
5369 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
5370 @node Error in Breakpoints
5371 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
5372
5373 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
5374 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
5375
5376 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
5377 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
5378 @smallexample
5379 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
5380 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
5381 @end smallexample
5382
5383 @noindent
5384 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
5385 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
5386 watchpoints it needs to insert.
5387
5388 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
5389 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
5390
5391 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
5392 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
5393 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
5394
5395 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
5396 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
5397 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
5398 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
5399
5400 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
5401 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
5402 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
5403 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
5404 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
5405 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
5406 first in the bundle.
5407
5408 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
5409 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
5410 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
5411 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
5412 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
5413 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
5414 is hit.
5415
5416 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
5417 that's been subject to address adjustment:
5418
5419 @smallexample
5420 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
5421 @end smallexample
5422
5423 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
5424 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
5425 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
5426 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
5427 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
5428 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
5429 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
5430 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
5431
5432 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
5433 adjusted breakpoints:
5434
5435 @smallexample
5436 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
5437 to 0x00010410.
5438 @end smallexample
5439
5440 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
5441 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
5442 frequently than expected.
5443
5444 @node Continuing and Stepping
5445 @section Continuing and Stepping
5446
5447 @cindex stepping
5448 @cindex continuing
5449 @cindex resuming execution
5450 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
5451 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
5452 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
5453 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
5454 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
5455 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
5456 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
5457 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution (@pxref{Signals, ,Signals}),
5458 or you may step into the signal's handler (@pxref{stepping and signal
5459 handlers}).)
5460
5461 @table @code
5462 @kindex continue
5463 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
5464 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
5465 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5466 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5467 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5468 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
5469 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
5470 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
5471 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
5472 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
5473
5474 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
5475 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5476 @code{continue} is ignored.
5477
5478 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5479 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5480 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5481 @code{continue}.
5482 @end table
5483
5484 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5485 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5486 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5487 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5488
5489 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5490 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5491 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5492 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5493 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5494 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5495
5496 @table @code
5497 @kindex step
5498 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5499 @item step
5500 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5501 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5502 abbreviated @code{s}.
5503
5504 @quotation
5505 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5506 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5507 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5508 @c distinction here.
5509 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5510 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5511 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5512 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5513 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5514 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5515 below.
5516 @end quotation
5517
5518 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5519 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5520 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5521 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5522 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5523 called within the line.
5524
5525 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5526 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5527 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5528 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5529 was any debugging information about the routine.
5530
5531 @item step @var{count}
5532 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5533 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5534 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5535
5536 @kindex next
5537 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5538 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5539 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5540 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5541 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5542 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5543 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5544 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5545
5546 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5547
5548
5549 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5550 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5551 @c
5552 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5553 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5554 @c function are executed without stopping.
5555
5556 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5557 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5558 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5559
5560 @kindex set step-mode
5561 @item set step-mode
5562 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5563 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5564 @itemx set step-mode on
5565 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5566 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5567 information rather than stepping over it.
5568
5569 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5570 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5571 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5572
5573 @item set step-mode off
5574 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5575 debug information. This is the default.
5576
5577 @item show step-mode
5578 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5579 source line debug information.
5580
5581 @kindex finish
5582 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5583 @item finish
5584 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5585 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5586 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5587
5588 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5589 ,Returning from a Function}).
5590
5591 @kindex until
5592 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5593 @cindex run until specified location
5594 @item until
5595 @itemx u
5596 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5597 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5598 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5599 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5600 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5601 than the address of the jump.
5602
5603 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5604 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5605 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5606 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5607 through the next iteration.
5608
5609 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5610 stack frame.
5611
5612 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5613 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5614 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5615 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5616 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5617
5618 @smallexample
5619 (@value{GDBP}) f
5620 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5621 206 expand_input();
5622 (@value{GDBP}) until
5623 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5624 @end smallexample
5625
5626 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5627 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5628 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5629 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5630 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5631 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5632 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5633
5634 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5635 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5636 argument.
5637
5638 @item until @var{location}
5639 @itemx u @var{location}
5640 Continue running your program until either the specified @var{location} is
5641 reached, or the current stack frame returns. The location is any of
5642 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5643 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5644 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5645 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5646 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5647 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5648 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5649 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5650 invocations have returned.
5651
5652 @smallexample
5653 94 int factorial (int value)
5654 95 @{
5655 96 if (value > 1) @{
5656 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5657 98 @}
5658 99 return (value);
5659 100 @}
5660 @end smallexample
5661
5662
5663 @kindex advance @var{location}
5664 @item advance @var{location}
5665 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5666 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5667 @ref{Specify Location}.
5668 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5669 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5670 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5671 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5672
5673
5674 @kindex stepi
5675 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5676 @item stepi
5677 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5678 @itemx si
5679 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5680
5681 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5682 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5683 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5684 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5685
5686 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5687
5688 @need 750
5689 @kindex nexti
5690 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5691 @item nexti
5692 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5693 @itemx ni
5694 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5695 proceed until the function returns.
5696
5697 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5698
5699 @end table
5700
5701 @anchor{range stepping}
5702 @cindex range stepping
5703 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5704 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5705 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5706 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5707 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5708 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5709 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5710 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5711 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5712 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5713 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5714 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5715 if necessary:
5716
5717 @table @code
5718 @kindex set range-stepping
5719 @kindex show range-stepping
5720 @item set range-stepping
5721 @itemx show range-stepping
5722 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5723
5724 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5725 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5726 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5727 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5728 default is @code{on}.
5729
5730 @end table
5731
5732 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5733 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5734 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5735
5736 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5737 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} command lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5738 skip a function, all functions in a file or a particular function in
5739 a particular file when stepping.
5740
5741 For example, consider the following C function:
5742
5743 @smallexample
5744 101 int func()
5745 102 @{
5746 103 foo(boring());
5747 104 bar(boring());
5748 105 @}
5749 @end smallexample
5750
5751 @noindent
5752 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5753 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5754 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5755 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5756
5757 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5758 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5759 is called from many places.
5760
5761 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5762 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5763 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5764 @code{foo}.
5765
5766 Functions may be skipped by providing either a function name, linespec
5767 (@pxref{Specify Location}), regular expression that matches the function's
5768 name, file name or a @code{glob}-style pattern that matches the file name.
5769
5770 On Posix systems the form of the regular expression is
5771 ``Extended Regular Expressions''. See for example @samp{man 7 regex}
5772 on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. On non-Posix systems the form of the regular
5773 expression is whatever is provided by the @code{regcomp} function of
5774 the underlying system.
5775 See for example @samp{man 7 glob} on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems for a
5776 description of @code{glob}-style patterns.
5777
5778 @table @code
5779 @kindex skip
5780 @item skip @r{[}@var{options}@r{]}
5781 The basic form of the @code{skip} command takes zero or more options
5782 that specify what to skip.
5783 The @var{options} argument is any useful combination of the following:
5784
5785 @table @code
5786 @item -file @var{file}
5787 @itemx -fi @var{file}
5788 Functions in @var{file} will be skipped over when stepping.
5789
5790 @item -gfile @var{file-glob-pattern}
5791 @itemx -gfi @var{file-glob-pattern}
5792 @cindex skipping over files via glob-style patterns
5793 Functions in files matching @var{file-glob-pattern} will be skipped
5794 over when stepping.
5795
5796 @smallexample
5797 (gdb) skip -gfi utils/*.c
5798 @end smallexample
5799
5800 @item -function @var{linespec}
5801 @itemx -fu @var{linespec}
5802 Functions named by @var{linespec} or the function containing the line
5803 named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when stepping.
5804 @xref{Specify Location}.
5805
5806 @item -rfunction @var{regexp}
5807 @itemx -rfu @var{regexp}
5808 @cindex skipping over functions via regular expressions
5809 Functions whose name matches @var{regexp} will be skipped over when stepping.
5810
5811 This form is useful for complex function names.
5812 For example, there is generally no need to step into C@t{++} @code{std::string}
5813 constructors or destructors. Plus with C@t{++} templates it can be hard to
5814 write out the full name of the function, and often it doesn't matter what
5815 the template arguments are. Specifying the function to be skipped as a
5816 regular expression makes this easier.
5817
5818 @smallexample
5819 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::(allocator|basic_string)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5820 @end smallexample
5821
5822 If you want to skip every templated C@t{++} constructor and destructor
5823 in the @code{std} namespace you can do:
5824
5825 @smallexample
5826 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::([a-zA-z0-9_]+)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5827 @end smallexample
5828 @end table
5829
5830 If no options are specified, the function you're currently debugging
5831 will be skipped.
5832
5833 @kindex skip function
5834 @item skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5835 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5836 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5837 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5838
5839 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5840 will be skipped.
5841
5842 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5843 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5844
5845 @kindex skip file
5846 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5847 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5848 will be skipped over when stepping.
5849
5850 @smallexample
5851 (gdb) skip file boring.c
5852 File boring.c will be skipped when stepping.
5853 @end smallexample
5854
5855 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5856 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5857 @end table
5858
5859 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5860 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5861
5862 @table @code
5863 @kindex info skip
5864 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5865 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5866 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5867 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5868
5869 @table @emph
5870 @item Identifier
5871 A number identifying this skip.
5872 @item Enabled or Disabled
5873 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}.
5874 Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5875 @item Glob
5876 If the file name is a @samp{glob} pattern this is @samp{y}.
5877 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5878 @item File
5879 The name or @samp{glob} pattern of the file to be skipped.
5880 If no file is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5881 @item RE
5882 If the function name is a @samp{regular expression} this is @samp{y}.
5883 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5884 @item Function
5885 The name or regular expression of the function to skip.
5886 If no function is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5887 @end table
5888
5889 @kindex skip delete
5890 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5891 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5892 skips.
5893
5894 @kindex skip enable
5895 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5896 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5897 skips.
5898
5899 @kindex skip disable
5900 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5901 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5902 skips.
5903
5904 @kindex set debug skip
5905 @item set debug skip @r{[}on|off@r{]}
5906 Set whether to print the debug output about skipping files and functions.
5907
5908 @kindex show debug skip
5909 @item show debug skip
5910 Show whether the debug output about skipping files and functions is printed.
5911
5912 @end table
5913
5914 @node Signals
5915 @section Signals
5916 @cindex signals
5917
5918 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5919 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5920 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5921 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5922 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5923 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5924 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5925 requested an alarm).
5926
5927 @cindex fatal signals
5928 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5929 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5930 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5931 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5932 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5933 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5934
5935 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5936 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5937 signal.
5938
5939 @cindex handling signals
5940 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5941 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5942 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5943 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5944 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5945
5946 @table @code
5947 @kindex info signals
5948 @kindex info handle
5949 @item info signals
5950 @itemx info handle
5951 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5952 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5953 the defined types of signals.
5954
5955 @item info signals @var{sig}
5956 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5957
5958 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5959
5960 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5961 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5962 for details about this command.
5963
5964 @kindex handle
5965 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5966 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal}
5967 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5968 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5969 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5970 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5971 say what change to make.
5972 @end table
5973
5974 @c @group
5975 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5976 Their full names are:
5977
5978 @table @code
5979 @item nostop
5980 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5981 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5982
5983 @item stop
5984 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5985 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5986
5987 @item print
5988 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5989
5990 @item noprint
5991 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5992 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5993
5994 @item pass
5995 @itemx noignore
5996 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5997 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5998 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5999
6000 @item nopass
6001 @itemx ignore
6002 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
6003 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
6004 @end table
6005 @c @end group
6006
6007 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
6008 program until you
6009 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
6010 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
6011 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
6012 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
6013 program sees that signal when you continue.
6014
6015 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
6016 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
6017 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
6018 erroneous signals.
6019
6020 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
6021 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
6022 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
6023 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
6024 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
6025 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
6026 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
6027 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
6028 Program a Signal}.
6029
6030 @cindex stepping and signal handlers
6031 @anchor{stepping and signal handlers}
6032
6033 @value{GDBN} optimizes for stepping the mainline code. If a signal
6034 that has @code{handle nostop} and @code{handle pass} set arrives while
6035 a stepping command (e.g., @code{stepi}, @code{step}, @code{next}) is
6036 in progress, @value{GDBN} lets the signal handler run and then resumes
6037 stepping the mainline code once the signal handler returns. In other
6038 words, @value{GDBN} steps over the signal handler. This prevents
6039 signals that you've specified as not interesting (with @code{handle
6040 nostop}) from changing the focus of debugging unexpectedly. Note that
6041 the signal handler itself may still hit a breakpoint, stop for another
6042 signal that has @code{handle stop} in effect, or for any other event
6043 that normally results in stopping the stepping command sooner. Also
6044 note that @value{GDBN} still informs you that the program received a
6045 signal if @code{handle print} is set.
6046
6047 @anchor{stepping into signal handlers}
6048
6049 If you set @code{handle pass} for a signal, and your program sets up a
6050 handler for it, then issuing a stepping command, such as @code{step}
6051 or @code{stepi}, when your program is stopped due to the signal will
6052 step @emph{into} the signal handler (if the target supports that).
6053
6054 Likewise, if you use the @code{queue-signal} command to queue a signal
6055 to be delivered to the current thread when execution of the thread
6056 resumes (@pxref{Signaling, ,Giving your Program a Signal}), then a
6057 stepping command will step into the signal handler.
6058
6059 Here's an example, using @code{stepi} to step to the first instruction
6060 of @code{SIGUSR1}'s handler:
6061
6062 @smallexample
6063 (@value{GDBP}) handle SIGUSR1
6064 Signal Stop Print Pass to program Description
6065 SIGUSR1 Yes Yes Yes User defined signal 1
6066 (@value{GDBP}) c
6067 Continuing.
6068
6069 Program received signal SIGUSR1, User defined signal 1.
6070 main () sigusr1.c:28
6071 28 p = 0;
6072 (@value{GDBP}) si
6073 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
6074 9 @{
6075 @end smallexample
6076
6077 The same, but using @code{queue-signal} instead of waiting for the
6078 program to receive the signal first:
6079
6080 @smallexample
6081 (@value{GDBP}) n
6082 28 p = 0;
6083 (@value{GDBP}) queue-signal SIGUSR1
6084 (@value{GDBP}) si
6085 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
6086 9 @{
6087 (@value{GDBP})
6088 @end smallexample
6089
6090 @cindex extra signal information
6091 @anchor{extra signal information}
6092
6093 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
6094 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
6095 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
6096 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
6097 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
6098 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
6099 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
6100 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
6101 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
6102 system header.
6103
6104 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
6105 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
6106
6107 @smallexample
6108 @group
6109 (@value{GDBP}) continue
6110 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
6111 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
6112 69 *(int *)p = 0;
6113 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
6114 type = struct @{
6115 int si_signo;
6116 int si_errno;
6117 int si_code;
6118 union @{
6119 int _pad[28];
6120 struct @{...@} _kill;
6121 struct @{...@} _timer;
6122 struct @{...@} _rt;
6123 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
6124 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
6125 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
6126 @} _sifields;
6127 @}
6128 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
6129 type = struct @{
6130 void *si_addr;
6131 @}
6132 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
6133 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
6134 @end group
6135 @end smallexample
6136
6137 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
6138
6139 @cindex Intel MPX boundary violations
6140 @cindex boundary violations, Intel MPX
6141 On some targets, a @code{SIGSEGV} can be caused by a boundary
6142 violation, i.e., accessing an address outside of the allowed range.
6143 In those cases @value{GDBN} may displays additional information,
6144 depending on how @value{GDBN} has been told to handle the signal.
6145 With @code{handle stop SIGSEGV}, @value{GDBN} displays the violation
6146 kind: "Upper" or "Lower", the memory address accessed and the
6147 bounds, while with @code{handle nostop SIGSEGV} no additional
6148 information is displayed.
6149
6150 The usual output of a segfault is:
6151 @smallexample
6152 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6153 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6154 68 value = *(p + len);
6155 @end smallexample
6156
6157 While a bound violation is presented as:
6158 @smallexample
6159 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6160 Upper bound violation while accessing address 0x7fffffffc3b3
6161 Bounds: [lower = 0x7fffffffc390, upper = 0x7fffffffc3a3]
6162 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6163 68 value = *(p + len);
6164 @end smallexample
6165
6166 @node Thread Stops
6167 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
6168
6169 @cindex stopped threads
6170 @cindex threads, stopped
6171
6172 @cindex continuing threads
6173 @cindex threads, continuing
6174
6175 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
6176 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
6177 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
6178 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
6179 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
6180 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
6181 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
6182 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
6183 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
6184
6185 @menu
6186 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
6187 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
6188 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
6189 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
6190 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
6191 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
6192 @end menu
6193
6194 @node All-Stop Mode
6195 @subsection All-Stop Mode
6196
6197 @cindex all-stop mode
6198
6199 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
6200 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
6201 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
6202 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
6203 underfoot.
6204
6205 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
6206 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
6207 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
6208
6209 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
6210 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
6211 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
6212 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
6213 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
6214 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
6215 stops.
6216
6217 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
6218 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
6219 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
6220 first thread completes whatever you requested.
6221
6222 @cindex automatic thread selection
6223 @cindex switching threads automatically
6224 @cindex threads, automatic switching
6225 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
6226 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
6227 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
6228 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
6229 thread.
6230
6231 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
6232 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
6233
6234 @table @code
6235 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
6236 @cindex scheduler locking mode
6237 @cindex lock scheduler
6238 Set the scheduler locking mode. It applies to normal execution,
6239 record mode, and replay mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
6240 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only
6241 the current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The
6242 @code{step} mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other
6243 threads from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so
6244 that the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly. Other
6245 threads never get a chance to run when you step, and they are
6246 completely free to run when you use commands like @samp{continue},
6247 @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another thread hits a
6248 breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change the
6249 current thread away from the thread that you are debugging. The
6250 @code{replay} mode behaves like @code{off} in record mode and like
6251 @code{on} in replay mode.
6252
6253 @item show scheduler-locking
6254 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
6255 @end table
6256
6257 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
6258 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
6259 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
6260 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
6261 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
6262 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
6263 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
6264 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
6265 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
6266 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
6267 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
6268 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
6269 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
6270 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
6271
6272 @table @code
6273 @kindex set schedule-multiple
6274 @item set schedule-multiple
6275 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
6276 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
6277 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
6278 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
6279 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
6280 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
6281
6282 @item show schedule-multiple
6283 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
6284 multiple processes.
6285 @end table
6286
6287 @node Non-Stop Mode
6288 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
6289
6290 @cindex non-stop mode
6291
6292 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
6293 @c with more details.
6294
6295 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
6296 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
6297 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
6298 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
6299 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
6300 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
6301
6302 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
6303 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
6304 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
6305 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
6306 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
6307 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
6308 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
6309 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
6310 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
6311 independently and simultaneously.
6312
6313 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
6314 or attach to your program:
6315
6316 @smallexample
6317 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
6318 set pagination off
6319
6320 # Finally, turn it on!
6321 set non-stop on
6322 @end smallexample
6323
6324 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
6325
6326 @table @code
6327 @kindex set non-stop
6328 @item set non-stop on
6329 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
6330 @item set non-stop off
6331 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
6332 @kindex show non-stop
6333 @item show non-stop
6334 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
6335 @end table
6336
6337 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
6338 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
6339 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
6340 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
6341 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
6342 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
6343 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
6344 default.
6345
6346 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
6347 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
6348 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
6349
6350 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
6351 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
6352 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
6353 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
6354 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
6355
6356 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
6357 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
6358 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
6359 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
6360 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
6361
6362 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
6363
6364 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
6365 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
6366 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
6367 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
6368 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
6369 previously current thread.
6370
6371 @node Background Execution
6372 @subsection Background Execution
6373
6374 @cindex foreground execution
6375 @cindex background execution
6376 @cindex asynchronous execution
6377 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
6378
6379 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
6380 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
6381 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
6382 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
6383 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
6384 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
6385
6386 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
6387 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
6388
6389 @cindex @code{&}, background execution of commands
6390 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
6391 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
6392 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
6393 are:
6394
6395 @table @code
6396 @kindex run&
6397 @item run
6398 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
6399
6400 @item attach
6401 @kindex attach&
6402 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
6403
6404 @item step
6405 @kindex step&
6406 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
6407
6408 @item stepi
6409 @kindex stepi&
6410 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
6411
6412 @item next
6413 @kindex next&
6414 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
6415
6416 @item nexti
6417 @kindex nexti&
6418 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
6419
6420 @item continue
6421 @kindex continue&
6422 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
6423
6424 @item finish
6425 @kindex finish&
6426 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
6427
6428 @item until
6429 @kindex until&
6430 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
6431
6432 @end table
6433
6434 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
6435 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
6436 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
6437 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
6438 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
6439 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
6440
6441 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
6442 using the @code{interrupt} command.
6443
6444 @table @code
6445 @kindex interrupt
6446 @item interrupt
6447 @itemx interrupt -a
6448
6449 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
6450 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
6451 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
6452 use @code{interrupt -a}.
6453 @end table
6454
6455 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6456 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6457
6458 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
6459 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
6460 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
6461
6462 @table @code
6463 @cindex breakpoints and threads
6464 @cindex thread breakpoints
6465 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{thread-id}
6466 @item break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id}
6467 @itemx break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id} if @dots{}
6468 @var{location} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
6469 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
6470 specify some source line.
6471
6472 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} with a breakpoint command
6473 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
6474 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. The @var{thread-id} specifier
6475 is one of the thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown
6476 in the first column of the @samp{info threads} display.
6477
6478 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} when you set a
6479 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
6480 program.
6481
6482 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
6483 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} before or
6484 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
6485
6486 @smallexample
6487 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
6488 @end smallexample
6489
6490 @end table
6491
6492 Thread-specific breakpoints are automatically deleted when
6493 @value{GDBN} detects the corresponding thread is no longer in the
6494 thread list. For example:
6495
6496 @smallexample
6497 (@value{GDBP}) c
6498 Thread-specific breakpoint 3 deleted - thread 28 no longer in the thread list.
6499 @end smallexample
6500
6501 There are several ways for a thread to disappear, such as a regular
6502 thread exit, but also when you detach from the process with the
6503 @code{detach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
6504 Process}), or if @value{GDBN} loses the remote connection
6505 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), etc. Note that with some targets,
6506 @value{GDBN} is only able to detect a thread has exited when the user
6507 explictly asks for the thread list with the @code{info threads}
6508 command.
6509
6510 @node Interrupted System Calls
6511 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
6512
6513 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
6514 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
6515 @cindex premature return from system calls
6516 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
6517 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
6518 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
6519 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
6520 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
6521 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
6522 stop execution.
6523
6524 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
6525 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
6526 style anyways.
6527
6528 For example, do not write code like this:
6529
6530 @smallexample
6531 sleep (10);
6532 @end smallexample
6533
6534 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
6535 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
6536
6537 Instead, write this:
6538
6539 @smallexample
6540 int unslept = 10;
6541 while (unslept > 0)
6542 unslept = sleep (unslept);
6543 @end smallexample
6544
6545 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
6546 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
6547 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
6548 @value{GDBN}.
6549
6550 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
6551 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
6552 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
6553 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
6554
6555 @node Observer Mode
6556 @subsection Observer Mode
6557
6558 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
6559 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
6560 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
6561 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
6562 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
6563
6564 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
6565 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
6566 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
6567 mode.
6568
6569 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
6570 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
6571 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
6572 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
6573 stream will still not be able to be placed.
6574
6575 @table @code
6576
6577 @kindex observer
6578 @item set observer on
6579 @itemx set observer off
6580 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
6581 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
6582 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
6583 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
6584
6585 @item show observer
6586 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
6587
6588 @kindex may-write-registers
6589 @item set may-write-registers on
6590 @itemx set may-write-registers off
6591 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
6592 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
6593 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
6594
6595 @item show may-write-registers
6596 Show the current permission to write registers.
6597
6598 @kindex may-write-memory
6599 @item set may-write-memory on
6600 @itemx set may-write-memory off
6601 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
6602 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
6603 defaults to @code{on}.
6604
6605 @item show may-write-memory
6606 Show the current permission to write memory.
6607
6608 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
6609 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
6610 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
6611 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
6612 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
6613 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6614
6615 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
6616 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
6617
6618 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
6619 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
6620 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
6621 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
6622 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6623 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
6624 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6625
6626 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
6627 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
6628
6629 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6630 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
6631 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
6632 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
6633 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6634 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
6635 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6636
6637 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6638 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
6639
6640 @kindex may-interrupt
6641 @item set may-interrupt on
6642 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6643 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6644 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6645 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6646 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6647
6648 @item show may-interrupt
6649 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6650
6651 @end table
6652
6653 @node Reverse Execution
6654 @chapter Running programs backward
6655 @cindex reverse execution
6656 @cindex running programs backward
6657
6658 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6659 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6660 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6661 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6662
6663 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6664 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6665 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6666 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6667 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6668 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6669
6670 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6671 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6672 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6673 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6674 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6675 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6676 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6677 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6678 prior values@footnote{
6679 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6680 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6681 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6682
6683 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6684 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6685 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6686 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6687 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6688 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6689 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6690 }.
6691
6692 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6693 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6694
6695 @table @code
6696 @kindex reverse-continue
6697 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6698 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6699 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6700 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6701 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6702 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6703 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6704
6705 @kindex reverse-step
6706 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6707 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6708 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6709 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6710
6711 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6712 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6713 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6714 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6715 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6716 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6717
6718 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6719 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6720
6721 @kindex reverse-stepi
6722 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6723 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6724 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6725 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6726 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6727 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6728 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6729
6730 @kindex reverse-next
6731 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6732 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6733 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6734 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6735 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6736 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6737 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6738 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6739 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6740 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6741
6742 @kindex reverse-nexti
6743 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6744 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6745 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6746 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6747 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6748 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6749 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6750 frame) is reached.
6751
6752 @kindex reverse-finish
6753 @item reverse-finish
6754 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6755 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6756 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6757 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6758
6759 @kindex set exec-direction
6760 @item set exec-direction
6761 Set the direction of target execution.
6762 @item set exec-direction reverse
6763 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6764 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6765 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6766 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6767 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6768 @item set exec-direction forward
6769 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6770 This is the default.
6771 @end table
6772
6773
6774 @node Process Record and Replay
6775 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6776 @cindex process record and replay
6777 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6778
6779 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6780 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6781 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6782
6783 @cindex replay mode
6784 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6785 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6786 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6787 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6788 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6789 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6790 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6791 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6792 execution log.
6793
6794 @cindex record mode
6795 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6796 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6797 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6798 for future replay.
6799
6800 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6801 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6802 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6803 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6804 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6805 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6806
6807 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6808 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6809 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6810 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6811
6812 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6813 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6814
6815 @table @code
6816 @kindex target record
6817 @kindex target record-full
6818 @kindex target record-btrace
6819 @kindex record
6820 @kindex record full
6821 @kindex record btrace
6822 @kindex record btrace bts
6823 @kindex record btrace pt
6824 @kindex record bts
6825 @kindex record pt
6826 @kindex rec
6827 @kindex rec full
6828 @kindex rec btrace
6829 @kindex rec btrace bts
6830 @kindex rec btrace pt
6831 @kindex rec bts
6832 @kindex rec pt
6833 @item record @var{method}
6834 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6835 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6836 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6837 recording methods are available:
6838
6839 @table @code
6840 @item full
6841 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6842 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6843 execution.
6844
6845 @item btrace @var{format}
6846 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not record
6847 data. Further, the data is collected in a ring buffer so old data will
6848 be overwritten when the buffer is full. It allows limited reverse
6849 execution. Variables and registers are not available during reverse
6850 execution. In remote debugging, recording continues on disconnect.
6851 Recorded data can be inspected after reconnecting. The recording may
6852 be stopped using @code{record stop}.
6853
6854 The recording format can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6855 the command chooses the recording format. The following recording
6856 formats are available:
6857
6858 @table @code
6859 @item bts
6860 @cindex branch trace store
6861 Use the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) recording format. In
6862 this format, the processor stores a from/to record for each executed
6863 branch in the btrace ring buffer.
6864
6865 @item pt
6866 @cindex Intel Processor Trace
6867 Use the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} recording format. In this
6868 format, the processor stores the execution trace in a compressed form
6869 that is afterwards decoded by @value{GDBN}.
6870
6871 The trace can be recorded with very low overhead. The compressed
6872 trace format also allows small trace buffers to already contain a big
6873 number of instructions compared to @acronym{BTS}.
6874
6875 Decoding the recorded execution trace, on the other hand, is more
6876 expensive than decoding @acronym{BTS} trace. This is mostly due to the
6877 increased number of instructions to process. You should increase the
6878 buffer-size with care.
6879 @end table
6880
6881 Not all recording formats may be available on all processors.
6882 @end table
6883
6884 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6885 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6886 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6887 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6888
6889 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6890 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6891 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6892 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6893 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6894
6895 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6896 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6897 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6898 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6899 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6900 does not support these two modes.
6901
6902 @kindex record stop
6903 @kindex rec s
6904 @item record stop
6905 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6906 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6907 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6908
6909 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6910 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6911 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6912 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6913 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6914
6915 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6916 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6917 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6918 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6919 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6920
6921 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6922 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6923
6924 @kindex record goto
6925 @item record goto
6926 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6927 ways to specify the location to go to:
6928
6929 @table @code
6930 @item record goto begin
6931 @itemx record goto start
6932 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6933
6934 @item record goto end
6935 Go to the end of the execution log.
6936
6937 @item record goto @var{n}
6938 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6939 @end table
6940
6941 @kindex record save
6942 @item record save @var{filename}
6943 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6944 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6945 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6946
6947 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6948
6949 @kindex record restore
6950 @item record restore @var{filename}
6951 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6952 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6953
6954 @kindex set record full
6955 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6956 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6957 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6958 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6959
6960 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6961 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6962 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6963 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6964 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6965 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6966 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6967 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6968
6969 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6970 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6971 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6972
6973 @kindex show record full
6974 @item show record full insn-number-max
6975 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6976 recording method.
6977
6978 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6979 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6980 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6981 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6982 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6983 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6984 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6985 oldest one to be deleted.
6986
6987 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6988 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6989
6990 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6991 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6992
6993 @item set record full memory-query
6994 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6995 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6996 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6997 case.
6998
6999 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
7000 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
7001 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
7002 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
7003 results.
7004
7005 @item show record full memory-query
7006 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
7007
7008 @kindex set record btrace
7009 The @code{btrace} record target does not trace data. As a
7010 convenience, when replaying, @value{GDBN} reads read-only memory off
7011 the live program directly, assuming that the addresses of the
7012 read-only areas don't change. This for example makes it possible to
7013 disassemble code while replaying, but not to print variables.
7014 In some cases, being able to inspect variables might be useful.
7015 You can use the following command for that:
7016
7017 @item set record btrace replay-memory-access
7018 Control the behavior of the @code{btrace} recording method when
7019 accessing memory during replay. If @code{read-only} (the default),
7020 @value{GDBN} will only allow accesses to read-only memory.
7021 If @code{read-write}, @value{GDBN} will allow accesses to read-only
7022 and to read-write memory. Beware that the accessed memory corresponds
7023 to the live target and not necessarily to the current replay
7024 position.
7025
7026 @item set record btrace cpu @var{identifier}
7027 Set the processor to be used for enabling workarounds for processor
7028 errata when decoding the trace.
7029
7030 Processor errata are defects in processor operation, caused by its
7031 design or manufacture. They can cause a trace not to match the
7032 specification. This, in turn, may cause trace decode to fail.
7033 @value{GDBN} can detect erroneous trace packets and correct them, thus
7034 avoiding the decoding failures. These corrections are known as
7035 @dfn{errata workarounds}, and are enabled based on the processor on
7036 which the trace was recorded.
7037
7038 By default, @value{GDBN} attempts to detect the processor
7039 automatically, and apply the necessary workarounds for it. However,
7040 you may need to specify the processor if @value{GDBN} does not yet
7041 support it. This command allows you to do that, and also allows to
7042 disable the workarounds.
7043
7044 The argument @var{identifier} identifies the @sc{cpu} and is of the
7045 form: @code{@var{vendor}:@var{procesor identifier}}. In addition,
7046 there are two special identifiers, @code{none} and @code{auto}
7047 (default).
7048
7049 The following vendor identifiers and corresponding processor
7050 identifiers are currently supported:
7051
7052 @multitable @columnfractions .1 .9
7053
7054 @item @code{intel}
7055 @tab @var{family}/@var{model}[/@var{stepping}]
7056
7057 @end multitable
7058
7059 On GNU/Linux systems, the processor @var{family}, @var{model}, and
7060 @var{stepping} can be obtained from @code{/proc/cpuinfo}.
7061
7062 If @var{identifier} is @code{auto}, enable errata workarounds for the
7063 processor on which the trace was recorded. If @var{identifier} is
7064 @code{none}, errata workarounds are disabled.
7065
7066 For example, when using an old @value{GDBN} on a new system, decode
7067 may fail because @value{GDBN} does not support the new processor. It
7068 often suffices to specify an older processor that @value{GDBN}
7069 supports.
7070
7071 @smallexample
7072 (gdb) info record
7073 Active record target: record-btrace
7074 Recording format: Intel Processor Trace.
7075 Buffer size: 16kB.
7076 Failed to configure the Intel Processor Trace decoder: unknown cpu.
7077 (gdb) set record btrace cpu intel:6/158
7078 (gdb) info record
7079 Active record target: record-btrace
7080 Recording format: Intel Processor Trace.
7081 Buffer size: 16kB.
7082 Recorded 84872 instructions in 3189 functions (0 gaps) for thread 1 (...).
7083 @end smallexample
7084
7085 @kindex show record btrace
7086 @item show record btrace replay-memory-access
7087 Show the current setting of @code{replay-memory-access}.
7088
7089 @item show record btrace cpu
7090 Show the processor to be used for enabling trace decode errata
7091 workarounds.
7092
7093 @kindex set record btrace bts
7094 @item set record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
7095 @itemx set record btrace bts buffer-size unlimited
7096 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in @acronym{BTS}
7097 format. Default is 64KB.
7098
7099 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
7100 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
7101 that uses the btrace recording method and the @acronym{BTS} format.
7102 The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the requested
7103 @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the actual
7104 buffer size for each thread that uses the btrace recording method and
7105 the @acronym{BTS} format.
7106
7107 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
7108 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
7109
7110 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
7111 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
7112
7113 @item show record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
7114 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
7115 tracing in @acronym{BTS} format.
7116
7117 @kindex set record btrace pt
7118 @item set record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
7119 @itemx set record btrace pt buffer-size unlimited
7120 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in Intel
7121 Processor Trace format. Default is 16KB.
7122
7123 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
7124 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
7125 that uses the btrace recording method and the Intel Processor Trace
7126 format. The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the
7127 requested @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the
7128 actual buffer size for each thread.
7129
7130 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
7131 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
7132
7133 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
7134 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
7135
7136 @item show record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
7137 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
7138 tracing in Intel Processor Trace format.
7139
7140 @kindex info record
7141 @item info record
7142 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
7143 method:
7144
7145 @table @code
7146 @item full
7147 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
7148 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
7149
7150 @itemize @bullet
7151 @item
7152 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
7153 @item
7154 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
7155 @item
7156 Highest recorded instruction number.
7157 @item
7158 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
7159 @item
7160 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
7161 @item
7162 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
7163 @end itemize
7164
7165 @item btrace
7166 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows:
7167
7168 @itemize @bullet
7169 @item
7170 Recording format.
7171 @item
7172 Number of instructions that have been recorded.
7173 @item
7174 Number of blocks of sequential control-flow formed by the recorded
7175 instructions.
7176 @item
7177 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
7178 @end itemize
7179
7180 For the @code{bts} recording format, it also shows:
7181 @itemize @bullet
7182 @item
7183 Size of the perf ring buffer.
7184 @end itemize
7185
7186 For the @code{pt} recording format, it also shows:
7187 @itemize @bullet
7188 @item
7189 Size of the perf ring buffer.
7190 @end itemize
7191 @end table
7192
7193 @kindex record delete
7194 @kindex rec del
7195 @item record delete
7196 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
7197 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
7198 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
7199 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
7200
7201 @kindex record instruction-history
7202 @kindex rec instruction-history
7203 @item record instruction-history
7204 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
7205 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
7206 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
7207 are printed in execution order.
7208
7209 It can also print mixed source+disassembly if you specify the the
7210 @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier, and print the raw instructions in hex
7211 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
7212
7213 The current position marker is printed for the instruction at the
7214 current program counter value. This instruction can appear multiple
7215 times in the trace and the current position marker will be printed
7216 every time. To omit the current position marker, specify the
7217 @code{/p} modifier.
7218
7219 To better align the printed instructions when the trace contains
7220 instructions from more than one function, the function name may be
7221 omitted by specifying the @code{/f} modifier.
7222
7223 Speculatively executed instructions are prefixed with @samp{?}. This
7224 feature is not available for all recording formats.
7225
7226 There are several ways to specify what part of the execution log to
7227 disassemble:
7228
7229 @table @code
7230 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
7231 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
7232 @var{insn}.
7233
7234 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
7235 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
7236 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
7237 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
7238 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
7239 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
7240
7241 @item record instruction-history
7242 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
7243
7244 @item record instruction-history -
7245 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
7246
7247 @item record instruction-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7248 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
7249 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
7250 number @var{end} is included.
7251 @end table
7252
7253 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7254
7255 @kindex set record
7256 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
7257 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
7258 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7259 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
7260 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
7261
7262 @kindex show record
7263 @item show record instruction-history-size
7264 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7265 instruction-history} command.
7266
7267 @kindex record function-call-history
7268 @kindex rec function-call-history
7269 @item record function-call-history
7270 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
7271 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
7272 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
7273 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
7274 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
7275 the @code{/i} modifier is specified). The function names are indented
7276 to reflect the call stack depth if the @code{/c} modifier is
7277 specified. The @code{/l}, @code{/i}, and @code{/c} modifiers can be
7278 given together.
7279
7280 @smallexample
7281 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
7282 1 void foo (void)
7283 2 @{
7284 3 @}
7285 4
7286 5 void bar (void)
7287 6 @{
7288 7 ...
7289 8 foo ();
7290 9 ...
7291 10 @}
7292 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /ilc}
7293 1 bar inst 1,4 at foo.c:6,8
7294 2 foo inst 5,10 at foo.c:2,3
7295 3 bar inst 11,13 at foo.c:9,10
7296 @end smallexample
7297
7298 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
7299 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
7300 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
7301 to print:
7302
7303 @table @code
7304 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
7305 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
7306
7307 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
7308 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
7309 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
7310 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
7311 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
7312
7313 @item record function-call-history
7314 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
7315
7316 @item record function-call-history -
7317 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
7318
7319 @item record function-call-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7320 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
7321 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is included.
7322 @end table
7323
7324 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7325
7326 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
7327 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
7328 Define how many lines to print in the
7329 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
7330 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
7331
7332 @item show record function-call-history-size
7333 Show how many lines to print in the
7334 @code{record function-call-history} command.
7335 @end table
7336
7337
7338 @node Stack
7339 @chapter Examining the Stack
7340
7341 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
7342 stopped and how it got there.
7343
7344 @cindex call stack
7345 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
7346 is generated.
7347 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
7348 the arguments of the call,
7349 and the local variables of the function being called.
7350 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
7351 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
7352 stack}.
7353
7354 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
7355 stack allow you to see all of this information.
7356
7357 @cindex selected frame
7358 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
7359 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
7360 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
7361 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
7362 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
7363 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7364
7365 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
7366 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
7367 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
7368
7369 @menu
7370 * Frames:: Stack frames
7371 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
7372 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
7373 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
7374 * Frame Apply:: Applying a command to several frames
7375 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
7376
7377 @end menu
7378
7379 @node Frames
7380 @section Stack Frames
7381
7382 @cindex frame, definition
7383 @cindex stack frame
7384 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
7385 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
7386 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
7387 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
7388 which the function is executing.
7389
7390 @cindex initial frame
7391 @cindex outermost frame
7392 @cindex innermost frame
7393 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
7394 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
7395 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
7396 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
7397 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
7398 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
7399 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
7400 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
7401
7402 @cindex frame pointer
7403 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
7404 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
7405 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
7406 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
7407 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
7408 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
7409
7410 @cindex frame level
7411 @cindex frame number
7412 @value{GDBN} labels each existing stack frame with a @dfn{level}, a
7413 number that is zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that
7414 called it, and so on upward. These level numbers give you a way of
7415 designating stack frames in @value{GDBN} commands. The terms
7416 @dfn{frame number} and @dfn{frame level} can be used interchangeably to
7417 describe this number.
7418
7419 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
7420 @c underflow problems.
7421 @cindex frameless execution
7422 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
7423 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
7424 @smallexample
7425 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
7426 @end smallexample
7427 generates functions without a frame.)
7428 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
7429 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
7430 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
7431 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
7432 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
7433 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
7434 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
7435
7436 @node Backtrace
7437 @section Backtraces
7438
7439 @cindex traceback
7440 @cindex call stack traces
7441 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
7442 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
7443 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
7444 stack.
7445
7446 @anchor{backtrace-command}
7447 @kindex backtrace
7448 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
7449 To print a backtrace of the entire stack, use the @code{backtrace}
7450 command, or its alias @code{bt}. This command will print one line per
7451 frame for frames in the stack. By default, all stack frames are
7452 printed. You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system
7453 interrupt character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
7454
7455 @table @code
7456 @item backtrace [@var{args}@dots{}]
7457 @itemx bt [@var{args}@dots{}]
7458 Print the backtrace of the entire stack. The optional @var{args} can
7459 be one of the following:
7460
7461 @table @code
7462 @item @var{n}
7463 @itemx @var{n}
7464 Print only the innermost @var{n} frames, where @var{n} is a positive
7465 number.
7466
7467 @item -@var{n}
7468 @itemx -@var{n}
7469 Print only the outermost @var{n} frames, where @var{n} is a positive
7470 number.
7471
7472 @item full
7473 Print the values of the local variables also. This can be combined
7474 with a number to limit the number of frames shown.
7475
7476 @item no-filters
7477 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
7478 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
7479 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
7480 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
7481 support.
7482
7483 @item hide
7484 A Python frame filter might decide to ``elide'' some frames. Normally
7485 such elided frames are still printed, but they are indented relative
7486 to the filtered frames that cause them to be elided. The @code{hide}
7487 option causes elided frames to not be printed at all.
7488 @end table
7489 @end table
7490
7491 @kindex where
7492 @kindex info stack
7493 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
7494 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
7495
7496 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
7497 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
7498 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
7499 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
7500 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
7501 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
7502 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
7503 multi-threaded program.
7504
7505 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
7506 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
7507 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
7508 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
7509 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
7510 line number.
7511
7512 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
7513 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
7514
7515 @smallexample
7516 @group
7517 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7518 at builtin.c:993
7519 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
7520 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
7521 at macro.c:71
7522 (More stack frames follow...)
7523 @end group
7524 @end smallexample
7525
7526 @noindent
7527 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
7528 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
7529 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
7530
7531 @noindent
7532 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
7533 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
7534 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
7535 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
7536 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
7537
7538 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
7539 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
7540 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
7541 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
7542 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
7543 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
7544 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
7545 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
7546 such a backtrace might look like:
7547
7548 @smallexample
7549 @group
7550 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7551 at builtin.c:993
7552 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
7553 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
7554 at macro.c:71
7555 (More stack frames follow...)
7556 @end group
7557 @end smallexample
7558
7559 @noindent
7560 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
7561 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
7562
7563 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
7564 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
7565 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
7566
7567 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
7568 @cindex program entry point
7569 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
7570 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
7571 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
7572 @code{main}@footnote{
7573 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
7574 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
7575 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
7576 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
7577 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
7578 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
7579
7580 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
7581 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
7582
7583 @table @code
7584 @item set backtrace past-main
7585 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
7586 @kindex set backtrace
7587 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
7588
7589 @item set backtrace past-main off
7590 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
7591 default.
7592
7593 @item show backtrace past-main
7594 @kindex show backtrace
7595 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
7596
7597 @item set backtrace past-entry
7598 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
7599 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
7600 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
7601 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
7602
7603 @item set backtrace past-entry off
7604 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
7605 application. This is the default.
7606
7607 @item show backtrace past-entry
7608 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
7609
7610 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
7611 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
7612 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
7613 @cindex backtrace limit
7614 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
7615 or zero means unlimited levels.
7616
7617 @item show backtrace limit
7618 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
7619 @end table
7620
7621 You can control how file names are displayed.
7622
7623 @table @code
7624 @item set filename-display
7625 @itemx set filename-display relative
7626 @cindex filename-display
7627 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
7628
7629 @item set filename-display basename
7630 Display only basename of a filename.
7631
7632 @item set filename-display absolute
7633 Display an absolute filename.
7634
7635 @item show filename-display
7636 Show the current way to display filenames.
7637 @end table
7638
7639 @node Selection
7640 @section Selecting a Frame
7641
7642 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
7643 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
7644 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
7645 of the stack frame just selected.
7646
7647 @table @code
7648 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
7649 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
7650 @item frame @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
7651 @item f @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
7652 The @command{frame} command allows different stack frames to be
7653 selected. The @var{frame-selection-spec} can be any of the following:
7654
7655 @table @code
7656 @kindex frame level
7657 @item @var{num}
7658 @item level @var{num}
7659 Select frame level @var{num}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
7660 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
7661 innermost one, and so on. The highest level frame is usually the one
7662 for @code{main}.
7663
7664 As this is the most common method of navigating the frame stack, the
7665 string @command{level} can be omitted. For example, the following two
7666 commands are equivalent:
7667
7668 @smallexample
7669 (@value{GDBP}) frame 3
7670 (@value{GDBP}) frame level 3
7671 @end smallexample
7672
7673 @kindex frame address
7674 @item address @var{stack-address}
7675 Select the frame with stack address @var{stack-address}. The
7676 @var{stack-address} for a frame can be seen in the output of
7677 @command{info frame}, for example:
7678
7679 @smallexample
7680 (gdb) info frame
7681 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
7682 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
7683 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
7684 source language c++.
7685 Arglist at unknown address.
7686 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
7687 @end smallexample
7688
7689 The @var{stack-address} for this frame is @code{0x7fffffffda30} as
7690 indicated by the line:
7691
7692 @smallexample
7693 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
7694 @end smallexample
7695
7696 @kindex frame function
7697 @item function @var{function-name}
7698 Select the stack frame for function @var{function-name}. If there are
7699 multiple stack frames for function @var{function-name} then the inner
7700 most stack frame is selected.
7701
7702 @kindex frame view
7703 @item view @var{stack-address} @r{[} @var{pc-addr} @r{]}
7704 View a frame that is not part of @value{GDBN}'s backtrace. The frame
7705 viewed has stack address @var{stack-addr}, and optionally, a program
7706 counter address of @var{pc-addr}.
7707
7708 This is useful mainly if the chaining of stack frames has been
7709 damaged by a bug, making it impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign
7710 numbers properly to all frames. In addition, this can be useful
7711 when your program has multiple stacks and switches between them.
7712
7713 When viewing a frame outside the current backtrace using
7714 @command{frame view} then you can always return to the original
7715 stack using one of the previous stack frame selection instructions,
7716 for example @command{frame level 0}.
7717
7718 @end table
7719
7720 @kindex up
7721 @item up @var{n}
7722 Move @var{n} frames up the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For positive
7723 numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the outermost frame, to higher
7724 frame numbers, to frames that have existed longer.
7725
7726 @kindex down
7727 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
7728 @item down @var{n}
7729 Move @var{n} frames down the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For
7730 positive numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the innermost frame, to
7731 lower frame numbers, to frames that were created more recently.
7732 You may abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
7733 @end table
7734
7735 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
7736 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
7737 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
7738 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
7739
7740 @need 1000
7741 For example:
7742
7743 @smallexample
7744 @group
7745 (@value{GDBP}) up
7746 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
7747 at env.c:10
7748 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7749 @end group
7750 @end smallexample
7751
7752 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7753 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7754 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7755 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7756 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7757 for details.
7758
7759 @table @code
7760 @kindex select-frame
7761 @item select-frame @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
7762 The @code{select-frame} command is a variant of @code{frame} that does
7763 not display the new frame after selecting it. This command is
7764 intended primarily for use in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the
7765 output might be unnecessary and distracting. The
7766 @var{frame-selection-spec} is as for the @command{frame} command
7767 described in @ref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7768
7769 @kindex down-silently
7770 @kindex up-silently
7771 @item up-silently @var{n}
7772 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7773 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7774 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7775 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7776 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7777 distracting.
7778 @end table
7779
7780 @node Frame Info
7781 @section Information About a Frame
7782
7783 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7784 stack frame.
7785
7786 @table @code
7787 @item frame
7788 @itemx f
7789 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7790 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7791 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7792 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7793 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7794
7795 @kindex info frame
7796 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7797 @item info frame
7798 @itemx info f
7799 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7800 including:
7801
7802 @itemize @bullet
7803 @item
7804 the address of the frame
7805 @item
7806 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7807 @item
7808 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7809 @item
7810 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7811 @item
7812 the address of the frame's arguments
7813 @item
7814 the address of the frame's local variables
7815 @item
7816 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7817 @item
7818 which registers were saved in the frame
7819 @end itemize
7820
7821 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7822 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7823 the usual conventions.
7824
7825 @item info frame @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
7826 @itemx info f @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
7827 Print a verbose description of the frame selected by
7828 @var{frame-selection-spec}. The @var{frame-selection-spec} is the
7829 same as for the @command{frame} command (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting
7830 a Frame}). The selected frame remains unchanged by this command.
7831
7832 @kindex info args
7833 @item info args
7834 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7835
7836 @item info locals
7837 @kindex info locals
7838 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7839 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7840 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7841
7842 @end table
7843
7844 @node Frame Apply
7845 @section Applying a Command to Several Frames.
7846 @kindex frame apply
7847 @cindex apply command to several frames
7848 @table @code
7849 @item frame apply [all | @var{count} | @var{-count} | level @var{level}@dots{}] [@var{flag}]@dots{} @var{command}
7850 The @code{frame apply} command allows you to apply the named
7851 @var{command} to one or more frames.
7852
7853 @table @code
7854 @item @code{all}
7855 Specify @code{all} to apply @var{command} to all frames.
7856
7857 @item @var{count}
7858 Use @var{count} to apply @var{command} to the innermost @var{count}
7859 frames, where @var{count} is a positive number.
7860
7861 @item @var{-count}
7862 Use @var{-count} to apply @var{command} to the outermost @var{count}
7863 frames, where @var{count} is a positive number.
7864
7865 @item @code{level}
7866 Use @code{level} to apply @var{command} to the set of frames identified
7867 by the @var{level} list. @var{level} is a frame level or a range of frame
7868 levels as @var{level1}-@var{level2}. The frame level is the number shown
7869 in the first field of the @samp{backtrace} command output.
7870 E.g., @samp{2-4 6-8 3} indicates to apply @var{command} for the frames
7871 at levels 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and then again on frame at level 3.
7872
7873 @end table
7874
7875 @end table
7876
7877 Note that the frames on which @code{frame apply} applies a command are
7878 also influenced by the @code{set backtrace} settings such as @code{set
7879 backtrace past-main} and @code{set backtrace limit N}. See
7880 @xref{Backtrace,,Backtraces}.
7881
7882 The @var{flag} arguments control what output to produce and how to handle
7883 errors raised when applying @var{command} to a frame. @var{flag}
7884 must start with a @code{-} directly followed by one letter in
7885 @code{qcs}. If several flags are provided, they must be given
7886 individually, such as @code{-c -q}.
7887
7888 By default, @value{GDBN} displays some frame information before the
7889 output produced by @var{command}, and an error raised during the
7890 execution of a @var{command} will abort @code{frame apply}. The
7891 following flags can be used to fine-tune this behavior:
7892
7893 @table @code
7894 @item -c
7895 The flag @code{-c}, which stands for @samp{continue}, causes any
7896 errors in @var{command} to be displayed, and the execution of
7897 @code{frame apply} then continues.
7898 @item -s
7899 The flag @code{-s}, which stands for @samp{silent}, causes any errors
7900 or empty output produced by a @var{command} to be silently ignored.
7901 That is, the execution continues, but the frame information and errors
7902 are not printed.
7903 @item -q
7904 The flag @code{-q} (@samp{quiet}) disables printing the frame
7905 information.
7906 @end table
7907
7908 The following example shows how the flags @code{-c} and @code{-s} are
7909 working when applying the command @code{p j} to all frames, where
7910 variable @code{j} can only be successfully printed in the outermost
7911 @code{#1 main} frame.
7912
7913 @smallexample
7914 @group
7915 (gdb) frame apply all p j
7916 #0 some_function (i=5) at fun.c:4
7917 No symbol "j" in current context.
7918 (gdb) frame apply all -c p j
7919 #0 some_function (i=5) at fun.c:4
7920 No symbol "j" in current context.
7921 #1 0x565555fb in main (argc=1, argv=0xffffd2c4) at fun.c:11
7922 $1 = 5
7923 (gdb) frame apply all -s p j
7924 #1 0x565555fb in main (argc=1, argv=0xffffd2c4) at fun.c:11
7925 $2 = 5
7926 (gdb)
7927 @end group
7928 @end smallexample
7929
7930 By default, @samp{frame apply}, prints the frame location
7931 information before the command output:
7932
7933 @smallexample
7934 @group
7935 (gdb) frame apply all p $sp
7936 #0 some_function (i=5) at fun.c:4
7937 $4 = (void *) 0xffffd1e0
7938 #1 0x565555fb in main (argc=1, argv=0xffffd2c4) at fun.c:11
7939 $5 = (void *) 0xffffd1f0
7940 (gdb)
7941 @end group
7942 @end smallexample
7943
7944 If flag @code{-q} is given, no frame information is printed:
7945 @smallexample
7946 @group
7947 (gdb) frame apply all -q p $sp
7948 $12 = (void *) 0xffffd1e0
7949 $13 = (void *) 0xffffd1f0
7950 (gdb)
7951 @end group
7952 @end smallexample
7953
7954 @table @code
7955
7956 @kindex faas
7957 @cindex apply a command to all frames (ignoring errors and empty output)
7958 @item faas @var{command}
7959 Shortcut for @code{frame apply all -s @var{command}}.
7960 Applies @var{command} on all frames, ignoring errors and empty output.
7961
7962 It can for example be used to print a local variable or a function
7963 argument without knowing the frame where this variable or argument
7964 is, using:
7965 @smallexample
7966 (@value{GDBP}) faas p some_local_var_i_do_not_remember_where_it_is
7967 @end smallexample
7968
7969 Note that the command @code{tfaas @var{command}} applies @var{command}
7970 on all frames of all threads. See @xref{Threads,,Threads}.
7971 @end table
7972
7973
7974 @node Frame Filter Management
7975 @section Management of Frame Filters.
7976 @cindex managing frame filters
7977
7978 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
7979 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
7980
7981 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
7982 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
7983
7984 @table @code
7985 @kindex info frame-filter
7986 @item info frame-filter
7987 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
7988 their name, priority and enabled status.
7989
7990 @kindex disable frame-filter
7991 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
7992 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7993 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7994 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7995 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7996 @code{progspace}, or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7997 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
7998 across all dictionaries are disabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name
7999 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
8000 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
8001 may be enabled again later.
8002
8003 @kindex enable frame-filter
8004 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
8005 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
8006 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
8007 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
8008 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
8009 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
8010 all dictionaries are enabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
8011 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
8012 @var{filter-dictionary}.
8013
8014 Example:
8015
8016 @smallexample
8017 (gdb) info frame-filter
8018
8019 global frame-filters:
8020 Priority Enabled Name
8021 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
8022 100 Yes Reverse
8023
8024 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8025 Priority Enabled Name
8026 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8027
8028 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8029 Priority Enabled Name
8030 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
8031
8032 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
8033 (gdb) info frame-filter
8034
8035 global frame-filters:
8036 Priority Enabled Name
8037 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
8038 100 Yes Reverse
8039
8040 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8041 Priority Enabled Name
8042 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8043
8044 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8045 Priority Enabled Name
8046 999 No BuildProgramFilter
8047
8048 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
8049 (gdb) info frame-filter
8050
8051 global frame-filters:
8052 Priority Enabled Name
8053 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
8054 100 Yes Reverse
8055
8056 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8057 Priority Enabled Name
8058 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8059
8060 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8061 Priority Enabled Name
8062 999 No BuildProgramFilter
8063 @end smallexample
8064
8065 @kindex set frame-filter priority
8066 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
8067 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
8068 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
8069 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
8070 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
8071 dictionary resides. The @var{priority} is an integer.
8072
8073 @kindex show frame-filter priority
8074 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
8075 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
8076 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
8077 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
8078 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
8079 dictionary resides.
8080
8081 Example:
8082
8083 @smallexample
8084 (gdb) info frame-filter
8085
8086 global frame-filters:
8087 Priority Enabled Name
8088 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
8089 100 Yes Reverse
8090
8091 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8092 Priority Enabled Name
8093 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8094
8095 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8096 Priority Enabled Name
8097 999 No BuildProgramFilter
8098
8099 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
8100 (gdb) info frame-filter
8101
8102 global frame-filters:
8103 Priority Enabled Name
8104 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
8105 50 Yes Reverse
8106
8107 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8108 Priority Enabled Name
8109 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8110
8111 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8112 Priority Enabled Name
8113 999 No BuildProgramFilter
8114 @end smallexample
8115 @end table
8116
8117 @node Source
8118 @chapter Examining Source Files
8119
8120 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
8121 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
8122 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
8123 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
8124 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
8125 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
8126 source files by explicit command.
8127
8128 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
8129 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
8130 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
8131
8132 @menu
8133 * List:: Printing source lines
8134 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
8135 * Edit:: Editing source files
8136 * Search:: Searching source files
8137 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
8138 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
8139 @end menu
8140
8141 @node List
8142 @section Printing Source Lines
8143
8144 @kindex list
8145 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
8146 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
8147 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
8148 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
8149 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
8150
8151 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
8152
8153 @table @code
8154 @item list @var{linenum}
8155 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
8156 current source file.
8157
8158 @item list @var{function}
8159 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
8160 @var{function}.
8161
8162 @item list
8163 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
8164 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
8165 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
8166 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
8167 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
8168
8169 @item list -
8170 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
8171 @end table
8172
8173 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
8174 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
8175 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
8176
8177 @table @code
8178 @kindex set listsize
8179 @item set listsize @var{count}
8180 @itemx set listsize unlimited
8181 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
8182 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
8183 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
8184
8185 @kindex show listsize
8186 @item show listsize
8187 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
8188 @end table
8189
8190 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
8191 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
8192 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
8193 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
8194 each repetition moves up in the source file.
8195
8196 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
8197 @dfn{locations}. Locations specify source lines; there are several ways
8198 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
8199 to specify some source line.
8200
8201 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
8202
8203 @table @code
8204 @item list @var{location}
8205 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{location}.
8206
8207 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
8208 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
8209 locations. When a @code{list} command has two locations, and the
8210 source file of the second location is omitted, this refers to
8211 the same source file as the first location.
8212
8213 @item list ,@var{last}
8214 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
8215
8216 @item list @var{first},
8217 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
8218
8219 @item list +
8220 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
8221
8222 @item list -
8223 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
8224
8225 @item list
8226 As described in the preceding table.
8227 @end table
8228
8229 @node Specify Location
8230 @section Specifying a Location
8231 @cindex specifying location
8232 @cindex location
8233 @cindex source location
8234
8235 @menu
8236 * Linespec Locations:: Linespec locations
8237 * Explicit Locations:: Explicit locations
8238 * Address Locations:: Address locations
8239 @end menu
8240
8241 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
8242 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
8243 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code.
8244 Locations may be specified using three different formats:
8245 linespec locations, explicit locations, or address locations.
8246
8247 @node Linespec Locations
8248 @subsection Linespec Locations
8249 @cindex linespec locations
8250
8251 A @dfn{linespec} is a colon-separated list of source location parameters such
8252 as file name, function name, etc. Here are all the different ways of
8253 specifying a linespec:
8254
8255 @table @code
8256 @item @var{linenum}
8257 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
8258
8259 @item -@var{offset}
8260 @itemx +@var{offset}
8261 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
8262 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
8263 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
8264 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
8265 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
8266 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
8267 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
8268 linespec.
8269
8270 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
8271 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
8272 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
8273 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
8274 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
8275 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
8276 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
8277
8278 @item @var{function}
8279 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
8280 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
8281
8282 By default, in C@t{++} and Ada, @var{function} is interpreted as
8283 specifying all functions named @var{function} in all scopes. For
8284 C@t{++}, this means in all namespaces and classes. For Ada, this
8285 means in all packages.
8286
8287 For example, assuming a program with C@t{++} symbols named
8288 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, both commands @w{@kbd{break
8289 func}} and @w{@kbd{break B::func}} set a breakpoint on both symbols.
8290
8291 Commands that accept a linespec let you override this with the
8292 @code{-qualified} option. For example, @w{@kbd{break -qualified
8293 func}} sets a breakpoint on a free-function named @code{func} ignoring
8294 any C@t{++} class methods and namespace functions called @code{func}.
8295
8296 @xref{Explicit Locations}.
8297
8298 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
8299 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
8300
8301 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
8302 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
8303 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
8304 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
8305 functions in different source files.
8306
8307 @item @var{label}
8308 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears
8309 in the function corresponding to the currently selected stack frame.
8310 If there is no current selected stack frame (for instance, if the inferior
8311 is not running), then @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
8312
8313 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
8314 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
8315 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
8316 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
8317 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
8318 specifies the location of such a static probe.
8319
8320 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
8321 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
8322 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
8323 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
8324 each one of those probes.
8325 @end table
8326
8327 @node Explicit Locations
8328 @subsection Explicit Locations
8329 @cindex explicit locations
8330
8331 @dfn{Explicit locations} allow the user to directly specify the source
8332 location's parameters using option-value pairs.
8333
8334 Explicit locations are useful when several functions, labels, or
8335 file names have the same name (base name for files) in the program's
8336 sources. In these cases, explicit locations point to the source
8337 line you meant more accurately and unambiguously. Also, using
8338 explicit locations might be faster in large programs.
8339
8340 For example, the linespec @samp{foo:bar} may refer to a function @code{bar}
8341 defined in the file named @file{foo} or the label @code{bar} in a function
8342 named @code{foo}. @value{GDBN} must search either the file system or
8343 the symbol table to know.
8344
8345 The list of valid explicit location options is summarized in the
8346 following table:
8347
8348 @table @code
8349 @item -source @var{filename}
8350 The value specifies the source file name. To differentiate between
8351 files with the same base name, prepend as many directories as is necessary
8352 to uniquely identify the desired file, e.g., @file{foo/bar/baz.c}. Otherwise
8353 @value{GDBN} will use the first file it finds with the given base
8354 name. This option requires the use of either @code{-function} or @code{-line}.
8355
8356 @item -function @var{function}
8357 The value specifies the name of a function. Operations
8358 on function locations unmodified by other options (such as @code{-label}
8359 or @code{-line}) refer to the line that begins the body of the function.
8360 In C, for example, this is the line with the open brace.
8361
8362 By default, in C@t{++} and Ada, @var{function} is interpreted as
8363 specifying all functions named @var{function} in all scopes. For
8364 C@t{++}, this means in all namespaces and classes. For Ada, this
8365 means in all packages.
8366
8367 For example, assuming a program with C@t{++} symbols named
8368 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, both commands @w{@kbd{break
8369 -function func}} and @w{@kbd{break -function B::func}} set a
8370 breakpoint on both symbols.
8371
8372 You can use the @kbd{-qualified} flag to override this (see below).
8373
8374 @item -qualified
8375
8376 This flag makes @value{GDBN} interpret a function name specified with
8377 @kbd{-function} as a complete fully-qualified name.
8378
8379 For example, assuming a C@t{++} program with symbols named
8380 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, the @w{@kbd{break -qualified
8381 -function B::func}} command sets a breakpoint on @code{B::func}, only.
8382
8383 (Note: the @kbd{-qualified} option can precede a linespec as well
8384 (@pxref{Linespec Locations}), so the particular example above could be
8385 simplified as @w{@kbd{break -qualified B::func}}.)
8386
8387 @item -label @var{label}
8388 The value specifies the name of a label. When the function
8389 name is not specified, the label is searched in the function of the currently
8390 selected stack frame.
8391
8392 @item -line @var{number}
8393 The value specifies a line offset for the location. The offset may either
8394 be absolute (@code{-line 3}) or relative (@code{-line +3}), depending on
8395 the command. When specified without any other options, the line offset is
8396 relative to the current line.
8397 @end table
8398
8399 Explicit location options may be abbreviated by omitting any non-unique
8400 trailing characters from the option name, e.g., @w{@kbd{break -s main.c -li 3}}.
8401
8402 @node Address Locations
8403 @subsection Address Locations
8404 @cindex address locations
8405
8406 @dfn{Address locations} indicate a specific program address. They have
8407 the generalized form *@var{address}.
8408
8409 For line-oriented commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this
8410 specifies a source line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and
8411 other breakpoint-oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
8412 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
8413 source files.
8414
8415 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
8416 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
8417 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
8418 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover several situations
8419 that frequently occur during debugging. Here are the various forms
8420 of @var{address}:
8421
8422 @table @code
8423 @item @var{expression}
8424 Any expression valid in the current working language.
8425
8426 @item @var{funcaddr}
8427 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
8428 C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
8429 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
8430 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
8431 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
8432 (although the Pascal form also works).
8433
8434 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
8435 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
8436
8437 @item '@var{filename}':@var{funcaddr}
8438 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
8439 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
8440 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
8441 functions with identical names in different source files.
8442 @end table
8443
8444 @node Edit
8445 @section Editing Source Files
8446 @cindex editing source files
8447
8448 @kindex edit
8449 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
8450 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
8451 The editing program of your choice
8452 is invoked with the current line set to
8453 the active line in the program.
8454 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
8455 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
8456
8457 @table @code
8458 @item edit @var{location}
8459 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
8460 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
8461 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
8462 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
8463 command most commonly used:
8464
8465 @table @code
8466 @item edit @var{number}
8467 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
8468
8469 @item edit @var{function}
8470 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
8471 @end table
8472
8473 @end table
8474
8475 @subsection Choosing your Editor
8476 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
8477 @footnote{
8478 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
8479 following command-line syntax:
8480 @smallexample
8481 ex +@var{number} file
8482 @end smallexample
8483 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
8484 the file where to start editing.}.
8485 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
8486 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
8487 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
8488 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
8489 @smallexample
8490 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
8491 export EDITOR
8492 gdb @dots{}
8493 @end smallexample
8494 or in the @code{csh} shell,
8495 @smallexample
8496 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
8497 gdb @dots{}
8498 @end smallexample
8499
8500 @node Search
8501 @section Searching Source Files
8502 @cindex searching source files
8503
8504 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
8505 regular expression.
8506
8507 @table @code
8508 @kindex search
8509 @kindex forward-search
8510 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
8511 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
8512 @itemx search @var{regexp}
8513 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
8514 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
8515 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
8516 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
8517 @code{fo}.
8518
8519 @kindex reverse-search
8520 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
8521 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
8522 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
8523 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
8524 this command as @code{rev}.
8525 @end table
8526
8527 @node Source Path
8528 @section Specifying Source Directories
8529
8530 @cindex source path
8531 @cindex directories for source files
8532 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
8533 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
8534 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
8535 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
8536 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
8537 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
8538 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
8539
8540 For example, suppose an executable references the file
8541 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
8542 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
8543 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
8544 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
8545 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
8546 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
8547 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
8548 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
8549 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
8550 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
8551
8552 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
8553 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
8554 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
8555 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
8556 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
8557 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
8558
8559 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
8560 source files.
8561
8562 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
8563 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
8564 each line is in the file.
8565
8566 @kindex directory
8567 @kindex dir
8568 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
8569 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
8570 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
8571
8572 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
8573 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
8574
8575 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
8576 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
8577 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
8578 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
8579 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
8580 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
8581 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
8582 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
8583 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
8584 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
8585 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
8586 name to look up the sources.
8587
8588 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
8589 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
8590 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
8591 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
8592 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
8593 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
8594 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
8595 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
8596
8597 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
8598 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
8599 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
8600 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
8601 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
8602 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
8603 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
8604
8605 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
8606 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
8607 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
8608 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
8609 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
8610 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
8611 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
8612 command.
8613
8614 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
8615 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
8616 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
8617 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
8618 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
8619 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
8620 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
8621
8622 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
8623 @cindex default source path substitution
8624 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
8625 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
8626 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
8627 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
8628 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
8629 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
8630 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
8631 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
8632 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
8633 together.
8634
8635 @table @code
8636 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
8637 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
8638 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
8639 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
8640 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
8641 part of absolute file names) or
8642 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
8643 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
8644
8645 @kindex cdir
8646 @kindex cwd
8647 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
8648 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
8649 @cindex compilation directory
8650 @cindex current directory
8651 @cindex working directory
8652 @cindex directory, current
8653 @cindex directory, compilation
8654 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
8655 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
8656 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
8657 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
8658 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
8659 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
8660
8661 @item directory
8662 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
8663
8664 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
8665 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
8666
8667 @item set directories @var{path-list}
8668 @kindex set directories
8669 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
8670 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
8671
8672 @item show directories
8673 @kindex show directories
8674 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
8675
8676 @anchor{set substitute-path}
8677 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
8678 @kindex set substitute-path
8679 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
8680 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
8681 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
8682
8683 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
8684 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
8685
8686 @smallexample
8687 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /foo/bar /mnt/cross
8688 @end smallexample
8689
8690 @noindent
8691 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/foo/bar} with
8692 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
8693 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
8694
8695 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
8696 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
8697 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
8698 the substitution.
8699
8700 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
8701
8702 @smallexample
8703 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
8704 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
8705 @end smallexample
8706
8707 @noindent
8708 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
8709 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
8710 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
8711 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
8712
8713
8714 @item unset substitute-path [path]
8715 @kindex unset substitute-path
8716 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
8717 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
8718 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
8719
8720 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
8721
8722 @item show substitute-path [path]
8723 @kindex show substitute-path
8724 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
8725 which would rewrite that path, if any.
8726
8727 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
8728 rules.
8729
8730 @end table
8731
8732 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
8733 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
8734 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
8735
8736 @enumerate
8737 @item
8738 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
8739
8740 @item
8741 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
8742 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
8743 directories in one command.
8744 @end enumerate
8745
8746 @node Machine Code
8747 @section Source and Machine Code
8748 @cindex source line and its code address
8749
8750 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
8751 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
8752 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
8753 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
8754 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
8755 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
8756 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
8757 well as hex.
8758
8759 @table @code
8760 @kindex info line
8761 @item info line
8762 @itemx info line @var{location}
8763 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
8764 source line @var{location}. You can specify source lines in any of
8765 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}. With no @var{location}
8766 information about the current source line is printed.
8767 @end table
8768
8769 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
8770 the object code for the first line of function
8771 @code{m4_changequote}:
8772
8773 @smallexample
8774 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
8775 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c <m4_changequote> and \
8776 ends at 0x6350 <m4_changequote+4>.
8777 @end smallexample
8778
8779 @noindent
8780 @cindex code address and its source line
8781 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
8782 @var{location}) what source line covers a particular address:
8783 @smallexample
8784 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
8785 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 <m4_changequote+152> and \
8786 ends at 0x6404 <m4_changequote+184>.
8787 @end smallexample
8788
8789 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
8790 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
8791 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
8792 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
8793 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
8794 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
8795 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
8796 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8797 Variables}).
8798
8799 @cindex info line, repeated calls
8800 After @code{info line}, using @code{info line} again without
8801 specifying a location will display information about the next source
8802 line.
8803
8804 @table @code
8805 @kindex disassemble
8806 @cindex assembly instructions
8807 @cindex instructions, assembly
8808 @cindex machine instructions
8809 @cindex listing machine instructions
8810 @item disassemble
8811 @itemx disassemble /m
8812 @itemx disassemble /s
8813 @itemx disassemble /r
8814 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
8815 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
8816 the @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex
8817 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
8818 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
8819 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
8820 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
8821 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
8822 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
8823 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
8824
8825 @table @code
8826 @item @var{start},@var{end}
8827 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
8828 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
8829 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
8830 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
8831 @end table
8832
8833 @noindent
8834 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
8835 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
8836
8837 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
8838 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
8839
8840 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
8841 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
8842 @end table
8843
8844 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
8845 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
8846
8847 @smallexample
8848 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
8849 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
8850 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
8851 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
8852 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8853 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
8854 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
8855 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
8856 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
8857 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8858 End of assembler dump.
8859 @end smallexample
8860
8861 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86
8862 with @code{/m} or @code{/s}, when the program is stopped just after
8863 function prologue in a non-optimized function with no inline code.
8864
8865 @smallexample
8866 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8867 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8868 5 @{
8869 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
8870 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
8871 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
8872 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
8873 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
8874
8875 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
8876 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
8877 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
8878
8879 7 return 0;
8880 8 @}
8881 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
8882 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
8883 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
8884
8885 End of assembler dump.
8886 @end smallexample
8887
8888 The @code{/m} option is deprecated as its output is not useful when
8889 there is either inlined code or re-ordered code.
8890 The @code{/s} option is the preferred choice.
8891 Here is an example for AMD x86-64 showing the difference between
8892 @code{/m} output and @code{/s} output.
8893 This example has one inline function defined in a header file,
8894 and the code is compiled with @samp{-O2} optimization.
8895 Note how the @code{/m} output is missing the disassembly of
8896 several instructions that are present in the @code{/s} output.
8897
8898 @file{foo.h}:
8899
8900 @smallexample
8901 int
8902 foo (int a)
8903 @{
8904 if (a < 0)
8905 return a * 2;
8906 if (a == 0)
8907 return 1;
8908 return a + 10;
8909 @}
8910 @end smallexample
8911
8912 @file{foo.c}:
8913
8914 @smallexample
8915 #include "foo.h"
8916 volatile int x, y;
8917 int
8918 main ()
8919 @{
8920 x = foo (y);
8921 return 0;
8922 @}
8923 @end smallexample
8924
8925 @smallexample
8926 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8927 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8928 5 @{
8929
8930 6 x = foo (y);
8931 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8932 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8933
8934 7 return 0;
8935 8 @}
8936 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8937 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8938 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8939 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8940
8941 End of assembler dump.
8942 (@value{GDBP}) disas /s main
8943 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8944 foo.c:
8945 5 @{
8946 6 x = foo (y);
8947 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8948
8949 foo.h:
8950 4 if (a < 0)
8951 0x0000000000400406 <+6>: test %eax,%eax
8952 0x0000000000400408 <+8>: js 0x400420 <main+32>
8953
8954 6 if (a == 0)
8955 7 return 1;
8956 8 return a + 10;
8957 0x000000000040040a <+10>: lea 0xa(%rax),%edx
8958 0x000000000040040d <+13>: test %eax,%eax
8959 0x000000000040040f <+15>: mov $0x1,%eax
8960 0x0000000000400414 <+20>: cmovne %edx,%eax
8961
8962 foo.c:
8963 6 x = foo (y);
8964 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8965
8966 7 return 0;
8967 8 @}
8968 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8969 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8970
8971 foo.h:
8972 5 return a * 2;
8973 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8974 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8975 End of assembler dump.
8976 @end smallexample
8977
8978 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
8979
8980 @smallexample
8981 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
8982 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
8983 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
8984 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
8985 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
8986 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
8987 End of assembler dump.
8988 @end smallexample
8989
8990 Addresses cannot be specified as a location (@pxref{Specify Location}).
8991 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
8992 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
8993 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
8994
8995 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
8996 mnemonics or other syntax.
8997
8998 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
8999 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
9000 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
9001 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
9002 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
9003
9004 @table @code
9005 @kindex set disassembler-options
9006 @cindex disassembler options
9007 @item set disassembler-options @var{option1}[,@var{option2}@dots{}]
9008 This command controls the passing of target specific information to
9009 the disassembler. For a list of valid options, please refer to the
9010 @code{-M}/@code{--disassembler-options} section of the @samp{objdump}
9011 manual and/or the output of @kbd{objdump --help}
9012 (@pxref{objdump,,objdump,binutils,The GNU Binary Utilities}).
9013 The default value is the empty string.
9014
9015 If it is necessary to specify more than one disassembler option, then
9016 multiple options can be placed together into a comma separated list.
9017 Currently this command is only supported on targets ARM, MIPS, PowerPC
9018 and S/390.
9019
9020 @kindex show disassembler-options
9021 @item show disassembler-options
9022 Show the current setting of the disassembler options.
9023 @end table
9024
9025 @table @code
9026 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
9027 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
9028 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
9029 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
9030 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
9031 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
9032
9033 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
9034 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
9035 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
9036 assemblers for x86-based targets.
9037
9038 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
9039 @item show disassembly-flavor
9040 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
9041 @end table
9042
9043 @table @code
9044 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
9045 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
9046 @item set disassemble-next-line
9047 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
9048 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
9049 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
9050 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
9051 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
9052 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
9053 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
9054 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
9055 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
9056 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
9057 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
9058 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
9059 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
9060 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
9061 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
9062 instruction.
9063 @end table
9064
9065
9066 @node Data
9067 @chapter Examining Data
9068
9069 @cindex printing data
9070 @cindex examining data
9071 @kindex print
9072 @kindex inspect
9073 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
9074 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
9075 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
9076 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
9077 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
9078 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
9079
9080 @table @code
9081 @item print @var{expr}
9082 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
9083 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
9084 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
9085 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
9086 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
9087 Formats}.
9088
9089 @item print
9090 @itemx print /@var{f}
9091 @cindex reprint the last value
9092 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
9093 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
9094 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
9095 @end table
9096
9097 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
9098 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
9099 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
9100
9101 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
9102 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
9103 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
9104 Table}.
9105
9106 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
9107 @kindex explore
9108 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
9109 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
9110 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
9111 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
9112 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
9113 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
9114 embedded in the higher level data types.
9115
9116 @table @code
9117 @item explore @var{arg}
9118 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
9119 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
9120 @end table
9121
9122 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
9123 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
9124 C program as
9125
9126 @smallexample
9127 struct SimpleStruct
9128 @{
9129 int i;
9130 double d;
9131 @};
9132
9133 struct ComplexStruct
9134 @{
9135 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
9136 int arr[10];
9137 @};
9138 @end smallexample
9139
9140 @noindent
9141 followed by variable declarations as
9142
9143 @smallexample
9144 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
9145 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
9146 @end smallexample
9147
9148 @noindent
9149 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
9150 @code{explore} command as follows.
9151
9152 @smallexample
9153 (gdb) explore cs
9154 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
9155 the following fields:
9156
9157 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
9158 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
9159
9160 Enter the field number of choice:
9161 @end smallexample
9162
9163 @noindent
9164 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
9165 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
9166 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
9167 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
9168 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
9169 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
9170 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
9171 field will be explored as if it were an array.
9172
9173 @smallexample
9174 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
9175 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
9176 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
9177 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
9178
9179 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
9180 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
9181
9182 Press enter to return to parent value:
9183 @end smallexample
9184
9185 @noindent
9186 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
9187 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
9188 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
9189 to explore.
9190
9191 @smallexample
9192 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
9193 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
9194
9195 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
9196
9197 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
9198
9199 Press enter to return to parent value:
9200 @end smallexample
9201
9202 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
9203 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
9204 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
9205 level data structure).
9206
9207 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
9208 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
9209 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
9210 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
9211 same example as above, your can explore the type
9212 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
9213 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
9214
9215 @smallexample
9216 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
9217 @end smallexample
9218
9219 @noindent
9220 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
9221 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
9222 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
9223 example.
9224
9225 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
9226 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
9227 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
9228 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
9229 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
9230
9231 @table @code
9232 @item explore value @var{expr}
9233 @cindex explore value
9234 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
9235 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
9236 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
9237 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
9238 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
9239
9240 @item explore type @var{arg}
9241 @cindex explore type
9242 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
9243 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
9244 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
9245 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
9246 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
9247 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
9248 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
9249 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
9250 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
9251 @end table
9252
9253 @menu
9254 * Expressions:: Expressions
9255 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
9256 * Variables:: Program variables
9257 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
9258 * Output Formats:: Output formats
9259 * Memory:: Examining memory
9260 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
9261 * Print Settings:: Print settings
9262 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
9263 * Value History:: Value history
9264 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
9265 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
9266 * Registers:: Registers
9267 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
9268 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
9269 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
9270 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
9271 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
9272 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
9273 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
9274 character set than GDB does
9275 * Caching Target Data:: Data caching for targets
9276 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
9277 * Value Sizes:: Managing memory allocated for values
9278 @end menu
9279
9280 @node Expressions
9281 @section Expressions
9282
9283 @cindex expressions
9284 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
9285 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
9286 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
9287 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
9288 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
9289 you compiled your program to include this information; see
9290 @ref{Compilation}.
9291
9292 @cindex arrays in expressions
9293 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
9294 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
9295 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
9296 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
9297 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
9298 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
9299
9300 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
9301 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
9302 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
9303 languages.
9304
9305 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
9306 expressions regardless of your programming language.
9307
9308 @cindex casts, in expressions
9309 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
9310 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
9311 at that address in memory.
9312 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
9313
9314 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
9315 to programming languages:
9316
9317 @table @code
9318 @item @@
9319 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
9320 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
9321
9322 @item ::
9323 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
9324 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
9325
9326 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
9327 @cindex type casting memory
9328 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
9329 @cindex casts, to view memory
9330 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
9331 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
9332 memory. The address @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is
9333 an integer or pointer (but parentheses are required around binary
9334 operators, just as in a cast). This construct is allowed regardless
9335 of what kind of data is normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
9336 @end table
9337
9338 @node Ambiguous Expressions
9339 @section Ambiguous Expressions
9340 @cindex ambiguous expressions
9341
9342 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
9343 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
9344 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
9345 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
9346 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
9347 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
9348 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
9349
9350 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
9351 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
9352 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
9353 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
9354 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
9355 as well.
9356
9357 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
9358 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
9359 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
9360 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
9361 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
9362 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
9363 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
9364 choices.
9365
9366 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
9367 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
9368 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
9369
9370 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
9371 @smallexample
9372 @group
9373 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
9374 [0] cancel
9375 [1] all
9376 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
9377 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
9378 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
9379 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
9380 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
9381 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
9382 > 2 4 6
9383 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
9384 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
9385 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
9386 Multiple breakpoints were set.
9387 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
9388 breakpoints.
9389 (@value{GDBP})
9390 @end group
9391 @end smallexample
9392
9393 @table @code
9394 @kindex set multiple-symbols
9395 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
9396 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
9397
9398 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
9399 is ambiguous.
9400
9401 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
9402 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
9403 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
9404 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
9405 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
9406 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
9407 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
9408 in the use of the menu.
9409
9410 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
9411 when an ambiguity is detected.
9412
9413 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
9414 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
9415
9416 @kindex show multiple-symbols
9417 @item show multiple-symbols
9418 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
9419 @end table
9420
9421 @node Variables
9422 @section Program Variables
9423
9424 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
9425 in your program.
9426
9427 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
9428 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
9429
9430 @itemize @bullet
9431 @item
9432 global (or file-static)
9433 @end itemize
9434
9435 @noindent or
9436
9437 @itemize @bullet
9438 @item
9439 visible according to the scope rules of the
9440 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
9441 @end itemize
9442
9443 @noindent This means that in the function
9444
9445 @smallexample
9446 foo (a)
9447 int a;
9448 @{
9449 bar (a);
9450 @{
9451 int b = test ();
9452 bar (b);
9453 @}
9454 @}
9455 @end smallexample
9456
9457 @noindent
9458 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
9459 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
9460 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
9461 the block where @code{b} is declared.
9462
9463 @cindex variable name conflict
9464 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
9465 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
9466 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
9467 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
9468 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
9469 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
9470 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
9471
9472 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
9473 @ifnotinfo
9474 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
9475 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
9476 @end ifnotinfo
9477 @smallexample
9478 @var{file}::@var{variable}
9479 @var{function}::@var{variable}
9480 @end smallexample
9481
9482 @noindent
9483 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
9484 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
9485 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
9486 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
9487
9488 @smallexample
9489 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
9490 @end smallexample
9491
9492 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
9493 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
9494 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
9495 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
9496 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
9497
9498 @smallexample
9499 void
9500 foo (int a)
9501 @{
9502 if (a < 10)
9503 bar (a);
9504 else
9505 process (a); /* Stop here */
9506 @}
9507
9508 int
9509 bar (int a)
9510 @{
9511 foo (a + 5);
9512 @}
9513 @end smallexample
9514
9515 @noindent
9516 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
9517 here is what you might see
9518 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
9519
9520 @smallexample
9521 (@value{GDBP}) p a
9522 $1 = 10
9523 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9524 $2 = 5
9525 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
9526 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
9527 (@value{GDBP}) p a
9528 $3 = 5
9529 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9530 $4 = 0
9531 @end smallexample
9532
9533 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
9534 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very
9535 similar use of the same notation in C@t{++}. When they are in
9536 conflict, the C@t{++} meaning takes precedence; however, this can be
9537 overridden by quoting the file or function name with single quotes.
9538
9539 For example, suppose the program is stopped in a method of a class
9540 that has a field named @code{includefile}, and there is also an
9541 include file named @file{includefile} that defines a variable,
9542 @code{some_global}.
9543
9544 @smallexample
9545 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile
9546 $1 = 23
9547 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile::some_global
9548 A syntax error in expression, near `'.
9549 (@value{GDBP}) p 'includefile'::some_global
9550 $2 = 27
9551 @end smallexample
9552
9553 @cindex wrong values
9554 @cindex variable values, wrong
9555 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
9556 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
9557 @quotation
9558 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
9559 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
9560 scope, and just before exit.
9561 @end quotation
9562 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
9563 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
9564 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
9565 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
9566 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
9567 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
9568 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
9569 variable definitions may be gone.
9570
9571 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
9572 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
9573 when compiling.
9574
9575 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
9576 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
9577 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
9578 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
9579 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
9580 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
9581 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
9582
9583 @smallexample
9584 No symbol "foo" in current context.
9585 @end smallexample
9586
9587 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
9588 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
9589 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
9590 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
9591 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
9592
9593 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
9594 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
9595 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
9596 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
9597
9598 @cindex no debug info variables
9599 If you try to examine or use the value of a (global) variable for
9600 which @value{GDBN} has no type information, e.g., because the program
9601 includes no debug information, @value{GDBN} displays an error message.
9602 @xref{Symbols, unknown type}, for more about unknown types. If you
9603 cast the variable to its declared type, @value{GDBN} gets the
9604 variable's value using the cast-to type as the variable's type. For
9605 example, in a C program:
9606
9607 @smallexample
9608 (@value{GDBP}) p var
9609 'var' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
9610 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) var
9611 $1 = 3.14
9612 @end smallexample
9613
9614 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
9615 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
9616 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
9617 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
9618 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
9619
9620 @smallexample
9621 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
9622 29 i++;
9623 (gdb) next
9624 30 e (i);
9625 (gdb) print i
9626 $1 = 31
9627 (gdb) print i@@entry
9628 $2 = 30
9629 @end smallexample
9630
9631 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
9632 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
9633 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
9634 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
9635 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
9636 For program code
9637
9638 @smallexample
9639 char var0[] = "A";
9640 signed char var1[] = "A";
9641 @end smallexample
9642
9643 You get during debugging
9644 @smallexample
9645 (gdb) print var0
9646 $1 = "A"
9647 (gdb) print var1
9648 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
9649 @end smallexample
9650
9651 @node Arrays
9652 @section Artificial Arrays
9653
9654 @cindex artificial array
9655 @cindex arrays
9656 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
9657 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
9658 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
9659 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
9660 program.
9661
9662 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
9663 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
9664 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
9665 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
9666 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
9667 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
9668 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
9669 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
9670 example. If a program says
9671
9672 @smallexample
9673 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
9674 @end smallexample
9675
9676 @noindent
9677 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
9678
9679 @smallexample
9680 p *array@@len
9681 @end smallexample
9682
9683 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
9684 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
9685 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
9686 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
9687 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
9688
9689 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
9690 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
9691 The value need not be in memory:
9692 @smallexample
9693 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
9694 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9695 @end smallexample
9696
9697 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
9698 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
9699 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
9700 @smallexample
9701 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
9702 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9703 @end smallexample
9704
9705 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
9706 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
9707 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
9708 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
9709 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
9710 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
9711 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
9712 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
9713 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
9714 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
9715
9716 @smallexample
9717 set $i = 0
9718 p dtab[$i++]->fv
9719 @key{RET}
9720 @key{RET}
9721 @dots{}
9722 @end smallexample
9723
9724 @node Output Formats
9725 @section Output Formats
9726
9727 @cindex formatted output
9728 @cindex output formats
9729 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
9730 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
9731 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
9732 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
9733 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
9734
9735 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
9736 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
9737 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
9738 letters supported are:
9739
9740 @table @code
9741 @item x
9742 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
9743 hexadecimal.
9744
9745 @item d
9746 Print as integer in signed decimal.
9747
9748 @item u
9749 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
9750
9751 @item o
9752 Print as integer in octal.
9753
9754 @item t
9755 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
9756 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
9757 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
9758 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
9759
9760 @item a
9761 @cindex unknown address, locating
9762 @cindex locate address
9763 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
9764 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
9765 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
9766
9767 @smallexample
9768 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
9769 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
9770 @end smallexample
9771
9772 @noindent
9773 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
9774 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
9775
9776 @item c
9777 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
9778 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
9779 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
9780 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
9781
9782 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
9783 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
9784 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
9785 data.
9786
9787 @item f
9788 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
9789 using typical floating point syntax.
9790
9791 @item s
9792 @cindex printing strings
9793 @cindex printing byte arrays
9794 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
9795 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
9796 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
9797 natural types.
9798
9799 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
9800 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
9801 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
9802 array.
9803
9804 @item z
9805 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
9806 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
9807 to the size of the integer type.
9808
9809 @item r
9810 @cindex raw printing
9811 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
9812 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
9813 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
9814 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
9815 pretty-printer which might exist.
9816 @end table
9817
9818 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
9819
9820 @smallexample
9821 p/x $pc
9822 @end smallexample
9823
9824 @noindent
9825 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
9826 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
9827
9828 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
9829 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
9830 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
9831
9832 @node Memory
9833 @section Examining Memory
9834
9835 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
9836 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
9837
9838 @cindex examining memory
9839 @table @code
9840 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
9841 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
9842 @itemx x @var{addr}
9843 @itemx x
9844 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
9845 @end table
9846
9847 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
9848 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
9849 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
9850 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
9851 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
9852
9853 @table @r
9854 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
9855 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
9856 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display. If a negative
9857 number is specified, memory is examined backward from @var{addr}.
9858 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
9859 @c 4.1.2.
9860
9861 @item @var{f}, the display format
9862 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
9863 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
9864 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
9865 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
9866 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
9867
9868 @item @var{u}, the unit size
9869 The unit size is any of
9870
9871 @table @code
9872 @item b
9873 Bytes.
9874 @item h
9875 Halfwords (two bytes).
9876 @item w
9877 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
9878 @item g
9879 Giant words (eight bytes).
9880 @end table
9881
9882 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
9883 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
9884 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
9885 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
9886 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
9887 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
9888 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
9889 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
9890 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
9891 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
9892 be altered.
9893
9894 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
9895 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
9896 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
9897 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
9898 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
9899 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
9900 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
9901 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
9902 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
9903 a value from memory).
9904 @end table
9905
9906 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
9907 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
9908 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
9909 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
9910 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
9911
9912 You can also specify a negative repeat count to examine memory backward
9913 from the given address. For example, @samp{x/-3uh 0x54320} prints three
9914 halfwords (@code{h}) at @code{0x54314}, @code{0x54328}, and @code{0x5431c}.
9915
9916 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
9917 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
9918 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
9919 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
9920 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
9921
9922 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
9923 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
9924 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
9925 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
9926 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
9927 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
9928 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
9929 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
9930 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
9931
9932 If a negative repeat count is specified for the formats @samp{s} or @samp{i},
9933 the command displays null-terminated strings or instructions before the given
9934 address as many as the absolute value of the given number. For the @samp{i}
9935 format, we use line number information in the debug info to accurately locate
9936 instruction boundaries while disassembling backward. If line info is not
9937 available, the command stops examining memory with an error message.
9938
9939 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
9940 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
9941 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
9942 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
9943 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
9944 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
9945 for successive uses of @code{x}.
9946
9947 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
9948 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
9949
9950 @smallexample
9951 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
9952 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
9953 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
9954 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
9955 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
9956 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
9957 @end smallexample
9958
9959 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
9960 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
9961 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
9962 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
9963 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
9964 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
9965 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
9966 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
9967 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
9968
9969 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
9970 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
9971 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
9972
9973 @anchor{addressable memory unit}
9974 @cindex addressable memory unit
9975 Most targets have an addressable memory unit size of 8 bits. This means
9976 that to each memory address are associated 8 bits of data. Some
9977 targets, however, have other addressable memory unit sizes.
9978 Within @value{GDBN} and this document, the term
9979 @dfn{addressable memory unit} (or @dfn{memory unit} for short) is used
9980 when explicitly referring to a chunk of data of that size. The word
9981 @dfn{byte} is used to refer to a chunk of data of 8 bits, regardless of
9982 the addressable memory unit size of the target. For most systems,
9983 addressable memory unit is a synonym of byte.
9984
9985 @cindex remote memory comparison
9986 @cindex target memory comparison
9987 @cindex verify remote memory image
9988 @cindex verify target memory image
9989 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
9990 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image
9991 in the remote machine's memory against the executable file you
9992 downloaded to the target. Or, on any target, you may want to check
9993 whether the program has corrupted its own read-only sections. The
9994 @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such situations.
9995
9996 @table @code
9997 @kindex compare-sections
9998 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{|}@code{-r}@r{]}
9999 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
10000 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
10001 the target machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
10002 arguments, compares all loadable sections. With an argument of
10003 @code{-r}, compares all loadable read-only sections.
10004
10005 Note: for remote targets, this command can be accelerated if the
10006 target supports computing the CRC checksum of a block of memory
10007 (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
10008 @end table
10009
10010 @node Auto Display
10011 @section Automatic Display
10012 @cindex automatic display
10013 @cindex display of expressions
10014
10015 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
10016 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
10017 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
10018 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
10019 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
10020 The automatic display looks like this:
10021
10022 @smallexample
10023 2: foo = 38
10024 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
10025 @end smallexample
10026
10027 @noindent
10028 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
10029 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
10030 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
10031 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
10032 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
10033 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
10034
10035 @table @code
10036 @kindex display
10037 @item display @var{expr}
10038 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
10039 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
10040
10041 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
10042
10043 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
10044 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
10045 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
10046 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
10047 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
10048
10049 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
10050 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
10051 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
10052 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
10053 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
10054 @end table
10055
10056 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
10057 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
10058 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
10059
10060 @table @code
10061 @kindex delete display
10062 @kindex undisplay
10063 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
10064 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
10065 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
10066 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
10067 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
10068 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
10069 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
10070
10071 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
10072 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
10073
10074 @kindex disable display
10075 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
10076 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
10077 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
10078 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
10079 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
10080 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
10081 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
10082 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
10083
10084 @kindex enable display
10085 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
10086 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
10087 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
10088 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
10089 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
10090 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
10091 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
10092
10093 @item display
10094 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
10095 done when your program stops.
10096
10097 @kindex info display
10098 @item info display
10099 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
10100 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
10101 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
10102 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
10103 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
10104 @end table
10105
10106 @cindex display disabled out of scope
10107 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
10108 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
10109 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
10110 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
10111 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
10112 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
10113 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
10114 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
10115 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
10116 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
10117
10118 @node Print Settings
10119 @section Print Settings
10120
10121 @cindex format options
10122 @cindex print settings
10123 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
10124 and symbols are printed.
10125
10126 @noindent
10127 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
10128
10129 @table @code
10130 @kindex set print
10131 @item set print address
10132 @itemx set print address on
10133 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
10134 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
10135 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
10136 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
10137 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
10138 @code{set print address on}:
10139
10140 @smallexample
10141 @group
10142 (@value{GDBP}) f
10143 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
10144 at input.c:530
10145 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
10146 @end group
10147 @end smallexample
10148
10149 @item set print address off
10150 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
10151 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
10152
10153 @smallexample
10154 @group
10155 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
10156 (@value{GDBP}) f
10157 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
10158 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
10159 @end group
10160 @end smallexample
10161
10162 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
10163 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
10164 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
10165 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
10166
10167 @kindex show print
10168 @item show print address
10169 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
10170 @end table
10171
10172 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
10173 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
10174 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
10175 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
10176 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
10177 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
10178 it prints a symbolic address:
10179
10180 @table @code
10181 @item set print symbol-filename on
10182 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
10183 @cindex symbol, source file and line
10184 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
10185 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
10186
10187 @item set print symbol-filename off
10188 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
10189 default.
10190
10191 @item show print symbol-filename
10192 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
10193 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
10194 @end table
10195
10196 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
10197 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
10198 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
10199
10200 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
10201 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
10202
10203 @table @code
10204 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
10205 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
10206 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
10207 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
10208 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
10209 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
10210 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
10211 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
10212
10213 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
10214 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
10215 symbolic address.
10216 @end table
10217
10218 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
10219 @cindex pointer, finding referent
10220 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
10221 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
10222 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
10223 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
10224 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
10225 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
10226
10227 @smallexample
10228 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
10229 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
10230 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
10231 @end smallexample
10232
10233 @quotation
10234 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
10235 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
10236 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
10237 @end quotation
10238
10239 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
10240 @samp{set print symbol on}:
10241
10242 @table @code
10243 @item set print symbol on
10244 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
10245 one exists.
10246
10247 @item set print symbol off
10248 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
10249 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
10250 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
10251
10252 @item show print symbol
10253 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
10254 address.
10255 @end table
10256
10257 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
10258
10259 @table @code
10260 @item set print array
10261 @itemx set print array on
10262 @cindex pretty print arrays
10263 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
10264 but uses more space. The default is off.
10265
10266 @item set print array off
10267 Return to compressed format for arrays.
10268
10269 @item show print array
10270 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
10271 arrays.
10272
10273 @cindex print array indexes
10274 @item set print array-indexes
10275 @itemx set print array-indexes on
10276 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
10277 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
10278 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
10279
10280 @item set print array-indexes off
10281 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
10282
10283 @item show print array-indexes
10284 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
10285 arrays.
10286
10287 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
10288 @itemx set print elements unlimited
10289 @cindex number of array elements to print
10290 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
10291 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
10292 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
10293 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
10294 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
10295 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
10296 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
10297 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
10298
10299 @item show print elements
10300 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
10301 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
10302
10303 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
10304 @kindex set print frame-arguments
10305 @cindex printing frame argument values
10306 @cindex print all frame argument values
10307 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
10308 @cindex do not print frame argument values
10309 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
10310 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
10311 values are:
10312
10313 @table @code
10314 @item all
10315 The values of all arguments are printed.
10316
10317 @item scalars
10318 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
10319 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
10320 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
10321 only scalar arguments are shown:
10322
10323 @smallexample
10324 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
10325 at frame-args.c:23
10326 @end smallexample
10327
10328 @item none
10329 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
10330 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
10331
10332 @smallexample
10333 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
10334 at frame-args.c:23
10335 @end smallexample
10336 @end table
10337
10338 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
10339 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
10340 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
10341 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
10342 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
10343 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
10344 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
10345 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
10346 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
10347 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
10348
10349 @item show print frame-arguments
10350 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
10351
10352 @item set print raw frame-arguments on
10353 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
10354
10355 @item set print raw frame-arguments off
10356 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
10357 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
10358 otherwise print the value in raw form.
10359 This is the default.
10360
10361 @item show print raw frame-arguments
10362 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
10363
10364 @anchor{set print entry-values}
10365 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
10366 @kindex set print entry-values
10367 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
10368 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
10369 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
10370 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
10371 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
10372
10373 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
10374 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
10375 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
10376 @code{no} setting.
10377
10378 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
10379 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
10380 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
10381 this information.
10382
10383 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
10384
10385 @table @code
10386 @item no
10387 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
10388 point.
10389 @smallexample
10390 #0 equal (val=5)
10391 #0 different (val=6)
10392 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
10393 #0 born (val=10)
10394 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10395 @end smallexample
10396
10397 @item only
10398 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
10399 values are never printed.
10400 @smallexample
10401 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
10402 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
10403 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10404 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10405 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10406 @end smallexample
10407
10408 @item preferred
10409 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
10410 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
10411 value for such parameter.
10412 @smallexample
10413 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
10414 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
10415 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10416 #0 born (val=10)
10417 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10418 @end smallexample
10419
10420 @item if-needed
10421 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
10422 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
10423 parameter.
10424 @smallexample
10425 #0 equal (val=5)
10426 #0 different (val=6)
10427 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10428 #0 born (val=10)
10429 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10430 @end smallexample
10431
10432 @item both
10433 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
10434 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
10435 optimizations.
10436 @smallexample
10437 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
10438 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10439 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
10440 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10441 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10442 @end smallexample
10443
10444 @item compact
10445 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
10446 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
10447 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
10448 values are known and identical, print the shortened
10449 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
10450 @smallexample
10451 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
10452 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10453 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10454 #0 born (val=10)
10455 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10456 @end smallexample
10457
10458 @item default
10459 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
10460 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
10461 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
10462 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
10463 @smallexample
10464 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
10465 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10466 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
10467 #0 born (val=10)
10468 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10469 @end smallexample
10470 @end table
10471
10472 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
10473 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
10474
10475 @item show print entry-values
10476 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
10477 entry.
10478
10479 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
10480 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
10481 @cindex repeated array elements
10482 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
10483 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
10484 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
10485 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
10486 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
10487 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
10488 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
10489 is 10.
10490
10491 @item show print repeats
10492 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
10493 elements.
10494
10495 @item set print null-stop
10496 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
10497 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
10498 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
10499 contain only short strings.
10500 The default is off.
10501
10502 @item show print null-stop
10503 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
10504 @sc{null} character.
10505
10506 @item set print pretty on
10507 @cindex print structures in indented form
10508 @cindex indentation in structure display
10509 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
10510 per line, like this:
10511
10512 @smallexample
10513 @group
10514 $1 = @{
10515 next = 0x0,
10516 flags = @{
10517 sweet = 1,
10518 sour = 1
10519 @},
10520 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
10521 @}
10522 @end group
10523 @end smallexample
10524
10525 @item set print pretty off
10526 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
10527
10528 @smallexample
10529 @group
10530 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
10531 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
10532 @end group
10533 @end smallexample
10534
10535 @noindent
10536 This is the default format.
10537
10538 @item show print pretty
10539 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
10540
10541 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
10542 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
10543 @cindex octal escapes in strings
10544 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
10545 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
10546 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
10547 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
10548 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
10549
10550 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
10551 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
10552 international character sets, and is the default.
10553
10554 @item show print sevenbit-strings
10555 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
10556
10557 @item set print union on
10558 @cindex unions in structures, printing
10559 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
10560 and other unions. This is the default setting.
10561
10562 @item set print union off
10563 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
10564 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
10565 instead.
10566
10567 @item show print union
10568 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
10569 structures and other unions.
10570
10571 For example, given the declarations
10572
10573 @smallexample
10574 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
10575 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
10576 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
10577 Bug_forms;
10578
10579 struct thing @{
10580 Species it;
10581 union @{
10582 Tree_forms tree;
10583 Bug_forms bug;
10584 @} form;
10585 @};
10586
10587 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
10588 @end smallexample
10589
10590 @noindent
10591 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
10592
10593 @smallexample
10594 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
10595 @end smallexample
10596
10597 @noindent
10598 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
10599
10600 @smallexample
10601 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
10602 @end smallexample
10603
10604 @noindent
10605 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
10606 and in Pascal.
10607 @end table
10608
10609 @need 1000
10610 @noindent
10611 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
10612
10613 @table @code
10614 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
10615 @item set print demangle
10616 @itemx set print demangle on
10617 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
10618 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
10619 linkage. The default is on.
10620
10621 @item show print demangle
10622 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
10623
10624 @item set print asm-demangle
10625 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
10626 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
10627 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
10628 The default is off.
10629
10630 @item show print asm-demangle
10631 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
10632 or demangled form.
10633
10634 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
10635 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
10636 @kindex set demangle-style
10637 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
10638 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
10639 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
10640
10641 @table @code
10642 @item auto
10643 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
10644 This is the default.
10645
10646 @item gnu
10647 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
10648
10649 @item hp
10650 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
10651
10652 @item lucid
10653 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
10654
10655 @item arm
10656 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
10657 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
10658 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
10659 require further enhancement to permit that.
10660
10661 @end table
10662 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
10663
10664 @item show demangle-style
10665 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
10666
10667 @item set print object
10668 @itemx set print object on
10669 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
10670 @cindex display derived types
10671 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
10672 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
10673 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
10674 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
10675 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
10676 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
10677 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
10678
10679 @item set print object off
10680 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
10681 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
10682
10683 @item show print object
10684 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
10685
10686 @item set print static-members
10687 @itemx set print static-members on
10688 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
10689 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
10690
10691 @item set print static-members off
10692 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
10693
10694 @item show print static-members
10695 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
10696
10697 @item set print pascal_static-members
10698 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
10699 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
10700 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
10701 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
10702
10703 @item set print pascal_static-members off
10704 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
10705
10706 @item show print pascal_static-members
10707 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
10708
10709 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
10710 @item set print vtbl
10711 @itemx set print vtbl on
10712 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
10713 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
10714 @cindex VTBL display
10715 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
10716 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10717 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10718
10719 @item set print vtbl off
10720 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
10721
10722 @item show print vtbl
10723 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
10724 @end table
10725
10726 @node Pretty Printing
10727 @section Pretty Printing
10728
10729 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
10730 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
10731 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
10732
10733 @menu
10734 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
10735 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
10736 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
10737 @end menu
10738
10739 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
10740 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
10741
10742 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
10743 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
10744 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
10745
10746 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
10747 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
10748 pretty-printers with their names.
10749 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
10750 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
10751 Each such subprinter has its own name.
10752 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
10753
10754 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
10755 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
10756 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
10757 do anything special.
10758
10759 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
10760
10761 @itemize @bullet
10762 @item
10763 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
10764 all inferiors.
10765
10766 @item
10767 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
10768 when debugging that program.
10769 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
10770
10771 @item
10772 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
10773 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
10774 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
10775 @end itemize
10776
10777 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
10778 pretty-printers are selected,
10779
10780 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
10781 for new types.
10782
10783 @node Pretty-Printer Example
10784 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
10785
10786 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
10787
10788 @smallexample
10789 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10790 $1 = @{
10791 static npos = 4294967295,
10792 _M_dataplus = @{
10793 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
10794 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
10795 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
10796 @},
10797 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
10798 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
10799 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
10800 @}
10801 @}
10802 @end smallexample
10803
10804 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
10805
10806 @smallexample
10807 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10808 $2 = "abcd"
10809 @end smallexample
10810
10811 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
10812 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
10813 @cindex pretty-printer commands
10814
10815 @table @code
10816 @kindex info pretty-printer
10817 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10818 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
10819 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
10820
10821 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
10822 whose pretty-printers to list.
10823 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
10824 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
10825 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
10826 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
10827 looks up a printer from these three objects.
10828
10829 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
10830 to list.
10831
10832 @kindex disable pretty-printer
10833 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10834 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10835 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
10836
10837 @kindex enable pretty-printer
10838 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10839 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10840 @end table
10841
10842 Example:
10843
10844 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
10845 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
10846 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
10847 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
10848
10849 @smallexample
10850 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10851 library1.so:
10852 foo
10853 library2.so:
10854 bar
10855 bar1
10856 bar2
10857 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10858 library2.so:
10859 bar
10860 bar1
10861 bar2
10862 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
10863 1 printer disabled
10864 2 of 3 printers enabled
10865 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10866 library1.so:
10867 foo [disabled]
10868 library2.so:
10869 bar
10870 bar1
10871 bar2
10872 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar;bar1
10873 1 printer disabled
10874 1 of 3 printers enabled
10875 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10876 library1.so:
10877 foo [disabled]
10878 library2.so:
10879 bar
10880 bar1 [disabled]
10881 bar2
10882 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
10883 1 printer disabled
10884 0 of 3 printers enabled
10885 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10886 library1.so:
10887 foo [disabled]
10888 library2.so:
10889 bar [disabled]
10890 bar1 [disabled]
10891 bar2
10892 @end smallexample
10893
10894 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
10895 as can each individual subprinter.
10896
10897 @node Value History
10898 @section Value History
10899
10900 @cindex value history
10901 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
10902 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
10903 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
10904 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
10905 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
10906 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
10907 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
10908 symbol table.
10909
10910 @cindex @code{$}
10911 @cindex @code{$$}
10912 @cindex history number
10913 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
10914 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
10915 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
10916 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
10917 history number.
10918
10919 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
10920 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
10921 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
10922 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
10923 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
10924 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
10925 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
10926
10927 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
10928 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
10929
10930 @smallexample
10931 p *$
10932 @end smallexample
10933
10934 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
10935 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
10936
10937 @smallexample
10938 p *$.next
10939 @end smallexample
10940
10941 @noindent
10942 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
10943 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
10944
10945 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
10946 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
10947
10948 @smallexample
10949 print x
10950 set x=5
10951 @end smallexample
10952
10953 @noindent
10954 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
10955 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
10956
10957 @table @code
10958 @kindex show values
10959 @item show values
10960 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
10961 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
10962 values} does not change the history.
10963
10964 @item show values @var{n}
10965 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
10966
10967 @item show values +
10968 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
10969 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
10970 @end table
10971
10972 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
10973 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
10974
10975 @node Convenience Vars
10976 @section Convenience Variables
10977
10978 @cindex convenience variables
10979 @cindex user-defined variables
10980 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
10981 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
10982 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
10983 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
10984 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
10985
10986 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
10987 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
10988 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
10989 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
10990 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
10991
10992 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
10993 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
10994 For example:
10995
10996 @smallexample
10997 set $foo = *object_ptr
10998 @end smallexample
10999
11000 @noindent
11001 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
11002 @code{object_ptr}.
11003
11004 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
11005 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
11006 value with another assignment at any time.
11007
11008 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
11009 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
11010 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
11011 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
11012
11013 @table @code
11014 @kindex show convenience
11015 @cindex show all user variables and functions
11016 @item show convenience
11017 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
11018 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
11019 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
11020
11021 @kindex init-if-undefined
11022 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
11023 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
11024 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
11025 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
11026 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
11027 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
11028 override default values used in a command script.
11029
11030 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
11031 any side-effects do not occur.
11032 @end table
11033
11034 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
11035 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
11036 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
11037
11038 @smallexample
11039 set $i = 0
11040 print bar[$i++]->contents
11041 @end smallexample
11042
11043 @noindent
11044 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
11045
11046 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
11047 values likely to be useful.
11048
11049 @table @code
11050 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
11051 @item $_
11052 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
11053 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
11054 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
11055 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
11056 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
11057 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
11058 to the type of @code{$__}.
11059
11060 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
11061 @item $__
11062 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
11063 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
11064 to match the format in which the data was printed.
11065
11066 @item $_exitcode
11067 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
11068 When the program being debugged terminates normally, @value{GDBN}
11069 automatically sets this variable to the exit code of the program, and
11070 resets @code{$_exitsignal} to @code{void}.
11071
11072 @item $_exitsignal
11073 @vindex $_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
11074 When the program being debugged dies due to an uncaught signal,
11075 @value{GDBN} automatically sets this variable to that signal's number,
11076 and resets @code{$_exitcode} to @code{void}.
11077
11078 To distinguish between whether the program being debugged has exited
11079 (i.e., @code{$_exitcode} is not @code{void}) or signalled (i.e.,
11080 @code{$_exitsignal} is not @code{void}), the convenience function
11081 @code{$_isvoid} can be used (@pxref{Convenience Funs,, Convenience
11082 Functions}). For example, considering the following source code:
11083
11084 @smallexample
11085 #include <signal.h>
11086
11087 int
11088 main (int argc, char *argv[])
11089 @{
11090 raise (SIGALRM);
11091 return 0;
11092 @}
11093 @end smallexample
11094
11095 A valid way of telling whether the program being debugged has exited
11096 or signalled would be:
11097
11098 @smallexample
11099 (@value{GDBP}) define has_exited_or_signalled
11100 Type commands for definition of ``has_exited_or_signalled''.
11101 End with a line saying just ``end''.
11102 >if $_isvoid ($_exitsignal)
11103 >echo The program has exited\n
11104 >else
11105 >echo The program has signalled\n
11106 >end
11107 >end
11108 (@value{GDBP}) run
11109 Starting program:
11110
11111 Program terminated with signal SIGALRM, Alarm clock.
11112 The program no longer exists.
11113 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
11114 The program has signalled
11115 @end smallexample
11116
11117 As can be seen, @value{GDBN} correctly informs that the program being
11118 debugged has signalled, since it calls @code{raise} and raises a
11119 @code{SIGALRM} signal. If the program being debugged had not called
11120 @code{raise}, then @value{GDBN} would report a normal exit:
11121
11122 @smallexample
11123 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
11124 The program has exited
11125 @end smallexample
11126
11127 @item $_exception
11128 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
11129 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
11130
11131 @item $_probe_argc
11132 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
11133 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11134
11135 @item $_sdata
11136 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
11137 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
11138 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
11139 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
11140 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
11141
11142 @item $_siginfo
11143 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
11144 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
11145 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
11146 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
11147 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
11148
11149 @item $_tlb
11150 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
11151 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
11152 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
11153 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
11154 @xref{General Query Packets}.
11155 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
11156
11157 @item $_inferior
11158 The number of the current inferior. @xref{Inferiors and
11159 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}.
11160
11161 @item $_thread
11162 The thread number of the current thread. @xref{thread numbers}.
11163
11164 @item $_gthread
11165 The global number of the current thread. @xref{global thread numbers}.
11166
11167 @end table
11168
11169 @node Convenience Funs
11170 @section Convenience Functions
11171
11172 @cindex convenience functions
11173 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
11174 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
11175 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
11176 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
11177 @value{GDBN}.
11178
11179 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
11180 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
11181
11182 @table @code
11183
11184 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
11185 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
11186 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
11187 returns zero.
11188
11189 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
11190 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
11191 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
11192 it is @code{void}:
11193
11194 @smallexample
11195 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
11196 $1 = void
11197 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
11198 $2 = 1
11199 (@value{GDBP}) run
11200 Starting program: ./a.out
11201 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
11202 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
11203 $3 = 0
11204 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
11205 $4 = 0
11206 @end smallexample
11207
11208 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
11209 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
11210 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
11211 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
11212 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
11213 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
11214 anymore.
11215
11216 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
11217 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
11218
11219 @smallexample
11220 void
11221 foo (void)
11222 @{
11223 @}
11224 @end smallexample
11225
11226 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
11227
11228 @smallexample
11229 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
11230 $1 = void
11231 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
11232 $2 = 1
11233 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
11234 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
11235 $3 = void
11236 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
11237 $4 = 1
11238 @end smallexample
11239
11240 @end table
11241
11242 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
11243 @code{Python} support.
11244
11245 @table @code
11246
11247 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
11248 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
11249 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
11250 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
11251 Otherwise it returns zero.
11252
11253 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
11254 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
11255 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
11256 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
11257 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
11258 regular expression support.
11259
11260 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
11261 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
11262 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
11263 Otherwise it returns zero.
11264
11265 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
11266 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
11267 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
11268
11269 @item $_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
11270 @findex $_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
11271 Returns one if the calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
11272 Otherwise it returns zero.
11273
11274 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
11275 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
11276 The default is 1.
11277
11278 Example:
11279
11280 @smallexample
11281 (gdb) backtrace
11282 #0 bottom_func ()
11283 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:21
11284 #1 0x00000000004005a0 in middle_func ()
11285 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:27
11286 #2 0x00000000004005ab in top_func ()
11287 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:33
11288 #3 0x00000000004005b6 in main ()
11289 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:39
11290 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("middle_func")
11291 $1 = 1
11292 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("top_func", 2)
11293 $1 = 1
11294 @end smallexample
11295
11296 @item $_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
11297 @findex $_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
11298 Returns one if the calling function's name matches the regular expression
11299 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
11300
11301 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
11302 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
11303 The default is 1.
11304
11305 @item $_any_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
11306 @findex $_any_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
11307 Returns one if any calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
11308 Otherwise it returns zero.
11309
11310 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
11311 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
11312 The default is 1.
11313
11314 This function differs from @code{$_caller_is} in that this function
11315 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
11316 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_is} only checks the
11317 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
11318
11319 @item $_any_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
11320 @findex $_any_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
11321 Returns one if any calling function's name matches the regular expression
11322 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
11323
11324 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
11325 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
11326 The default is 1.
11327
11328 This function differs from @code{$_caller_matches} in that this function
11329 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
11330 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_matches} only checks the
11331 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
11332
11333 @item $_as_string(@var{value})
11334 @findex $_as_string@r{, convenience function}
11335 Return the string representation of @var{value}.
11336
11337 This function is useful to obtain the textual label (enumerator) of an
11338 enumeration value. For example, assuming the variable @var{node} is of
11339 an enumerated type:
11340
11341 @smallexample
11342 (gdb) printf "Visiting node of type %s\n", $_as_string(node)
11343 Visiting node of type NODE_INTEGER
11344 @end smallexample
11345
11346 @end table
11347
11348 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
11349 convenience functions.
11350
11351 @table @code
11352 @item help function
11353 @kindex help function
11354 @cindex show all convenience functions
11355 Print a list of all convenience functions.
11356 @end table
11357
11358 @node Registers
11359 @section Registers
11360
11361 @cindex registers
11362 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
11363 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
11364 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
11365 your machine.
11366
11367 @table @code
11368 @kindex info registers
11369 @item info registers
11370 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
11371 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
11372
11373 @kindex info all-registers
11374 @cindex floating point registers
11375 @item info all-registers
11376 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
11377 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
11378
11379 @item info registers @var{reggroup} @dots{}
11380 Print the name and value of the registers in each of the specified
11381 @var{reggroup}s. The @var{reggoup} can be any of those returned by
11382 @code{maint print reggroups} (@pxref{Maintenance Commands}).
11383
11384 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
11385 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
11386 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
11387 the selected stack frame. The @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
11388 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
11389 @end table
11390
11391 @anchor{standard registers}
11392 @cindex stack pointer register
11393 @cindex program counter register
11394 @cindex process status register
11395 @cindex frame pointer register
11396 @cindex standard registers
11397 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
11398 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
11399 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
11400 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
11401 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
11402 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
11403 register that contains the processor status. For example,
11404 you could print the program counter in hex with
11405
11406 @smallexample
11407 p/x $pc
11408 @end smallexample
11409
11410 @noindent
11411 or print the instruction to be executed next with
11412
11413 @smallexample
11414 x/i $pc
11415 @end smallexample
11416
11417 @noindent
11418 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
11419 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
11420 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
11421 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
11422 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
11423 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
11424 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
11425
11426 @smallexample
11427 set $sp += 4
11428 @end smallexample
11429
11430 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
11431 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
11432 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
11433 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
11434 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
11435 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
11436 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
11437
11438 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
11439 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
11440 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
11441 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
11442 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
11443 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
11444 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
11445
11446 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
11447 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
11448 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
11449 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
11450 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
11451 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
11452 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
11453 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
11454 prints the data in both formats.
11455
11456 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
11457 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
11458 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
11459 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
11460 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
11461 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
11462 registers in @code{struct} notation:
11463
11464 @smallexample
11465 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
11466 $1 = @{
11467 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
11468 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
11469 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
11470 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
11471 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
11472 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
11473 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
11474 @}
11475 @end smallexample
11476
11477 @noindent
11478 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
11479 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
11480 value to a @code{struct} member:
11481
11482 @smallexample
11483 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
11484 @end smallexample
11485
11486 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
11487 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
11488 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
11489 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
11490 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
11491 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
11492
11493 @cindex caller-saved registers
11494 @cindex call-clobbered registers
11495 @cindex volatile registers
11496 @cindex <not saved> values
11497 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
11498 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
11499 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
11500 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
11501 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
11502 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
11503 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
11504 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
11505 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
11506 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
11507 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
11508 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
11509 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
11510 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
11511 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
11512 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
11513 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
11514 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
11515 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
11516 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
11517 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
11518 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
11519 represent the value the register had just before the call.
11520
11521 @node Floating Point Hardware
11522 @section Floating Point Hardware
11523 @cindex floating point
11524
11525 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
11526 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
11527
11528 @table @code
11529 @kindex info float
11530 @item info float
11531 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
11532 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
11533 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
11534 the ARM and x86 machines.
11535 @end table
11536
11537 @node Vector Unit
11538 @section Vector Unit
11539 @cindex vector unit
11540
11541 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
11542 more information about the status of the vector unit.
11543
11544 @table @code
11545 @kindex info vector
11546 @item info vector
11547 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
11548 layout vary depending on the hardware.
11549 @end table
11550
11551 @node OS Information
11552 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
11553 @cindex OS information
11554
11555 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
11556 you debug your program.
11557
11558 @cindex auxiliary vector
11559 @cindex vector, auxiliary
11560 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
11561 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
11562 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
11563 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
11564 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
11565 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
11566 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
11567 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
11568 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
11569 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
11570 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
11571
11572 @table @code
11573 @kindex info auxv
11574 @item info auxv
11575 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
11576 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
11577 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
11578 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
11579 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
11580 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
11581 an unrecognized tag.
11582 @end table
11583
11584 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
11585 information and show it to you. The types of information available
11586 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
11587 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
11588 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
11589 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
11590 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
11591
11592 @table @code
11593 @kindex info os
11594 @item info os @var{infotype}
11595
11596 Display OS information of the requested type.
11597
11598 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
11599
11600 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
11601 @table @code
11602 @kindex info os cpus
11603 @item cpus
11604 Display the list of all CPUs/cores. For each CPU/core, @value{GDBN} prints
11605 the available fields from /proc/cpuinfo. For each supported architecture
11606 different fields are available. Two common entries are processor which gives
11607 CPU number and bogomips; a system constant that is calculated during
11608 kernel initialization.
11609
11610 @kindex info os files
11611 @item files
11612 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
11613 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
11614 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
11615 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
11616
11617 @kindex info os modules
11618 @item modules
11619 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
11620 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
11621 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
11622 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
11623 in memory.
11624
11625 @kindex info os msg
11626 @item msg
11627 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
11628 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
11629 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
11630 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
11631 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
11632 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
11633 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
11634 the message queue was last changed.
11635
11636 @kindex info os processes
11637 @item processes
11638 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
11639 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
11640 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
11641 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
11642 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
11643 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
11644
11645 @kindex info os procgroups
11646 @item procgroups
11647 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
11648 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
11649 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
11650 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
11651 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
11652 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
11653 and the process group leader is listed first.
11654
11655 @kindex info os semaphores
11656 @item semaphores
11657 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
11658 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
11659 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
11660 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
11661 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
11662
11663 @kindex info os shm
11664 @item shm
11665 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
11666 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
11667 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
11668 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
11669 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
11670 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
11671 attached to, detach from, and changed.
11672
11673 @kindex info os sockets
11674 @item sockets
11675 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
11676 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
11677 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
11678 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
11679 connection.
11680
11681 @kindex info os threads
11682 @item threads
11683 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
11684 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
11685 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
11686 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
11687 process is not listed.
11688 @end table
11689
11690 @item info os
11691 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
11692 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
11693 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
11694 types, this command will report an error.
11695 @end table
11696
11697 @node Memory Region Attributes
11698 @section Memory Region Attributes
11699 @cindex memory region attributes
11700
11701 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
11702 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
11703 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
11704 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
11705 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
11706 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
11707 user can override the fetched regions.
11708
11709 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
11710 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
11711 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
11712 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
11713 all memory.
11714
11715 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
11716 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
11717
11718 @table @code
11719 @kindex mem
11720 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
11721 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
11722 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
11723 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
11724 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
11725 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
11726
11727 @item mem auto
11728 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
11729 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
11730
11731 @kindex delete mem
11732 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11733 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
11734 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
11735
11736 @kindex disable mem
11737 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11738 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11739 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
11740 It may be enabled again later.
11741
11742 @kindex enable mem
11743 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11744 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11745
11746 @kindex info mem
11747 @item info mem
11748 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
11749 for each region:
11750
11751 @table @emph
11752 @item Memory Region Number
11753 @item Enabled or Disabled.
11754 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
11755 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
11756
11757 @item Lo Address
11758 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
11759
11760 @item Hi Address
11761 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
11762
11763 @item Attributes
11764 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
11765 @end table
11766 @end table
11767
11768
11769 @subsection Attributes
11770
11771 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
11772 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
11773 write accesses to a memory region.
11774
11775 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
11776 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
11777 etc.@: from accessing memory.
11778
11779 @table @code
11780 @item ro
11781 Memory is read only.
11782 @item wo
11783 Memory is write only.
11784 @item rw
11785 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
11786 @end table
11787
11788 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
11789 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
11790 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
11791 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
11792 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
11793
11794 @table @code
11795 @item 8
11796 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
11797 @item 16
11798 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
11799 @item 32
11800 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
11801 @item 64
11802 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
11803 @end table
11804
11805 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
11806 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11807 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
11808 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
11809 @c
11810 @c @table @code
11811 @c @item hwbreak
11812 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
11813 @c @item swbreak (default)
11814 @c @end table
11815
11816 @subsubsection Data Cache
11817 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
11818 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
11819 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
11820 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
11821 registers.
11822
11823 @table @code
11824 @item cache
11825 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
11826 @item nocache
11827 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
11828 @end table
11829
11830 @subsection Memory Access Checking
11831 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
11832 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
11833 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
11834 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
11835
11836 @table @code
11837 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
11838 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
11839 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
11840 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
11841 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
11842 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
11843 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
11844 The default value is @code{on}.
11845 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
11846 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
11847 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
11848 @end table
11849
11850
11851 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
11852 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11853 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
11854 @c
11855 @c @table @code
11856 @c @item verify
11857 @c @item noverify (default)
11858 @c @end table
11859
11860 @node Dump/Restore Files
11861 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
11862 @cindex dump/restore files
11863 @cindex append data to a file
11864 @cindex dump data to a file
11865 @cindex restore data from a file
11866
11867 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
11868 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
11869 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
11870 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
11871 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex,
11872 Tektronix Hex, or Verilog Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only
11873 append to binary files, and cannot read from Verilog Hex files.
11874
11875 @table @code
11876
11877 @kindex dump
11878 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11879 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11880 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11881 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
11882
11883 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
11884 @table @code
11885 @item binary
11886 Raw binary form.
11887 @item ihex
11888 Intel hex format.
11889 @item srec
11890 Motorola S-record format.
11891 @item tekhex
11892 Tektronix Hex format.
11893 @item verilog
11894 Verilog Hex format.
11895 @end table
11896
11897 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
11898 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
11899 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
11900 form.
11901
11902 @kindex append
11903 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11904 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11905 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11906 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
11907 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
11908
11909 @kindex restore
11910 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
11911 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
11912 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
11913 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
11914 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
11915
11916 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
11917 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
11918 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
11919 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
11920 from that location.
11921
11922 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
11923 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
11924 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
11925 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
11926
11927 @end table
11928
11929 @node Core File Generation
11930 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
11931 @cindex dump core from inferior
11932
11933 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
11934 image of a running process and its process status (register values
11935 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
11936 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
11937 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
11938 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
11939 the post-mortem debugging mode.
11940
11941 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
11942 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
11943 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
11944
11945 @table @code
11946 @kindex gcore
11947 @kindex generate-core-file
11948 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
11949 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
11950 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
11951 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
11952 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
11953 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
11954
11955 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
11956 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
11957
11958 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, this command can take into account the value of the
11959 file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating the core
11960 dump (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}), and by default honors the
11961 @code{VM_DONTDUMP} flag for mappings where it is present in the file
11962 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/smaps} (@pxref{set dump-excluded-mappings}).
11963
11964 @kindex set use-coredump-filter
11965 @anchor{set use-coredump-filter}
11966 @item set use-coredump-filter on
11967 @itemx set use-coredump-filter off
11968 Enable or disable the use of the file
11969 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating core dump
11970 files. This file is used by the Linux kernel to decide what types of
11971 memory mappings will be dumped or ignored when generating a core dump
11972 file. @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process.
11973
11974 To make use of this feature, you have to write in the
11975 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file a value, in hexadecimal,
11976 which is a bit mask representing the memory mapping types. If a bit
11977 is set in the bit mask, then the memory mappings of the corresponding
11978 types will be dumped; otherwise, they will be ignored. This
11979 configuration is inherited by child processes. For more information
11980 about the bits that can be set in the
11981 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file, please refer to the
11982 manpage of @code{core(5)}.
11983
11984 By default, this option is @code{on}. If this option is turned
11985 @code{off}, @value{GDBN} does not read the @file{coredump_filter} file
11986 and instead uses the same default value as the Linux kernel in order
11987 to decide which pages will be dumped in the core dump file. This
11988 value is currently @code{0x33}, which means that bits @code{0}
11989 (anonymous private mappings), @code{1} (anonymous shared mappings),
11990 @code{4} (ELF headers) and @code{5} (private huge pages) are active.
11991 This will cause these memory mappings to be dumped automatically.
11992
11993 @kindex set dump-excluded-mappings
11994 @anchor{set dump-excluded-mappings}
11995 @item set dump-excluded-mappings on
11996 @itemx set dump-excluded-mappings off
11997 If @code{on} is specified, @value{GDBN} will dump memory mappings
11998 marked with the @code{VM_DONTDUMP} flag. This flag is represented in
11999 the file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/smaps} with the acronym @code{dd}.
12000
12001 The default value is @code{off}.
12002 @end table
12003
12004 @node Character Sets
12005 @section Character Sets
12006 @cindex character sets
12007 @cindex charset
12008 @cindex translating between character sets
12009 @cindex host character set
12010 @cindex target character set
12011
12012 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
12013 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
12014 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
12015 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
12016 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
12017 @dfn{target character set}.
12018
12019 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
12020 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
12021 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
12022 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
12023 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
12024 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
12025 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
12026 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
12027 character and string literals in expressions.
12028
12029 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
12030 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
12031 target-charset} command, described below.
12032
12033 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
12034 support:
12035
12036 @table @code
12037 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
12038 @kindex set target-charset
12039 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
12040 list of supported target character sets, type
12041 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
12042
12043 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
12044 @kindex set host-charset
12045 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
12046
12047 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
12048 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
12049 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
12050 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
12051 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
12052
12053 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
12054 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
12055 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
12056
12057 @item set charset @var{charset}
12058 @kindex set charset
12059 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
12060 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
12061 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
12062 for both host and target.
12063
12064 @item show charset
12065 @kindex show charset
12066 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
12067
12068 @item show host-charset
12069 @kindex show host-charset
12070 Show the name of the current host character set.
12071
12072 @item show target-charset
12073 @kindex show target-charset
12074 Show the name of the current target character set.
12075
12076 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
12077 @kindex set target-wide-charset
12078 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
12079 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
12080 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
12081 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
12082
12083 @item show target-wide-charset
12084 @kindex show target-wide-charset
12085 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
12086 @end table
12087
12088 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
12089 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
12090 @file{charset-test.c}:
12091
12092 @smallexample
12093 #include <stdio.h>
12094
12095 char ascii_hello[]
12096 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
12097 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
12098 char ibm1047_hello[]
12099 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
12100 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
12101
12102 main ()
12103 @{
12104 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12105 @}
12106 @end smallexample
12107
12108 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
12109 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
12110 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
12111
12112 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
12113
12114 @smallexample
12115 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
12116 $ gdb -nw charset-test
12117 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
12118 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
12119 @dots{}
12120 (@value{GDBP})
12121 @end smallexample
12122
12123 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
12124 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
12125 strings:
12126
12127 @smallexample
12128 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
12129 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
12130 (@value{GDBP})
12131 @end smallexample
12132
12133 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
12134 initial character set:
12135 @smallexample
12136 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
12137 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
12138 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
12139 (@value{GDBP})
12140 @end smallexample
12141
12142 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
12143 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
12144 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
12145 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
12146 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
12147
12148 @smallexample
12149 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
12150 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
12151 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
12152 $2 = 72 'H'
12153 (@value{GDBP})
12154 @end smallexample
12155
12156 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
12157 literals you use in expressions:
12158
12159 @smallexample
12160 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
12161 $3 = 43 '+'
12162 (@value{GDBP})
12163 @end smallexample
12164
12165 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
12166 character.
12167
12168 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
12169 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
12170 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
12171
12172 @smallexample
12173 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
12174 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
12175 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
12176 $5 = 200 '\310'
12177 (@value{GDBP})
12178 @end smallexample
12179
12180 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
12181 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
12182
12183 @smallexample
12184 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
12185 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
12186 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
12187 @end smallexample
12188
12189 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
12190 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
12191 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
12192 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
12193 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
12194
12195 @smallexample
12196 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
12197 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
12198 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
12199 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
12200 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
12201 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
12202 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
12203 $7 = 72 '\110'
12204 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
12205 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
12206 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
12207 $9 = 200 'H'
12208 (@value{GDBP})
12209 @end smallexample
12210
12211 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
12212 string literals you use in expressions:
12213
12214 @smallexample
12215 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
12216 $10 = 78 '+'
12217 (@value{GDBP})
12218 @end smallexample
12219
12220 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
12221 character.
12222
12223 @node Caching Target Data
12224 @section Caching Data of Targets
12225 @cindex caching data of targets
12226
12227 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a target.
12228 Each cache is associated with the address space of the inferior.
12229 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}, about inferior and address space.
12230 Such caching generally improves performance in remote debugging
12231 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), because it reduces the overhead of the
12232 remote protocol by bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks.
12233 Unfortunately, simply caching everything would lead to incorrect results,
12234 since @value{GDBN} does not necessarily know anything about volatile
12235 values, memory-mapped I/O addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode
12236 (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command
12237 is executing.
12238 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
12239 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
12240 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
12241 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
12242 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.} or
12243 in the code segment.
12244 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
12245 cacheable; @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
12246
12247 @table @code
12248 @kindex set remotecache
12249 @item set remotecache on
12250 @itemx set remotecache off
12251 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
12252 with old scripts.
12253
12254 @kindex show remotecache
12255 @item show remotecache
12256 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
12257
12258 @kindex set stack-cache
12259 @item set stack-cache on
12260 @itemx set stack-cache off
12261 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{on}, use
12262 caching. By default, this option is @code{on}.
12263
12264 @kindex show stack-cache
12265 @item show stack-cache
12266 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
12267
12268 @kindex set code-cache
12269 @item set code-cache on
12270 @itemx set code-cache off
12271 Enable or disable caching of code segment accesses. When @code{on},
12272 use caching. By default, this option is @code{on}. This improves
12273 performance of disassembly in remote debugging.
12274
12275 @kindex show code-cache
12276 @item show code-cache
12277 Show the current state of target memory cache for code segment
12278 accesses.
12279
12280 @kindex info dcache
12281 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
12282 Print the information about the performance of data cache of the
12283 current inferior's address space. The information displayed
12284 includes the dcache width and depth, and for each cache line, its
12285 number, address, and how many times it was referenced. This
12286 command is useful for debugging the data cache operation.
12287
12288 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
12289 printed in hex.
12290
12291 @item set dcache size @var{size}
12292 @cindex dcache size
12293 @kindex set dcache size
12294 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
12295
12296 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
12297 @cindex dcache line-size
12298 @kindex set dcache line-size
12299 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
12300 Must be a power of 2.
12301
12302 @item show dcache size
12303 @kindex show dcache size
12304 Show maximum number of dcache entries. @xref{Caching Target Data, info dcache}.
12305
12306 @item show dcache line-size
12307 @kindex show dcache line-size
12308 Show default size of dcache lines.
12309
12310 @end table
12311
12312 @node Searching Memory
12313 @section Search Memory
12314 @cindex searching memory
12315
12316 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
12317 @code{find} command.
12318
12319 @table @code
12320 @kindex find
12321 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
12322 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
12323 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
12324 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
12325 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
12326 @end table
12327
12328 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
12329 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
12330
12331 @table @r
12332 @item @var{s}, search query size
12333 The size of each search query value.
12334
12335 @table @code
12336 @item b
12337 bytes
12338 @item h
12339 halfwords (two bytes)
12340 @item w
12341 words (four bytes)
12342 @item g
12343 giant words (eight bytes)
12344 @end table
12345
12346 All values are interpreted in the current language.
12347 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
12348 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
12349 The null terminator can be removed from searching by using casts,
12350 e.g.: @samp{@{char[5]@}"hello"}.
12351
12352 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
12353 value's type in the current language.
12354 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
12355 pattern as a mixture of types.
12356 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
12357 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
12358 which is typically four bytes.
12359
12360 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
12361 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
12362 @end table
12363
12364 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
12365 (@code{"}).
12366 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
12367 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
12368
12369 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
12370 number of matches found.
12371
12372 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
12373 @samp{$_}.
12374 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
12375
12376 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
12377
12378 @smallexample
12379 void
12380 hello ()
12381 @{
12382 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
12383 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
12384 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
12385 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
12386 printf ("%s\n", hello);
12387 @}
12388 @end smallexample
12389
12390 @noindent
12391 you get during debugging:
12392
12393 @smallexample
12394 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
12395 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
12396 1 pattern found
12397 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
12398 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
12399 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
12400 2 patterns found.
12401 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), @{char[5]@}"hello"
12402 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
12403 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
12404 2 patterns found.
12405 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
12406 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
12407 1 pattern found
12408 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
12409 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
12410 1 pattern found
12411 (gdb) print $numfound
12412 $1 = 1
12413 (gdb) print $_
12414 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
12415 @end smallexample
12416
12417 @node Value Sizes
12418 @section Value Sizes
12419
12420 Whenever @value{GDBN} prints a value memory will be allocated within
12421 @value{GDBN} to hold the contents of the value. It is possible in
12422 some languages with dynamic typing systems, that an invalid program
12423 may indicate a value that is incorrectly large, this in turn may cause
12424 @value{GDBN} to try and allocate an overly large ammount of memory.
12425
12426 @table @code
12427 @kindex set max-value-size
12428 @item set max-value-size @var{bytes}
12429 @itemx set max-value-size unlimited
12430 Set the maximum size of memory that @value{GDBN} will allocate for the
12431 contents of a value to @var{bytes}, trying to display a value that
12432 requires more memory than that will result in an error.
12433
12434 Setting this variable does not effect values that have already been
12435 allocated within @value{GDBN}, only future allocations.
12436
12437 There's a minimum size that @code{max-value-size} can be set to in
12438 order that @value{GDBN} can still operate correctly, this minimum is
12439 currently 16 bytes.
12440
12441 The limit applies to the results of some subexpressions as well as to
12442 complete expressions. For example, an expression denoting a simple
12443 integer component, such as @code{x.y.z}, may fail if the size of
12444 @var{x.y} is dynamic and exceeds @var{bytes}. On the other hand,
12445 @value{GDBN} is sometimes clever; the expression @code{A[i]}, where
12446 @var{A} is an array variable with non-constant size, will generally
12447 succeed regardless of the bounds on @var{A}, as long as the component
12448 size is less than @var{bytes}.
12449
12450 The default value of @code{max-value-size} is currently 64k.
12451
12452 @kindex show max-value-size
12453 @item show max-value-size
12454 Show the maximum size of memory, in bytes, that @value{GDBN} will
12455 allocate for the contents of a value.
12456 @end table
12457
12458 @node Optimized Code
12459 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
12460 @cindex optimized code, debugging
12461 @cindex debugging optimized code
12462
12463 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
12464 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
12465 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
12466 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
12467 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
12468 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
12469 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
12470
12471 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
12472 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
12473 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
12474 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
12475
12476 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
12477 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
12478 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
12479 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
12480 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
12481 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
12482
12483 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
12484 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
12485 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
12486 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
12487 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
12488
12489 @menu
12490 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
12491 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
12492 @end menu
12493
12494 @node Inline Functions
12495 @section Inline Functions
12496 @cindex inline functions, debugging
12497
12498 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
12499 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
12500 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
12501 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
12502 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
12503 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
12504 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
12505 @code{info frame} command.
12506
12507 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
12508 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
12509 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
12510 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
12511 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
12512 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
12513 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
12514 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
12515 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
12516 local variables in the caller.
12517
12518 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
12519 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
12520 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
12521 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
12522 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
12523 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
12524 instructions are executed.
12525
12526 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
12527 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
12528 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
12529 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
12530
12531 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
12532 function calls are the same as normal calls:
12533
12534 @itemize @bullet
12535 @item
12536 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
12537 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
12538 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
12539 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
12540 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
12541 or inside the inlined function instead.
12542
12543 @item
12544 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
12545 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
12546 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
12547 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
12548
12549 @end itemize
12550
12551 @node Tail Call Frames
12552 @section Tail Call Frames
12553 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
12554
12555 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
12556 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
12557 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
12558 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
12559 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
12560
12561 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
12562 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
12563 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
12564 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
12565 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
12566 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
12567 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
12568
12569 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
12570 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
12571 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
12572 this information.
12573
12574 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
12575 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
12576
12577 @smallexample
12578 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
12579 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
12580 (gdb) info frame
12581 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
12582 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
12583 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
12584 source language c++.
12585 Arglist at unknown address.
12586 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
12587 @end smallexample
12588
12589 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
12590 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
12591 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
12592 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
12593 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
12594 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
12595
12596 @table @code
12597 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
12598 @item set debug entry-values
12599 @kindex set debug entry-values
12600 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
12601 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
12602 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
12603 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
12604 result.
12605
12606 @item show debug entry-values
12607 @kindex show debug entry-values
12608 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
12609 values at function entry and tail calls.
12610 @end table
12611
12612 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
12613 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
12614 reference by variable @code{x}):
12615
12616 @smallexample
12617 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
12618 void (*x) (void) = c;
12619 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12620 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
12621 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
12622
12623 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_entry_value resolving cannot find
12624 DW_TAG_call_site 0x40039a in main
12625 a () at t.c:3
12626 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12627 (gdb) bt
12628 #0 a () at t.c:3
12629 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
12630 @end smallexample
12631
12632 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
12633
12634 @smallexample
12635 int i;
12636 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
12637 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
12638 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
12639 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
12640 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
12641 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
12642 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
12643 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
12644
12645 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
12646 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
12647 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
12648 (gdb) bt
12649 #0 f () at t.c:2
12650 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
12651 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
12652 @end smallexample
12653
12654 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
12655 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
12656
12657 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
12658 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12659 @set ARROW @click{}
12660 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
12661 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
12662 @end ifset
12663 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12664 @set ARROW ->
12665 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
12666 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
12667 @end ifclear
12668
12669 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
12670 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
12671 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
12672
12673 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
12674 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
12675 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
12676 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
12677 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
12678 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
12679
12680 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
12681 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
12682 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
12683 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
12684 omitted.
12685
12686 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
12687 entry may fail:
12688
12689 @smallexample
12690 int v;
12691 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
12692 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
12693 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
12694 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
12695 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
12696 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
12697
12698 (gdb) bt
12699 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
12700 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_entry_value resolving has found
12701 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
12702 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
12703 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
12704 @end smallexample
12705
12706 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
12707 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
12708 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
12709 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
12710 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
12711
12712 @node Macros
12713 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
12714
12715 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
12716 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
12717 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
12718 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
12719 where it was defined.
12720
12721 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
12722 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
12723 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
12724 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
12725
12726 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
12727 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
12728 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
12729 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
12730 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
12731 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
12732 see @ref{List}.
12733
12734 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
12735 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
12736 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
12737
12738 @table @code
12739
12740 @kindex macro expand
12741 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
12742 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
12743 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
12744 @item macro expand @var{expression}
12745 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
12746 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
12747 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
12748 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
12749 it can be any string of tokens.
12750
12751 @kindex macro exp1
12752 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
12753 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
12754 @cindex expand macro once
12755 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
12756 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
12757 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
12758 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
12759 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
12760 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
12761 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
12762 can be any string of tokens.
12763
12764 @kindex info macro
12765 @cindex macro definition, showing
12766 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
12767 @cindex macros, from debug info
12768 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
12769 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
12770 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
12771 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
12772 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
12773 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
12774
12775 @kindex info macros
12776 @item info macros @var{location}
12777 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
12778 by @var{location}, and describe the source location or compiler
12779 command-line where those definitions were established.
12780
12781 @kindex macro define
12782 @cindex user-defined macros
12783 @cindex defining macros interactively
12784 @cindex macros, user-defined
12785 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
12786 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
12787 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
12788 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
12789 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
12790 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
12791 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
12792 @var{arglist}.
12793
12794 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
12795 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
12796 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
12797 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
12798 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
12799
12800 @kindex macro undef
12801 @item macro undef @var{macro}
12802 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
12803 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
12804 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
12805 in the program being debugged.
12806
12807 @kindex macro list
12808 @item macro list
12809 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
12810 @end table
12811
12812 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
12813 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
12814 show our source files:
12815
12816 @smallexample
12817 $ cat sample.c
12818 #include <stdio.h>
12819 #include "sample.h"
12820
12821 #define M 42
12822 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12823
12824 main ()
12825 @{
12826 #define N 28
12827 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12828 #undef N
12829 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12830 #define N 1729
12831 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12832 @}
12833 $ cat sample.h
12834 #define Q <
12835 $
12836 @end smallexample
12837
12838 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
12839 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
12840 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
12841 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
12842 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
12843 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
12844 information.
12845
12846 @smallexample
12847 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
12848 $
12849 @end smallexample
12850
12851 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
12852
12853 @smallexample
12854 $ gdb -nw sample
12855 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
12856 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
12857 GDB is free software, @dots{}
12858 (@value{GDBP})
12859 @end smallexample
12860
12861 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
12862 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
12863 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
12864
12865 @smallexample
12866 (@value{GDBP}) list main
12867 3
12868 4 #define M 42
12869 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12870 6
12871 7 main ()
12872 8 @{
12873 9 #define N 28
12874 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12875 11 #undef N
12876 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12877 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
12878 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
12879 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12880 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
12881 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
12882 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
12883 #define Q <
12884 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
12885 expands to: (42 + 1)
12886 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
12887 expands to: once (M + 1)
12888 (@value{GDBP})
12889 @end smallexample
12890
12891 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
12892 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
12893 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
12894 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
12895
12896 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
12897 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
12898
12899 @smallexample
12900 (@value{GDBP}) break main
12901 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
12902 (@value{GDBP}) run
12903 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
12904
12905 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
12906 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12907 (@value{GDBP})
12908 @end smallexample
12909
12910 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
12911
12912 @smallexample
12913 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12914 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
12915 #define N 28
12916 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12917 expands to: 28 < 42
12918 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12919 $1 = 1
12920 (@value{GDBP})
12921 @end smallexample
12922
12923 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
12924 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
12925 thereof) in force at each point:
12926
12927 @smallexample
12928 (@value{GDBP}) next
12929 Hello, world!
12930 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12931 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12932 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
12933 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
12934 (@value{GDBP}) next
12935 We're so creative.
12936 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12937 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12938 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
12939 #define N 1729
12940 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12941 expands to: 1729 < 42
12942 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12943 $2 = 0
12944 (@value{GDBP})
12945 @end smallexample
12946
12947 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
12948 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
12949 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
12950 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
12951
12952 @smallexample
12953 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
12954 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
12955 -D__STDC__=1
12956 (@value{GDBP})
12957 @end smallexample
12958
12959
12960 @node Tracepoints
12961 @chapter Tracepoints
12962 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
12963 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
12964
12965 @cindex tracepoints
12966 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
12967 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
12968 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
12969 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
12970 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
12971 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
12972 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
12973
12974 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
12975 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
12976 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
12977 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
12978 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
12979 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
12980 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
12981 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
12982 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
12983 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
12984 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
12985
12986 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
12987 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
12988 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
12989 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
12990 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
12991 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
12992 Packets}.
12993
12994 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
12995 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
12996 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
12997
12998 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
12999
13000 @menu
13001 * Set Tracepoints::
13002 * Analyze Collected Data::
13003 * Tracepoint Variables::
13004 * Trace Files::
13005 @end menu
13006
13007 @node Set Tracepoints
13008 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
13009
13010 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
13011 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
13012 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
13013 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
13014 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
13015 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
13016 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
13017
13018 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
13019 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
13020 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
13021 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
13022 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
13023 tracepoint was hit.
13024
13025 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
13026 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
13027 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
13028 either.
13029
13030 @cindex fast tracepoints
13031 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
13032 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
13033 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
13034
13035 @cindex static tracepoints
13036 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
13037 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
13038 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
13039 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
13040 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
13041 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
13042 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
13043 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
13044 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
13045 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
13046 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
13047 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
13048 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
13049 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
13050 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
13051 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
13052 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
13053 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
13054 static tracepoint marker.
13055
13056 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
13057 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
13058
13059 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
13060 conditions and actions.
13061
13062 @menu
13063 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
13064 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
13065 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
13066 * Tracepoint Conditions::
13067 * Trace State Variables::
13068 * Tracepoint Actions::
13069 * Listing Tracepoints::
13070 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
13071 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
13072 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
13073 @end menu
13074
13075 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
13076 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
13077
13078 @table @code
13079 @cindex set tracepoint
13080 @kindex trace
13081 @item trace @var{location}
13082 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
13083 Its argument @var{location} can be any valid location.
13084 @xref{Specify Location}. The @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint,
13085 which is a point in the target program where the debugger will briefly stop,
13086 collect some data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint
13087 or changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
13088 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
13089 in tracing}).
13090 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
13091 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
13092 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
13093 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
13094 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
13095 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
13096 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
13097 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
13098 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
13099 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
13100 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
13101 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
13102
13103 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
13104
13105 @smallexample
13106 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
13107
13108 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
13109
13110 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
13111
13112 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
13113
13114 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
13115 @end smallexample
13116
13117 @noindent
13118 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
13119
13120 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
13121 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
13122 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
13123 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
13124 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
13125 information on tracepoint conditions.
13126
13127 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
13128 @cindex set fast tracepoint
13129 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
13130 @kindex ftrace
13131 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
13132 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
13133 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
13134 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
13135 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
13136 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
13137 message.
13138
13139 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
13140 @code{trace}.
13141
13142 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
13143 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
13144 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
13145 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
13146 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
13147 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
13148 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
13149 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
13150
13151 @example
13152 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
13153 @end example
13154
13155 @noindent
13156 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
13157 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
13158
13159 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
13160 @cindex set static tracepoint
13161 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
13162 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
13163 @kindex strace
13164 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
13165 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
13166 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
13167 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
13168 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
13169
13170 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
13171 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
13172 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
13173 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
13174 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
13175 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
13176 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
13177 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
13178 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
13179 tracing engine:
13180
13181 @smallexample
13182 main ()
13183 @{
13184 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
13185 @}
13186 @end smallexample
13187
13188 @noindent
13189 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
13190 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
13191
13192 @smallexample
13193 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
13194 Cnt Enb ID Address What
13195 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
13196 Data: "str %s"
13197 [etc...]
13198 @end smallexample
13199
13200 @noindent
13201 so you may probe the marker above with:
13202
13203 @smallexample
13204 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
13205 @end smallexample
13206
13207 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
13208 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
13209 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
13210 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
13211 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
13212 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
13213 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
13214 the @samp{Data:} field.
13215
13216 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
13217 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
13218 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
13219
13220 @vindex $tpnum
13221 @cindex last tracepoint number
13222 @cindex recent tracepoint number
13223 @cindex tracepoint number
13224 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
13225 of the most recently set tracepoint.
13226
13227 @kindex delete tracepoint
13228 @cindex tracepoint deletion
13229 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
13230 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
13231 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
13232 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
13233
13234 Examples:
13235
13236 @smallexample
13237 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
13238
13239 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
13240 @end smallexample
13241
13242 @noindent
13243 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
13244 @end table
13245
13246 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
13247 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
13248
13249 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
13250
13251 @table @code
13252 @kindex disable tracepoint
13253 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
13254 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
13255 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
13256 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
13257 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
13258 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
13259 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
13260 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
13261 next trace experiment.
13262
13263 @kindex enable tracepoint
13264 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
13265 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
13266 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
13267 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
13268 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
13269 next time a trace experiment is run.
13270 @end table
13271
13272 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
13273 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
13274
13275 @table @code
13276 @kindex passcount
13277 @cindex tracepoint pass count
13278 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
13279 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
13280 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
13281 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
13282 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
13283 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
13284 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
13285 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
13286 user.
13287
13288 Examples:
13289
13290 @smallexample
13291 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
13292 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
13293
13294 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
13295 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
13296 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
13297 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
13298 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
13299 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
13300 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
13301 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
13302 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
13303 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
13304 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
13305 @end smallexample
13306 @end table
13307
13308 @node Tracepoint Conditions
13309 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
13310 @cindex conditional tracepoints
13311 @cindex tracepoint conditions
13312
13313 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
13314 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
13315 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
13316 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
13317 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
13318 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
13319 is true.
13320
13321 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
13322 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
13323 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
13324 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
13325 just as with breakpoints.
13326
13327 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
13328 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
13329 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
13330 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
13331 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
13332 accesses, and so forth.
13333
13334 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
13335 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
13336 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
13337 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
13338 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
13339 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
13340 search through.
13341
13342 @smallexample
13343 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
13344 @end smallexample
13345
13346 @node Trace State Variables
13347 @subsection Trace State Variables
13348 @cindex trace state variables
13349
13350 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
13351 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
13352 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
13353 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
13354 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
13355 integers.
13356
13357 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
13358 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
13359 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
13360 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
13361
13362 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
13363 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
13364 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
13365 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
13366 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
13367 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
13368 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
13369 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
13370 variable with the same name.
13371
13372 @table @code
13373
13374 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
13375 @kindex tvariable
13376 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
13377 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
13378 @var{expression}. The @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
13379 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
13380 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
13381 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
13382 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
13383 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
13384 value. The default initial value is 0.
13385
13386 @item info tvariables
13387 @kindex info tvariables
13388 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
13389 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
13390 currently running.
13391
13392 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
13393 @kindex delete tvariable
13394 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
13395 are specified.
13396
13397 @end table
13398
13399 @node Tracepoint Actions
13400 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
13401
13402 @table @code
13403 @kindex actions
13404 @cindex tracepoint actions
13405 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
13406 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
13407 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
13408 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
13409 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
13410 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
13411 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
13412 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
13413 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
13414 @code{while-stepping}.
13415
13416 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
13417 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
13418 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
13419
13420 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
13421 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
13422 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
13423
13424 @smallexample
13425 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
13426
13427 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
13428
13429 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
13430 @end smallexample
13431
13432 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
13433 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
13434 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
13435 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
13436 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
13437 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
13438 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
13439 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
13440
13441 @smallexample
13442 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
13443 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13444 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
13445 > collect bar,baz
13446 > collect $regs
13447 > while-stepping 12
13448 > collect $pc, arr[i]
13449 > end
13450 end
13451 @end smallexample
13452
13453 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
13454 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13455 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
13456 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
13457 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
13458 special arguments are supported:
13459
13460 @table @code
13461 @item $regs
13462 Collect all registers.
13463
13464 @item $args
13465 Collect all function arguments.
13466
13467 @item $locals
13468 Collect all local variables.
13469
13470 @item $_ret
13471 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
13472 of a backtrace.
13473
13474 @emph{Note:} The return address location can not always be reliably
13475 determined up front, and the wrong address / registers may end up
13476 collected instead. On some architectures the reliability is higher
13477 for tracepoints at function entry, while on others it's the opposite.
13478 When this happens, backtracing will stop because the return address is
13479 found unavailable (unless another collect rule happened to match it).
13480
13481 @item $_probe_argc
13482 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
13483 tracepoint is located.
13484 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
13485
13486 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
13487 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
13488 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
13489 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
13490
13491 @item $_sdata
13492 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
13493 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
13494 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
13495 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
13496 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
13497 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
13498 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
13499 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
13500 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
13501
13502 @smallexample
13503 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
13504 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
13505 @end smallexample
13506
13507 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
13508 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
13509 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
13510 @value{GDBN}.
13511 @end table
13512
13513 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
13514 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
13515 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
13516
13517 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
13518 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
13519 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
13520 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
13521 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
13522 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
13523 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
13524 @samp{mystr}.
13525
13526 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
13527 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
13528
13529 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
13530 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13531 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
13532 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
13533 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
13534 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
13535 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
13536 action were used.
13537
13538 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
13539 @item while-stepping @var{n}
13540 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
13541 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
13542 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
13543 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
13544
13545 @smallexample
13546 > while-stepping 12
13547 > collect $regs, myglobal
13548 > end
13549 >
13550 @end smallexample
13551
13552 @noindent
13553 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
13554 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
13555 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
13556 @code{stepping}.
13557
13558 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13559 @kindex set default-collect
13560 @cindex default collection action
13561 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
13562 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
13563 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
13564 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
13565 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
13566 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
13567
13568 @item show default-collect
13569 @kindex show default-collect
13570 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
13571 tracepoint hit.
13572
13573 @end table
13574
13575 @node Listing Tracepoints
13576 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
13577
13578 @table @code
13579 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13580 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13581 @cindex information about tracepoints
13582 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
13583 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
13584 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
13585 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
13586 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
13587 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
13588
13589 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
13590 tracing:
13591
13592 @itemize @bullet
13593 @item
13594 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
13595
13596 @item
13597 the state about installed on target of each location
13598 @end itemize
13599
13600 @smallexample
13601 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
13602 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
13603 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
13604 while-stepping 20
13605 collect globfoo, $regs
13606 end
13607 collect globfoo2
13608 end
13609 pass count 1200
13610 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
13611 collect $eip
13612 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13613 installed on target
13614 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13615 installed on target
13616 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
13617 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
13618 not installed on target
13619 (@value{GDBP})
13620 @end smallexample
13621
13622 @noindent
13623 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
13624 @end table
13625
13626 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13627 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13628
13629 @table @code
13630 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
13631 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
13632 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
13633 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
13634 program.
13635
13636 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
13637
13638 @table @emph
13639 @item Count
13640 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
13641 stable identifier.
13642 @item ID
13643 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
13644 @item Enabled or Disabled
13645 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
13646 that are not enabled.
13647 @item Address
13648 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
13649 @item What
13650 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
13651 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
13652 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
13653 will be left blank.
13654 @end table
13655
13656 @noindent
13657 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
13658
13659 @table @emph
13660 @item Data
13661 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
13662 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
13663 marker call.
13664 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
13665 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
13666 @end table
13667
13668 @smallexample
13669 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
13670 Cnt ID Enb Address What
13671 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
13672 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
13673 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
13674 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
13675 Data: str %s
13676 (@value{GDBP})
13677 @end smallexample
13678 @end table
13679
13680 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13681 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13682
13683 @table @code
13684 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
13685 @cindex start a new trace experiment
13686 @cindex collected data discarded
13687 @item tstart
13688 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
13689 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
13690 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
13691 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
13692 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
13693 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
13694 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
13695 information, and so forth.
13696
13697 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
13698 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
13699 @item tstop
13700 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
13701 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
13702 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
13703 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
13704 needs to be stopped quickly.
13705
13706 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
13707 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
13708 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
13709
13710 @kindex tstatus
13711 @cindex status of trace data collection
13712 @cindex trace experiment, status of
13713 @item tstatus
13714 This command displays the status of the current trace data
13715 collection.
13716 @end table
13717
13718 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
13719
13720 @smallexample
13721 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
13722 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13723 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
13724 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
13725 > while-stepping 11
13726 > collect $regs
13727 > end
13728 > end
13729 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13730 [time passes @dots{}]
13731 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
13732 @end smallexample
13733
13734 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
13735 @cindex disconnected tracing
13736 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
13737 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
13738 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
13739 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
13740 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
13741 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
13742 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
13743 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
13744
13745 @table @code
13746 @item set disconnected-tracing on
13747 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
13748 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
13749 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
13750 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
13751 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
13752 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
13753 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
13754
13755 @item show disconnected-tracing
13756 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
13757 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
13758
13759 @end table
13760
13761 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
13762 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
13763 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
13764 it will continue after reconnection.
13765
13766 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
13767 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
13768 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
13769 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
13770 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
13771 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
13772 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
13773 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
13774 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
13775 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
13776
13777 @cindex circular trace buffer
13778 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
13779 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
13780 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
13781 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
13782 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
13783 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
13784 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
13785 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
13786 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
13787 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
13788 the next run.
13789
13790 @table @code
13791 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
13792 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
13793 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
13794 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
13795 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
13796 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
13797 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
13798
13799 @item show circular-trace-buffer
13800 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
13801 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
13802 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
13803 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
13804 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
13805
13806 @end table
13807
13808 @table @code
13809 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
13810 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
13811 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
13812 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
13813 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
13814 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
13815 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
13816 likes. This is also the default.
13817
13818 @item show trace-buffer-size
13819 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
13820 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
13821 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
13822 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
13823 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
13824 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
13825 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
13826 @end table
13827
13828 @table @code
13829 @item set trace-user @var{text}
13830 @kindex set trace-user
13831
13832 @item show trace-user
13833 @kindex show trace-user
13834
13835 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
13836 @kindex set trace-notes
13837 Set the trace run's notes.
13838
13839 @item show trace-notes
13840 @kindex show trace-notes
13841 Show the trace run's notes.
13842
13843 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
13844 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
13845 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
13846 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
13847 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
13848
13849 @item show trace-stop-notes
13850 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
13851 Show the trace run's stop notes.
13852
13853 @end table
13854
13855 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
13856 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
13857
13858 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
13859 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
13860 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
13861 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
13862 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
13863 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
13864 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
13865 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
13866 mentioned here.
13867
13868 @itemize @bullet
13869
13870 @item
13871 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
13872 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
13873 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
13874 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
13875 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
13876 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
13877 cannot be collected either.
13878
13879 @item
13880 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
13881 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
13882 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
13883 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
13884 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
13885 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
13886 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
13887 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
13888 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
13889 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
13890
13891 @item
13892 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
13893 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
13894 in a misleading way.
13895
13896 @item
13897 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
13898 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
13899 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
13900 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
13901 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
13902 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
13903 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
13904 by @code{ptr}.
13905
13906 @item
13907 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
13908 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
13909 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
13910 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
13911 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
13912 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
13913 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
13914 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
13915 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
13916 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
13917 invalid address.
13918
13919 @item
13920 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
13921 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
13922 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
13923 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
13924 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
13925 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
13926 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
13927 it to zero.
13928
13929 @end itemize
13930
13931 @node Analyze Collected Data
13932 @section Using the Collected Data
13933
13934 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
13935 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
13936 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
13937 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
13938 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
13939 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
13940 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
13941 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
13942 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
13943 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
13944 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
13945 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
13946 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
13947 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
13948 the buffer will fail.
13949
13950 @menu
13951 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
13952 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
13953 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
13954 @end menu
13955
13956 @node tfind
13957 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
13958
13959 @kindex tfind
13960 @cindex select trace snapshot
13961 @cindex find trace snapshot
13962 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
13963 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
13964 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
13965 snapshot is selected.
13966
13967 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
13968
13969 @table @code
13970 @item tfind start
13971 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
13972 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
13973
13974 @item tfind none
13975 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
13976
13977 @item tfind end
13978 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
13979
13980 @item tfind
13981 No argument means find the next trace snapshot or find the first
13982 one if no trace snapshot is selected.
13983
13984 @item tfind -
13985 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
13986 retracing earlier steps.
13987
13988 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
13989 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
13990 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
13991 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
13992 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
13993
13994 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
13995 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
13996 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
13997 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
13998 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
13999
14000 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
14001 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
14002 addresses (exclusive).
14003
14004 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
14005 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
14006 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
14007
14008 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
14009 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
14010 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
14011 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
14012 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
14013 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
14014 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
14015 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
14016 @end table
14017
14018 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
14019 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
14020 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
14021 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
14022 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
14023 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
14024 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
14025 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
14026 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
14027 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
14028 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
14029 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
14030 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
14031 tracepoint as the current one.
14032
14033 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
14034 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
14035 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
14036 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
14037 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
14038
14039 @smallexample
14040 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
14041 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
14042 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
14043 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
14044 > tfind
14045 > end
14046
14047 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
14048 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
14049 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
14050 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
14051 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
14052 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
14053 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
14054 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
14055 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
14056 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
14057 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
14058 @end smallexample
14059
14060 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
14061 the buffer:
14062
14063 @smallexample
14064 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
14065 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
14066 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
14067 > tfind line
14068 > end
14069
14070 Frame 0, X = 1
14071 Frame 7, X = 2
14072 Frame 13, X = 255
14073 @end smallexample
14074
14075 @node tdump
14076 @subsection @code{tdump}
14077 @kindex tdump
14078 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
14079 @cindex tracepoint data, display
14080
14081 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
14082 the current trace snapshot.
14083
14084 @smallexample
14085 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
14086 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
14087 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
14088 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
14089 > end
14090
14091 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
14092
14093 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
14094 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
14095 at gdb_test.c:444
14096 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
14097
14098 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
14099 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
14100 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
14101 d1 0x18 24
14102 d2 0x80 128
14103 d3 0x33 51
14104 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
14105 d5 0x22 34
14106 d6 0xe0 224
14107 d7 0x380035 3670069
14108 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
14109 a1 0x3000668 50333288
14110 a2 0x100 256
14111 a3 0x322000 3284992
14112 a4 0x3000698 50333336
14113 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
14114 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
14115 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
14116 ps 0x0 0
14117 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
14118 fpcontrol 0x0 0
14119 fpstatus 0x0 0
14120 fpiaddr 0x0 0
14121 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
14122 p1 = (void *) 0x11
14123 p2 = (void *) 0x22
14124 p3 = (void *) 0x33
14125 p4 = (void *) 0x44
14126 p5 = (void *) 0x55
14127 p6 = (void *) 0x66
14128 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
14129
14130 (@value{GDBP})
14131 @end smallexample
14132
14133 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
14134 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
14135 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
14136 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
14137
14138 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
14139 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
14140 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
14141 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
14142 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
14143 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
14144 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
14145 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
14146 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
14147 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
14148
14149 @node save tracepoints
14150 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
14151 @kindex save tracepoints
14152 @kindex save-tracepoints
14153 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
14154
14155 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
14156 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
14157 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
14158 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
14159 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
14160 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
14161
14162 @node Tracepoint Variables
14163 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
14164 @cindex tracepoint variables
14165 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
14166
14167 @table @code
14168 @vindex $trace_frame
14169 @item (int) $trace_frame
14170 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
14171 snapshot is selected.
14172
14173 @vindex $tracepoint
14174 @item (int) $tracepoint
14175 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
14176
14177 @vindex $trace_line
14178 @item (int) $trace_line
14179 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
14180
14181 @vindex $trace_file
14182 @item (char []) $trace_file
14183 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
14184
14185 @vindex $trace_func
14186 @item (char []) $trace_func
14187 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
14188 @end table
14189
14190 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
14191 use @code{output} instead.
14192
14193 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
14194 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
14195 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
14196 which are managed by the target.
14197
14198 @smallexample
14199 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
14200
14201 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
14202 > output $trace_file
14203 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
14204 > tfind
14205 > end
14206 @end smallexample
14207
14208 @node Trace Files
14209 @section Using Trace Files
14210 @cindex trace files
14211
14212 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
14213 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
14214 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
14215 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
14216 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
14217
14218 @table @code
14219
14220 @kindex tsave
14221 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
14222 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
14223 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
14224 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
14225 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
14226 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
14227 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
14228 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
14229 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
14230 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
14231 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
14232 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save data in CTF
14233 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
14234 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
14235 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
14236
14237 @kindex target tfile
14238 @kindex tfile
14239 @kindex target ctf
14240 @kindex ctf
14241 @item target tfile @var{filename}
14242 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
14243 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
14244 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
14245 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
14246 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
14247 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
14248 Both @var{filename} and @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
14249 the host.
14250
14251 @smallexample
14252 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
14253 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
14254 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
14255 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
14256 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
14257 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
14258 i = 0
14259 a = 0
14260 b = 1 '\001'
14261 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
14262 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
14263 (@value{GDBP}) p b
14264 $1 = 1
14265 @end smallexample
14266
14267 @end table
14268
14269 @node Overlays
14270 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
14271 @cindex overlays
14272
14273 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
14274 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
14275 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
14276 use overlays.
14277
14278 @menu
14279 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
14280 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
14281 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
14282 mapped by asking the inferior.
14283 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
14284 @end menu
14285
14286 @node How Overlays Work
14287 @section How Overlays Work
14288 @cindex mapped overlays
14289 @cindex unmapped overlays
14290 @cindex load address, overlay's
14291 @cindex mapped address
14292 @cindex overlay area
14293
14294 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
14295 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
14296 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
14297 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
14298 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
14299
14300 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
14301 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
14302 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
14303 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
14304 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
14305 largest overlay as well.
14306
14307 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
14308 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
14309 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
14310 there.
14311
14312 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
14313 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
14314 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
14315
14316 @smallexample
14317 @group
14318 Data Instruction Larger
14319 Address Space Address Space Address Space
14320 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
14321 | | | | | |
14322 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
14323 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
14324 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
14325 | and heap | | | | | |
14326 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
14327 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
14328 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
14329 | | | | | |
14330 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
14331 address | | | | | |
14332 | overlay | <-' | | |
14333 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
14334 | | <---. | | load address
14335 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
14336 | | | |
14337 +-----------+ | |
14338 +-----------+
14339 | |
14340 +-----------+
14341
14342 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
14343 @end group
14344 @end smallexample
14345
14346 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
14347 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
14348 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
14349 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
14350 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
14351 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
14352 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
14353 program and the overlay area.
14354
14355 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
14356 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
14357 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
14358 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
14359 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
14360 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
14361 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
14362
14363 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
14364 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
14365 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
14366
14367 @itemize @bullet
14368
14369 @item
14370 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
14371 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
14372 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
14373 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
14374
14375 @item
14376 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
14377 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
14378 your program's performance.
14379
14380 @item
14381 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
14382 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
14383 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
14384 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
14385 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
14386 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
14387 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
14388
14389 @item
14390 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
14391 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
14392 instruction and data spaces.
14393
14394 @end itemize
14395
14396 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
14397 improved in many ways:
14398
14399 @itemize @bullet
14400
14401 @item
14402 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
14403 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
14404 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
14405 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
14406 area in the usual way.
14407
14408 @item
14409 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
14410 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
14411
14412 @item
14413 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
14414 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
14415 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
14416 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
14417 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
14418 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
14419 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
14420
14421 @end itemize
14422
14423
14424 @node Overlay Commands
14425 @section Overlay Commands
14426
14427 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
14428 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
14429 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
14430 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
14431 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
14432 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
14433
14434 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
14435 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
14436
14437 @table @code
14438 @item overlay off
14439 @kindex overlay
14440 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
14441 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
14442 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
14443 overlay support is disabled.
14444
14445 @item overlay manual
14446 @cindex manual overlay debugging
14447 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
14448 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
14449 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
14450 commands described below.
14451
14452 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
14453 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
14454 @cindex map an overlay
14455 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
14456 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
14457 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
14458 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
14459 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
14460 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
14461
14462 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
14463 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
14464 @cindex unmap an overlay
14465 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
14466 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
14467 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
14468 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
14469
14470 @item overlay auto
14471 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
14472 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
14473 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
14474 Overlay Debugging}.
14475
14476 @item overlay load-target
14477 @itemx overlay load
14478 @cindex reloading the overlay table
14479 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
14480 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
14481 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
14482 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
14483 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
14484
14485 @item overlay list-overlays
14486 @itemx overlay list
14487 @cindex listing mapped overlays
14488 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
14489 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
14490
14491 @end table
14492
14493 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
14494 of the function the address falls in:
14495
14496 @smallexample
14497 (@value{GDBP}) print main
14498 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
14499 @end smallexample
14500 @noindent
14501 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
14502 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
14503 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
14504 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
14505
14506 @smallexample
14507 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
14508 No sections are mapped.
14509 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
14510 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
14511 @end smallexample
14512 @noindent
14513 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
14514 name normally:
14515
14516 @smallexample
14517 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
14518 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
14519 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
14520 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
14521 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
14522 @end smallexample
14523
14524 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
14525 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
14526 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
14527 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
14528 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
14529
14530 @itemize @bullet
14531 @item
14532 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
14533 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
14534 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
14535 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
14536 @item
14537 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
14538 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
14539 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
14540 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
14541 breakpoints properly.
14542 @end itemize
14543
14544
14545 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
14546 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
14547 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
14548
14549 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
14550 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
14551 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
14552 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
14553 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
14554 current state of the overlays.
14555
14556 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
14557 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
14558
14559 @table @asis
14560
14561 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
14562 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
14563
14564 @smallexample
14565 struct
14566 @{
14567 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
14568 unsigned long vma;
14569
14570 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
14571 unsigned long size;
14572
14573 /* The overlay's load address. */
14574 unsigned long lma;
14575
14576 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
14577 zero otherwise. */
14578 unsigned long mapped;
14579 @}
14580 @end smallexample
14581
14582 @item @code{_novlys}:
14583 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
14584 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
14585
14586 @end table
14587
14588 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
14589 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
14590 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
14591 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
14592 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
14593 currently mapped.
14594
14595 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
14596 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
14597 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
14598 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
14599 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
14600 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
14601 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
14602 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
14603 are not being executed.
14604
14605 @node Overlay Sample Program
14606 @section Overlay Sample Program
14607 @cindex overlay example program
14608
14609 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
14610 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
14611 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
14612 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
14613 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
14614 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
14615 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
14616
14617 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
14618 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
14619 suite. The program consists of the following files from
14620 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
14621
14622 @table @file
14623 @item overlays.c
14624 The main program file.
14625 @item ovlymgr.c
14626 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
14627 @item foo.c
14628 @itemx bar.c
14629 @itemx baz.c
14630 @itemx grbx.c
14631 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
14632 @item d10v.ld
14633 @itemx m32r.ld
14634 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
14635 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
14636 @end table
14637
14638 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
14639 cross-compiler like this:
14640
14641 @smallexample
14642 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
14643 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
14644 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
14645 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
14646 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
14647 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
14648 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
14649 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
14650 @end smallexample
14651
14652 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
14653 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
14654 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
14655
14656
14657 @node Languages
14658 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
14659 @cindex languages
14660
14661 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
14662 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
14663 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
14664 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
14665 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
14666 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
14667
14668 @cindex working language
14669 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
14670 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
14671 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
14672 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
14673 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
14674 language}.
14675
14676 @menu
14677 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
14678 * Show:: Displaying the language
14679 * Checks:: Type and range checks
14680 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
14681 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
14682 @end menu
14683
14684 @node Setting
14685 @section Switching Between Source Languages
14686
14687 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
14688 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
14689 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
14690 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
14691 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
14692 are printed, etc.
14693
14694 In addition to the working language, every source file that
14695 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
14696 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
14697 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
14698 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
14699 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
14700 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
14701 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
14702 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
14703 Displaying the Language}.
14704
14705 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
14706 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
14707 another language. In that case, make the
14708 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
14709 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
14710 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
14711
14712 @menu
14713 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
14714 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
14715 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
14716 @end menu
14717
14718 @node Filenames
14719 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
14720
14721 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
14722 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
14723
14724 @table @file
14725 @item .ada
14726 @itemx .ads
14727 @itemx .adb
14728 @itemx .a
14729 Ada source file.
14730
14731 @item .c
14732 C source file
14733
14734 @item .C
14735 @itemx .cc
14736 @itemx .cp
14737 @itemx .cpp
14738 @itemx .cxx
14739 @itemx .c++
14740 C@t{++} source file
14741
14742 @item .d
14743 D source file
14744
14745 @item .m
14746 Objective-C source file
14747
14748 @item .f
14749 @itemx .F
14750 Fortran source file
14751
14752 @item .mod
14753 Modula-2 source file
14754
14755 @item .s
14756 @itemx .S
14757 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
14758 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
14759 @end table
14760
14761 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
14762 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
14763
14764 @node Manually
14765 @subsection Setting the Working Language
14766
14767 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
14768 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
14769 your program.
14770
14771 @kindex set language
14772 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
14773 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
14774 a language, such as
14775 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
14776 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
14777
14778 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
14779 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
14780 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
14781 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
14782 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
14783 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
14784 command such as:
14785
14786 @smallexample
14787 print a = b + c
14788 @end smallexample
14789
14790 @noindent
14791 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
14792 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
14793 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
14794 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
14795
14796 @node Automatically
14797 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
14798
14799 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
14800 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
14801 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
14802 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
14803 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
14804 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
14805 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
14806 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
14807 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
14808
14809 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
14810 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
14811 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
14812 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
14813 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
14814
14815 @node Show
14816 @section Displaying the Language
14817
14818 The following commands help you find out which language is the
14819 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
14820
14821 @table @code
14822 @item show language
14823 @anchor{show language}
14824 @kindex show language
14825 Display the current working language. This is the
14826 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
14827 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
14828
14829 @item info frame
14830 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
14831 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
14832 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
14833 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
14834 information listed here.
14835
14836 @item info source
14837 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
14838 Display the source language of this source file.
14839 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
14840 information listed here.
14841 @end table
14842
14843 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
14844 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
14845 with a language explicitly:
14846
14847 @table @code
14848 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
14849 @kindex set extension-language
14850 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
14851 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
14852
14853 @item info extensions
14854 @kindex info extensions
14855 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
14856 @end table
14857
14858 @node Checks
14859 @section Type and Range Checking
14860
14861 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
14862 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
14863 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
14864 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
14865 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
14866 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
14867 errors when your program is running.
14868
14869 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
14870 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
14871 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
14872 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
14873
14874 @menu
14875 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
14876 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
14877 @end menu
14878
14879 @cindex type checking
14880 @cindex checks, type
14881 @node Type Checking
14882 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
14883
14884 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
14885 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
14886 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
14887 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
14888
14889 @smallexample
14890 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
14891
14892 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
14893 $1 = 2
14894 @exdent but
14895 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
14896 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
14897 @end smallexample
14898
14899 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
14900 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
14901
14902 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14903 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
14904 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
14905 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
14906 expressions like the second example above.
14907
14908 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
14909 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
14910 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
14911 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
14912 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
14913 little sense to evaluate anyway.
14914
14915 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
14916
14917 @kindex set check type
14918 @kindex show check type
14919 @table @code
14920 @item set check type on
14921 @itemx set check type off
14922 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
14923 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
14924 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
14925
14926 @item show check type
14927 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
14928 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
14929 @end table
14930
14931 @cindex range checking
14932 @cindex checks, range
14933 @node Range Checking
14934 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
14935
14936 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
14937 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
14938 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
14939 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
14940 not exceed the bounds of the array.
14941
14942 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14943 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
14944 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
14945 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
14946
14947 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
14948 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
14949 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
14950 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
14951 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
14952 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
14953
14954 @smallexample
14955 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
14956 @end smallexample
14957
14958 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
14959 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
14960 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
14961
14962 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
14963
14964 @kindex set check range
14965 @kindex show check range
14966 @table @code
14967 @item set check range auto
14968 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
14969 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
14970 each language.
14971
14972 @item set check range on
14973 @itemx set check range off
14974 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
14975 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
14976 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
14977 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
14978
14979 @item set check range warn
14980 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
14981 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
14982 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
14983 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
14984 systems).
14985
14986 @item show range
14987 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
14988 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
14989 @end table
14990
14991 @node Supported Languages
14992 @section Supported Languages
14993
14994 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran,
14995 OpenCL C, Pascal, Rust, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
14996 @c This is false ...
14997 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
14998 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
14999 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
15000 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
15001 language.
15002
15003 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
15004 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
15005 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
15006 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
15007 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
15008 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
15009 language reference or tutorial.
15010
15011 @menu
15012 * C:: C and C@t{++}
15013 * D:: D
15014 * Go:: Go
15015 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
15016 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
15017 * Fortran:: Fortran
15018 * Pascal:: Pascal
15019 * Rust:: Rust
15020 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
15021 * Ada:: Ada
15022 @end menu
15023
15024 @node C
15025 @subsection C and C@t{++}
15026
15027 @cindex C and C@t{++}
15028 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
15029
15030 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
15031 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
15032 together.
15033
15034 @cindex C@t{++}
15035 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
15036 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
15037 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
15038 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
15039 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
15040 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
15041 compiler (@code{aCC}).
15042
15043 @menu
15044 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
15045 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
15046 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
15047 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
15048 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
15049 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
15050 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
15051 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
15052 @end menu
15053
15054 @node C Operators
15055 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
15056
15057 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
15058
15059 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15060 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
15061 often defined on groups of types.
15062
15063 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
15064
15065 @itemize @bullet
15066
15067 @item
15068 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
15069 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
15070
15071 @item
15072 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
15073 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
15074
15075 @item
15076 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
15077
15078 @item
15079 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
15080
15081 @end itemize
15082
15083 @noindent
15084 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
15085 in order of increasing precedence:
15086
15087 @table @code
15088 @item ,
15089 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
15090 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
15091 expression being the last expression evaluated.
15092
15093 @item =
15094 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
15095 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
15096
15097 @item @var{op}=
15098 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
15099 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
15100 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence. The operator
15101 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
15102 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
15103
15104 @item ?:
15105 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
15106 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. The argument @var{a}
15107 should be of an integral type.
15108
15109 @item ||
15110 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
15111
15112 @item &&
15113 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
15114
15115 @item |
15116 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
15117
15118 @item ^
15119 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
15120
15121 @item &
15122 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
15123
15124 @item ==@r{, }!=
15125 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
15126 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
15127
15128 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
15129 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
15130 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
15131 and non-zero for true.
15132
15133 @item <<@r{, }>>
15134 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
15135
15136 @item @@
15137 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
15138
15139 @item +@r{, }-
15140 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
15141 pointer types.
15142
15143 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
15144 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
15145 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
15146 integral types.
15147
15148 @item ++@r{, }--
15149 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
15150 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
15151 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
15152 operation takes place.
15153
15154 @item *
15155 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
15156 @code{++}.
15157
15158 @item &
15159 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
15160
15161 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
15162 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
15163 to examine the address
15164 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
15165 stored.
15166
15167 @item -
15168 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
15169 precedence as @code{++}.
15170
15171 @item !
15172 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
15173 @code{++}.
15174
15175 @item ~
15176 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
15177 @code{++}.
15178
15179
15180 @item .@r{, }->
15181 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
15182 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
15183 pointer based on the stored type information.
15184 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
15185
15186 @item .*@r{, }->*
15187 Dereferences of pointers to members.
15188
15189 @item []
15190 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
15191 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
15192
15193 @item ()
15194 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
15195
15196 @item ::
15197 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
15198 and @code{class} types.
15199
15200 @item ::
15201 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
15202 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
15203 above.
15204 @end table
15205
15206 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
15207 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
15208 predefined meaning.
15209
15210 @node C Constants
15211 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
15212
15213 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
15214
15215 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
15216 following ways:
15217
15218 @itemize @bullet
15219 @item
15220 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
15221 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
15222 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
15223 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
15224 @code{long} value.
15225
15226 @item
15227 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
15228 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
15229 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
15230 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
15231 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
15232 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
15233 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
15234 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
15235 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
15236 constant.
15237
15238 @item
15239 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
15240 integral equivalents.
15241
15242 @item
15243 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
15244 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
15245 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
15246 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
15247 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
15248 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
15249 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
15250 @samp{\n} for newline.
15251
15252 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
15253 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
15254 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
15255 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
15256
15257 @item
15258 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
15259 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
15260 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
15261 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
15262 characters.
15263
15264 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
15265 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
15266 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
15267
15268 @item
15269 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
15270 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
15271
15272 @item
15273 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
15274 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
15275 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
15276 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
15277 @end itemize
15278
15279 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
15280 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
15281
15282 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
15283 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
15284
15285 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
15286 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
15287 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
15288 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
15289 @quotation
15290 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
15291 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
15292 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
15293 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
15294 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
15295 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
15296 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
15297 code. @xref{Compilation}.
15298 @end quotation
15299
15300 @enumerate
15301
15302 @cindex member functions
15303 @item
15304 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
15305
15306 @smallexample
15307 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
15308 @end smallexample
15309
15310 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
15311 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
15312 @item
15313 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
15314 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
15315 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
15316 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
15317 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
15318
15319 @cindex call overloaded functions
15320 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
15321 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
15322 @item
15323 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
15324 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
15325 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
15326 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
15327 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
15328 default arguments.
15329
15330 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
15331 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
15332 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
15333 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
15334 number of function arguments.
15335
15336 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
15337 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
15338 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
15339
15340 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
15341 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
15342 @smallexample
15343 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
15344 @end smallexample
15345
15346 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
15347 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
15348
15349 @cindex reference declarations
15350 @item
15351 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} lvalue or rvalue
15352 references; you can use them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++}
15353 source---they are automatically dereferenced.
15354
15355 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
15356 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
15357 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
15358 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
15359 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
15360
15361 @item
15362 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
15363 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
15364 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
15365 necessary, for example in an expression like
15366 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
15367 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
15368 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
15369
15370 @item
15371 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
15372 specification.
15373 @end enumerate
15374
15375 @node C Defaults
15376 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
15377
15378 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
15379
15380 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
15381 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
15382 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
15383 selects the working language.
15384
15385 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
15386 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
15387 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
15388 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
15389 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
15390 for further details.
15391
15392 @node C Checks
15393 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
15394
15395 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
15396
15397 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
15398 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
15399 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
15400 constants to pointers.
15401
15402 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
15403 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
15404 that is not itself an array.
15405
15406 @node Debugging C
15407 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
15408
15409 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
15410 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
15411 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
15412 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
15413
15414 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
15415 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
15416 ,Expressions}.
15417
15418 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
15419 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
15420
15421 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
15422
15423 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
15424 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
15425
15426 @table @code
15427 @cindex break in overloaded functions
15428 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
15429 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
15430 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
15431 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
15432 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
15433
15434 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
15435 @item rbreak @var{regex}
15436 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
15437 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
15438 classes.
15439 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
15440
15441 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
15442 @item catch throw
15443 @itemx catch rethrow
15444 @itemx catch catch
15445 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
15446 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
15447
15448 @cindex inheritance
15449 @item ptype @var{typename}
15450 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
15451 @var{typename}.
15452 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
15453
15454 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
15455 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
15456 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
15457 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
15458 multiple inheritance is in use.
15459
15460 @cindex C@t{++} demangling
15461 @item demangle @var{name}
15462 Demangle @var{name}.
15463 @xref{Symbols}, for a more complete description of the @code{demangle} command.
15464
15465 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
15466 @item set print demangle
15467 @itemx show print demangle
15468 @itemx set print asm-demangle
15469 @itemx show print asm-demangle
15470 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
15471 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
15472 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15473
15474 @item set print object
15475 @itemx show print object
15476 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
15477 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15478
15479 @item set print vtbl
15480 @itemx show print vtbl
15481 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
15482 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15483 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
15484 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
15485
15486 @kindex set overload-resolution
15487 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
15488 @item set overload-resolution on
15489 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
15490 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
15491 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
15492 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
15493 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
15494 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
15495
15496 @item set overload-resolution off
15497 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
15498 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
15499 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
15500 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
15501 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
15502 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
15503 argument types.
15504
15505 @kindex show overload-resolution
15506 @item show overload-resolution
15507 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
15508
15509 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
15510 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
15511 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
15512 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
15513 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
15514 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
15515 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
15516
15517 @item @r{Breakpoints in functions with ABI tags}
15518
15519 The GNU C@t{++} compiler introduced the notion of ABI ``tags'', which
15520 correspond to changes in the ABI of a type, function, or variable that
15521 would not otherwise be reflected in a mangled name. See
15522 @url{https://developers.redhat.com/blog/2015/02/05/gcc5-and-the-c11-abi/}
15523 for more detail.
15524
15525 The ABI tags are visible in C@t{++} demangled names. For example, a
15526 function that returns a std::string:
15527
15528 @smallexample
15529 std::string function(int);
15530 @end smallexample
15531
15532 @noindent
15533 when compiled for the C++11 ABI is marked with the @code{cxx11} ABI
15534 tag, and @value{GDBN} displays the symbol like this:
15535
15536 @smallexample
15537 function[abi:cxx11](int)
15538 @end smallexample
15539
15540 You can set a breakpoint on such functions simply as if they had no
15541 tag. For example:
15542
15543 @smallexample
15544 (gdb) b function(int)
15545 Breakpoint 2 at 0x40060d: file main.cc, line 10.
15546 (gdb) info breakpoints
15547 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
15548 1 breakpoint keep y 0x0040060d in function[abi:cxx11](int)
15549 at main.cc:10
15550 @end smallexample
15551
15552 On the rare occasion you need to disambiguate between different ABI
15553 tags, you can do so by simply including the ABI tag in the function
15554 name, like:
15555
15556 @smallexample
15557 (@value{GDBP}) b ambiguous[abi:other_tag](int)
15558 @end smallexample
15559 @end table
15560
15561 @node Decimal Floating Point
15562 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
15563 @cindex decimal floating point format
15564
15565 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
15566 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
15567 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
15568 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
15569
15570 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
15571 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
15572 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
15573 configured target.
15574
15575 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
15576 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
15577 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
15578
15579 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
15580 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
15581 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
15582
15583 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
15584 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
15585 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
15586
15587 @node D
15588 @subsection D
15589
15590 @cindex D
15591 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
15592 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
15593 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
15594
15595 @node Go
15596 @subsection Go
15597
15598 @cindex Go (programming language)
15599 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
15600 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
15601
15602 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
15603
15604 @table @code
15605 @cindex current Go package
15606 @item The current Go package
15607 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
15608 specifying global variables and functions.
15609
15610 For example, given the program:
15611
15612 @example
15613 package main
15614 var myglob = "Shall we?"
15615 func main () @{
15616 // ...
15617 @}
15618 @end example
15619
15620 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
15621
15622 @example
15623 (gdb) p myglob
15624 (gdb) p main.myglob
15625 @end example
15626
15627 @cindex builtin Go types
15628 @item Builtin Go types
15629 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
15630 as a string.
15631
15632 @cindex builtin Go functions
15633 @item Builtin Go functions
15634 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
15635 function and handles it internally.
15636
15637 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
15638 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
15639 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
15640 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
15641 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
15642 @end table
15643
15644 @node Objective-C
15645 @subsection Objective-C
15646
15647 @cindex Objective-C
15648 This section provides information about some commands and command
15649 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
15650 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
15651 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
15652
15653 @menu
15654 * Method Names in Commands::
15655 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
15656 @end menu
15657
15658 @node Method Names in Commands
15659 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
15660
15661 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
15662 names as line specifications:
15663
15664 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
15665 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
15666 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
15667 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
15668 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
15669 @itemize
15670 @item @code{clear}
15671 @item @code{break}
15672 @item @code{info line}
15673 @item @code{jump}
15674 @item @code{list}
15675 @end itemize
15676
15677 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
15678
15679 @smallexample
15680 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
15681 @end smallexample
15682
15683 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
15684 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
15685 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
15686 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
15687 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
15688 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
15689 debugged, enter:
15690
15691 @smallexample
15692 break -[Fruit create]
15693 @end smallexample
15694
15695 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
15696 enter:
15697
15698 @smallexample
15699 list +[NSText initialize]
15700 @end smallexample
15701
15702 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
15703 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
15704 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
15705 is also possible to specify just a method name:
15706
15707 @smallexample
15708 break create
15709 @end smallexample
15710
15711 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
15712 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
15713 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
15714 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
15715 none apply.
15716
15717 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
15718 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
15719
15720 @smallexample
15721 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
15722 @end smallexample
15723
15724 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
15725 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
15726 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
15727 @kindex print-object
15728 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
15729
15730 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
15731
15732 @smallexample
15733 print -[@var{object} hash]
15734 @end smallexample
15735
15736 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
15737 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
15738 @noindent
15739 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
15740 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
15741 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
15742 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
15743 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
15744 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
15745
15746 @node OpenCL C
15747 @subsection OpenCL C
15748
15749 @cindex OpenCL C
15750 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
15751
15752 @menu
15753 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
15754 * OpenCL C Expressions::
15755 * OpenCL C Operators::
15756 @end menu
15757
15758 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
15759 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
15760
15761 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
15762 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
15763 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
15764 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
15765 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
15766
15767 @node OpenCL C Expressions
15768 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
15769
15770 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
15771 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
15772 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
15773 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
15774
15775 @node OpenCL C Operators
15776 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
15777
15778 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
15779 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
15780 vector data types.
15781
15782 @node Fortran
15783 @subsection Fortran
15784 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
15785
15786 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
15787 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
15788
15789 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
15790 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
15791 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
15792 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
15793 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
15794 underscore.
15795
15796 @menu
15797 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
15798 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
15799 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
15800 @end menu
15801
15802 @node Fortran Operators
15803 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
15804
15805 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
15806
15807 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15808 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
15809 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
15810
15811 @table @code
15812 @item **
15813 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
15814 of the second one.
15815
15816 @item :
15817 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
15818 represent a section of array.
15819
15820 @item %
15821 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
15822 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
15823 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
15824 union type.
15825 @end table
15826
15827 @node Fortran Defaults
15828 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
15829
15830 @cindex Fortran Defaults
15831
15832 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
15833 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
15834 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
15835 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
15836
15837 @node Special Fortran Commands
15838 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
15839
15840 @cindex Special Fortran commands
15841
15842 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
15843 such as displaying common blocks.
15844
15845 @table @code
15846 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
15847 @kindex info common
15848 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
15849 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
15850 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
15851 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
15852 printed.
15853 @end table
15854
15855 @node Pascal
15856 @subsection Pascal
15857
15858 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
15859 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
15860 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
15861 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
15862 syntax.
15863
15864 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
15865 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
15866 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
15867
15868 @node Rust
15869 @subsection Rust
15870
15871 @value{GDBN} supports the @url{https://www.rust-lang.org/, Rust
15872 Programming Language}. Type- and value-printing, and expression
15873 parsing, are reasonably complete. However, there are a few
15874 peculiarities and holes to be aware of.
15875
15876 @itemize @bullet
15877 @item
15878 Linespecs (@pxref{Specify Location}) are never relative to the current
15879 crate. Instead, they act as if there were a global namespace of
15880 crates, somewhat similar to the way @code{extern crate} behaves.
15881
15882 That is, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in a function in
15883 crate @samp{A}, module @samp{B}, then @code{break B::f} will attempt
15884 to set a breakpoint in a function named @samp{f} in a crate named
15885 @samp{B}.
15886
15887 As a consequence of this approach, linespecs also cannot refer to
15888 items using @samp{self::} or @samp{super::}.
15889
15890 @item
15891 Because @value{GDBN} implements Rust name-lookup semantics in
15892 expressions, it will sometimes prepend the current crate to a name.
15893 For example, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in the crate
15894 @samp{K}, then @code{print ::x::y} will try to find the symbol
15895 @samp{K::x::y}.
15896
15897 However, since it is useful to be able to refer to other crates when
15898 debugging, @value{GDBN} provides the @code{extern} extension to
15899 circumvent this. To use the extension, just put @code{extern} before
15900 a path expression to refer to the otherwise unavailable ``global''
15901 scope.
15902
15903 In the above example, if you wanted to refer to the symbol @samp{y} in
15904 the crate @samp{x}, you would use @code{print extern x::y}.
15905
15906 @item
15907 The Rust expression evaluator does not support ``statement-like''
15908 expressions such as @code{if} or @code{match}, or lambda expressions.
15909
15910 @item
15911 Tuple expressions are not implemented.
15912
15913 @item
15914 The Rust expression evaluator does not currently implement the
15915 @code{Drop} trait. Objects that may be created by the evaluator will
15916 never be destroyed.
15917
15918 @item
15919 @value{GDBN} does not implement type inference for generics. In order
15920 to call generic functions or otherwise refer to generic items, you
15921 will have to specify the type parameters manually.
15922
15923 @item
15924 @value{GDBN} currently uses the C@t{++} demangler for Rust. In most
15925 cases this does not cause any problems. However, in an expression
15926 context, completing a generic function name will give syntactically
15927 invalid results. This happens because Rust requires the @samp{::}
15928 operator between the function name and its generic arguments. For
15929 example, @value{GDBN} might provide a completion like
15930 @code{crate::f<u32>}, where the parser would require
15931 @code{crate::f::<u32>}.
15932
15933 @item
15934 As of this writing, the Rust compiler (version 1.8) has a few holes in
15935 the debugging information it generates. These holes prevent certain
15936 features from being implemented by @value{GDBN}:
15937 @itemize @bullet
15938
15939 @item
15940 Method calls cannot be made via traits.
15941
15942 @item
15943 Operator overloading is not implemented.
15944
15945 @item
15946 When debugging in a monomorphized function, you cannot use the generic
15947 type names.
15948
15949 @item
15950 The type @code{Self} is not available.
15951
15952 @item
15953 @code{use} statements are not available, so some names may not be
15954 available in the crate.
15955 @end itemize
15956 @end itemize
15957
15958 @node Modula-2
15959 @subsection Modula-2
15960
15961 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
15962
15963 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
15964 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
15965 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
15966 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
15967 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
15968 table.
15969
15970 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
15971 @menu
15972 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
15973 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
15974 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
15975 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
15976 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
15977 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
15978 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
15979 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
15980 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
15981 @end menu
15982
15983 @node M2 Operators
15984 @subsubsection Operators
15985 @cindex Modula-2 operators
15986
15987 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15988 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
15989 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
15990 following definitions hold:
15991
15992 @itemize @bullet
15993
15994 @item
15995 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
15996 their subranges.
15997
15998 @item
15999 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
16000
16001 @item
16002 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
16003
16004 @item
16005 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
16006 @var{type}}.
16007
16008 @item
16009 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
16010
16011 @item
16012 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
16013
16014 @item
16015 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
16016 @end itemize
16017
16018 @noindent
16019 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
16020 increasing precedence:
16021
16022 @table @code
16023 @item ,
16024 Function argument or array index separator.
16025
16026 @item :=
16027 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
16028 @var{value}.
16029
16030 @item <@r{, }>
16031 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
16032 types.
16033
16034 @item <=@r{, }>=
16035 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
16036 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
16037 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
16038
16039 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
16040 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
16041 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
16042 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
16043 comment character.
16044
16045 @item IN
16046 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
16047 Same precedence as @code{<}.
16048
16049 @item OR
16050 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
16051
16052 @item AND@r{, }&
16053 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
16054
16055 @item @@
16056 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
16057
16058 @item +@r{, }-
16059 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
16060 and difference on set types.
16061
16062 @item *
16063 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
16064 on set types.
16065
16066 @item /
16067 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
16068 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
16069
16070 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
16071 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
16072 precedence as @code{*}.
16073
16074 @item -
16075 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
16076
16077 @item ^
16078 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
16079
16080 @item NOT
16081 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
16082 @code{^}.
16083
16084 @item .
16085 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
16086 precedence as @code{^}.
16087
16088 @item []
16089 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
16090
16091 @item ()
16092 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
16093 as @code{^}.
16094
16095 @item ::@r{, }.
16096 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
16097 @end table
16098
16099 @quotation
16100 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
16101 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
16102 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
16103 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
16104 @end quotation
16105
16106
16107 @node Built-In Func/Proc
16108 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
16109 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
16110
16111 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
16112 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
16113
16114 @table @var
16115
16116 @item a
16117 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
16118
16119 @item c
16120 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
16121
16122 @item i
16123 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
16124
16125 @item m
16126 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
16127 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
16128 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
16129
16130 @item n
16131 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
16132
16133 @item r
16134 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
16135
16136 @item t
16137 represents a type.
16138
16139 @item v
16140 represents a variable.
16141
16142 @item x
16143 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
16144 explanation of the function for details.
16145 @end table
16146
16147 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
16148
16149 @table @code
16150 @item ABS(@var{n})
16151 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
16152
16153 @item CAP(@var{c})
16154 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
16155 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
16156
16157 @item CHR(@var{i})
16158 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
16159
16160 @item DEC(@var{v})
16161 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
16162
16163 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
16164 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
16165 new value.
16166
16167 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
16168 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
16169 set.
16170
16171 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
16172 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
16173
16174 @item HIGH(@var{a})
16175 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
16176
16177 @item INC(@var{v})
16178 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
16179
16180 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
16181 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
16182 new value.
16183
16184 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
16185 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
16186 there. Returns the new set.
16187
16188 @item MAX(@var{t})
16189 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
16190
16191 @item MIN(@var{t})
16192 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
16193
16194 @item ODD(@var{i})
16195 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
16196
16197 @item ORD(@var{x})
16198 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
16199 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting
16200 the @sc{ascii} character set). The argument @var{x} must be of an
16201 ordered type, which include integral, character and enumerated types.
16202
16203 @item SIZE(@var{x})
16204 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
16205 variable or a type.
16206
16207 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
16208 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
16209
16210 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
16211 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
16212 variable or a type.
16213
16214 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
16215 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
16216 @end table
16217
16218 @quotation
16219 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
16220 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
16221 an error.
16222 @end quotation
16223
16224 @cindex Modula-2 constants
16225 @node M2 Constants
16226 @subsubsection Constants
16227
16228 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
16229 ways:
16230
16231 @itemize @bullet
16232
16233 @item
16234 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
16235 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
16236 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
16237 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
16238
16239 @item
16240 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
16241 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
16242 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
16243 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
16244 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
16245 digits.
16246
16247 @item
16248 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
16249 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
16250 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
16251 followed by a @samp{C}.
16252
16253 @item
16254 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
16255 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
16256 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
16257 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
16258 sequences.
16259
16260 @item
16261 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
16262
16263 @item
16264 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
16265 @code{FALSE}.
16266
16267 @item
16268 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
16269
16270 @item
16271 Set constants are not yet supported.
16272 @end itemize
16273
16274 @node M2 Types
16275 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
16276 @cindex Modula-2 types
16277
16278 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
16279 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
16280 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
16281 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
16282 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
16283 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
16284
16285 The first example contains the following section of code:
16286
16287 @smallexample
16288 VAR
16289 s: SET OF CHAR ;
16290 r: [20..40] ;
16291 @end smallexample
16292
16293 @noindent
16294 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
16295 @code{r} and @code{s}.
16296
16297 @smallexample
16298 (@value{GDBP}) print s
16299 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
16300 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16301 SET OF CHAR
16302 (@value{GDBP}) print r
16303 21
16304 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
16305 [20..40]
16306 @end smallexample
16307
16308 @noindent
16309 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
16310
16311 @smallexample
16312 VAR
16313 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
16314 @end smallexample
16315
16316 @noindent
16317 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
16318
16319 @smallexample
16320 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16321 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
16322 @end smallexample
16323
16324 @noindent
16325 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
16326 expressions using the debugger.
16327
16328 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
16329 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
16330
16331 @smallexample
16332 VAR
16333 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
16334 @end smallexample
16335
16336 @smallexample
16337 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16338 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
16339 @end smallexample
16340
16341 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
16342 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
16343 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
16344 above.
16345
16346 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
16347
16348 @smallexample
16349 TYPE
16350 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
16351 t = [blue..yellow] ;
16352 VAR
16353 s: t ;
16354 BEGIN
16355 s := blue ;
16356 @end smallexample
16357
16358 @noindent
16359 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
16360 and value of a variable.
16361
16362 @smallexample
16363 (@value{GDBP}) print s
16364 $1 = blue
16365 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
16366 type = [blue..yellow]
16367 @end smallexample
16368
16369 @noindent
16370 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
16371 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
16372 their @code{C} counterparts.
16373
16374 @smallexample
16375 VAR
16376 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
16377 BEGIN
16378 s[1] := 1 ;
16379 @end smallexample
16380
16381 @smallexample
16382 (@value{GDBP}) print s
16383 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
16384 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16385 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
16386 @end smallexample
16387
16388 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
16389 pointer types as shown in this example:
16390
16391 @smallexample
16392 VAR
16393 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
16394 BEGIN
16395 NEW(s) ;
16396 s^[1] := 1 ;
16397 @end smallexample
16398
16399 @noindent
16400 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
16401
16402 @smallexample
16403 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16404 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
16405 @end smallexample
16406
16407 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
16408 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
16409 types:
16410
16411 @smallexample
16412 TYPE
16413 foo = RECORD
16414 f1: CARDINAL ;
16415 f2: CHAR ;
16416 f3: myarray ;
16417 END ;
16418
16419 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
16420 myrange = [-2..2] ;
16421 VAR
16422 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
16423 @end smallexample
16424
16425 @noindent
16426 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
16427 below.
16428
16429 @smallexample
16430 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16431 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
16432 f1 : CARDINAL;
16433 f2 : CHAR;
16434 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
16435 END
16436 @end smallexample
16437
16438 @node M2 Defaults
16439 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
16440 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
16441
16442 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
16443 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
16444 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
16445 selected the working language.
16446
16447 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
16448 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
16449 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
16450 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
16451
16452 @node Deviations
16453 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
16454 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
16455
16456 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
16457 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
16458
16459 @itemize @bullet
16460 @item
16461 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
16462 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
16463 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
16464 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
16465 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
16466 returned a pointer.)
16467
16468 @item
16469 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
16470 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
16471 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
16472 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
16473
16474 @item
16475 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
16476 argument.
16477
16478 @item
16479 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
16480 @end itemize
16481
16482 @node M2 Checks
16483 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
16484 @cindex Modula-2 checks
16485
16486 @quotation
16487 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
16488 range checking.
16489 @end quotation
16490 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
16491
16492 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
16493
16494 @itemize @bullet
16495 @item
16496 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
16497 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
16498
16499 @item
16500 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
16501 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
16502 @end itemize
16503
16504 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
16505 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
16506
16507 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
16508 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
16509
16510 @node M2 Scope
16511 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
16512 @cindex scope
16513 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
16514 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
16515 @ifinfo
16516 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
16517 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
16518 @end ifinfo
16519 @ifnotinfo
16520 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
16521 @end ifnotinfo
16522
16523 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
16524 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
16525 similar syntax:
16526
16527 @smallexample
16528
16529 @var{module} . @var{id}
16530 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
16531 @end smallexample
16532
16533 @noindent
16534 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
16535 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
16536 identifier within your program, except another module.
16537
16538 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
16539 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
16540 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
16541 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
16542
16543 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
16544 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
16545 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
16546 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
16547 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
16548 @var{module}.
16549
16550 @node GDB/M2
16551 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
16552
16553 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
16554 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
16555 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
16556 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
16557 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
16558 analogue in Modula-2.
16559
16560 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
16561 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
16562 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
16563 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
16564 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
16565 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
16566
16567 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
16568 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
16569 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
16570
16571 @node Ada
16572 @subsection Ada
16573 @cindex Ada
16574
16575 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
16576 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
16577 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
16578 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
16579 to be difficult.
16580
16581
16582 @cindex expressions in Ada
16583 @menu
16584 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
16585 and semantics supported by Ada mode
16586 in @value{GDBN}.
16587 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
16588 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
16589 * Overloading support for Ada:: Support for expressions involving overloaded
16590 subprograms.
16591 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
16592 * Ada Exceptions:: Ada Exceptions
16593 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
16594 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16595 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
16596 Profile
16597 * Ada Settings:: New settable GDB parameters for Ada.
16598 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
16599 @end menu
16600
16601 @node Ada Mode Intro
16602 @subsubsection Introduction
16603 @cindex Ada mode, general
16604
16605 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
16606 syntax, with some extensions.
16607 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
16608
16609 @itemize @bullet
16610 @item
16611 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
16612 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
16613 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
16614 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
16615
16616 @item
16617 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
16618 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16619
16620 @item
16621 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16622 @end itemize
16623
16624 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
16625 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
16626 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
16627 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
16628 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
16629
16630 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
16631 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
16632 was translated from an Ada source file.
16633
16634 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
16635 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
16636 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
16637 middle (to allow based literals).
16638
16639 @node Omissions from Ada
16640 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
16641 @cindex Ada, omissions from
16642
16643 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
16644
16645 @itemize @bullet
16646 @item
16647 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
16648
16649 @itemize @minus
16650 @item
16651 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
16652 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
16653
16654 @item
16655 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
16656
16657 @item
16658 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
16659
16660 @item
16661 @t{'Tag}.
16662
16663 @item
16664 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
16665 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
16666
16667 @item
16668 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
16669 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
16670
16671 @item
16672 @t{'Address}.
16673 @end itemize
16674
16675 @item
16676 The names in
16677 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
16678 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
16679 not currently available.
16680
16681 @item
16682 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
16683 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
16684 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
16685 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
16686 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
16687 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
16688 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
16689 indeterminate values.
16690
16691 @item
16692 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
16693 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
16694 are not implemented.
16695
16696 @item
16697 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
16698 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
16699 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
16700 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
16701 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
16702
16703 @smallexample
16704 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
16705 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
16706 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
16707 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
16708 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
16709 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
16710 @end smallexample
16711
16712 Changing a
16713 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
16714 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
16715 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
16716 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
16717 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
16718 declared to have a type such as:
16719
16720 @smallexample
16721 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
16722 Id : Integer;
16723 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
16724 end record;
16725 @end smallexample
16726
16727 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
16728 assignments:
16729
16730 @smallexample
16731 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
16732 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
16733 @end smallexample
16734
16735 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
16736 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
16737 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
16738 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
16739 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
16740 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
16741 redundant component associations, although which component values are
16742 assigned in such cases is not defined.
16743
16744 @item
16745 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
16746
16747 @item
16748 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
16749 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
16750 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
16751 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
16752 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
16753 the proper resolution.
16754
16755 @item
16756 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
16757
16758 @item
16759 Entry calls are not implemented.
16760
16761 @item
16762 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
16763 formats are not supported.
16764
16765 @item
16766 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
16767
16768 @item
16769 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
16770 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
16771 context.
16772 Should your program
16773 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
16774 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
16775 @end itemize
16776
16777 @node Additions to Ada
16778 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
16779 @cindex Ada, deviations from
16780
16781 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
16782 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
16783
16784 @itemize @bullet
16785 @item
16786 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
16787 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
16788 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
16789 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
16790 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
16791 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
16792 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
16793 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
16794
16795 @item
16796 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
16797 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
16798 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
16799
16800 @item
16801 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
16802 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
16803
16804 @item
16805 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
16806 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
16807 @end itemize
16808
16809 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
16810 additions specific to Ada:
16811
16812 @itemize @bullet
16813 @item
16814 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
16815 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
16816
16817 @smallexample
16818 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
16819 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
16820 @end smallexample
16821
16822 @item
16823 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
16824 the value of its right-hand operand.
16825 This allows, for example,
16826 complex conditional breaks:
16827
16828 @smallexample
16829 (@value{GDBP}) break f
16830 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
16831 @end smallexample
16832
16833 @item
16834 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
16835 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
16836 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
16837 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
16838 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
16839 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
16840 in strings. For example,
16841 @smallexample
16842 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
16843 @end smallexample
16844 @noindent
16845 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
16846 after each period.
16847
16848 @item
16849 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
16850 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
16851 to write
16852
16853 @smallexample
16854 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
16855 @end smallexample
16856
16857 @item
16858 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
16859 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
16860 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
16861 of 3 might print as
16862
16863 @smallexample
16864 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
16865 @end smallexample
16866
16867 @noindent
16868 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
16869 clause.
16870
16871 @item
16872 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
16873 multi-character subsequence of
16874 their names (an exact match gets preference).
16875 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
16876 in place of @t{a'length}.
16877
16878 @item
16879 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
16880 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
16881 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
16882 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
16883 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
16884 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
16885 For example,
16886 @smallexample
16887 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
16888 @end smallexample
16889
16890 @item
16891 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
16892 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
16893 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
16894 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
16895 object.
16896
16897 @end itemize
16898
16899 @node Overloading support for Ada
16900 @subsubsection Overloading support for Ada
16901 @cindex overloading, Ada
16902
16903 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
16904 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
16905 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
16906 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
16907 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
16908 functions to procedures elsewhere.
16909
16910 If, after narrowing, the set of matching definitions still contains more than
16911 one definition, @value{GDBN} will display a menu to query which one it should
16912 use, for instance:
16913
16914 @smallexample
16915 (@value{GDBP}) print f(1)
16916 Multiple matches for f
16917 [0] cancel
16918 [1] foo.f (integer) return boolean at foo.adb:23
16919 [2] foo.f (foo.new_integer) return boolean at foo.adb:28
16920 >
16921 @end smallexample
16922
16923 In this case, just select one menu entry either to cancel expression evaluation
16924 (type @kbd{0} and press @key{RET}) or to continue evaluation with a specific
16925 instance (type the corresponding number and press @key{RET}).
16926
16927 Here are a couple of commands to customize @value{GDBN}'s behavior in this
16928 case:
16929
16930 @table @code
16931
16932 @kindex set ada print-signatures
16933 @item set ada print-signatures
16934 Control whether parameter types and return types are displayed in overloads
16935 selection menus. It is @code{on} by default.
16936 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16937
16938 @kindex show ada print-signatures
16939 @item show ada print-signatures
16940 Show the current setting for displaying parameter types and return types in
16941 overloads selection menu.
16942 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16943
16944 @end table
16945
16946 @node Stopping Before Main Program
16947 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
16948
16949 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
16950 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
16951 before reaching the main procedure.
16952 As defined in the Ada Reference
16953 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
16954 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
16955 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
16956 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
16957
16958 @node Ada Exceptions
16959 @subsubsection Ada Exceptions
16960
16961 A command is provided to list all Ada exceptions:
16962
16963 @table @code
16964 @kindex info exceptions
16965 @item info exceptions
16966 @itemx info exceptions @var{regexp}
16967 The @code{info exceptions} command allows you to list all Ada exceptions
16968 defined within the program being debugged, as well as their addresses.
16969 With a regular expression, @var{regexp}, as argument, only those exceptions
16970 whose names match @var{regexp} are listed.
16971 @end table
16972
16973 Below is a small example, showing how the command can be used, first
16974 without argument, and next with a regular expression passed as an
16975 argument.
16976
16977 @smallexample
16978 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions
16979 All defined Ada exceptions:
16980 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16981 program_error: 0x613d20
16982 storage_error: 0x613ce0
16983 tasking_error: 0x613ca0
16984 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16985 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions const.aint
16986 All Ada exceptions matching regular expression "const.aint":
16987 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16988 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16989 @end smallexample
16990
16991 It is also possible to ask @value{GDBN} to stop your program's execution
16992 when an exception is raised. For more details, see @ref{Set Catchpoints}.
16993
16994 @node Ada Tasks
16995 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
16996 @cindex Ada, tasking
16997
16998 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
16999 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
17000
17001 @table @code
17002 @kindex info tasks
17003 @item info tasks
17004 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
17005
17006
17007 @smallexample
17008 @iftex
17009 @leftskip=0.5cm
17010 @end iftex
17011 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17012 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17013 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17014 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
17015 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
17016 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
17017
17018 @end smallexample
17019
17020 @noindent
17021 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
17022 task currently being inspected.
17023
17024 @table @asis
17025 @item ID
17026 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
17027
17028 @item TID
17029 The Ada task ID.
17030
17031 @item P-ID
17032 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
17033
17034 @item Pri
17035 The base priority of the task.
17036
17037 @item State
17038 Current state of the task.
17039
17040 @table @code
17041 @item Unactivated
17042 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
17043 executing.
17044
17045 @item Runnable
17046 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
17047 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
17048
17049 @item Terminated
17050 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
17051 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
17052 terminated themselves.
17053
17054 @item Child Activation Wait
17055 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
17056
17057 @item Accept Statement
17058 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
17059
17060 @item Waiting on entry call
17061 The task is waiting on an entry call.
17062
17063 @item Async Select Wait
17064 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
17065 select statement.
17066
17067 @item Delay Sleep
17068 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
17069 alternative open.
17070
17071 @item Child Termination Wait
17072 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
17073 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
17074 waiting on a terminate Phase.
17075
17076 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
17077 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
17078 finish terminating.
17079
17080 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
17081 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
17082 @end table
17083
17084 @item Name
17085 Name of the task in the program.
17086
17087 @end table
17088
17089 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
17090 @item info task @var{taskno}
17091 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
17092 the following example:
17093 @smallexample
17094 @iftex
17095 @leftskip=0.5cm
17096 @end iftex
17097 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17098 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17099 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17100 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
17101 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
17102 Ada Task: 0x807c468
17103 Name: task_1
17104 Thread: 0x807f378
17105 Parent: 1 (main_task)
17106 Base Priority: 15
17107 State: Runnable
17108 @end smallexample
17109
17110 @item task
17111 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
17112 @cindex current Ada task ID
17113 This command prints the ID of the current task.
17114
17115 @smallexample
17116 @iftex
17117 @leftskip=0.5cm
17118 @end iftex
17119 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17120 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17121 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17122 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
17123 (@value{GDBP}) task
17124 [Current task is 2]
17125 @end smallexample
17126
17127 @item task @var{taskno}
17128 @cindex Ada task switching
17129 This command is like the @code{thread @var{thread-id}}
17130 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
17131 from the current task to the given task.
17132
17133 @smallexample
17134 @iftex
17135 @leftskip=0.5cm
17136 @end iftex
17137 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17138 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17139 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17140 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
17141 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
17142 [Switching to task 1]
17143 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
17144 (@value{GDBP}) bt
17145 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
17146 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
17147 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
17148 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
17149 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
17150 @end smallexample
17151
17152 @item break @var{location} task @var{taskno}
17153 @itemx break @var{location} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
17154 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
17155 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
17156 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
17157 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
17158 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}). The
17159 @var{location} argument specifies source lines, as described
17160 in @ref{Specify Location}.
17161
17162 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
17163 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
17164 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. The @var{taskno} is one of the
17165 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
17166 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
17167
17168 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
17169 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
17170 program.
17171
17172 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
17173 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
17174 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
17175
17176 For example,
17177
17178 @smallexample
17179 @iftex
17180 @leftskip=0.5cm
17181 @end iftex
17182 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17183 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17184 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17185 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
17186 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
17187 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
17188 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
17189 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
17190 (@value{GDBP}) cont
17191 Continuing.
17192 task # 1 running
17193 task # 2 running
17194
17195 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
17196 15 flush;
17197 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17198 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17199 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17200 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
17201 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
17202 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
17203 @end smallexample
17204 @end table
17205
17206 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
17207 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
17208 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
17209
17210 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
17211 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
17212 the platform being used.
17213 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
17214 switching is not supported.
17215
17216 On certain platforms, the debugger needs to perform some
17217 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
17218 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
17219 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
17220 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
17221 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
17222
17223 @node Ravenscar Profile
17224 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
17225 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
17226
17227 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
17228 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
17229 requirements.
17230
17231 @table @code
17232 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
17233 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
17234 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
17235 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
17236 Profile. This is the default.
17237
17238 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
17239 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
17240 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
17241 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
17242 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
17243 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
17244 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
17245
17246 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
17247 @item show ravenscar task-switching
17248 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
17249 using the Ravenscar Profile.
17250
17251 @end table
17252
17253 @node Ada Settings
17254 @subsubsection Ada Settings
17255 @cindex Ada settings
17256
17257 @table @code
17258 @kindex set varsize-limit
17259 @item set varsize-limit @var{size}
17260 Prevent @value{GDBN} from attempting to evaluate objects whose size
17261 is above the given limit (@var{size}) when those sizes are computed
17262 from run-time quantities. This is typically the case when the object
17263 has a variable size, such as an array whose bounds are not known at
17264 compile time for example. Setting @var{size} to @code{unlimited}
17265 removes the size limitation. By default, the limit is about 65KB.
17266
17267 The purpose of having such a limit is to prevent @value{GDBN} from
17268 trying to grab enormous chunks of virtual memory when asked to evaluate
17269 a quantity whose bounds have been corrupted or have not yet been fully
17270 initialized. The limit applies to the results of some subexpressions
17271 as well as to complete expressions. For example, an expression denoting
17272 a simple integer component, such as @code{x.y.z}, may fail if the size of
17273 @code{x.y} is variable and exceeds @code{size}. On the other hand,
17274 @value{GDBN} is sometimes clever; the expression @code{A(i)}, where
17275 @code{A} is an array variable with non-constant size, will generally
17276 succeed regardless of the bounds on @code{A}, as long as the component
17277 size is less than @var{size}.
17278
17279 @kindex show varsize-limit
17280 @item show varsize-limit
17281 Show the limit on types whose size is determined by run-time quantities.
17282 @end table
17283
17284 @node Ada Glitches
17285 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
17286 @cindex Ada, problems
17287
17288 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
17289 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
17290 @value{GDBN},
17291 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
17292 and the GNU Ada compiler.
17293
17294 @itemize @bullet
17295 @item
17296 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
17297 storage are invisible to the debugger.
17298
17299 @item
17300 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
17301 argument lists are treated as positional).
17302
17303 @item
17304 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
17305
17306 @item
17307 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
17308 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
17309 the host machine.
17310
17311 @item
17312 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
17313 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
17314 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
17315 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
17316 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
17317 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
17318 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
17319 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
17320 you can usually resolve the confusion
17321 by qualifying the problematic names with package
17322 @code{Standard} explicitly.
17323 @end itemize
17324
17325 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
17326 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
17327 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
17328 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
17329 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
17330 enabled.
17331
17332 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
17333 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
17334 @table @code
17335
17336 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
17337 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
17338 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
17339 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
17340 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
17341 This is the default.
17342
17343 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
17344 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
17345 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
17346 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
17347 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
17348 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
17349 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
17350
17351 @end table
17352
17353 @cindex GNAT descriptive types
17354 @cindex GNAT encoding
17355 Internally, the debugger also relies on the compiler following a number
17356 of conventions known as the @samp{GNAT Encoding}, all documented in
17357 @file{gcc/ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources. This encoding describes
17358 how the debugging information should be generated for certain types.
17359 In particular, this convention makes use of @dfn{descriptive types},
17360 which are artificial types generated purely to help the debugger.
17361
17362 These encodings were defined at a time when the debugging information
17363 format used was not powerful enough to describe some of the more complex
17364 types available in Ada. Since DWARF allows us to express nearly all
17365 Ada features, the long-term goal is to slowly replace these descriptive
17366 types by their pure DWARF equivalent. To facilitate that transition,
17367 a new maintenance option is available to force the debugger to ignore
17368 those descriptive types. It allows the user to quickly evaluate how
17369 well @value{GDBN} works without them.
17370
17371 @table @code
17372
17373 @kindex maint ada set ignore-descriptive-types
17374 @item maintenance ada set ignore-descriptive-types [on|off]
17375 Control whether the debugger should ignore descriptive types.
17376 The default is not to ignore descriptives types (@code{off}).
17377
17378 @kindex maint ada show ignore-descriptive-types
17379 @item maintenance ada show ignore-descriptive-types
17380 Show if descriptive types are ignored by @value{GDBN}.
17381
17382 @end table
17383
17384 @node Unsupported Languages
17385 @section Unsupported Languages
17386
17387 @cindex unsupported languages
17388 @cindex minimal language
17389 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
17390 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
17391 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
17392 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
17393 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
17394 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
17395
17396 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
17397 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
17398 language.
17399
17400 @node Symbols
17401 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
17402
17403 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
17404 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
17405 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
17406 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
17407 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
17408 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
17409 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
17410
17411 @cindex symbol names
17412 @cindex names of symbols
17413 @cindex quoting names
17414 @anchor{quoting names}
17415 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
17416 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
17417 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
17418 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
17419 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
17420 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
17421 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
17422 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
17423
17424 @smallexample
17425 p 'foo.c'::x
17426 @end smallexample
17427
17428 @noindent
17429 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
17430
17431 @table @code
17432 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
17433 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
17434 @kindex set case-sensitive
17435 @item set case-sensitive on
17436 @itemx set case-sensitive off
17437 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
17438 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
17439 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
17440 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
17441 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
17442 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
17443 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
17444 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
17445 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
17446 case-insensitive matches.
17447
17448 @kindex show case-sensitive
17449 @item show case-sensitive
17450 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
17451 lookups.
17452
17453 @kindex set print type methods
17454 @item set print type methods
17455 @itemx set print type methods on
17456 @itemx set print type methods off
17457 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
17458 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
17459 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
17460 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
17461 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
17462 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
17463
17464 @kindex show print type methods
17465 @item show print type methods
17466 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
17467 classes.
17468
17469 @kindex set print type nested-type-limit
17470 @item set print type nested-type-limit @var{limit}
17471 @itemx set print type nested-type-limit unlimited
17472 Set the limit of displayed nested types that the type printer will
17473 show. A @var{limit} of @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} will show all
17474 nested definitions. By default, the type printer will not show any nested
17475 types defined in classes.
17476
17477 @kindex show print type nested-type-limit
17478 @item show print type nested-type-limit
17479 This command shows the current display limit of nested types when
17480 printing classes.
17481
17482 @kindex set print type typedefs
17483 @item set print type typedefs
17484 @itemx set print type typedefs on
17485 @itemx set print type typedefs off
17486
17487 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
17488 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
17489 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
17490 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
17491 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
17492 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
17493 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
17494 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
17495 types.
17496
17497 @kindex show print type typedefs
17498 @item show print type typedefs
17499 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
17500 printing classes.
17501
17502 @kindex info address
17503 @cindex address of a symbol
17504 @item info address @var{symbol}
17505 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
17506 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
17507 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
17508 is always stored.
17509
17510 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
17511 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
17512 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
17513
17514 @kindex info symbol
17515 @cindex symbol from address
17516 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
17517 @item info symbol @var{addr}
17518 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
17519 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
17520 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
17521
17522 @smallexample
17523 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
17524 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
17525 @end smallexample
17526
17527 @noindent
17528 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
17529 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
17530
17531 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
17532 library containing the symbol is also printed:
17533
17534 @smallexample
17535 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
17536 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
17537 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
17538 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
17539 @end smallexample
17540
17541 @kindex demangle
17542 @cindex demangle
17543 @item demangle @r{[}-l @var{language}@r{]} @r{[}@var{--}@r{]} @var{name}
17544 Demangle @var{name}.
17545 If @var{language} is provided it is the name of the language to demangle
17546 @var{name} in. Otherwise @var{name} is demangled in the current language.
17547
17548 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
17549 and is useful when @var{name} begins with a dash.
17550
17551 The parameter @code{demangle-style} specifies how to interpret the kind
17552 of mangling used. @xref{Print Settings}.
17553
17554 @kindex whatis
17555 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
17556 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
17557 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
17558 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17559
17560 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
17561 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
17562 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
17563
17564 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
17565 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
17566 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
17567 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
17568 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
17569 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
17570 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
17571 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
17572 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
17573
17574 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
17575 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
17576 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
17577 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
17578 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
17579 unroll it.
17580
17581 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
17582 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
17583 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
17584
17585 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
17586 Available flags are:
17587
17588 @table @code
17589 @item r
17590 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
17591 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
17592 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
17593
17594 @item m
17595 Do not print methods defined in the class.
17596
17597 @item M
17598 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
17599 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
17600
17601 @item t
17602 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
17603 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
17604 names are substituted when printing other types.
17605
17606 @item T
17607 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
17608 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
17609
17610 @item o
17611 Print the offsets and sizes of fields in a struct, similar to what the
17612 @command{pahole} tool does. This option implies the @code{/tm} flags.
17613
17614 For example, given the following declarations:
17615
17616 @smallexample
17617 struct tuv
17618 @{
17619 int a1;
17620 char *a2;
17621 int a3;
17622 @};
17623
17624 struct xyz
17625 @{
17626 int f1;
17627 char f2;
17628 void *f3;
17629 struct tuv f4;
17630 @};
17631
17632 union qwe
17633 @{
17634 struct tuv fff1;
17635 struct xyz fff2;
17636 @};
17637
17638 struct tyu
17639 @{
17640 int a1 : 1;
17641 int a2 : 3;
17642 int a3 : 23;
17643 char a4 : 2;
17644 int64_t a5;
17645 int a6 : 5;
17646 int64_t a7 : 3;
17647 @};
17648 @end smallexample
17649
17650 Issuing a @kbd{ptype /o struct tuv} command would print:
17651
17652 @smallexample
17653 (@value{GDBP}) ptype /o struct tuv
17654 /* offset | size */ type = struct tuv @{
17655 /* 0 | 4 */ int a1;
17656 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
17657 /* 8 | 8 */ char *a2;
17658 /* 16 | 4 */ int a3;
17659
17660 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
17661 @}
17662 @end smallexample
17663
17664 Notice the format of the first column of comments. There, you can
17665 find two parts separated by the @samp{|} character: the @emph{offset},
17666 which indicates where the field is located inside the struct, in
17667 bytes, and the @emph{size} of the field. Another interesting line is
17668 the marker of a @emph{hole} in the struct, indicating that it may be
17669 possible to pack the struct and make it use less space by reorganizing
17670 its fields.
17671
17672 It is also possible to print offsets inside an union:
17673
17674 @smallexample
17675 (@value{GDBP}) ptype /o union qwe
17676 /* offset | size */ type = union qwe @{
17677 /* 24 */ struct tuv @{
17678 /* 0 | 4 */ int a1;
17679 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
17680 /* 8 | 8 */ char *a2;
17681 /* 16 | 4 */ int a3;
17682
17683 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
17684 @} fff1;
17685 /* 40 */ struct xyz @{
17686 /* 0 | 4 */ int f1;
17687 /* 4 | 1 */ char f2;
17688 /* XXX 3-byte hole */
17689 /* 8 | 8 */ void *f3;
17690 /* 16 | 24 */ struct tuv @{
17691 /* 16 | 4 */ int a1;
17692 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
17693 /* 24 | 8 */ char *a2;
17694 /* 32 | 4 */ int a3;
17695
17696 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
17697 @} f4;
17698
17699 /* total size (bytes): 40 */
17700 @} fff2;
17701
17702 /* total size (bytes): 40 */
17703 @}
17704 @end smallexample
17705
17706 In this case, since @code{struct tuv} and @code{struct xyz} occupy the
17707 same space (because we are dealing with an union), the offset is not
17708 printed for them. However, you can still examine the offset of each
17709 of these structures' fields.
17710
17711 Another useful scenario is printing the offsets of a struct containing
17712 bitfields:
17713
17714 @smallexample
17715 (@value{GDBP}) ptype /o struct tyu
17716 /* offset | size */ type = struct tyu @{
17717 /* 0:31 | 4 */ int a1 : 1;
17718 /* 0:28 | 4 */ int a2 : 3;
17719 /* 0: 5 | 4 */ int a3 : 23;
17720 /* 3: 3 | 1 */ signed char a4 : 2;
17721 /* XXX 3-bit hole */
17722 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
17723 /* 8 | 8 */ int64_t a5;
17724 /* 16:27 | 4 */ int a6 : 5;
17725 /* 16:56 | 8 */ int64_t a7 : 3;
17726
17727 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
17728 @}
17729 @end smallexample
17730
17731 Note how the offset information is now extended to also include how
17732 many bits are left to be used in each bitfield.
17733 @end table
17734
17735 @kindex ptype
17736 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
17737 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
17738 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
17739 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
17740
17741 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
17742 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
17743 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
17744 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
17745 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
17746 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
17747 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
17748 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
17749
17750 For example, for this variable declaration:
17751
17752 @smallexample
17753 typedef double real_t;
17754 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
17755 typedef struct complex complex_t;
17756 complex_t var;
17757 real_t *real_pointer_var;
17758 @end smallexample
17759
17760 @noindent
17761 the two commands give this output:
17762
17763 @smallexample
17764 @group
17765 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
17766 type = complex_t
17767 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17768 type = struct complex @{
17769 real_t real;
17770 double imag;
17771 @}
17772 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
17773 type = struct complex
17774 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
17775 type = struct complex
17776 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
17777 type = struct complex @{
17778 real_t real;
17779 double imag;
17780 @}
17781 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
17782 type = real_t *
17783 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
17784 type = double *
17785 @end group
17786 @end smallexample
17787
17788 @noindent
17789 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
17790 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17791
17792 @cindex incomplete type
17793 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
17794 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
17795 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
17796 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
17797 given these declarations:
17798
17799 @smallexample
17800 struct foo;
17801 struct foo *fooptr;
17802 @end smallexample
17803
17804 @noindent
17805 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
17806
17807 @smallexample
17808 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
17809 $1 = <incomplete type>
17810 @end smallexample
17811
17812 @noindent
17813 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
17814 completely specified.
17815
17816 @cindex unknown type
17817 Othertimes, information about a variable's type is completely absent
17818 from the debug information included in the program. This most often
17819 happens when the program or library where the variable is defined
17820 includes no debug information at all. @value{GDBN} knows the variable
17821 exists from inspecting the linker/loader symbol table (e.g., the ELF
17822 dynamic symbol table), but such symbols do not contain type
17823 information. Inspecting the type of a (global) variable for which
17824 @value{GDBN} has no type information shows:
17825
17826 @smallexample
17827 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17828 type = <data variable, no debug info>
17829 @end smallexample
17830
17831 @xref{Variables, no debug info variables}, for how to print the values
17832 of such variables.
17833
17834 @kindex info types
17835 @item info types @var{regexp}
17836 @itemx info types
17837 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
17838 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
17839 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
17840 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
17841 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
17842 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
17843 name is @code{value}.
17844
17845 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
17846 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
17847 lists all source files and line numbers where a type is defined.
17848
17849 @kindex info type-printers
17850 @item info type-printers
17851 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
17852 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
17853 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
17854 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
17855 type printers.
17856
17857 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
17858
17859 @kindex enable type-printer
17860 @kindex disable type-printer
17861 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17862 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17863 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
17864
17865 @kindex info scope
17866 @cindex local variables
17867 @item info scope @var{location}
17868 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
17869 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
17870 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
17871 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
17872 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
17873
17874 @smallexample
17875 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
17876 Scope for command_line_handler:
17877 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
17878 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
17879 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
17880 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
17881 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
17882 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
17883 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
17884 @end smallexample
17885
17886 @noindent
17887 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
17888 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
17889 collect}.
17890
17891 @kindex info source
17892 @item info source
17893 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
17894 the function containing the current point of execution:
17895 @itemize @bullet
17896 @item
17897 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
17898 @item
17899 the directory it was compiled in,
17900 @item
17901 its length, in lines,
17902 @item
17903 which programming language it is written in,
17904 @item
17905 if the debug information provides it, the program that compiled the file
17906 (which may include, e.g., the compiler version and command line arguments),
17907 @item
17908 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
17909 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
17910 @item
17911 whether the debugging information includes information about
17912 preprocessor macros.
17913 @end itemize
17914
17915
17916 @kindex info sources
17917 @item info sources
17918 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
17919 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
17920 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
17921
17922 @kindex info functions
17923 @item info functions
17924 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
17925 Similarly to @samp{info types}, this command groups its output by source
17926 files and annotates each function definition with its source line
17927 number.
17928
17929 @item info functions @var{regexp}
17930 Like @samp{info functions}, but only print the names and data types of
17931 functions whose names contain a match for regular expression
17932 @var{regexp}. Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose
17933 names include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
17934 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters that
17935 conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
17936 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
17937
17938 @kindex info variables
17939 @item info variables
17940 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
17941 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
17942 The printed variables are grouped by source files and annotated with
17943 their respective source line numbers.
17944
17945 @item info variables @var{regexp}
17946 Like @kbd{info variables}, but only print the names and data types of
17947 non-local variables whose names contain a match for regular expression
17948 @var{regexp}.
17949
17950 @kindex info classes
17951 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
17952 @item info classes
17953 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
17954 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
17955 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17956 expression.
17957
17958 @kindex info selectors
17959 @item info selectors
17960 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
17961 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
17962 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17963 expression.
17964
17965 @ignore
17966 This was never implemented.
17967 @kindex info methods
17968 @item info methods
17969 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
17970 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
17971 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
17972 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
17973 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
17974 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
17975 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
17976 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
17977 @end ignore
17978
17979 @cindex opaque data types
17980 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
17981 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
17982 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
17983 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
17984 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
17985 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
17986 another source file. The default is on.
17987
17988 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
17989 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
17990
17991 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
17992 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
17993 is printed as follows:
17994 @smallexample
17995 @{<no data fields>@}
17996 @end smallexample
17997
17998 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
17999 @item show opaque-type-resolution
18000 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
18001
18002 @kindex set print symbol-loading
18003 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
18004 @item set print symbol-loading
18005 @itemx set print symbol-loading full
18006 @itemx set print symbol-loading brief
18007 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
18008 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to control the
18009 printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbol information.
18010 By default a message is printed for the executable and one for each
18011 shared library, and normally this is what you want. However, when
18012 debugging apps with large numbers of shared libraries these messages
18013 can be annoying.
18014 When set to @code{brief} a message is printed for each executable,
18015 and when @value{GDBN} loads a collection of shared libraries at once
18016 it will only print one message regardless of the number of shared
18017 libraries. When set to @code{off} no messages are printed.
18018
18019 @kindex show print symbol-loading
18020 @item show print symbol-loading
18021 Show whether messages will be printed when a @value{GDBN} command
18022 entered from the keyboard causes symbol information to be loaded.
18023
18024 @kindex maint print symbols
18025 @cindex symbol dump
18026 @kindex maint print psymbols
18027 @cindex partial symbol dump
18028 @kindex maint print msymbols
18029 @cindex minimal symbol dump
18030 @item maint print symbols @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18031 @itemx maint print symbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18032 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18033 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18034 @itemx maint print msymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18035 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename} or
18036 the terminal if @var{filename} is unspecified.
18037 If @code{-objfile @var{objfile}} is specified, only dump symbols for
18038 that objfile.
18039 If @code{-pc @var{address}} is specified, only dump symbols for the file
18040 with code at that address. Note that @var{address} may be a symbol like
18041 @code{main}.
18042 If @code{-source @var{source}} is specified, only dump symbols for that
18043 source file.
18044
18045 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code.
18046 These commands do not modify internal @value{GDBN} state, therefore
18047 @samp{maint print symbols} will only print symbols for already expanded symbol
18048 tables.
18049 You can use the command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are.
18050 If you use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information
18051 about symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols
18052 defined in files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely.
18053 Finally, @samp{maint print msymbols} just dumps ``minimal symbols'', e.g.,
18054 ``ELF symbols''.
18055
18056 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
18057 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
18058
18059 @kindex maint info symtabs
18060 @kindex maint info psymtabs
18061 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
18062 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
18063 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
18064 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
18065 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
18066 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
18067
18068 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
18069 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
18070 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
18071 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
18072 structure in more detail. For example:
18073
18074 @smallexample
18075 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
18076 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
18077 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
18078 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
18079 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
18080 readin no
18081 fullname (null)
18082 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
18083 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
18084 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
18085 dependencies (none)
18086 @}
18087 @}
18088 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
18089 (@value{GDBP})
18090 @end smallexample
18091 @noindent
18092 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
18093 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
18094 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
18095 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
18096 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
18097
18098 @smallexample
18099 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
18100 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
18101 line 1574.
18102 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
18103 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
18104 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
18105 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
18106 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
18107 dirname (null)
18108 fullname (null)
18109 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
18110 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
18111 debugformat DWARF 2
18112 @}
18113 @}
18114 (@value{GDBP})
18115 @end smallexample
18116
18117 @kindex maint info line-table
18118 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal line tables
18119 @cindex line tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
18120 @item maint info line-table @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
18121
18122 List the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}
18123 instances whose name matches @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
18124 given, list the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}.
18125
18126 @kindex maint set symbol-cache-size
18127 @cindex symbol cache size
18128 @item maint set symbol-cache-size @var{size}
18129 Set the size of the symbol cache to @var{size}.
18130 The default size is intended to be good enough for debugging
18131 most applications. This option exists to allow for experimenting
18132 with different sizes.
18133
18134 @kindex maint show symbol-cache-size
18135 @item maint show symbol-cache-size
18136 Show the size of the symbol cache.
18137
18138 @kindex maint print symbol-cache
18139 @cindex symbol cache, printing its contents
18140 @item maint print symbol-cache
18141 Print the contents of the symbol cache.
18142 This is useful when debugging symbol cache issues.
18143
18144 @kindex maint print symbol-cache-statistics
18145 @cindex symbol cache, printing usage statistics
18146 @item maint print symbol-cache-statistics
18147 Print symbol cache usage statistics.
18148 This helps determine how well the cache is being utilized.
18149
18150 @kindex maint flush-symbol-cache
18151 @cindex symbol cache, flushing
18152 @item maint flush-symbol-cache
18153 Flush the contents of the symbol cache, all entries are removed.
18154 This command is useful when debugging the symbol cache.
18155 It is also useful when collecting performance data.
18156
18157 @end table
18158
18159 @node Altering
18160 @chapter Altering Execution
18161
18162 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
18163 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
18164 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
18165 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
18166 program.
18167
18168 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
18169 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
18170 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
18171
18172 @menu
18173 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
18174 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
18175 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
18176 * Returning:: Returning from a function
18177 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
18178 * Patching:: Patching your program
18179 * Compiling and Injecting Code:: Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
18180 @end menu
18181
18182 @node Assignment
18183 @section Assignment to Variables
18184
18185 @cindex assignment
18186 @cindex setting variables
18187 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
18188 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
18189
18190 @smallexample
18191 print x=4
18192 @end smallexample
18193
18194 @noindent
18195 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
18196 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
18197 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
18198 information on operators in supported languages.
18199
18200 @kindex set variable
18201 @cindex variables, setting
18202 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
18203 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
18204 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
18205 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
18206 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
18207
18208 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
18209 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
18210 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
18211 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
18212 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
18213 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
18214 command @code{set width}:
18215
18216 @smallexample
18217 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
18218 type = double
18219 (@value{GDBP}) p width
18220 $4 = 13
18221 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
18222 Invalid syntax in expression.
18223 @end smallexample
18224
18225 @noindent
18226 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
18227 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
18228
18229 @smallexample
18230 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
18231 @end smallexample
18232
18233 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
18234 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
18235 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
18236 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
18237 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
18238 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
18239
18240 @smallexample
18241 @group
18242 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
18243 type = double
18244 (@value{GDBP}) p g
18245 $1 = 1
18246 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
18247 (@value{GDBP}) p g
18248 $2 = 1
18249 (@value{GDBP}) r
18250 The program being debugged has been started already.
18251 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
18252 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
18253 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
18254 Invalid bfd target.
18255 (@value{GDBP}) show g
18256 The current BFD target is "=4".
18257 @end group
18258 @end smallexample
18259
18260 @noindent
18261 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
18262 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
18263 @code{g}, use
18264
18265 @smallexample
18266 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
18267 @end smallexample
18268
18269 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
18270 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
18271 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
18272 same length or shorter.
18273 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
18274 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
18275
18276 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
18277 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
18278 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
18279 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
18280 and representation in memory), and
18281
18282 @smallexample
18283 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
18284 @end smallexample
18285
18286 @noindent
18287 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
18288
18289 @node Jumping
18290 @section Continuing at a Different Address
18291
18292 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
18293 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
18294 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
18295
18296 @table @code
18297 @kindex jump
18298 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
18299 @item jump @var{location}
18300 @itemx j @var{location}
18301 Resume execution at @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately
18302 if there is a breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description
18303 of the different forms of @var{location}. It is common
18304 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
18305 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
18306
18307 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
18308 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
18309 register other than the program counter. If @var{location} is in
18310 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
18311 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
18312 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
18313 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
18314 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
18315 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
18316 @end table
18317
18318 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
18319 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
18320 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
18321 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
18322 example,
18323
18324 @smallexample
18325 set $pc = 0x485
18326 @end smallexample
18327
18328 @noindent
18329 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
18330 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
18331 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
18332
18333 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
18334 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
18335 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
18336 detail.
18337
18338 @c @group
18339 @node Signaling
18340 @section Giving your Program a Signal
18341 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
18342
18343 @table @code
18344 @kindex signal
18345 @item signal @var{signal}
18346 Resume execution where your program is stopped, but immediately give it the
18347 signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
18348 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
18349 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
18350
18351 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
18352 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
18353 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
18354 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
18355 signal.
18356
18357 @emph{Note:} When resuming a multi-threaded program, @var{signal} is
18358 delivered to the currently selected thread, not the thread that last
18359 reported a stop. This includes the situation where a thread was
18360 stopped due to a signal. So if you want to continue execution
18361 suppressing the signal that stopped a thread, you should select that
18362 same thread before issuing the @samp{signal 0} command. If you issue
18363 the @samp{signal 0} command with another thread as the selected one,
18364 @value{GDBN} detects that and asks for confirmation.
18365
18366 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
18367 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
18368 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
18369 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
18370 passes the signal directly to your program.
18371
18372 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
18373 after executing the command.
18374
18375 @kindex queue-signal
18376 @item queue-signal @var{signal}
18377 Queue @var{signal} to be delivered immediately to the current thread
18378 when execution of the thread resumes. The @var{signal} can be the name or
18379 the number of a signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and
18380 @code{signal SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
18381 The handling of the signal must be set to pass the signal to the program,
18382 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error.
18383 You can control the handling of signals from @value{GDBN} with the
18384 @code{handle} command (@pxref{Signals}).
18385
18386 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, any currently queued signal
18387 for the current thread is discarded and when execution resumes no signal
18388 will be delivered. This is useful when your program stopped on account
18389 of a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
18390 @code{continue} command.
18391
18392 This command differs from the @code{signal} command in that the signal
18393 is just queued, execution is not resumed. And @code{queue-signal} cannot
18394 be used to pass a signal whose handling state has been set to @code{nopass}
18395 (@pxref{Signals}).
18396 @end table
18397 @c @end group
18398
18399 @xref{stepping into signal handlers}, for information on how stepping
18400 commands behave when the thread has a signal queued.
18401
18402 @node Returning
18403 @section Returning from a Function
18404
18405 @table @code
18406 @cindex returning from a function
18407 @kindex return
18408 @item return
18409 @itemx return @var{expression}
18410 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
18411 command. If you give an
18412 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
18413 value.
18414 @end table
18415
18416 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
18417 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
18418 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
18419 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
18420
18421 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
18422 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
18423 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
18424 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
18425 of functions.
18426
18427 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
18428 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
18429 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
18430 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
18431 selected stack frame returns naturally.
18432
18433 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
18434 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
18435 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
18436 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
18437 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
18438 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
18439 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
18440 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
18441 assignment into the right register(s).
18442
18443 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
18444 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
18445 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
18446 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
18447 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
18448 into a @code{long long int}:
18449
18450 @smallexample
18451 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
18452 29 return 31;
18453 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
18454 Make func return now? (y or n) y
18455 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
18456 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
18457 (@value{GDBP})
18458 @end smallexample
18459
18460 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
18461 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
18462 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
18463 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
18464 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
18465 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
18466 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
18467 an appropriate cast explicitly:
18468
18469 @smallexample
18470 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
18471 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
18472 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
18473 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
18474 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
18475 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
18476 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
18477 (@value{GDBP})
18478 @end smallexample
18479
18480 @node Calling
18481 @section Calling Program Functions
18482
18483 @table @code
18484 @cindex calling functions
18485 @cindex inferior functions, calling
18486 @item print @var{expr}
18487 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
18488 The expression may include calls to functions in the program being
18489 debugged.
18490
18491 @kindex call
18492 @item call @var{expr}
18493 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
18494 returned values.
18495
18496 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
18497 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
18498 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
18499 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
18500 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
18501 value history.
18502 @end table
18503
18504 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
18505 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
18506 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
18507 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
18508
18509 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
18510 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
18511 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
18512 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
18513 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
18514 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
18515 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
18516 in that case is controlled by the
18517 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
18518
18519 @table @code
18520 @item set unwindonsignal
18521 @kindex set unwindonsignal
18522 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
18523 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
18524 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
18525 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
18526 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
18527 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
18528 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
18529 received.
18530
18531 @item show unwindonsignal
18532 @kindex show unwindonsignal
18533 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
18534 @value{GDBN}.
18535
18536 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
18537 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
18538 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
18539 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
18540 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
18541 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
18542 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
18543 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
18544 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
18545 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
18546
18547 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
18548 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
18549 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
18550 @value{GDBN}.
18551
18552 @end table
18553
18554 @subsection Calling functions with no debug info
18555
18556 @cindex no debug info functions
18557 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is missing debug information.
18558 In such case, @value{GDBN} does not know the type of the function,
18559 including the types of the function's parameters. To avoid calling
18560 the inferior function incorrectly, which could result in the called
18561 function functioning erroneously and even crash, @value{GDBN} refuses
18562 to call the function unless you tell it the type of the function.
18563
18564 For prototyped (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) functions, there are two ways
18565 to do that. The simplest is to cast the call to the function's
18566 declared return type. For example:
18567
18568 @smallexample
18569 (@value{GDBP}) p getenv ("PATH")
18570 'getenv' has unknown return type; cast the call to its declared return type
18571 (@value{GDBP}) p (char *) getenv ("PATH")
18572 $1 = 0x7fffffffe7ba "/usr/local/bin:/"...
18573 @end smallexample
18574
18575 Casting the return type of a no-debug function is equivalent to
18576 casting the function to a pointer to a prototyped function that has a
18577 prototype that matches the types of the passed-in arguments, and
18578 calling that. I.e., the call above is equivalent to:
18579
18580 @smallexample
18581 (@value{GDBP}) p ((char * (*) (const char *)) getenv) ("PATH")
18582 @end smallexample
18583
18584 @noindent
18585 and given this prototyped C or C++ function with float parameters:
18586
18587 @smallexample
18588 float multiply (float v1, float v2) @{ return v1 * v2; @}
18589 @end smallexample
18590
18591 @noindent
18592 these calls are equivalent:
18593
18594 @smallexample
18595 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) multiply (2.0f, 3.0f)
18596 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) (float, float)) multiply) (2.0f, 3.0f)
18597 @end smallexample
18598
18599 If the function you wish to call is declared as unprototyped (i.e.@:
18600 old K&R style), you must use the cast-to-function-pointer syntax, so
18601 that @value{GDBN} knows that it needs to apply default argument
18602 promotions (promote float arguments to double). @xref{ABI, float
18603 promotion}. For example, given this unprototyped C function with
18604 float parameters, and no debug info:
18605
18606 @smallexample
18607 float
18608 multiply_noproto (v1, v2)
18609 float v1, v2;
18610 @{
18611 return v1 * v2;
18612 @}
18613 @end smallexample
18614
18615 @noindent
18616 you call it like this:
18617
18618 @smallexample
18619 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) ()) multiply_noproto) (2.0f, 3.0f)
18620 @end smallexample
18621
18622 @node Patching
18623 @section Patching Programs
18624
18625 @cindex patching binaries
18626 @cindex writing into executables
18627 @cindex writing into corefiles
18628
18629 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
18630 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
18631 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
18632 patching your program's binary.
18633
18634 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
18635 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
18636 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
18637 repairs.
18638
18639 @table @code
18640 @kindex set write
18641 @item set write on
18642 @itemx set write off
18643 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
18644 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
18645 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
18646
18647 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
18648 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
18649 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
18650
18651 @item show write
18652 @kindex show write
18653 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
18654 as well as reading.
18655 @end table
18656
18657 @node Compiling and Injecting Code
18658 @section Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
18659 @cindex injecting code
18660 @cindex writing into executables
18661 @cindex compiling code
18662
18663 @value{GDBN} supports on-demand compilation and code injection into
18664 programs running under @value{GDBN}. GCC 5.0 or higher built with
18665 @file{libcc1.so} must be installed for this functionality to be enabled.
18666 This functionality is implemented with the following commands.
18667
18668 @table @code
18669 @kindex compile code
18670 @item compile code @var{source-code}
18671 @itemx compile code -raw @var{--} @var{source-code}
18672 Compile @var{source-code} with the compiler language found as the current
18673 language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). If compilation and
18674 injection is not supported with the current language specified in
18675 @value{GDBN}, or the compiler does not support this feature, an error
18676 message will be printed. If @var{source-code} compiles and links
18677 successfully, @value{GDBN} will load the object-code emitted,
18678 and execute it within the context of the currently selected inferior.
18679 It is important to note that the compiled code is executed immediately.
18680 After execution, the compiled code is removed from @value{GDBN} and any
18681 new types or variables you have defined will be deleted.
18682
18683 The command allows you to specify @var{source-code} in two ways.
18684 The simplest method is to provide a single line of code to the command.
18685 E.g.:
18686
18687 @smallexample
18688 compile code printf ("hello world\n");
18689 @end smallexample
18690
18691 If you specify options on the command line as well as source code, they
18692 may conflict. The @samp{--} delimiter can be used to separate options
18693 from actual source code. E.g.:
18694
18695 @smallexample
18696 compile code -r -- printf ("hello world\n");
18697 @end smallexample
18698
18699 Alternatively you can enter source code as multiple lines of text. To
18700 enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile code} command without any text
18701 following the command. This will start the multiple-line editor and
18702 allow you to type as many lines of source code as required. When you
18703 have completed typing, enter @samp{end} on its own line to exit the
18704 editor.
18705
18706 @smallexample
18707 compile code
18708 >printf ("hello\n");
18709 >printf ("world\n");
18710 >end
18711 @end smallexample
18712
18713 Specifying @samp{-raw}, prohibits @value{GDBN} from wrapping the
18714 provided @var{source-code} in a callable scope. In this case, you must
18715 specify the entry point of the code by defining a function named
18716 @code{_gdb_expr_}. The @samp{-raw} code cannot access variables of the
18717 inferior. Using @samp{-raw} option may be needed for example when
18718 @var{source-code} requires @samp{#include} lines which may conflict with
18719 inferior symbols otherwise.
18720
18721 @kindex compile file
18722 @item compile file @var{filename}
18723 @itemx compile file -raw @var{filename}
18724 Like @code{compile code}, but take the source code from @var{filename}.
18725
18726 @smallexample
18727 compile file /home/user/example.c
18728 @end smallexample
18729 @end table
18730
18731 @table @code
18732 @item compile print @var{expr}
18733 @itemx compile print /@var{f} @var{expr}
18734 Compile and execute @var{expr} with the compiler language found as the
18735 current language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). By default the
18736 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
18737 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
18738 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
18739 Formats}.
18740
18741 @item compile print
18742 @itemx compile print /@var{f}
18743 @cindex reprint the last value
18744 Alternatively you can enter the expression (source code producing it) as
18745 multiple lines of text. To enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile print}
18746 command without any text following the command. This will start the
18747 multiple-line editor.
18748 @end table
18749
18750 @noindent
18751 The process of compiling and injecting the code can be inspected using:
18752
18753 @table @code
18754 @anchor{set debug compile}
18755 @item set debug compile
18756 @cindex compile command debugging info
18757 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} process of compiling and
18758 injecting the code. The default is off.
18759
18760 @item show debug compile
18761 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} process of
18762 compiling and injecting the code.
18763
18764 @anchor{set debug compile-cplus-types}
18765 @item set debug compile-cplus-types
18766 @cindex compile C@t{++} type conversion
18767 Turns on or off the display of C@t{++} type conversion debugging information.
18768 The default is off.
18769
18770 @item show debug compile-cplus-types
18771 Displays the current state of displaying debugging information for
18772 C@t{++} type conversion.
18773 @end table
18774
18775 @subsection Compilation options for the @code{compile} command
18776
18777 @value{GDBN} needs to specify the right compilation options for the code
18778 to be injected, in part to make its ABI compatible with the inferior
18779 and in part to make the injected code compatible with @value{GDBN}'s
18780 injecting process.
18781
18782 @noindent
18783 The options used, in increasing precedence:
18784
18785 @table @asis
18786 @item target architecture and OS options (@code{gdbarch})
18787 These options depend on target processor type and target operating
18788 system, usually they specify at least 32-bit (@code{-m32}) or 64-bit
18789 (@code{-m64}) compilation option.
18790
18791 @item compilation options recorded in the target
18792 @value{NGCC} (since version 4.7) stores the options used for compilation
18793 into @code{DW_AT_producer} part of DWARF debugging information according
18794 to the @value{NGCC} option @code{-grecord-gcc-switches}. One has to
18795 explicitly specify @code{-g} during inferior compilation otherwise
18796 @value{NGCC} produces no DWARF. This feature is only relevant for
18797 platforms where @code{-g} produces DWARF by default, otherwise one may
18798 try to enforce DWARF by using @code{-gdwarf-4}.
18799
18800 @item compilation options set by @code{set compile-args}
18801 @end table
18802
18803 @noindent
18804 You can override compilation options using the following command:
18805
18806 @table @code
18807 @item set compile-args
18808 @cindex compile command options override
18809 Set compilation options used for compiling and injecting code with the
18810 @code{compile} commands. These options override any conflicting ones
18811 from the target architecture and/or options stored during inferior
18812 compilation.
18813
18814 @item show compile-args
18815 Displays the current state of compilation options override.
18816 This does not show all the options actually used during compilation,
18817 use @ref{set debug compile} for that.
18818 @end table
18819
18820 @subsection Caveats when using the @code{compile} command
18821
18822 There are a few caveats to keep in mind when using the @code{compile}
18823 command. As the caveats are different per language, the table below
18824 highlights specific issues on a per language basis.
18825
18826 @table @asis
18827 @item C code examples and caveats
18828 When the language in @value{GDBN} is set to @samp{C}, the compiler will
18829 attempt to compile the source code with a @samp{C} compiler. The source
18830 code provided to the @code{compile} command will have much the same
18831 access to variables and types as it normally would if it were part of
18832 the program currently being debugged in @value{GDBN}.
18833
18834 Below is a sample program that forms the basis of the examples that
18835 follow. This program has been compiled and loaded into @value{GDBN},
18836 much like any other normal debugging session.
18837
18838 @smallexample
18839 void function1 (void)
18840 @{
18841 int i = 42;
18842 printf ("function 1\n");
18843 @}
18844
18845 void function2 (void)
18846 @{
18847 int j = 12;
18848 function1 ();
18849 @}
18850
18851 int main(void)
18852 @{
18853 int k = 6;
18854 int *p;
18855 function2 ();
18856 return 0;
18857 @}
18858 @end smallexample
18859
18860 For the purposes of the examples in this section, the program above has
18861 been compiled, loaded into @value{GDBN}, stopped at the function
18862 @code{main}, and @value{GDBN} is awaiting input from the user.
18863
18864 To access variables and types for any program in @value{GDBN}, the
18865 program must be compiled and packaged with debug information. The
18866 @code{compile} command is not an exception to this rule. Without debug
18867 information, you can still use the @code{compile} command, but you will
18868 be very limited in what variables and types you can access.
18869
18870 So with that in mind, the example above has been compiled with debug
18871 information enabled. The @code{compile} command will have access to
18872 all variables and types (except those that may have been optimized
18873 out). Currently, as @value{GDBN} has stopped the program in the
18874 @code{main} function, the @code{compile} command would have access to
18875 the variable @code{k}. You could invoke the @code{compile} command
18876 and type some source code to set the value of @code{k}. You can also
18877 read it, or do anything with that variable you would normally do in
18878 @code{C}. Be aware that changes to inferior variables in the
18879 @code{compile} command are persistent. In the following example:
18880
18881 @smallexample
18882 compile code k = 3;
18883 @end smallexample
18884
18885 @noindent
18886 the variable @code{k} is now 3. It will retain that value until
18887 something else in the example program changes it, or another
18888 @code{compile} command changes it.
18889
18890 Normal scope and access rules apply to source code compiled and
18891 injected by the @code{compile} command. In the example, the variables
18892 @code{j} and @code{k} are not accessible yet, because the program is
18893 currently stopped in the @code{main} function, where these variables
18894 are not in scope. Therefore, the following command
18895
18896 @smallexample
18897 compile code j = 3;
18898 @end smallexample
18899
18900 @noindent
18901 will result in a compilation error message.
18902
18903 Once the program is continued, execution will bring these variables in
18904 scope, and they will become accessible; then the code you specify via
18905 the @code{compile} command will be able to access them.
18906
18907 You can create variables and types with the @code{compile} command as
18908 part of your source code. Variables and types that are created as part
18909 of the @code{compile} command are not visible to the rest of the program for
18910 the duration of its run. This example is valid:
18911
18912 @smallexample
18913 compile code int ff = 5; printf ("ff is %d\n", ff);
18914 @end smallexample
18915
18916 However, if you were to type the following into @value{GDBN} after that
18917 command has completed:
18918
18919 @smallexample
18920 compile code printf ("ff is %d\n'', ff);
18921 @end smallexample
18922
18923 @noindent
18924 a compiler error would be raised as the variable @code{ff} no longer
18925 exists. Object code generated and injected by the @code{compile}
18926 command is removed when its execution ends. Caution is advised
18927 when assigning to program variables values of variables created by the
18928 code submitted to the @code{compile} command. This example is valid:
18929
18930 @smallexample
18931 compile code int ff = 5; k = ff;
18932 @end smallexample
18933
18934 The value of the variable @code{ff} is assigned to @code{k}. The variable
18935 @code{k} does not require the existence of @code{ff} to maintain the value
18936 it has been assigned. However, pointers require particular care in
18937 assignment. If the source code compiled with the @code{compile} command
18938 changed the address of a pointer in the example program, perhaps to a
18939 variable created in the @code{compile} command, that pointer would point
18940 to an invalid location when the command exits. The following example
18941 would likely cause issues with your debugged program:
18942
18943 @smallexample
18944 compile code int ff = 5; p = &ff;
18945 @end smallexample
18946
18947 In this example, @code{p} would point to @code{ff} when the
18948 @code{compile} command is executing the source code provided to it.
18949 However, as variables in the (example) program persist with their
18950 assigned values, the variable @code{p} would point to an invalid
18951 location when the command exists. A general rule should be followed
18952 in that you should either assign @code{NULL} to any assigned pointers,
18953 or restore a valid location to the pointer before the command exits.
18954
18955 Similar caution must be exercised with any structs, unions, and typedefs
18956 defined in @code{compile} command. Types defined in the @code{compile}
18957 command will no longer be available in the next @code{compile} command.
18958 Therefore, if you cast a variable to a type defined in the
18959 @code{compile} command, care must be taken to ensure that any future
18960 need to resolve the type can be achieved.
18961
18962 @smallexample
18963 (gdb) compile code static struct a @{ int a; @} v = @{ 42 @}; argv = &v;
18964 (gdb) compile code printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18965 gdb command line:1:36: error: dereferencing pointer to incomplete type ‘struct a’
18966 Compilation failed.
18967 (gdb) compile code struct a @{ int a; @}; printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18968 42
18969 @end smallexample
18970
18971 Variables that have been optimized away by the compiler are not
18972 accessible to the code submitted to the @code{compile} command.
18973 Access to those variables will generate a compiler error which @value{GDBN}
18974 will print to the console.
18975 @end table
18976
18977 @subsection Compiler search for the @code{compile} command
18978
18979 @value{GDBN} needs to find @value{NGCC} for the inferior being debugged
18980 which may not be obvious for remote targets of different architecture
18981 than where @value{GDBN} is running. Environment variable @code{PATH} on
18982 @value{GDBN} host is searched for @value{NGCC} binary matching the
18983 target architecture and operating system. This search can be overriden
18984 by @code{set compile-gcc} @value{GDBN} command below. @code{PATH} is
18985 taken from shell that executed @value{GDBN}, it is not the value set by
18986 @value{GDBN} command @code{set environment}). @xref{Environment}.
18987
18988
18989 Specifically @code{PATH} is searched for binaries matching regular expression
18990 @code{@var{arch}(-[^-]*)?-@var{os}-gcc} according to the inferior target being
18991 debugged. @var{arch} is processor name --- multiarch is supported, so for
18992 example both @code{i386} and @code{x86_64} targets look for pattern
18993 @code{(x86_64|i.86)} and both @code{s390} and @code{s390x} targets look
18994 for pattern @code{s390x?}. @var{os} is currently supported only for
18995 pattern @code{linux(-gnu)?}.
18996
18997 On Posix hosts the compiler driver @value{GDBN} needs to find also
18998 shared library @file{libcc1.so} from the compiler. It is searched in
18999 default shared library search path (overridable with usual environment
19000 variable @code{LD_LIBRARY_PATH}), unrelated to @code{PATH} or @code{set
19001 compile-gcc} settings. Contrary to it @file{libcc1plugin.so} is found
19002 according to the installation of the found compiler --- as possibly
19003 specified by the @code{set compile-gcc} command.
19004
19005 @table @code
19006 @item set compile-gcc
19007 @cindex compile command driver filename override
19008 Set compilation command used for compiling and injecting code with the
19009 @code{compile} commands. If this option is not set (it is set to
19010 an empty string), the search described above will occur --- that is the
19011 default.
19012
19013 @item show compile-gcc
19014 Displays the current compile command @value{NGCC} driver filename.
19015 If set, it is the main command @command{gcc}, found usually for example
19016 under name @file{x86_64-linux-gnu-gcc}.
19017 @end table
19018
19019 @node GDB Files
19020 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
19021
19022 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
19023 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
19024 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
19025 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
19026
19027 @menu
19028 * Files:: Commands to specify files
19029 * File Caching:: Information about @value{GDBN}'s file caching
19030 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
19031 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
19032 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
19033 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
19034 * Data Files:: GDB data files
19035 @end menu
19036
19037 @node Files
19038 @section Commands to Specify Files
19039
19040 @cindex symbol table
19041 @cindex core dump file
19042
19043 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
19044 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
19045 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
19046 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
19047
19048 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
19049 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
19050 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
19051 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
19052 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
19053 new files are useful.
19054
19055 @table @code
19056 @cindex executable file
19057 @kindex file
19058 @item file @var{filename}
19059 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
19060 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
19061 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
19062 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
19063 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
19064 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
19065 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
19066 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
19067
19068 @cindex unlinked object files
19069 @cindex patching object files
19070 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
19071 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
19072 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
19073 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
19074 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
19075 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
19076 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
19077 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
19078
19079 @item file
19080 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
19081 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
19082
19083 @kindex exec-file
19084 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
19085 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
19086 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
19087 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
19088 discard information on the executable file.
19089
19090 @kindex symbol-file
19091 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{[} -o @var{offset} @r{]]}
19092 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
19093 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
19094 table and program to run from the same file.
19095
19096 If an optional @var{offset} is specified, it is added to the start
19097 address of each section in the symbol file. This is useful if the
19098 program is relocated at runtime, such as the Linux kernel with kASLR
19099 enabled.
19100
19101 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
19102 program's symbol table.
19103
19104 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
19105 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
19106 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
19107 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
19108 @value{GDBN}.
19109
19110 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
19111 executing it once.
19112
19113 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
19114 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
19115 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
19116 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
19117 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
19118 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
19119 optimized code.
19120
19121 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
19122 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
19123 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
19124 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
19125 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
19126
19127 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
19128 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
19129 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
19130 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
19131 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
19132 Warnings and Messages}.)
19133
19134 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
19135 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
19136 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
19137 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
19138 in stabs format.
19139
19140 @kindex readnow
19141 @cindex reading symbols immediately
19142 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
19143 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
19144 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
19145 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
19146 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
19147 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
19148 entire symbol table available.
19149
19150 @cindex @code{-readnever}, option for symbol-file command
19151 @cindex never read symbols
19152 @cindex symbols, never read
19153 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnever @r{]} @var{filename}
19154 @itemx file @r{[} -readnever @r{]} @var{filename}
19155 You can instruct @value{GDBN} to never read the symbolic information
19156 contained in @var{filename} by using the @samp{-readnever} option.
19157 @xref{--readnever}.
19158
19159 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
19160 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
19161 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
19162 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
19163 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
19164 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
19165 @c files.
19166
19167 @kindex core-file
19168 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
19169 @itemx core
19170 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
19171 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
19172 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
19173 executable file itself for other parts.
19174
19175 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
19176 to be used.
19177
19178 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
19179 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
19180 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
19181 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
19182 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
19183
19184 @kindex add-symbol-file
19185 @cindex dynamic linking
19186 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{|} -readnever @r{]} @r{[} -o @var{offset} @r{]} @r{[} @var{textaddress} @r{]} @r{[} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{} @r{]}
19187 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
19188 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
19189 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
19190 into the program that is running. The @var{textaddress} parameter gives
19191 the memory address at which the file's text section has been loaded.
19192 You can additionally specify the base address of other sections using
19193 an arbitrary number of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs.
19194 If a section is omitted, @value{GDBN} will use its default addresses
19195 as found in @var{filename}. Any @var{address} or @var{textaddress}
19196 can be given as an expression.
19197
19198 If an optional @var{offset} is specified, it is added to the start
19199 address of each section, except those for which the address was
19200 specified explicitly.
19201
19202 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
19203 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
19204 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
19205 thus read is kept in addition to the old.
19206
19207 Changes can be reverted using the command @code{remove-symbol-file}.
19208
19209 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
19210 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
19211 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
19212 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
19213 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
19214 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
19215 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
19216 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
19217 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
19218
19219 @itemize @bullet
19220 @item
19221 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
19222 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
19223 @item
19224 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
19225 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
19226 @item
19227 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
19228 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
19229 @end itemize
19230
19231 @noindent
19232 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
19233 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
19234 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
19235 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
19236 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
19237 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
19238 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
19239 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
19240 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
19241 way.
19242
19243 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
19244
19245 @kindex remove-symbol-file
19246 @item remove-symbol-file @var{filename}
19247 @item remove-symbol-file -a @var{address}
19248 Remove a symbol file added via the @code{add-symbol-file} command. The
19249 file to remove can be identified by its @var{filename} or by an @var{address}
19250 that lies within the boundaries of this symbol file in memory. Example:
19251
19252 @smallexample
19253 (gdb) add-symbol-file /home/user/gdb/mylib.so 0x7ffff7ff9480
19254 add symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so" at
19255 .text_addr = 0x7ffff7ff9480
19256 (y or n) y
19257 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/mylib.so...done.
19258 (gdb) remove-symbol-file -a 0x7ffff7ff9480
19259 Remove symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so"? (y or n) y
19260 (gdb)
19261 @end smallexample
19262
19263
19264 @code{remove-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
19265
19266 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
19267 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
19268 @cindex load symbols from memory
19269 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
19270 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
19271 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
19272 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
19273 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
19274 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
19275 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
19276 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
19277 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
19278
19279 @kindex section
19280 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
19281 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
19282 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
19283 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
19284 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
19285 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
19286 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
19287 their addresses.
19288
19289 @kindex info files
19290 @kindex info target
19291 @item info files
19292 @itemx info target
19293 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
19294 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
19295 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
19296 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
19297 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
19298 current ones.
19299
19300 @kindex maint info sections
19301 @item maint info sections
19302 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
19303 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
19304 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
19305 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
19306 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
19307 may be arbitrarily combined):
19308
19309 @table @code
19310 @item ALLOBJ
19311 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
19312 @item @var{sections}
19313 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
19314 @item @var{section-flags}
19315 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
19316 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
19317 @table @code
19318 @item ALLOC
19319 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
19320 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
19321 @item LOAD
19322 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
19323 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
19324 @item RELOC
19325 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
19326 @item READONLY
19327 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
19328 @item CODE
19329 Section contains executable code only.
19330 @item DATA
19331 Section contains data only (no executable code).
19332 @item ROM
19333 Section will reside in ROM.
19334 @item CONSTRUCTOR
19335 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
19336 @item HAS_CONTENTS
19337 Section is not empty.
19338 @item NEVER_LOAD
19339 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
19340 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
19341 A notification to the linker that the section contains
19342 COFF shared library information.
19343 @item IS_COMMON
19344 Section contains common symbols.
19345 @end table
19346 @end table
19347 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
19348 @cindex read-only sections
19349 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
19350 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
19351 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
19352 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
19353 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
19354 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
19355 enhancement to debugging performance.
19356
19357 The default is off.
19358
19359 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
19360 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
19361 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
19362 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
19363
19364 @item show trust-readonly-sections
19365 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
19366 @end table
19367
19368 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
19369 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
19370 name and remembers it that way.
19371
19372 @cindex shared libraries
19373 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
19374 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, SunOS,
19375 Darwin/Mach-O, SVr4, IBM RS/6000 AIX, QNX Neutrino, FDPIC (FR-V), and
19376 DSBT (TIC6X) shared libraries.
19377
19378 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
19379 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
19380
19381 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
19382 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
19383 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
19384 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
19385 debugging a core file).
19386
19387 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
19388 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
19389 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
19390
19391 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
19392 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
19393 particularly large or there are many of them.
19394
19395 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
19396 commands:
19397
19398 @table @code
19399 @kindex set auto-solib-add
19400 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
19401 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
19402 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
19403 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
19404 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
19405 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
19406 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
19407
19408 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
19409 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
19410 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
19411 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
19412 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
19413 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
19414 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
19415 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
19416 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
19417
19418 @kindex show auto-solib-add
19419 @item show auto-solib-add
19420 Display the current autoloading mode.
19421 @end table
19422
19423 @cindex load shared library
19424 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
19425 command:
19426
19427 @table @code
19428 @kindex info sharedlibrary
19429 @kindex info share
19430 @item info share @var{regex}
19431 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
19432 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
19433 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
19434 all shared libraries that are loaded.
19435
19436 @kindex info dll
19437 @item info dll @var{regex}
19438 This is an alias of @code{info sharedlibrary}.
19439
19440 @kindex sharedlibrary
19441 @kindex share
19442 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
19443 @itemx share @var{regex}
19444 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
19445 Unix regular expression.
19446 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
19447 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
19448 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
19449 loaded.
19450
19451 @item nosharedlibrary
19452 @kindex nosharedlibrary
19453 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
19454 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
19455 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
19456 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
19457 discarded.
19458 @end table
19459
19460 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
19461 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
19462 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
19463 Catchpoints}).
19464
19465 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
19466 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
19467 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
19468 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
19469
19470 @table @code
19471 @item set stop-on-solib-events
19472 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
19473 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
19474 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
19475 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
19476 shared library.
19477
19478 @item show stop-on-solib-events
19479 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
19480 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
19481 library events happen.
19482 @end table
19483
19484 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
19485 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
19486 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
19487 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
19488 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
19489 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
19490 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
19491 not.
19492
19493 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
19494 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
19495 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
19496 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
19497 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
19498
19499 @table @code
19500 @cindex prefix for executable and shared library file names
19501 @cindex system root, alternate
19502 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
19503 @kindex set sysroot
19504 @item set sysroot @var{path}
19505 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
19506 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
19507 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
19508 target program's memory. When starting processes remotely, and when
19509 attaching to already-running processes (local or remote), their
19510 executable filenames will be prefixed with @var{path} if reported to
19511 @value{GDBN} as absolute by the operating system. If you use
19512 @code{set sysroot} to find executables and shared libraries, they need
19513 to be laid out in the same way that they are on the target, with
19514 e.g.@: a @file{/bin}, @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy under
19515 @var{path}.
19516
19517 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{target:} and the target
19518 system is remote then @value{GDBN} will retrieve the target binaries
19519 from the remote system. This is only supported when using a remote
19520 target that supports the @code{remote get} command (@pxref{File
19521 Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}). The part of @var{path}
19522 following the initial @file{target:} (if present) is used as system
19523 root prefix on the remote file system. If @var{path} starts with the
19524 sequence @file{remote:} this is converted to the sequence
19525 @file{target:} by @code{set sysroot}@footnote{Historically the
19526 functionality to retrieve binaries from the remote system was
19527 provided by prefixing @var{path} with @file{remote:}}. If you want
19528 to specify a local system root using a directory that happens to be
19529 named @file{target:} or @file{remote:}, you need to use some
19530 equivalent variant of the name like @file{./target:}.
19531
19532 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
19533 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
19534 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
19535 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
19536 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
19537
19538 @smallexample
19539 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
19540 @end smallexample
19541
19542 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
19543 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
19544 system:
19545
19546 @smallexample
19547 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
19548 @end smallexample
19549
19550 If that does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries removing
19551 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
19552 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
19553 colons:
19554
19555 @smallexample
19556 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
19557 @end smallexample
19558
19559 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
19560 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
19561 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
19562 @samp{z}):
19563
19564 @smallexample
19565 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
19566 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
19567 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
19568 @end smallexample
19569
19570 @noindent
19571 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
19572 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
19573 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
19574
19575 If that still does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries
19576 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
19577
19578 @smallexample
19579 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
19580 @end smallexample
19581
19582 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
19583 if you don't want or need to.
19584
19585 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
19586 sysroot}.
19587
19588 @cindex default system root
19589 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
19590 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
19591 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
19592 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
19593 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
19594 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
19595 location.
19596
19597 @kindex show sysroot
19598 @item show sysroot
19599 Display the current executable and shared library prefix.
19600
19601 @kindex set solib-search-path
19602 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
19603 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
19604 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
19605 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
19606 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
19607 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
19608 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
19609 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
19610 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
19611 of shared library symbols.
19612
19613 @kindex show solib-search-path
19614 @item show solib-search-path
19615 Display the current shared library search path.
19616
19617 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
19618 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
19619 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
19620 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
19621 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
19622
19623 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
19624 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
19625 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
19626 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
19627 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
19628 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
19629 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
19630 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
19631 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
19632 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
19633 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
19634 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
19635 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
19636 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
19637 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
19638 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
19639 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
19640 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
19641 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
19642 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
19643 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
19644 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
19645
19646 @table @code
19647 @item unix
19648 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
19649 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
19650 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
19651 the forward slash.
19652
19653 @item dos-based
19654 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
19655 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
19656 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
19657 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
19658 considered directory separators.
19659
19660 @item auto
19661 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
19662 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
19663 This is the default.
19664 @end table
19665 @end table
19666
19667 @cindex file name canonicalization
19668 @cindex base name differences
19669 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
19670 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
19671 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
19672 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
19673 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
19674 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
19675 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
19676 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
19677 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
19678 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
19679 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
19680 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
19681 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
19682 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
19683 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
19684
19685 @table @code
19686 @item set basenames-may-differ
19687 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
19688 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
19689
19690 @item show basenames-may-differ
19691 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
19692 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
19693 @end table
19694
19695 @node File Caching
19696 @section File Caching
19697 @cindex caching of opened files
19698 @cindex caching of bfd objects
19699
19700 To speed up file loading, and reduce memory usage, @value{GDBN} will
19701 reuse the @code{bfd} objects used to track open files. @xref{Top, ,
19702 BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}. The following commands
19703 allow visibility and control of the caching behavior.
19704
19705 @table @code
19706 @kindex maint info bfds
19707 @item maint info bfds
19708 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
19709 @value{GDBN}.
19710
19711 @kindex maint set bfd-sharing
19712 @kindex maint show bfd-sharing
19713 @kindex bfd caching
19714 @item maint set bfd-sharing
19715 @item maint show bfd-sharing
19716 Control whether @code{bfd} objects can be shared. When sharing is
19717 enabled @value{GDBN} reuses already open @code{bfd} objects rather
19718 than reopening the same file. Turning sharing off does not cause
19719 already shared @code{bfd} objects to be unshared, but all future files
19720 that are opened will create a new @code{bfd} object. Similarly,
19721 re-enabling sharing does not cause multiple existing @code{bfd}
19722 objects to be collapsed into a single shared @code{bfd} object.
19723
19724 @kindex set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
19725 @kindex bfd caching
19726 @item set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
19727 Turns on debugging of the bfd cache, setting the level to @var{level}.
19728
19729 @kindex show debug bfd-cache
19730 @kindex bfd caching
19731 @item show debug bfd-cache
19732 Show the current debugging level of the bfd cache.
19733 @end table
19734
19735 @node Separate Debug Files
19736 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
19737 @cindex separate debugging information files
19738 @cindex debugging information in separate files
19739 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
19740 @cindex debugging information directory, global
19741 @cindex global debugging information directories
19742 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
19743 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
19744
19745 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
19746 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
19747 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
19748 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
19749 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
19750 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
19751 install only when they need to debug a problem.
19752
19753 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
19754 file:
19755
19756 @itemize @bullet
19757 @item
19758 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
19759 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
19760 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
19761 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
19762 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
19763 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
19764 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
19765 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
19766
19767 @item
19768 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
19769 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
19770 only on some operating systems, when using the ELF or PE file formats
19771 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
19772 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
19773 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld,
19774 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
19775 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
19776 below.
19777 @end itemize
19778
19779 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
19780 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
19781
19782 @itemize @bullet
19783 @item
19784 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
19785 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
19786 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
19787 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
19788 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
19789
19790 @item
19791 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
19792 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
19793 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
19794 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
19795 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
19796 hex characters, not 10.)
19797 @end itemize
19798
19799 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
19800 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
19801 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
19802 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
19803 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
19804 debug information files, in the indicated order:
19805
19806 @itemize @minus
19807 @item
19808 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
19809 @item
19810 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
19811 @item
19812 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
19813 @item
19814 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
19815 @end itemize
19816
19817 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
19818 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
19819 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
19820 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
19821 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
19822
19823 @table @code
19824
19825 @kindex set debug-file-directory
19826 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
19827 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
19828 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
19829 concatenating them by a path separator.
19830
19831 @kindex show debug-file-directory
19832 @item show debug-file-directory
19833 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
19834 information files.
19835
19836 @end table
19837
19838 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
19839 @cindex debug link sections
19840 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
19841 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
19842
19843 @itemize
19844 @item
19845 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
19846 a zero byte,
19847 @item
19848 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
19849 boundary within the section, and
19850 @item
19851 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
19852 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
19853 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
19854 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
19855 @end itemize
19856
19857 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
19858 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
19859 described above.
19860
19861 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
19862 @cindex build ID sections
19863 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
19864 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
19865 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
19866 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
19867 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
19868 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
19869 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
19870 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
19871 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
19872
19873 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
19874 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
19875 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
19876 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
19877 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
19878 in an ordinary executable.
19879
19880 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
19881 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
19882 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
19883 following commands:
19884
19885 @smallexample
19886 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
19887 @kbd{strip -g foo}
19888 @end smallexample
19889
19890 @noindent
19891 These commands remove the debugging
19892 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
19893 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
19894 two files:
19895
19896 @itemize @bullet
19897 @item
19898 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
19899 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
19900
19901 @smallexample
19902 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
19903 @end smallexample
19904
19905 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
19906 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
19907 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
19908 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
19909
19910 @item
19911 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
19912 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
19913 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
19914 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
19915 @end itemize
19916
19917 @noindent
19918
19919 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
19920 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
19921 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
19922
19923 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
19924 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
19925 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
19926 @c different ways!
19927 @ifhtml
19928 @display
19929 @html
19930 <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>
19931 + <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
19932 @end html
19933 @end display
19934 @end ifhtml
19935 @ifnothtml
19936 @display
19937 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
19938 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
19939 @end display
19940 @end ifnothtml
19941
19942 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
19943 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
19944 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
19945 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
19946 CRC.
19947
19948 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
19949 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
19950 However in the case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed
19951 @emph{most} significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so
19952 trailing zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
19953
19954 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
19955 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
19956 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
19957 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
19958 @code{0xffffffff}.
19959
19960 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
19961 @smallexample
19962 unsigned long
19963 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
19964 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
19965 @{
19966 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
19967 @{
19968 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
19969 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
19970 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
19971 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
19972 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
19973 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
19974 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
19975 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
19976 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
19977 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
19978 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
19979 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
19980 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
19981 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
19982 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
19983 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
19984 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
19985 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
19986 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
19987 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
19988 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
19989 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
19990 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
19991 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
19992 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
19993 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
19994 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
19995 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
19996 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
19997 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
19998 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
19999 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
20000 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
20001 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
20002 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
20003 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
20004 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
20005 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
20006 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
20007 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
20008 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
20009 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
20010 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
20011 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
20012 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
20013 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
20014 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
20015 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
20016 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
20017 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
20018 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
20019 0x2d02ef8d
20020 @};
20021 unsigned char *end;
20022
20023 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
20024 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
20025 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
20026 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
20027 @}
20028 @end smallexample
20029
20030 @noindent
20031 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
20032
20033 @node MiniDebugInfo
20034 @section Debugging information in a special section
20035 @cindex separate debug sections
20036 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
20037
20038 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
20039 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
20040 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
20041 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
20042
20043 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
20044 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
20045 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
20046 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
20047 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
20048 debugging information might be included in the section.
20049
20050 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
20051 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
20052 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
20053
20054 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
20055 standard utilities:
20056
20057 @smallexample
20058 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
20059 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
20060 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
20061 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
20062
20063 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
20064 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
20065 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
20066 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
20067 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
20068 | sort > funcsyms
20069
20070 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
20071 # table.
20072 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
20073
20074 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
20075 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
20076
20077 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
20078 # removing some unnecessary sections.
20079 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
20080 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
20081
20082 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
20083 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
20084
20085 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
20086 # original binary.
20087 xz mini_debuginfo
20088 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
20089 @end smallexample
20090
20091 @node Index Files
20092 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
20093 @cindex index files
20094 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
20095
20096 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
20097 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
20098 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
20099 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
20100 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
20101 startup.
20102
20103 For convenience, @value{GDBN} comes with a program,
20104 @command{gdb-add-index}, which can be used to add the index to a
20105 symbol file. It takes the symbol file as its only argument:
20106
20107 @smallexample
20108 $ gdb-add-index symfile
20109 @end smallexample
20110
20111 @xref{gdb-add-index}.
20112
20113 It is also possible to do the work manually. Here is what
20114 @command{gdb-add-index} does behind the curtains.
20115
20116 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
20117 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
20118 using @command{objcopy}.
20119
20120 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
20121
20122 @table @code
20123 @item save gdb-index [-dwarf-5] @var{directory}
20124 @kindex save gdb-index
20125 Create index files for all symbol files currently known by
20126 @value{GDBN}. For each known @var{symbol-file}, this command by
20127 default creates it produces a single file
20128 @file{@var{symbol-file}.gdb-index}. If you invoke this command with
20129 the @option{-dwarf-5} option, it produces 2 files:
20130 @file{@var{symbol-file}.debug_names} and
20131 @file{@var{symbol-file}.debug_str}. The files are created in the
20132 given @var{directory}.
20133 @end table
20134
20135 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
20136 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
20137
20138 @smallexample
20139 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
20140 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
20141 @end smallexample
20142
20143 Or for @code{-dwarf-5}:
20144
20145 @smallexample
20146 $ objcopy --dump-section .debug_str=symfile.debug_str.new symfile
20147 $ cat symfile.debug_str >>symfile.debug_str.new
20148 $ objcopy --add-section .debug_names=symfile.gdb-index \
20149 --set-section-flags .debug_names=readonly \
20150 --update-section .debug_str=symfile.debug_str.new symfile symfile
20151 @end smallexample
20152
20153 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
20154 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
20155 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
20156 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
20157 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
20158 The default is @code{off}.
20159 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
20160 @xref{Index Section Format}.
20161
20162 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
20163 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
20164
20165 @smallexample
20166 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
20167 @end smallexample
20168
20169 Instead you must do, for example,
20170
20171 @smallexample
20172 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
20173 @end smallexample
20174
20175 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
20176 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
20177 currently work for programs using Ada.
20178
20179 @subsection Automatic symbol index cache
20180
20181 It is possible for @value{GDBN} to automatically save a copy of this index in a
20182 cache on disk and retrieve it from there when loading the same binary in the
20183 future. This feature can be turned on with @kbd{set index-cache on}. The
20184 following commands can be used to tweak the behavior of the index cache.
20185
20186 @table @code
20187
20188 @item set index-cache on
20189 @itemx set index-cache off
20190 Enable or disable the use of the symbol index cache.
20191
20192 @item set index-cache directory @var{directory}
20193 @itemx show index-cache directory
20194 Set/show the directory where index files will be saved.
20195
20196 The default value for this directory depends on the host platform. On
20197 most systems, the index is cached in the @file{gdb} subdirectory of
20198 the directory pointed to by the @env{XDG_CACHE_HOME} environment
20199 variable, if it is defined, else in the @file{.cache/gdb} subdirectory
20200 of your home directory. However, on some systems, the default may
20201 differ according to local convention.
20202
20203 There is no limit on the disk space used by index cache. It is perfectly safe
20204 to delete the content of that directory to free up disk space.
20205
20206 @item show index-cache stats
20207 Print the number of cache hits and misses since the launch of @value{GDBN}.
20208
20209 @end table
20210
20211 @node Symbol Errors
20212 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
20213
20214 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
20215 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
20216 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
20217 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
20218 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
20219 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
20220 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
20221 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
20222 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
20223 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
20224 Messages}).
20225
20226 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
20227
20228 @table @code
20229 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
20230
20231 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
20232 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
20233 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
20234 in its outer scope blocks.
20235
20236 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
20237 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
20238 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
20239 function.
20240
20241 @item block at @var{address} out of order
20242
20243 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
20244 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
20245 do so.
20246
20247 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
20248 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
20249 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
20250 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
20251 Messages}.)
20252
20253 @item bad block start address patched
20254
20255 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
20256 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
20257 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
20258
20259 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
20260 starting on the previous source line.
20261
20262 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
20263
20264 @cindex foo
20265 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
20266 larger than the size of the string table.
20267
20268 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
20269 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
20270 with this name.
20271
20272 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
20273
20274 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
20275 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
20276 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
20277
20278 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
20279 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
20280 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
20281 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
20282 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
20283 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
20284
20285 @item stub type has NULL name
20286
20287 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
20288
20289 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
20290 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
20291 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
20292 it.
20293
20294 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
20295
20296 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
20297
20298 @end table
20299
20300 @node Data Files
20301 @section GDB Data Files
20302
20303 @cindex prefix for data files
20304 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
20305 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
20306
20307 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
20308 is currently using.
20309
20310 @table @code
20311 @kindex set data-directory
20312 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
20313 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
20314 to @var{directory}.
20315
20316 @kindex show data-directory
20317 @item show data-directory
20318 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
20319 @end table
20320
20321 @cindex default data directory
20322 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
20323 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
20324 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
20325 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
20326 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
20327 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
20328 location.
20329
20330 The data directory may also be specified with the
20331 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
20332 @xref{Mode Options}.
20333
20334 @node Targets
20335 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
20336
20337 @cindex debugging target
20338 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
20339
20340 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
20341 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
20342 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
20343 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
20344 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
20345 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
20346 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
20347 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
20348
20349 @cindex target architecture
20350 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
20351 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
20352 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
20353 command.
20354
20355 @table @code
20356 @kindex set architecture
20357 @kindex show architecture
20358 @item set architecture @var{arch}
20359 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
20360 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
20361 supported architectures.
20362
20363 @item show architecture
20364 Show the current target architecture.
20365
20366 @item set processor
20367 @itemx processor
20368 @kindex set processor
20369 @kindex show processor
20370 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
20371 and @code{show architecture}.
20372 @end table
20373
20374 @menu
20375 * Active Targets:: Active targets
20376 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
20377 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
20378 @end menu
20379
20380 @node Active Targets
20381 @section Active Targets
20382
20383 @cindex stacking targets
20384 @cindex active targets
20385 @cindex multiple targets
20386
20387 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
20388 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
20389 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
20390 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
20391 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
20392 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
20393 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
20394 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
20395 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
20396
20397 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
20398 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
20399 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
20400 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
20401
20402 @node Target Commands
20403 @section Commands for Managing Targets
20404
20405 @table @code
20406 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
20407 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
20408 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
20409 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
20410 protocol of the target machine.
20411
20412 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
20413 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
20414 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
20415
20416 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
20417 after executing the command.
20418
20419 @kindex help target
20420 @item help target
20421 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
20422 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
20423 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
20424
20425 @item help target @var{name}
20426 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
20427 select it.
20428
20429 @kindex set gnutarget
20430 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
20431 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
20432 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
20433 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
20434 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
20435 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
20436
20437 @quotation
20438 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
20439 you must know the actual BFD name.
20440 @end quotation
20441
20442 @noindent
20443 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
20444
20445 @kindex show gnutarget
20446 @item show gnutarget
20447 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
20448 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
20449 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
20450 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
20451 @end table
20452
20453 @cindex common targets
20454 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
20455 configuration):
20456
20457 @table @code
20458 @kindex target
20459 @item target exec @var{program}
20460 @cindex executable file target
20461 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
20462 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
20463
20464 @item target core @var{filename}
20465 @cindex core dump file target
20466 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
20467 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
20468
20469 @item target remote @var{medium}
20470 @cindex remote target
20471 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
20472 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
20473 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
20474
20475 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
20476 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
20477
20478 @smallexample
20479 target remote /dev/ttya
20480 @end smallexample
20481
20482 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
20483 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
20484 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
20485 clobbered by the download.
20486
20487 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
20488 @cindex built-in simulator target
20489 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
20490 In general,
20491 @smallexample
20492 target sim
20493 load
20494 run
20495 @end smallexample
20496 @noindent
20497 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
20498 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
20499 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
20500 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
20501 Processors}.
20502
20503 @item target native
20504 @cindex native target
20505 Setup for local/native process debugging. Useful to make the
20506 @code{run} command spawn native processes (likewise @code{attach},
20507 etc.@:) even when @code{set auto-connect-native-target} is @code{off}
20508 (@pxref{set auto-connect-native-target}).
20509
20510 @end table
20511
20512 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
20513 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
20514
20515 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
20516 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
20517 various aspects of this process.
20518
20519 @table @code
20520
20521 @item set hash
20522 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
20523 @cindex hash mark while downloading
20524 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
20525 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
20526 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
20527 monitor.
20528
20529 @item show hash
20530 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
20531 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
20532
20533 @item set debug monitor
20534 @kindex set debug monitor
20535 @cindex display remote monitor communications
20536 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
20537 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
20538
20539 @item show debug monitor
20540 @kindex show debug monitor
20541 Show the current status of displaying communications between
20542 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
20543 @end table
20544
20545 @table @code
20546
20547 @kindex load @var{filename} @var{offset}
20548 @item load @var{filename} @var{offset}
20549 @anchor{load}
20550 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
20551 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
20552 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
20553 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
20554 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
20555 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
20556
20557 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
20558 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
20559 target is @dots{}}''
20560
20561 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
20562 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
20563 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
20564 specifies a fixed address.
20565 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
20566
20567 It is also possible to tell @value{GDBN} to load the executable file at a
20568 specific offset described by the optional argument @var{offset}. When
20569 @var{offset} is provided, @var{filename} must also be provided.
20570
20571 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
20572 load programs into flash memory.
20573
20574 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
20575 @end table
20576
20577 @table @code
20578
20579 @kindex flash-erase
20580 @item flash-erase
20581 @anchor{flash-erase}
20582
20583 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
20584
20585 @end table
20586
20587 @node Byte Order
20588 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
20589
20590 @cindex choosing target byte order
20591 @cindex target byte order
20592
20593 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
20594 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
20595 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
20596 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
20597 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
20598 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
20599
20600 @table @code
20601 @kindex set endian
20602 @item set endian big
20603 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
20604
20605 @item set endian little
20606 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
20607
20608 @item set endian auto
20609 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
20610 executable.
20611
20612 @item show endian
20613 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
20614
20615 @end table
20616
20617 If the @code{set endian auto} mode is in effect and no executable has
20618 been selected, then the endianness used is the last one chosen either
20619 by one of the @code{set endian big} and @code{set endian little}
20620 commands or by inferring from the last executable used. If no
20621 endianness has been previously chosen, then the default for this mode
20622 is inferred from the target @value{GDBN} has been built for, and is
20623 @code{little} if the name of the target CPU has an @code{el} suffix
20624 and @code{big} otherwise.
20625
20626 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
20627 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
20628 target system.
20629
20630
20631 @node Remote Debugging
20632 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
20633 @cindex remote debugging
20634
20635 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
20636 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
20637 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
20638 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
20639 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
20640
20641 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
20642 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
20643 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
20644 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
20645 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
20646 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
20647
20648 Other remote targets may be available in your
20649 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
20650
20651 @menu
20652 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
20653 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
20654 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
20655 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
20656 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
20657 @end menu
20658
20659 @node Connecting
20660 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
20661 @cindex remote debugging, connecting
20662 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, connecting
20663 @cindex remote debugging, types of connections
20664 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, types of connections
20665 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target remote} mode
20666 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target extended-remote} mode
20667
20668 This section describes how to connect to a remote target, including the
20669 types of connections and their differences, how to set up executable and
20670 symbol files on the host and target, and the commands used for
20671 connecting to and disconnecting from the remote target.
20672
20673 @subsection Types of Remote Connections
20674
20675 @value{GDBN} supports two types of remote connections, @code{target remote}
20676 mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode. Note that many remote targets
20677 support only @code{target remote} mode. There are several major
20678 differences between the two types of connections, enumerated here:
20679
20680 @table @asis
20681
20682 @cindex remote debugging, detach and program exit
20683 @item Result of detach or program exit
20684 @strong{With target remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or you
20685 detach from it, @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target. When using
20686 @code{gdbserver}, @code{gdbserver} will exit.
20687
20688 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or
20689 you detach from it, @value{GDBN} remains connected to the target, even
20690 though no program is running. You can rerun the program, attach to a
20691 running program, or use @code{monitor} commands specific to the target.
20692
20693 When using @code{gdbserver} in this case, it does not exit unless it was
20694 invoked using the @option{--once} option. If the @option{--once} option
20695 was not used, you can ask @code{gdbserver} to exit using the
20696 @code{monitor exit} command (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
20697
20698 @item Specifying the program to debug
20699 For both connection types you use the @code{file} command to specify the
20700 program on the host system. If you are using @code{gdbserver} there are
20701 some differences in how to specify the location of the program on the
20702 target.
20703
20704 @strong{With target remote mode:} You must either specify the program to debug
20705 on the @code{gdbserver} command line or use the @option{--attach} option
20706 (@pxref{Attaching to a program,,Attaching to a Running Program}).
20707
20708 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
20709 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} You may specify the program to debug
20710 on the @code{gdbserver} command line, or you can load the program or attach
20711 to it using @value{GDBN} commands after connecting to @code{gdbserver}.
20712
20713 @anchor{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}
20714 You can start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
20715 or process ID to attach. To do this, use the @option{--multi} command line
20716 option. Then you can connect using @code{target extended-remote} and start
20717 the program you want to debug (see below for details on using the
20718 @code{run} command in this scenario). Note that the conditions under which
20719 @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN} connects to it
20720 (@code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}). The
20721 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
20722
20723 @item The @code{run} command
20724 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @code{run} command is not
20725 supported. Once a connection has been established, you can use all
20726 the usual @value{GDBN} commands to examine and change data. The
20727 remote program is already running, so you can use commands like
20728 @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}.
20729
20730 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} The @code{run} command is
20731 supported. The @code{run} command uses the value set by
20732 @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set remote exec-file}) to select
20733 the program to run. Command line arguments are supported, except for
20734 wildcard expansion and I/O redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
20735
20736 If you specify the program to debug on the command line, then the
20737 @code{run} command is not required to start execution, and you can
20738 resume using commands like @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue} as with
20739 @code{target remote} mode.
20740
20741 @anchor{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}
20742 @item Attaching
20743 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @value{GDBN} command @code{attach} is
20744 not supported. To attach to a running program using @code{gdbserver}, you
20745 must use the @option{--attach} option (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
20746
20747 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} To attach to a running program,
20748 you may use the @code{attach} command after the connection has been
20749 established. If you are using @code{gdbserver}, you may also invoke
20750 @code{gdbserver} using the @option{--attach} option
20751 (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
20752
20753 @end table
20754
20755 @anchor{Host and target files}
20756 @subsection Host and Target Files
20757 @cindex remote debugging, symbol files
20758 @cindex symbol files, remote debugging
20759
20760 @value{GDBN}, running on the host, needs access to symbol and debugging
20761 information for your program running on the target. This requires
20762 access to an unstripped copy of your program, and possibly any associated
20763 symbol files. Note that this section applies equally to both @code{target
20764 remote} mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode.
20765
20766 Some remote targets (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}, and
20767 @pxref{Host I/O Packets}) allow @value{GDBN} to access program files over
20768 the same connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. With such a
20769 target, if the remote program is unstripped, the only command you need is
20770 @code{target remote} (or @code{target extended-remote}).
20771
20772 If the remote program is stripped, or the target does not support remote
20773 program file access, start up @value{GDBN} using the name of the local
20774 unstripped copy of your program as the first argument, or use the
20775 @code{file} command. Use @code{set sysroot} to specify the location (on
20776 the host) of target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN} was compiled with
20777 the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}). Alternatively, you
20778 may use @code{set solib-search-path} to specify how @value{GDBN} locates
20779 target libraries.
20780
20781 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
20782 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
20783 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
20784 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
20785 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
20786 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
20787 programs.
20788
20789 @subsection Remote Connection Commands
20790 @cindex remote connection commands
20791 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, a
20792 local Unix domain socket, or
20793 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
20794 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
20795 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
20796 @code{target remote} and @code{target extended-remote} commands
20797 establish a connection to the target. Both commands accept the same
20798 arguments, which indicate the medium to use:
20799
20800 @table @code
20801
20802 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
20803 @itemx target extended-remote @var{serial-device}
20804 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
20805 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
20806 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
20807
20808 @smallexample
20809 target remote /dev/ttyb
20810 @end smallexample
20811
20812 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
20813 @samp{--baud} option, or use the @code{set serial baud} command
20814 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set serial baud}) before the
20815 @code{target} command.
20816
20817 @item target remote @var{local-socket}
20818 @itemx target extended-remote @var{local-socket}
20819 @cindex local socket, @code{target remote}
20820 @cindex Unix domain socket
20821 Use @var{local-socket} to communicate with the target. For example,
20822 to use a local Unix domain socket bound to the file system entry @file{/tmp/gdb-socket0}:
20823
20824 @smallexample
20825 target remote /tmp/gdb-socket0
20826 @end smallexample
20827
20828 Note that this command has the same form as the command to connect
20829 to a serial line. @value{GDBN} will automatically determine which
20830 kind of file you have specified and will make the appropriate kind
20831 of connection.
20832 This feature is not available if the host system does not support
20833 Unix domain sockets.
20834
20835 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
20836 @itemx target remote @code{@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20837 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20838 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20839 @itemx target remote @code{tcp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20840 @itemx target remote @code{tcp6:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20841 @itemx target remote @code{tcp6:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20842 @itemx target extended-remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
20843 @itemx target extended-remote @code{@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20844 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20845 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20846 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20847 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp6:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20848 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp6:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20849 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
20850 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
20851 The @var{host} may be either a host name, a numeric @acronym{IPv4}
20852 address, or a numeric @acronym{IPv6} address (with or without the
20853 square brackets to separate the address from the port); @var{port}
20854 must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be the target machine
20855 itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or it might be a
20856 terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the target.
20857
20858 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
20859 @code{manyfarms}:
20860
20861 @smallexample
20862 target remote manyfarms:2828
20863 @end smallexample
20864
20865 To connect to port 2828 on a terminal server whose address is
20866 @code{2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334}, you can either use the
20867 square bracket syntax:
20868
20869 @smallexample
20870 target remote [2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334]:2828
20871 @end smallexample
20872
20873 @noindent
20874 or explicitly specify the @acronym{IPv6} protocol:
20875
20876 @smallexample
20877 target remote tcp6:2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334:2828
20878 @end smallexample
20879
20880 This last example may be confusing to the reader, because there is no
20881 visible separation between the hostname and the port number.
20882 Therefore, we recommend the user to provide @acronym{IPv6} addresses
20883 using square brackets for clarity. However, it is important to
20884 mention that for @value{GDBN} there is no ambiguity: the number after
20885 the last colon is considered to be the port number.
20886
20887 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
20888 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
20889 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
20890 port 1234 on your local machine:
20891
20892 @smallexample
20893 target remote :1234
20894 @end smallexample
20895 @noindent
20896
20897 Note that the colon is still required here.
20898
20899 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20900 @itemx target remote @code{udp:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20901 @itemx target remote @code{udp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20902 @itemx target remote @code{udp6:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20903 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20904 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20905 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20906 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20907 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp6:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20908 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp6:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20909 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
20910 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
20911 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
20912
20913 @smallexample
20914 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
20915 @end smallexample
20916
20917 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
20918 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
20919 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
20920 cause havoc with your debugging session.
20921
20922 @item target remote | @var{command}
20923 @itemx target extended-remote | @var{command}
20924 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
20925 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
20926 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
20927 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
20928 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
20929 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
20930 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
20931 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
20932
20933 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
20934 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
20935 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
20936
20937 @end table
20938
20939 @cindex interrupting remote programs
20940 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
20941 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
20942 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
20943 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
20944 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
20945 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
20946
20947 @smallexample
20948 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
20949 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
20950 @end smallexample
20951
20952 In @code{target remote} mode, if you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons
20953 the remote debugging session. (If you decide you want to try again later,
20954 you can use @kbd{target remote} again to connect once more.) If you type
20955 @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN} goes back to waiting.
20956
20957 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, typing @kbd{n} will leave
20958 @value{GDBN} connected to the target.
20959
20960 @table @code
20961 @kindex detach (remote)
20962 @item detach
20963 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
20964 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
20965 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
20966 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
20967 command in @code{target remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to
20968 another target. In @code{target extended-remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is
20969 still connected to the target.
20970
20971 @kindex disconnect
20972 @item disconnect
20973 The @code{disconnect} command closes the connection to the target, and
20974 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
20975 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
20976 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
20977 another target.
20978
20979 @cindex send command to remote monitor
20980 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
20981 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
20982 @kindex monitor
20983 @item monitor @var{cmd}
20984 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
20985 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
20986 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
20987 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
20988 and implement.
20989 @end table
20990
20991 @node File Transfer
20992 @section Sending files to a remote system
20993 @cindex remote target, file transfer
20994 @cindex file transfer
20995 @cindex sending files to remote systems
20996
20997 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
20998 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
20999 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
21000 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
21001 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
21002 the only way to upload or download files.
21003
21004 Not all remote targets support these commands.
21005
21006 @table @code
21007 @kindex remote put
21008 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
21009 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
21010 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
21011
21012 @kindex remote get
21013 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
21014 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
21015 on the host system.
21016
21017 @kindex remote delete
21018 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
21019 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
21020
21021 @end table
21022
21023 @node Server
21024 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
21025
21026 @kindex gdbserver
21027 @cindex remote connection without stubs
21028 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
21029 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
21030 @code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}---but without
21031 linking in the usual debugging stub.
21032
21033 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
21034 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
21035 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
21036 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
21037 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
21038 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
21039 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
21040 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
21041 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
21042 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
21043 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
21044 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
21045 choice for debugging.
21046
21047 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
21048 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
21049 protocol.
21050
21051 @quotation
21052 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
21053 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
21054 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
21055 target system with the same privileges as the user running
21056 @code{gdbserver}.
21057 @end quotation
21058
21059 @anchor{Running gdbserver}
21060 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
21061 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
21062 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
21063
21064 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
21065 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
21066 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
21067 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
21068 system does all the symbol handling.
21069
21070 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
21071 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
21072 syntax is:
21073
21074 @smallexample
21075 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
21076 @end smallexample
21077
21078 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
21079 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
21080 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
21081 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
21082 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
21083 @file{/dev/com1}:
21084
21085 @smallexample
21086 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
21087 @end smallexample
21088
21089 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
21090 with it.
21091
21092 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
21093
21094 @smallexample
21095 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
21096 @end smallexample
21097
21098 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
21099 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
21100 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
21101 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
21102 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
21103 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
21104 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
21105 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
21106 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
21107 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
21108 @code{target remote} command.
21109
21110 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
21111 with ssh:
21112
21113 @smallexample
21114 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
21115 @end smallexample
21116
21117 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
21118 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
21119 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
21120 You could elide it if you want to.
21121
21122 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
21123 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
21124 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
21125 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
21126
21127 @anchor{Attaching to a program}
21128 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
21129 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
21130 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
21131
21132 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
21133 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
21134
21135 @smallexample
21136 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
21137 @end smallexample
21138
21139 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
21140 necessary to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
21141
21142 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, you can also attach using the
21143 @value{GDBN} attach command
21144 (@pxref{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}).
21145
21146 @pindex pidof
21147 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
21148 @code{pidof} utility:
21149
21150 @smallexample
21151 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
21152 @end smallexample
21153
21154 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
21155 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
21156 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
21157
21158 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
21159
21160 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP
21161 port.
21162
21163 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
21164 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
21165 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
21166 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
21167 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
21168 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
21169 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
21170 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
21171
21172 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
21173 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
21174 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
21175
21176 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
21177 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
21178 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
21179 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
21180 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
21181 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
21182 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
21183 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
21184 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
21185 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
21186 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
21187 instance closes its port after the first connection.
21188
21189 @anchor{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}
21190 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
21191
21192 You can use the @option{--multi} option to start @code{gdbserver} without
21193 specifying a program to debug or a process to attach to. Then you can
21194 attach in @code{target extended-remote} mode and run or attach to a
21195 program. For more information,
21196 @pxref{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}.
21197
21198 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
21199 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
21200 status information about the debugging process.
21201 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
21202 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
21203 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
21204 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
21205
21206 @cindex @option{--debug-format}, @code{gdbserver} option
21207 The @option{--debug-format=option1[,option2,...]} option tells
21208 @code{gdbserver} to include additional information in each output.
21209 Possible options are:
21210
21211 @table @code
21212 @item none
21213 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
21214 @item all
21215 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
21216 @item timestamps
21217 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
21218 @end table
21219
21220 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
21221 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
21222
21223 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
21224 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
21225 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
21226 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
21227 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
21228
21229 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
21230 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
21231 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
21232 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
21233
21234 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
21235 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
21236 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
21237 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
21238
21239 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
21240 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
21241 environment:
21242
21243 @smallexample
21244 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
21245 @end smallexample
21246
21247 @cindex @option{--selftest}
21248 The @option{--selftest} option runs the self tests in @code{gdbserver}:
21249
21250 @smallexample
21251 $ gdbserver --selftest
21252 Ran 2 unit tests, 0 failed
21253 @end smallexample
21254
21255 These tests are disabled in release.
21256 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
21257
21258 The basic procedure for connecting to the remote target is:
21259 @itemize
21260
21261 @item
21262 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
21263
21264 @item
21265 Make sure you have the necessary symbol files
21266 (@pxref{Host and target files}).
21267 Load symbols for your application using the @code{file} command before you
21268 connect. Use @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your
21269 @value{GDBN} was compiled with the correct sysroot using
21270 @code{--with-sysroot}).
21271
21272 @item
21273 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
21274 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
21275 the @code{target} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
21276 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
21277 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
21278 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{target remote} mode, since the
21279 program is already on the target.
21280
21281 @end itemize
21282
21283 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
21284 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
21285 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
21286
21287 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
21288 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
21289 Here are the available commands.
21290
21291 @table @code
21292 @item monitor help
21293 List the available monitor commands.
21294
21295 @item monitor set debug 0
21296 @itemx monitor set debug 1
21297 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
21298
21299 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
21300 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
21301 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
21302 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
21303
21304 @item monitor set debug-format option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
21305 Specify additional text to add to debugging messages.
21306 Possible options are:
21307
21308 @table @code
21309 @item none
21310 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
21311 @item all
21312 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
21313 @item timestamps
21314 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
21315 @end table
21316
21317 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
21318 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
21319
21320 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
21321 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
21322 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
21323 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
21324 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
21325 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
21326
21327 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
21328 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
21329
21330 @item monitor exit
21331 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
21332 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
21333 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
21334 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
21335 of a multi-process mode debug session.
21336
21337 @end table
21338
21339 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
21340 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
21341
21342 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
21343 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
21344
21345 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
21346 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
21347 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
21348 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
21349 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
21350 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
21351 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
21352 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
21353 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
21354 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
21355 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
21356 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
21357
21358 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
21359
21360 @table @code
21361 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
21362
21363 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
21364 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
21365 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
21366
21367 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
21368
21369 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
21370 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
21371 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
21372 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
21373 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
21374 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
21375
21376 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
21377
21378 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
21379 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
21380 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
21381 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
21382 command for that. For example:
21383
21384 @smallexample
21385 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
21386 @end smallexample
21387
21388 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
21389 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
21390 @end table
21391
21392 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
21393 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
21394 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
21395 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
21396 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
21397 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
21398 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
21399 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
21400 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
21401 @code{gdbserver} like so:
21402
21403 @smallexample
21404 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
21405 @end smallexample
21406
21407 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
21408
21409 @smallexample
21410 $ gdb myprogram
21411 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
21412 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
21413 (@value{GDBP}) b main
21414 (@value{GDBP}) continue
21415 @end smallexample
21416
21417 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
21418 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
21419 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
21420 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
21421 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
21422 tracing.
21423
21424 @node Remote Configuration
21425 @section Remote Configuration
21426
21427 @kindex set remote
21428 @kindex show remote
21429 This section documents the configuration options available when
21430 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
21431 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
21432 system-call-allowed}.
21433
21434 @table @code
21435 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
21436 @cindex address size for remote targets
21437 @cindex bits in remote address
21438 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
21439 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
21440 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
21441 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
21442
21443 @item show remoteaddresssize
21444 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
21445
21446 @item set serial baud @var{n}
21447 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
21448 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
21449 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
21450 remote targets.
21451
21452 @item show serial baud
21453 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
21454
21455 @item set serial parity @var{parity}
21456 Set the parity for the remote serial I/O. Supported values of @var{parity} are:
21457 @code{even}, @code{none}, and @code{odd}. The default is @code{none}.
21458
21459 @item show serial parity
21460 Show the current parity of the serial port.
21461
21462 @item set remotebreak
21463 @cindex interrupt remote programs
21464 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
21465 @anchor{set remotebreak}
21466 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
21467 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
21468 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
21469 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
21470 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
21471
21472 @item show remotebreak
21473 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
21474 interrupt the remote program.
21475
21476 @item set remoteflow on
21477 @itemx set remoteflow off
21478 @kindex set remoteflow
21479 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
21480 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
21481
21482 @item show remoteflow
21483 @kindex show remoteflow
21484 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
21485
21486 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
21487 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
21488 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
21489 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
21490 @code{ascii}.
21491
21492 @item show remotelogbase
21493 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
21494 protocol.
21495
21496 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
21497 @cindex record serial communications on file
21498 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
21499 default is not to record at all.
21500
21501 @item show remotelogfile.
21502 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
21503 serial communications.
21504
21505 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
21506 @cindex timeout for serial communications
21507 @cindex remote timeout
21508 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
21509 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
21510
21511 @item show remotetimeout
21512 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
21513 responses.
21514
21515 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
21516 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
21517 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
21518 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
21519 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
21520 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
21521 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware watchpoints
21522 or breakpoints. The @var{limit} can be set to 0 to disable hardware
21523 watchpoints or breakpoints, and @code{unlimited} for unlimited
21524 watchpoints or breakpoints.
21525
21526 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-limit
21527 @itemx show remote hardware-breakpoint-limit
21528 Show the current limit for the number of hardware watchpoints or
21529 breakpoints that @value{GDBN} can use.
21530
21531 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
21532 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
21533 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
21534 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
21535 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum
21536 length of a remote hardware watchpoint. A @var{limit} of 0 disables
21537 hardware watchpoints and @code{unlimited} allows watchpoints of any
21538 length.
21539
21540 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
21541 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
21542 a remote hardware watchpoint.
21543
21544 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
21545 @itemx show remote exec-file
21546 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
21547 @cindex executable file, for remote target
21548 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
21549 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
21550 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
21551 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
21552
21553 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
21554 @cindex interrupt remote programs
21555 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
21556 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
21557 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
21558 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
21559 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
21560 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
21561 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
21562 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
21563
21564 @item show interrupt-sequence
21565 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
21566 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
21567 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
21568 also known as Magic SysRq g.
21569
21570 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
21571 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
21572 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
21573 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
21574 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
21575 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
21576
21577 @item show interrupt-on-connect
21578 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
21579 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
21580
21581 @kindex set tcp
21582 @kindex show tcp
21583 @item set tcp auto-retry on
21584 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
21585 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
21586 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
21587 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
21588 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
21589 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
21590 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
21591 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
21592
21593 @item set tcp auto-retry off
21594 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
21595
21596 @item show tcp auto-retry
21597 Show the current auto-retry setting.
21598
21599 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
21600 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
21601 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
21602 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
21603 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
21604 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
21605 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
21606 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
21607 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
21608 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
21609 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
21610
21611 @item show tcp connect-timeout
21612 Show the current connection timeout setting.
21613 @end table
21614
21615 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
21616 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
21617 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
21618 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
21619 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
21620 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
21621 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
21622 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
21623 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
21624
21625 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
21626 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
21627 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
21628 @value{GDBN} developers.
21629
21630 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
21631 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
21632 are:
21633
21634 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
21635 @item Command Name
21636 @tab Remote Packet
21637 @tab Related Features
21638
21639 @item @code{fetch-register}
21640 @tab @code{p}
21641 @tab @code{info registers}
21642
21643 @item @code{set-register}
21644 @tab @code{P}
21645 @tab @code{set}
21646
21647 @item @code{binary-download}
21648 @tab @code{X}
21649 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
21650
21651 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
21652 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
21653 @tab @code{info auxv}
21654
21655 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
21656 @tab @code{qSymbol}
21657 @tab Detecting multiple threads
21658
21659 @item @code{attach}
21660 @tab @code{vAttach}
21661 @tab @code{attach}
21662
21663 @item @code{verbose-resume}
21664 @tab @code{vCont}
21665 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
21666
21667 @item @code{run}
21668 @tab @code{vRun}
21669 @tab @code{run}
21670
21671 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
21672 @tab @code{Z0}
21673 @tab @code{break}
21674
21675 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
21676 @tab @code{Z1}
21677 @tab @code{hbreak}
21678
21679 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
21680 @tab @code{Z2}
21681 @tab @code{watch}
21682
21683 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
21684 @tab @code{Z3}
21685 @tab @code{rwatch}
21686
21687 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
21688 @tab @code{Z4}
21689 @tab @code{awatch}
21690
21691 @item @code{pid-to-exec-file}
21692 @tab @code{qXfer:exec-file:read}
21693 @tab @code{attach}, @code{run}
21694
21695 @item @code{target-features}
21696 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
21697 @tab @code{set architecture}
21698
21699 @item @code{library-info}
21700 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
21701 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
21702
21703 @item @code{memory-map}
21704 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
21705 @tab @code{info mem}
21706
21707 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
21708 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
21709 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
21710
21711 @item @code{read-spu-object}
21712 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
21713 @tab @code{info spu}
21714
21715 @item @code{write-spu-object}
21716 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
21717 @tab @code{info spu}
21718
21719 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
21720 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
21721 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
21722
21723 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
21724 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
21725 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
21726
21727 @item @code{threads}
21728 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
21729 @tab @code{info threads}
21730
21731 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
21732 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
21733 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
21734
21735 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
21736 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
21737 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
21738
21739 @item @code{search-memory}
21740 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
21741 @tab @code{find}
21742
21743 @item @code{supported-packets}
21744 @tab @code{qSupported}
21745 @tab Remote communications parameters
21746
21747 @item @code{catch-syscalls}
21748 @tab @code{QCatchSyscalls}
21749 @tab @code{catch syscall}
21750
21751 @item @code{pass-signals}
21752 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
21753 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
21754
21755 @item @code{program-signals}
21756 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
21757 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
21758
21759 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
21760 @tab @code{vFile:close}
21761 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21762
21763 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
21764 @tab @code{vFile:open}
21765 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21766
21767 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
21768 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
21769 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21770
21771 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
21772 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
21773 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21774
21775 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
21776 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
21777 @tab @code{remote delete}
21778
21779 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
21780 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
21781 @tab Host I/O
21782
21783 @item @code{hostio-fstat-packet}
21784 @tab @code{vFile:fstat}
21785 @tab Host I/O
21786
21787 @item @code{hostio-setfs-packet}
21788 @tab @code{vFile:setfs}
21789 @tab Host I/O
21790
21791 @item @code{noack-packet}
21792 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
21793 @tab Packet acknowledgment
21794
21795 @item @code{osdata}
21796 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
21797 @tab @code{info os}
21798
21799 @item @code{query-attached}
21800 @tab @code{qAttached}
21801 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
21802
21803 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
21804 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
21805 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
21806
21807 @item @code{trace-status}
21808 @tab @code{qTStatus}
21809 @tab @code{tstatus}
21810
21811 @item @code{traceframe-info}
21812 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
21813 @tab Traceframe info
21814
21815 @item @code{install-in-trace}
21816 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
21817 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
21818
21819 @item @code{disable-randomization}
21820 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
21821 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
21822
21823 @item @code{startup-with-shell}
21824 @tab @code{QStartupWithShell}
21825 @tab @code{set startup-with-shell}
21826
21827 @item @code{environment-hex-encoded}
21828 @tab @code{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
21829 @tab @code{set environment}
21830
21831 @item @code{environment-unset}
21832 @tab @code{QEnvironmentUnset}
21833 @tab @code{unset environment}
21834
21835 @item @code{environment-reset}
21836 @tab @code{QEnvironmentReset}
21837 @tab @code{Reset the inferior environment (i.e., unset user-set variables)}
21838
21839 @item @code{set-working-dir}
21840 @tab @code{QSetWorkingDir}
21841 @tab @code{set cwd}
21842
21843 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
21844 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
21845 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
21846
21847 @item @code{multiprocess-extensions}
21848 @tab @code{multiprocess extensions}
21849 @tab Debug multiple processes and remote process PID awareness
21850
21851 @item @code{swbreak-feature}
21852 @tab @code{swbreak stop reason}
21853 @tab @code{break}
21854
21855 @item @code{hwbreak-feature}
21856 @tab @code{hwbreak stop reason}
21857 @tab @code{hbreak}
21858
21859 @item @code{fork-event-feature}
21860 @tab @code{fork stop reason}
21861 @tab @code{fork}
21862
21863 @item @code{vfork-event-feature}
21864 @tab @code{vfork stop reason}
21865 @tab @code{vfork}
21866
21867 @item @code{exec-event-feature}
21868 @tab @code{exec stop reason}
21869 @tab @code{exec}
21870
21871 @item @code{thread-events}
21872 @tab @code{QThreadEvents}
21873 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
21874
21875 @item @code{no-resumed-stop-reply}
21876 @tab @code{no resumed thread left stop reply}
21877 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
21878
21879 @end multitable
21880
21881 @node Remote Stub
21882 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
21883
21884 @cindex debugging stub, example
21885 @cindex remote stub, example
21886 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
21887 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
21888 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
21889 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
21890 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
21891 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
21892 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
21893 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
21894
21895 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
21896 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
21897 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
21898 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
21899 program, you need:
21900
21901 @enumerate
21902 @item
21903 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
21904 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
21905 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
21906
21907 @item
21908 A C subroutine library to support your program's
21909 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
21910
21911 @item
21912 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
21913 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
21914 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
21915 documentation.
21916 @end enumerate
21917
21918 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
21919 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
21920 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
21921
21922 @table @emph
21923 @item On the host,
21924 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
21925 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
21926 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
21927
21928 @item On the target,
21929 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
21930 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
21931 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
21932
21933 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
21934 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
21935 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
21936 @end table
21937
21938 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
21939 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
21940 @sc{sparc} boards.
21941
21942 @cindex remote serial stub list
21943 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
21944
21945 @table @code
21946
21947 @item i386-stub.c
21948 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
21949 @cindex Intel
21950 @cindex i386
21951 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
21952
21953 @item m68k-stub.c
21954 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
21955 @cindex Motorola 680x0
21956 @cindex m680x0
21957 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
21958
21959 @item sh-stub.c
21960 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
21961 @cindex Renesas
21962 @cindex SH
21963 For Renesas SH architectures.
21964
21965 @item sparc-stub.c
21966 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
21967 @cindex Sparc
21968 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
21969
21970 @item sparcl-stub.c
21971 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
21972 @cindex Fujitsu
21973 @cindex SparcLite
21974 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
21975
21976 @end table
21977
21978 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
21979 recently added stubs.
21980
21981 @menu
21982 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
21983 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
21984 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
21985 @end menu
21986
21987 @node Stub Contents
21988 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
21989
21990 @cindex remote serial stub
21991 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
21992 subroutines:
21993
21994 @table @code
21995 @item set_debug_traps
21996 @findex set_debug_traps
21997 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
21998 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
21999 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
22000 program's startup code.
22001
22002 @item handle_exception
22003 @findex handle_exception
22004 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
22005 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
22006 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
22007 run when a trap is triggered.
22008
22009 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
22010 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
22011 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
22012 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
22013 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
22014 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
22015 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
22016 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
22017 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
22018 machine.
22019
22020 @item breakpoint
22021 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
22022 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
22023 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
22024 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
22025 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
22026 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
22027 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
22028 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
22029 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
22030 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
22031 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
22032
22033 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
22034 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
22035 start of your debugging session.
22036 @end table
22037
22038 @node Bootstrapping
22039 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
22040
22041 @cindex remote stub, support routines
22042 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
22043 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
22044 debugging target machine.
22045
22046 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
22047 serial port.
22048
22049 @table @code
22050 @item int getDebugChar()
22051 @findex getDebugChar
22052 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
22053 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
22054 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
22055
22056 @item void putDebugChar(int)
22057 @findex putDebugChar
22058 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
22059 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
22060 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
22061 @end table
22062
22063 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
22064 @cindex interrupting remote targets
22065 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
22066 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
22067 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
22068 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
22069 remote system to stop.
22070
22071 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
22072 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
22073 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
22074 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
22075
22076 Other routines you need to supply are:
22077
22078 @table @code
22079 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
22080 @findex exceptionHandler
22081 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
22082 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
22083 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
22084 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
22085 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
22086 The @var{exception_number} specifies the exception which should be changed;
22087 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
22088 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
22089 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
22090 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
22091 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
22092 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
22093 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
22094
22095 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
22096 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
22097 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
22098 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
22099 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
22100
22101 @item void flush_i_cache()
22102 @findex flush_i_cache
22103 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
22104 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
22105 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
22106
22107 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
22108 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
22109 @end table
22110
22111 @noindent
22112 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
22113
22114 @table @code
22115 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
22116 @findex memset
22117 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
22118 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
22119 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
22120 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
22121 @end table
22122
22123 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
22124 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
22125 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
22126 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
22127
22128
22129 @node Debug Session
22130 @subsection Putting it All Together
22131
22132 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
22133 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
22134 steps.
22135
22136 @enumerate
22137 @item
22138 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
22139 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
22140 @display
22141 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
22142 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
22143 @end display
22144
22145 @item
22146 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
22147 procedure is called:
22148
22149 @smallexample
22150 set_debug_traps();
22151 breakpoint();
22152 @end smallexample
22153
22154 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
22155 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
22156 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
22157 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
22158 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
22159 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
22160 progress.
22161
22162 @item
22163 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
22164 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
22165
22166 @smallexample
22167 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
22168 @end smallexample
22169
22170 @noindent
22171 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
22172 function in your program, that function is called when
22173 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
22174 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
22175 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
22176
22177 @item
22178 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
22179 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
22180
22181 @item
22182 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
22183 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
22184
22185 @item
22186 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
22187 @c document that. FIXME.
22188 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
22189 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
22190
22191 @item
22192 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
22193 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
22194
22195 @end enumerate
22196
22197 @node Configurations
22198 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
22199
22200 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
22201 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
22202 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
22203
22204 There are three major categories of configurations: native
22205 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
22206 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
22207 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
22208 are quite different from each other.
22209
22210 @menu
22211 * Native::
22212 * Embedded OS::
22213 * Embedded Processors::
22214 * Architectures::
22215 @end menu
22216
22217 @node Native
22218 @section Native
22219
22220 This section describes details specific to particular native
22221 configurations.
22222
22223 @menu
22224 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
22225 * Process Information:: Process information
22226 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
22227 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
22228 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
22229 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
22230 @end menu
22231
22232 @node BSD libkvm Interface
22233 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
22234
22235 @cindex libkvm
22236 @cindex kernel memory image
22237 @cindex kernel crash dump
22238
22239 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
22240 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
22241 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
22242 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
22243 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
22244 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
22245 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
22246 @code{kvm} target:
22247
22248 @smallexample
22249 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
22250 @end smallexample
22251
22252 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
22253 argument:
22254
22255 @smallexample
22256 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
22257 @end smallexample
22258
22259 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
22260 available:
22261
22262 @table @code
22263 @kindex kvm
22264 @item kvm pcb
22265 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
22266
22267 @item kvm proc
22268 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
22269 modern FreeBSD systems.
22270 @end table
22271
22272 @node Process Information
22273 @subsection Process Information
22274 @cindex /proc
22275 @cindex examine process image
22276 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
22277
22278 Some operating systems provide interfaces to fetch additional
22279 information about running processes beyond memory and per-thread
22280 register state. If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system
22281 with a supported interface, the command @code{info proc} is available
22282 to report information about the process running your program, or about
22283 any process running on your system.
22284
22285 One supported interface is a facility called @samp{/proc} that can be
22286 used to examine the image of a running process using file-system
22287 subroutines. This facility is supported on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris
22288 systems.
22289
22290 On FreeBSD systems, system control nodes are used to query process
22291 information.
22292
22293 In addition, some systems may provide additional process information
22294 in core files. Note that a core file may include a subset of the
22295 information available from a live process. Process information is
22296 currently avaiable from cores created on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD
22297 systems.
22298
22299 @table @code
22300 @kindex info proc
22301 @cindex process ID
22302 @item info proc
22303 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
22304 Summarize available information about a process. If a
22305 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
22306 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
22307 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
22308 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
22309 executable file's absolute file name.
22310
22311 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
22312 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
22313 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
22314 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
22315 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
22316 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
22317
22318 @item info proc cmdline
22319 @cindex info proc cmdline
22320 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
22321 supported on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD.
22322
22323 @item info proc cwd
22324 @cindex info proc cwd
22325 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
22326 supported on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD.
22327
22328 @item info proc exe
22329 @cindex info proc exe
22330 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is supported
22331 on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD.
22332
22333 @item info proc files
22334 @cindex info proc files
22335 Show the file descriptors open by the process. For each open file
22336 descriptor, @value{GDBN} shows its number, type (file, directory,
22337 character device, socket), file pointer offset, and the name of the
22338 resource open on the descriptor. The resource name can be a file name
22339 (for files, directories, and devices) or a protocol followed by socket
22340 address (for network connections). This command is supported on
22341 FreeBSD.
22342
22343 This example shows the open file descriptors for a process using a
22344 tty for standard input and output as well as two network sockets:
22345
22346 @smallexample
22347 (gdb) info proc files 22136
22348 process 22136
22349 Open files:
22350
22351 FD Type Offset Flags Name
22352 text file - r-------- /usr/bin/ssh
22353 ctty chr - rw------- /dev/pts/20
22354 cwd dir - r-------- /usr/home/john
22355 root dir - r-------- /
22356 0 chr 0x32933a4 rw------- /dev/pts/20
22357 1 chr 0x32933a4 rw------- /dev/pts/20
22358 2 chr 0x32933a4 rw------- /dev/pts/20
22359 3 socket 0x0 rw----n-- tcp4 10.0.1.2:53014 -> 10.0.1.10:22
22360 4 socket 0x0 rw------- unix stream:/tmp/ssh-FIt89oAzOn5f/agent.2456
22361 @end smallexample
22362
22363 @item info proc mappings
22364 @cindex memory address space mappings
22365 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in a process. On
22366 Solaris and FreeBSD systems, each memory range includes information on
22367 whether the process has read, write, or execute access rights to each
22368 range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD systems, each memory range
22369 includes the object file which is mapped to that range.
22370
22371 @item info proc stat
22372 @itemx info proc status
22373 @cindex process detailed status information
22374 Show additional process-related information, including the user ID and
22375 group ID; virtual memory usage; the signals that are pending, blocked,
22376 and ignored; its TTY; its consumption of system and user time; its
22377 stack size; its @samp{nice} value; etc. These commands are supported
22378 on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD.
22379
22380 For @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, see the @samp{proc} man page for more
22381 information (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
22382
22383 For FreeBSD systems, @code{info proc stat} is an alias for @code{info
22384 proc status}.
22385
22386 @item info proc all
22387 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
22388 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
22389
22390 @ignore
22391 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
22392 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
22393 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
22394 @kindex info proc times
22395 @item info proc times
22396 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
22397 its children.
22398
22399 @kindex info proc id
22400 @item info proc id
22401 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
22402 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
22403 @end ignore
22404
22405 @item set procfs-trace
22406 @kindex set procfs-trace
22407 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
22408 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
22409
22410 @item show procfs-trace
22411 @kindex show procfs-trace
22412 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
22413
22414 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
22415 @kindex set procfs-file
22416 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
22417 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
22418 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
22419 standard output.
22420
22421 @item show procfs-file
22422 @kindex show procfs-file
22423 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
22424
22425 @item proc-trace-entry
22426 @itemx proc-trace-exit
22427 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
22428 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
22429 @kindex proc-trace-entry
22430 @kindex proc-trace-exit
22431 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
22432 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
22433 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
22434 from the @code{syscall} interface.
22435
22436 @item info pidlist
22437 @kindex info pidlist
22438 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
22439 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
22440 processes and all the threads within each process.
22441
22442 @item info meminfo
22443 @kindex info meminfo
22444 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
22445 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
22446 @end table
22447
22448 @node DJGPP Native
22449 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
22450 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
22451 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
22452 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
22453
22454 @cindex DPMI
22455 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
22456 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
22457 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
22458 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
22459
22460 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
22461 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
22462 subsection describes those commands.
22463
22464 @table @code
22465 @kindex info dos
22466 @item info dos
22467 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
22468 information about the target system and important OS structures.
22469
22470 @kindex sysinfo
22471 @cindex MS-DOS system info
22472 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
22473 @item info dos sysinfo
22474 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
22475 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
22476 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
22477
22478 @cindex GDT
22479 @cindex LDT
22480 @cindex IDT
22481 @cindex segment descriptor tables
22482 @cindex descriptor tables display
22483 @item info dos gdt
22484 @itemx info dos ldt
22485 @itemx info dos idt
22486 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
22487 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
22488 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
22489 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
22490 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
22491 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
22492 rights.
22493
22494 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
22495 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
22496 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
22497 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
22498 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
22499
22500 @cindex garbled pointers
22501 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
22502 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
22503 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
22504 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
22505 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
22506 debugged program's data segment:
22507
22508 @smallexample
22509 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
22510 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
22511 @end smallexample
22512
22513 @noindent
22514 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
22515 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
22516
22517 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
22518 @item info dos pde
22519 @itemx info dos pte
22520 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
22521 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
22522 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
22523 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
22524 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
22525 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
22526 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
22527 that is currently in use.
22528
22529 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
22530 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
22531 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
22532 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
22533 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
22534 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
22535 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
22536
22537 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
22538 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
22539 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
22540 controller.
22541
22542 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
22543
22544 @cindex physical address from linear address
22545 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
22546 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
22547 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
22548 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
22549 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
22550 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
22551 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
22552
22553 @smallexample
22554 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
22555 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
22556 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
22557 @end smallexample
22558
22559 @noindent
22560 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
22561 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
22562 attributes of that page.
22563
22564 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
22565 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
22566 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
22567 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
22568 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
22569 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
22570
22571 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
22572 transfer buffer:
22573
22574 @smallexample
22575 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
22576 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
22577 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
22578 @end smallexample
22579
22580 @noindent
22581 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
22582 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
22583 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
22584 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
22585 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
22586
22587 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
22588 @end table
22589
22590 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
22591 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
22592 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
22593 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
22594
22595 @table @code
22596 @kindex set com1base
22597 @kindex set com1irq
22598 @kindex set com2base
22599 @kindex set com2irq
22600 @kindex set com3base
22601 @kindex set com3irq
22602 @kindex set com4base
22603 @kindex set com4irq
22604 @item set com1base @var{addr}
22605 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
22606 port.
22607
22608 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
22609 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
22610 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
22611
22612 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
22613 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
22614 other 3 COM ports.
22615
22616 @kindex show com1base
22617 @kindex show com1irq
22618 @kindex show com2base
22619 @kindex show com2irq
22620 @kindex show com3base
22621 @kindex show com3irq
22622 @kindex show com4base
22623 @kindex show com4irq
22624 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
22625 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
22626 lines used by the COM ports.
22627
22628 @item info serial
22629 @kindex info serial
22630 @cindex DOS serial port status
22631 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
22632 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
22633 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
22634 counts of various errors encountered so far.
22635 @end table
22636
22637
22638 @node Cygwin Native
22639 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
22640 @cindex MS Windows debugging
22641 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
22642 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
22643
22644 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
22645 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
22646
22647 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
22648 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
22649 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
22650 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
22651 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
22652 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
22653 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
22654 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
22655
22656 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
22657 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
22658 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
22659
22660 @table @code
22661 @kindex info w32
22662 @item info w32
22663 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
22664 information about the target system and important OS structures.
22665
22666 @item info w32 selector
22667 This command displays information returned by
22668 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
22669 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
22670 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
22671 Without argument, this command displays information
22672 about the six segment registers.
22673
22674 @item info w32 thread-information-block
22675 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
22676 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
22677 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
22678
22679 @kindex signal-event
22680 @item signal-event @var{id}
22681 This command signals an event with user-provided @var{id}. Used to resume
22682 crashing process when attached to it using MS-Windows JIT debugging (AeDebug).
22683
22684 To use it, create or edit the following keys in
22685 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug} and/or
22686 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug}
22687 (for x86_64 versions):
22688
22689 @itemize @minus
22690 @item
22691 @code{Debugger} (REG_SZ) --- a command to launch the debugger.
22692 Suggested command is: @code{@var{fully-qualified-path-to-gdb.exe} -ex
22693 "attach %ld" -ex "signal-event %ld" -ex "continue"}.
22694
22695 The first @code{%ld} will be replaced by the process ID of the
22696 crashing process, the second @code{%ld} will be replaced by the ID of
22697 the event that blocks the crashing process, waiting for @value{GDBN}
22698 to attach.
22699
22700 @item
22701 @code{Auto} (REG_SZ) --- either @code{1} or @code{0}. @code{1} will
22702 make the system run debugger specified by the Debugger key
22703 automatically, @code{0} will cause a dialog box with ``OK'' and
22704 ``Cancel'' buttons to appear, which allows the user to either
22705 terminate the crashing process (OK) or debug it (Cancel).
22706 @end itemize
22707
22708 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
22709 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
22710 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
22711 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
22712 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
22713 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
22714 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
22715 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
22716 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
22717 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
22718 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
22719
22720 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
22721 @item show cygwin-exceptions
22722 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
22723 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
22724
22725 @kindex set new-console
22726 @item set new-console @var{mode}
22727 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
22728 be started in a new console on next start.
22729 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
22730 be started in the same console as the debugger.
22731
22732 @kindex show new-console
22733 @item show new-console
22734 Displays whether a new console is used
22735 when the debuggee is started.
22736
22737 @kindex set new-group
22738 @item set new-group @var{mode}
22739 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
22740 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
22741 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
22742 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
22743
22744 @kindex show new-group
22745 @item show new-group
22746 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
22747
22748 @kindex set debugevents
22749 @item set debugevents
22750 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
22751 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
22752 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
22753 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
22754 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
22755
22756 @kindex set debugexec
22757 @item set debugexec
22758 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
22759 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
22760
22761 @kindex set debugexceptions
22762 @item set debugexceptions
22763 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
22764 debuggee seen by the debugger.
22765
22766 @kindex set debugmemory
22767 @item set debugmemory
22768 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
22769 and writes by the debugger.
22770
22771 @kindex set shell
22772 @item set shell
22773 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
22774 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
22775
22776 @kindex show shell
22777 @item show shell
22778 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
22779
22780 @end table
22781
22782 @menu
22783 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
22784 @end menu
22785
22786 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
22787 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
22788 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
22789 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
22790
22791 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
22792 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
22793 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
22794 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
22795 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
22796 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
22797 ``minimal symbols''.
22798
22799 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
22800 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
22801 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
22802 program run once to completion.
22803
22804 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
22805
22806 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
22807 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
22808 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
22809 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
22810 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
22811 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
22812 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
22813 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
22814 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
22815
22816 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
22817 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
22818 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
22819 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
22820 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
22821 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
22822
22823 @smallexample
22824 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
22825 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
22826
22827 Non-debugging symbols:
22828 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
22829 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
22830 @end smallexample
22831
22832 @smallexample
22833 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
22834 All functions matching regular expression "!":
22835
22836 Non-debugging symbols:
22837 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
22838 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
22839 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
22840 [etc...]
22841 @end smallexample
22842
22843 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
22844
22845 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
22846 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
22847 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
22848 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
22849 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
22850 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
22851 a function within a DLL without a running program.
22852
22853 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
22854 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
22855 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
22856 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
22857 problem:
22858
22859 @smallexample
22860 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
22861 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
22862 @end smallexample
22863
22864 @smallexample
22865 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
22866 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
22867 @end smallexample
22868
22869 And two possible solutions:
22870
22871 @smallexample
22872 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
22873 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
22874 @end smallexample
22875
22876 @smallexample
22877 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
22878 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
22879 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
22880 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
22881 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
22882 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
22883 @end smallexample
22884
22885 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
22886 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
22887 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
22888 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
22889 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
22890
22891 @smallexample
22892 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
22893 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
22894 @end smallexample
22895
22896 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
22897 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
22898 safe.
22899
22900 @node Hurd Native
22901 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
22902 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
22903
22904 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
22905 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
22906
22907 @table @code
22908 @item set signals
22909 @itemx set sigs
22910 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
22911 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
22912 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
22913 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
22914 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
22915 @code{signals}.
22916
22917 @item show signals
22918 @itemx show sigs
22919 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
22920 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
22921 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
22922
22923 @item set signal-thread
22924 @itemx set sigthread
22925 @kindex set signal-thread
22926 @kindex set sigthread
22927 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
22928 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
22929 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
22930 signal-thread}.
22931
22932 @item show signal-thread
22933 @itemx show sigthread
22934 @kindex show signal-thread
22935 @kindex show sigthread
22936 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
22937 delivered a signal.
22938
22939 @item set stopped
22940 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
22941 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
22942 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
22943 continued by delivering a signal to it.
22944
22945 @item show stopped
22946 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
22947 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
22948 stopped.
22949
22950 @item set exceptions
22951 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
22952 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
22953 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
22954 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
22955 trapping on.
22956
22957 @item show exceptions
22958 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
22959 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
22960
22961 @item set task pause
22962 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
22963 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22964 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22965 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
22966 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
22967 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
22968 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
22969 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
22970 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
22971
22972 @item show task pause
22973 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
22974 Show the current state of task suspension.
22975
22976 @item set task detach-suspend-count
22977 @cindex task suspend count
22978 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22979 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
22980 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
22981
22982 @item show task detach-suspend-count
22983 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
22984
22985 @item set task exception-port
22986 @itemx set task excp
22987 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22988 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
22989 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
22990 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
22991
22992 @item set noninvasive
22993 @cindex noninvasive task options
22994 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
22995 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
22996 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
22997 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
22998
22999 @item info send-rights
23000 @itemx info receive-rights
23001 @itemx info port-rights
23002 @itemx info port-sets
23003 @itemx info dead-names
23004 @itemx info ports
23005 @itemx info psets
23006 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23007 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23008 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23009 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23010 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23011 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
23012 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
23013 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
23014 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
23015
23016 @item set thread pause
23017 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
23018 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23019 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
23020 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
23021 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
23022 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
23023 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
23024 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
23025 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
23026 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
23027 only the current thread.
23028
23029 @item show thread pause
23030 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
23031 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
23032
23033 @item set thread run
23034 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
23035
23036 @item show thread run
23037 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
23038
23039 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
23040 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23041 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23042 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
23043 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
23044 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
23045 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
23046
23047 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
23048 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
23049 detaching.
23050
23051 @item set thread exception-port
23052 @itemx set thread excp
23053 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
23054 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
23055 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
23056
23057 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
23058 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
23059 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
23060 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
23061
23062 @item set thread default
23063 @itemx show thread default
23064 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23065 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
23066 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
23067 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
23068 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
23069 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
23070 the non-default commands.
23071 @end table
23072
23073 @node Darwin
23074 @subsection Darwin
23075 @cindex Darwin
23076
23077 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
23078
23079 @table @code
23080 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
23081 @kindex set debug darwin
23082 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
23083 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
23084
23085 @item show debug darwin
23086 @kindex show debug darwin
23087 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
23088
23089 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
23090 @kindex set debug mach-o
23091 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
23092 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
23093 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
23094 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
23095 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
23096 usage.
23097
23098 @item show debug mach-o
23099 @kindex show debug mach-o
23100 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
23101
23102 @item set mach-exceptions on
23103 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
23104 @kindex set mach-exceptions
23105 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
23106 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
23107 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
23108 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
23109
23110 @item show mach-exceptions
23111 @kindex show mach-exceptions
23112 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
23113 @end table
23114
23115
23116 @node Embedded OS
23117 @section Embedded Operating Systems
23118
23119 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
23120 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
23121 architectures.
23122
23123 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
23124 various real-time operating systems.
23125
23126 @node Embedded Processors
23127 @section Embedded Processors
23128
23129 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
23130 configurations.
23131
23132 @cindex send command to simulator
23133 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
23134 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
23135
23136 @table @code
23137 @item sim @var{command}
23138 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
23139 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
23140 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
23141 acceptable commands.
23142 @end table
23143
23144
23145 @menu
23146 * ARC:: Synopsys ARC
23147 * ARM:: ARM
23148 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
23149 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
23150 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
23151 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRISC 1000 (or1k)
23152 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
23153 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
23154 * CRIS:: CRIS
23155 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
23156 @end menu
23157
23158 @node ARC
23159 @subsection Synopsys ARC
23160 @cindex Synopsys ARC
23161 @cindex ARC specific commands
23162 @cindex ARC600
23163 @cindex ARC700
23164 @cindex ARC EM
23165 @cindex ARC HS
23166
23167 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARC-specific commands:
23168
23169 @table @code
23170 @item set debug arc
23171 @kindex set debug arc
23172 Control the level of ARC specific debug messages. Use 0 for no messages (the
23173 default), 1 for debug messages, and 2 for even more debug messages.
23174
23175 @item show debug arc
23176 @kindex show debug arc
23177 Show the level of ARC specific debugging in operation.
23178
23179 @item maint print arc arc-instruction @var{address}
23180 @kindex maint print arc arc-instruction
23181 Print internal disassembler information about instruction at a given address.
23182
23183 @end table
23184
23185 @node ARM
23186 @subsection ARM
23187
23188 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
23189
23190 @table @code
23191 @item set arm disassembler
23192 @kindex set arm
23193 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
23194 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
23195
23196 @item show arm disassembler
23197 @kindex show arm
23198 Show the current disassembly style.
23199
23200 @item set arm apcs32
23201 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
23202 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
23203
23204 @item show arm apcs32
23205 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
23206
23207 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
23208 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
23209 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
23210
23211 @table @code
23212 @item auto
23213 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
23214 @item softfpa
23215 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
23216 processors.
23217 @item fpa
23218 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
23219 @item softvfp
23220 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
23221 @item vfp
23222 VFP co-processor.
23223 @end table
23224
23225 @item show arm fpu
23226 Show the current type of the FPU.
23227
23228 @item set arm abi
23229 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
23230
23231 @item show arm abi
23232 Show the currently used ABI.
23233
23234 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
23235 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
23236 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
23237 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
23238 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
23239 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
23240 register).
23241
23242 @item show arm fallback-mode
23243 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
23244
23245 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
23246 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
23247 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
23248 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
23249 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
23250
23251 @item show arm force-mode
23252 Show the current forced instruction mode.
23253
23254 @item set debug arm
23255 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
23256 target support subsystem.
23257
23258 @item show debug arm
23259 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
23260 @end table
23261
23262 @table @code
23263 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
23264 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
23265
23266 @table @code
23267 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
23268 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support. The argument
23269 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
23270 The default value is @code{all}.
23271
23272 @table @code
23273 @item none
23274 @item demon
23275 @item angel
23276 @item redboot
23277 @item all
23278 @end table
23279 @end table
23280 @end table
23281
23282 @node M68K
23283 @subsection M68k
23284
23285 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support.
23286
23287 @node MicroBlaze
23288 @subsection MicroBlaze
23289 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
23290 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
23291
23292 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
23293 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
23294 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
23295 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
23296 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
23297 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
23298 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
23299 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
23300 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
23301 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
23302 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
23303
23304 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
23305
23306 @table @code
23307 @item target remote :1234
23308 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
23309 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
23310
23311 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
23312 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
23313 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
23314
23315 @item load
23316 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
23317
23318 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
23319 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
23320
23321 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
23322 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
23323 @end table
23324
23325 @node MIPS Embedded
23326 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
23327
23328 @noindent
23329 @value{GDBN} supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
23330
23331 @table @code
23332 @item set mipsfpu double
23333 @itemx set mipsfpu single
23334 @itemx set mipsfpu none
23335 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
23336 @itemx show mipsfpu
23337 @kindex set mipsfpu
23338 @kindex show mipsfpu
23339 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
23340 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
23341 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
23342 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
23343 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
23344 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
23345 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
23346 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
23347 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
23348 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
23349 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
23350 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
23351 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
23352
23353 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
23354 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
23355 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
23356
23357 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
23358 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
23359 @end table
23360
23361 @node OpenRISC 1000
23362 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
23363 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
23364
23365 @noindent
23366 The OpenRISC 1000 provides a free RISC instruction set architecture. It is
23367 mainly provided as a soft-core which can run on Xilinx, Altera and other
23368 FPGA's.
23369
23370 @value{GDBN} for OpenRISC supports the below commands when connecting to
23371 a target:
23372
23373 @table @code
23374
23375 @kindex target sim
23376 @item target sim
23377
23378 Runs the builtin CPU simulator which can run very basic
23379 programs but does not support most hardware functions like MMU.
23380 For more complex use cases the user is advised to run an external
23381 target, and connect using @samp{target remote}.
23382
23383 Example: @code{target sim}
23384
23385 @item set debug or1k
23386 Toggle whether to display OpenRISC-specific debugging messages from the
23387 OpenRISC target support subsystem.
23388
23389 @item show debug or1k
23390 Show whether OpenRISC-specific debugging messages are enabled.
23391 @end table
23392
23393 @node PowerPC Embedded
23394 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
23395
23396 @cindex DVC register
23397 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
23398 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
23399
23400 @smallexample
23401 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
23402 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
23403 @end smallexample
23404
23405 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
23406 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
23407 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
23408 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
23409 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
23410 or newer.
23411
23412 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
23413 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
23414 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
23415 watching variables of scalar types.
23416
23417 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
23418 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
23419
23420 @smallexample
23421 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
23422 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
23423 @end smallexample
23424
23425 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
23426 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
23427
23428 @cindex ranged breakpoint
23429 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
23430 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
23431 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
23432 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
23433 use the @code{break-range} command.
23434
23435 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
23436
23437 @table @code
23438 @kindex break-range
23439 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
23440 Set a breakpoint for an address range given by
23441 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}, which can specify a function name,
23442 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
23443 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
23444 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
23445 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
23446 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
23447 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
23448
23449 @kindex set powerpc
23450 @item set powerpc soft-float
23451 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
23452 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
23453 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
23454 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
23455
23456 @item set powerpc vector-abi
23457 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
23458 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
23459 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
23460 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
23461 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
23462 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
23463 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
23464
23465 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
23466 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
23467 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
23468 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
23469 address of its first byte.
23470
23471 @end table
23472
23473 @node AVR
23474 @subsection Atmel AVR
23475 @cindex AVR
23476
23477 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
23478 following AVR-specific commands:
23479
23480 @table @code
23481 @item info io_registers
23482 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
23483 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
23484 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
23485 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
23486 @end table
23487
23488 @node CRIS
23489 @subsection CRIS
23490 @cindex CRIS
23491
23492 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
23493 following CRIS-specific commands:
23494
23495 @table @code
23496 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
23497 @cindex CRIS version
23498 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
23499 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
23500 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
23501
23502 @item show cris-version
23503 Show the current CRIS version.
23504
23505 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
23506 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
23507 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
23508 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
23509 @code{R59}.
23510
23511 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
23512 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
23513
23514 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
23515 @cindex CRIS mode
23516 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
23517 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
23518 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
23519
23520 @item show cris-mode
23521 Show the current CRIS mode.
23522 @end table
23523
23524 @node Super-H
23525 @subsection Renesas Super-H
23526 @cindex Super-H
23527
23528 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
23529 commands:
23530
23531 @table @code
23532 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
23533 @kindex set sh calling-convention
23534 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
23535 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
23536 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
23537 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
23538 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
23539 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
23540 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
23541 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
23542 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
23543 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
23544
23545 @item show sh calling-convention
23546 @kindex show sh calling-convention
23547 Show the current calling convention setting.
23548
23549 @end table
23550
23551
23552 @node Architectures
23553 @section Architectures
23554
23555 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
23556 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
23557
23558 @menu
23559 * AArch64::
23560 * i386::
23561 * Alpha::
23562 * MIPS::
23563 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
23564 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
23565 * PowerPC::
23566 * Nios II::
23567 * Sparc64::
23568 @end menu
23569
23570 @node AArch64
23571 @subsection AArch64
23572 @cindex AArch64 support
23573
23574 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
23575 following special commands:
23576
23577 @table @code
23578 @item set debug aarch64
23579 @kindex set debug aarch64
23580 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
23581 messages are to be displayed.
23582
23583 @item show debug aarch64
23584 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
23585
23586 @end table
23587
23588 @subsubsection AArch64 SVE.
23589 @cindex AArch64 SVE.
23590
23591 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, if the Scalable Vector
23592 Extension (SVE) is present, then @value{GDBN} will provide the vector registers
23593 @code{$z0} through @code{$z31}, vector predicate registers @code{$p0} through
23594 @code{$p15}, and the @code{$ffr} register. In addition, the pseudo register
23595 @code{$vg} will be provided. This is the vector granule for the current thread
23596 and represents the number of 64-bit chunks in an SVE @code{z} register.
23597
23598 If the vector length changes, then the @code{$vg} register will be updated,
23599 but the lengths of the @code{z} and @code{p} registers will not change. This
23600 is a known limitation of @value{GDBN} and does not affect the execution of the
23601 target process.
23602
23603
23604 @node i386
23605 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
23606
23607 @table @code
23608 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
23609 @kindex set struct-convention
23610 @cindex struct return convention
23611 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
23612 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
23613 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
23614 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
23615 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
23616 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
23617 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
23618 be returned in a register.
23619
23620 @item show struct-convention
23621 @kindex show struct-convention
23622 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
23623 from functions.
23624 @end table
23625
23626
23627 @subsubsection Intel @dfn{Memory Protection Extensions} (MPX).
23628 @cindex Intel Memory Protection Extensions (MPX).
23629
23630 Memory Protection Extension (MPX) adds the bound registers @samp{BND0}
23631 @footnote{The register named with capital letters represent the architecture
23632 registers.} through @samp{BND3}. Bound registers store a pair of 64-bit values
23633 which are the lower bound and upper bound. Bounds are effective addresses or
23634 memory locations. The upper bounds are architecturally represented in 1's
23635 complement form. A bound having lower bound = 0, and upper bound = 0
23636 (1's complement of all bits set) will allow access to the entire address space.
23637
23638 @samp{BND0} through @samp{BND3} are represented in @value{GDBN} as @samp{bnd0raw}
23639 through @samp{bnd3raw}. Pseudo registers @samp{bnd0} through @samp{bnd3}
23640 display the upper bound performing the complement of one operation on the
23641 upper bound value, i.e.@ when upper bound in @samp{bnd0raw} is 0 in the
23642 @value{GDBN} @samp{bnd0} it will be @code{0xfff@dots{}}. In this sense it
23643 can also be noted that the upper bounds are inclusive.
23644
23645 As an example, assume that the register BND0 holds bounds for a pointer having
23646 access allowed for the range between 0x32 and 0x71. The values present on
23647 bnd0raw and bnd registers are presented as follows:
23648
23649 @smallexample
23650 bnd0raw = @{0x32, 0xffffffff8e@}
23651 bnd0 = @{lbound = 0x32, ubound = 0x71@} : size 64
23652 @end smallexample
23653
23654 This way the raw value can be accessed via bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw. Any
23655 change on bnd0@dots{}bnd3 or bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw is reflect on its
23656 counterpart. When the bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers are displayed via
23657 Python, the display includes the memory size, in bits, accessible to
23658 the pointer.
23659
23660 Bounds can also be stored in bounds tables, which are stored in
23661 application memory. These tables store bounds for pointers by specifying
23662 the bounds pointer's value along with its bounds. Evaluating and changing
23663 bounds located in bound tables is therefore interesting while investigating
23664 bugs on MPX context. @value{GDBN} provides commands for this purpose:
23665
23666 @table @code
23667 @item show mpx bound @var{pointer}
23668 @kindex show mpx bound
23669 Display bounds of the given @var{pointer}.
23670
23671 @item set mpx bound @var{pointer}, @var{lbound}, @var{ubound}
23672 @kindex set mpx bound
23673 Set the bounds of a pointer in the bound table.
23674 This command takes three parameters: @var{pointer} is the pointers
23675 whose bounds are to be changed, @var{lbound} and @var{ubound} are new values
23676 for lower and upper bounds respectively.
23677 @end table
23678
23679 When you call an inferior function on an Intel MPX enabled program,
23680 GDB sets the inferior's bound registers to the init (disabled) state
23681 before calling the function. As a consequence, bounds checks for the
23682 pointer arguments passed to the function will always pass.
23683
23684 This is necessary because when you call an inferior function, the
23685 program is usually in the middle of the execution of other function.
23686 Since at that point bound registers are in an arbitrary state, not
23687 clearing them would lead to random bound violations in the called
23688 function.
23689
23690 You can still examine the influence of the bound registers on the
23691 execution of the called function by stopping the execution of the
23692 called function at its prologue, setting bound registers, and
23693 continuing the execution. For example:
23694
23695 @smallexample
23696 $ break *upper
23697 Breakpoint 2 at 0x4009de: file i386-mpx-call.c, line 47.
23698 $ print upper (a, b, c, d, 1)
23699 Breakpoint 2, upper (a=0x0, b=0x6e0000005b, c=0x0, d=0x0, len=48)....
23700 $ print $bnd0
23701 @{lbound = 0x0, ubound = ffffffff@} : size -1
23702 @end smallexample
23703
23704 At this last step the value of bnd0 can be changed for investigation of bound
23705 violations caused along the execution of the call. In order to know how to
23706 set the bound registers or bound table for the call consult the ABI.
23707
23708 @node Alpha
23709 @subsection Alpha
23710
23711 See the following section.
23712
23713 @node MIPS
23714 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
23715
23716 @cindex stack on Alpha
23717 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
23718 @cindex Alpha stack
23719 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
23720 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
23721 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
23722 find the beginning of a function.
23723
23724 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
23725 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
23726 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
23727 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
23728 commands:
23729
23730 @table @code
23731 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
23732 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
23733 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
23734 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
23735 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
23736 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
23737 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
23738 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
23739
23740 @item show heuristic-fence-post
23741 Display the current limit.
23742 @end table
23743
23744 @noindent
23745 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
23746 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
23747
23748 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
23749 programs:
23750
23751 @table @code
23752 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
23753 @kindex set mips abi
23754 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
23755 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
23756 values of @var{arg} are:
23757
23758 @table @samp
23759 @item auto
23760 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
23761 default).
23762 @item o32
23763 @item o64
23764 @item n32
23765 @item n64
23766 @item eabi32
23767 @item eabi64
23768 @end table
23769
23770 @item show mips abi
23771 @kindex show mips abi
23772 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
23773
23774 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
23775 @kindex set mips compression
23776 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
23777 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
23778 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
23779 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
23780 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
23781 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
23782 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
23783 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
23784 provided by the executable.
23785
23786 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
23787 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
23788 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
23789 identified as such.
23790
23791 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
23792 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
23793 implicitly from an executable.
23794
23795 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
23796 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
23797 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
23798 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
23799 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
23800
23801 @item show mips compression
23802 @kindex show mips compression
23803 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
23804 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
23805
23806 @item set mipsfpu
23807 @itemx show mipsfpu
23808 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
23809
23810 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
23811 @kindex set mips mask-address
23812 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
23813 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
23814 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
23815 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
23816 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
23817
23818 @item show mips mask-address
23819 @kindex show mips mask-address
23820 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
23821 not.
23822
23823 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23824 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23825 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
23826 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
23827 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
23828 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
23829
23830 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23831 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23832 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
23833
23834 @item set debug mips
23835 @kindex set debug mips
23836 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
23837 target code in @value{GDBN}.
23838
23839 @item show debug mips
23840 @kindex show debug mips
23841 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
23842 @end table
23843
23844
23845 @node HPPA
23846 @subsection HPPA
23847 @cindex HPPA support
23848
23849 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
23850 following special commands:
23851
23852 @table @code
23853 @item set debug hppa
23854 @kindex set debug hppa
23855 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
23856 messages are to be displayed.
23857
23858 @item show debug hppa
23859 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
23860
23861 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
23862 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
23863 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
23864 given @var{address}.
23865
23866 @end table
23867
23868
23869 @node SPU
23870 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
23871 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
23872 @cindex SPU
23873
23874 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
23875 it provides the following special commands:
23876
23877 @table @code
23878 @item info spu event
23879 @kindex info spu
23880 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
23881 and pending event status.
23882
23883 @item info spu signal
23884 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
23885 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
23886 notification channels.
23887
23888 @item info spu mailbox
23889 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
23890 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
23891 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
23892
23893 @item info spu dma
23894 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
23895 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
23896 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
23897
23898 @item info spu proxydma
23899 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
23900 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
23901 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
23902
23903 @end table
23904
23905 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
23906 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
23907 special commands:
23908
23909 @table @code
23910 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
23911 @kindex set spu
23912 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
23913 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
23914 function. The default is @code{off}.
23915
23916 @item show spu stop-on-load
23917 @kindex show spu
23918 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
23919
23920 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
23921 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
23922 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
23923 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
23924 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
23925 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
23926
23927 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
23928 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
23929
23930 @end table
23931
23932 @node PowerPC
23933 @subsection PowerPC
23934 @cindex PowerPC architecture
23935
23936 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
23937 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
23938 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
23939 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
23940 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
23941
23942 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
23943 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
23944 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
23945
23946 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
23947 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
23948
23949 @node Nios II
23950 @subsection Nios II
23951 @cindex Nios II architecture
23952
23953 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
23954 it provides the following special commands:
23955
23956 @table @code
23957
23958 @item set debug nios2
23959 @kindex set debug nios2
23960 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
23961 target code in @value{GDBN}.
23962
23963 @item show debug nios2
23964 @kindex show debug nios2
23965 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
23966 @end table
23967
23968 @node Sparc64
23969 @subsection Sparc64
23970 @cindex Sparc64 support
23971 @cindex Application Data Integrity
23972 @subsubsection ADI Support
23973
23974 The M7 processor supports an Application Data Integrity (ADI) feature that
23975 detects invalid data accesses. When software allocates memory and enables
23976 ADI on the allocated memory, it chooses a 4-bit version number, sets the
23977 version in the upper 4 bits of the 64-bit pointer to that data, and stores
23978 the 4-bit version in every cacheline of that data. Hardware saves the latter
23979 in spare bits in the cache and memory hierarchy. On each load and store,
23980 the processor compares the upper 4 VA (virtual address) bits to the
23981 cacheline's version. If there is a mismatch, the processor generates a
23982 version mismatch trap which can be either precise or disrupting. The trap
23983 is an error condition which the kernel delivers to the process as a SIGSEGV
23984 signal.
23985
23986 Note that only 64-bit applications can use ADI and need to be built with
23987 ADI-enabled.
23988
23989 Values of the ADI version tags, which are in granularity of a
23990 cacheline (64 bytes), can be viewed or modified.
23991
23992
23993 @table @code
23994 @kindex adi examine
23995 @item adi (examine | x) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr}
23996
23997 The @code{adi examine} command displays the value of one ADI version tag per
23998 cacheline.
23999
24000 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes; the default
24001 is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the ratio of 1:ADI
24002 block size, to display.
24003
24004 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
24005 to begin displaying the ADI version tags.
24006
24007 Below is an example of displaying ADI versions of variable "shmaddr".
24008
24009 @smallexample
24010 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
24011 0xfff800010002c000: 0 0
24012 @end smallexample
24013
24014 @kindex adi assign
24015 @item adi (assign | a) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr} = @var{tag}
24016
24017 The @code{adi assign} command is used to assign new ADI version tag
24018 to an address.
24019
24020 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes;
24021 the default is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the
24022 ratio of 1:ADI block size, to modify.
24023
24024 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
24025 to begin modifying the ADI version tags.
24026
24027 @var{tag} is the new ADI version tag.
24028
24029 For example, do the following to modify then verify ADI versions of
24030 variable "shmaddr":
24031
24032 @smallexample
24033 (@value{GDBP}) adi a/100 shmaddr = 7
24034 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
24035 0xfff800010002c000: 7 7
24036 @end smallexample
24037
24038 @end table
24039
24040 @node Controlling GDB
24041 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
24042
24043 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
24044 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
24045 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
24046 described here.
24047
24048 @menu
24049 * Prompt:: Prompt
24050 * Editing:: Command editing
24051 * Command History:: Command history
24052 * Screen Size:: Screen size
24053 * Numbers:: Numbers
24054 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
24055 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
24056 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
24057 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
24058 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
24059 @end menu
24060
24061 @node Prompt
24062 @section Prompt
24063
24064 @cindex prompt
24065
24066 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
24067 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
24068 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
24069 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
24070 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
24071 which one you are talking to.
24072
24073 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
24074 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
24075 or a prompt that does not.
24076
24077 @table @code
24078 @kindex set prompt
24079 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
24080 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
24081
24082 @kindex show prompt
24083 @item show prompt
24084 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
24085 @end table
24086
24087 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
24088 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
24089 are:
24090
24091 @table @code
24092 @kindex set extended-prompt
24093 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
24094 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
24095 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
24096 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
24097 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
24098 is displayed.
24099
24100 For example:
24101
24102 @smallexample
24103 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
24104 @end smallexample
24105
24106 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
24107 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
24108
24109 @kindex show extended-prompt
24110 @item show extended-prompt
24111 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
24112 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
24113 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
24114 @end table
24115
24116 @node Editing
24117 @section Command Editing
24118 @cindex readline
24119 @cindex command line editing
24120
24121 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
24122 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
24123 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
24124 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
24125 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
24126 debugging sessions.
24127
24128 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
24129 command @code{set}.
24130
24131 @table @code
24132 @kindex set editing
24133 @cindex editing
24134 @item set editing
24135 @itemx set editing on
24136 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
24137
24138 @item set editing off
24139 Disable command line editing.
24140
24141 @kindex show editing
24142 @item show editing
24143 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
24144 @end table
24145
24146 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
24147 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
24148 @end ifset
24149 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
24150 @xref{Command Line Editing},
24151 @end ifclear
24152 for more details about the Readline
24153 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
24154 encouraged to read that chapter.
24155
24156 @node Command History
24157 @section Command History
24158 @cindex command history
24159
24160 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
24161 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
24162 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
24163 history facility.
24164
24165 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
24166 package, to provide the history facility.
24167 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
24168 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
24169 @end ifset
24170 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
24171 @xref{Using History Interactively},
24172 @end ifclear
24173 for the detailed description of the History library.
24174
24175 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
24176 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
24177 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
24178 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
24179 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
24180 pressed on a line by itself.
24181
24182 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
24183 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
24184 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
24185 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
24186
24187 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
24188 history.
24189
24190 @table @code
24191 @cindex history substitution
24192 @cindex history file
24193 @kindex set history filename
24194 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
24195 @item set history filename @var{fname}
24196 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
24197 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
24198 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
24199 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
24200 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
24201 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
24202 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
24203 is not set.
24204
24205 @cindex save command history
24206 @kindex set history save
24207 @item set history save
24208 @itemx set history save on
24209 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
24210 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
24211
24212 @item set history save off
24213 Stop recording command history in a file.
24214
24215 @cindex history size
24216 @kindex set history size
24217 @cindex @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, environment variable
24218 @item set history size @var{size}
24219 @itemx set history size unlimited
24220 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
24221 This defaults to the value of the environment variable @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, or
24222 to 256 if this variable is not set. Non-numeric values of @env{GDBHISTSIZE}
24223 are ignored. If @var{size} is @code{unlimited} or if @env{GDBHISTSIZE} is
24224 either a negative number or the empty string, then the number of commands
24225 @value{GDBN} keeps in the history list is unlimited.
24226
24227 @cindex remove duplicate history
24228 @kindex set history remove-duplicates
24229 @item set history remove-duplicates @var{count}
24230 @itemx set history remove-duplicates unlimited
24231 Control the removal of duplicate history entries in the command history list.
24232 If @var{count} is non-zero, @value{GDBN} will look back at the last @var{count}
24233 history entries and remove the first entry that is a duplicate of the current
24234 entry being added to the command history list. If @var{count} is
24235 @code{unlimited} then this lookbehind is unbounded. If @var{count} is 0, then
24236 removal of duplicate history entries is disabled.
24237
24238 Only history entries added during the current session are considered for
24239 removal. This option is set to 0 by default.
24240
24241 @end table
24242
24243 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
24244 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
24245 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
24246 @end ifset
24247 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
24248 @xref{Event Designators},
24249 @end ifclear
24250 for more details.
24251
24252 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
24253 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
24254 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
24255 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
24256 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
24257 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
24258 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
24259 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
24260
24261 The commands to control history expansion are:
24262
24263 @table @code
24264 @item set history expansion on
24265 @itemx set history expansion
24266 @kindex set history expansion
24267 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
24268
24269 @item set history expansion off
24270 Disable history expansion.
24271
24272 @c @group
24273 @kindex show history
24274 @item show history
24275 @itemx show history filename
24276 @itemx show history save
24277 @itemx show history size
24278 @itemx show history expansion
24279 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
24280 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
24281 @c @end group
24282 @end table
24283
24284 @table @code
24285 @kindex show commands
24286 @cindex show last commands
24287 @cindex display command history
24288 @item show commands
24289 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
24290
24291 @item show commands @var{n}
24292 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
24293
24294 @item show commands +
24295 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
24296 @end table
24297
24298 @node Screen Size
24299 @section Screen Size
24300 @cindex size of screen
24301 @cindex screen size
24302 @cindex pagination
24303 @cindex page size
24304 @cindex pauses in output
24305
24306 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
24307 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
24308 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
24309 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to see one more page of output,
24310 @kbd{q} to discard the remaining output, or @kbd{c} to continue
24311 without paging for the rest of the current command. Also, the screen
24312 width setting determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on
24313 what is being printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a
24314 readable place, rather than simply letting it overflow onto the
24315 following line.
24316
24317 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
24318 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
24319 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
24320 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
24321 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
24322 width} commands:
24323
24324 @table @code
24325 @kindex set height
24326 @kindex set width
24327 @kindex show width
24328 @kindex show height
24329 @item set height @var{lpp}
24330 @itemx set height unlimited
24331 @itemx show height
24332 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
24333 @itemx set width unlimited
24334 @itemx show width
24335 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
24336 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
24337 commands display the current settings.
24338
24339 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
24340 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
24341 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
24342 buffer.
24343
24344 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
24345 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
24346
24347 @item set pagination on
24348 @itemx set pagination off
24349 @kindex set pagination
24350 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
24351 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
24352 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
24353 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
24354
24355 @item show pagination
24356 @kindex show pagination
24357 Show the current pagination mode.
24358 @end table
24359
24360 @node Numbers
24361 @section Numbers
24362 @cindex number representation
24363 @cindex entering numbers
24364
24365 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
24366 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
24367 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
24368 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
24369 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
24370 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
24371 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
24372 both input and output with the commands described below.
24373
24374 @table @code
24375 @kindex set input-radix
24376 @item set input-radix @var{base}
24377 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
24378 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
24379 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
24380 example, any of
24381
24382 @smallexample
24383 set input-radix 012
24384 set input-radix 10.
24385 set input-radix 0xa
24386 @end smallexample
24387
24388 @noindent
24389 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
24390 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
24391 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
24392 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
24393 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
24394 change the radix.
24395
24396 @kindex set output-radix
24397 @item set output-radix @var{base}
24398 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
24399 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
24400 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
24401
24402 @kindex show input-radix
24403 @item show input-radix
24404 Display the current default base for numeric input.
24405
24406 @kindex show output-radix
24407 @item show output-radix
24408 Display the current default base for numeric display.
24409
24410 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
24411 @itemx show radix
24412 @kindex set radix
24413 @kindex show radix
24414 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
24415 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
24416 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
24417 default value of 10.
24418
24419 @end table
24420
24421 @node ABI
24422 @section Configuring the Current ABI
24423
24424 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
24425 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
24426 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
24427 current ABI.
24428
24429 @cindex OS ABI
24430 @kindex set osabi
24431 @kindex show osabi
24432 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
24433
24434 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
24435 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
24436 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
24437 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
24438 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
24439 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
24440 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
24441 platform provides.
24442
24443 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
24444 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
24445 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
24446 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
24447
24448 @table @code
24449 @item show osabi
24450 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
24451
24452 @item set osabi
24453 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
24454
24455 @item set osabi @var{abi}
24456 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
24457 @end table
24458
24459 @cindex float promotion
24460
24461 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
24462 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
24463 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
24464 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
24465 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
24466 @code{double} and then passed.
24467
24468 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
24469 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
24470 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
24471
24472 @table @code
24473 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
24474 @item set coerce-float-to-double
24475 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
24476 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
24477 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
24478
24479 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
24480 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
24481 functions.
24482
24483 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
24484 @item show coerce-float-to-double
24485 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
24486 @end table
24487
24488 @kindex set cp-abi
24489 @kindex show cp-abi
24490 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
24491 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
24492 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
24493 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
24494 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
24495 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
24496 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
24497 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
24498 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
24499 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
24500 ``auto''.
24501
24502 @table @code
24503 @item show cp-abi
24504 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
24505
24506 @item set cp-abi
24507 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
24508
24509 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
24510 @itemx set cp-abi auto
24511 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
24512 @end table
24513
24514 @node Auto-loading
24515 @section Automatically loading associated files
24516 @cindex auto-loading
24517
24518 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
24519 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
24520 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
24521 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
24522 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
24523 sources).
24524
24525 @menu
24526 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
24527 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
24528
24529 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
24530 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
24531 @end menu
24532
24533 There are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load.
24534 In addition to these files, @value{GDBN} supports auto-loading code written
24535 in various extension languages. @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
24536
24537 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
24538 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
24539 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24540
24541 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
24542 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
24543
24544 @table @code
24545 @anchor{set auto-load off}
24546 @kindex set auto-load off
24547 @item set auto-load off
24548 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
24549 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
24550 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
24551 @smallexample
24552 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
24553 @end smallexample
24554
24555 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
24556 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
24557 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
24558 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
24559 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
24560 @code{set auto-load no}.
24561
24562 @anchor{show auto-load}
24563 @kindex show auto-load
24564 @item show auto-load
24565 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
24566 or disabled.
24567
24568 @smallexample
24569 (gdb) show auto-load
24570 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
24571 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
24572 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
24573 is on.
24574 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
24575 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
24576 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
24577 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
24578 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
24579 @end smallexample
24580
24581 @anchor{info auto-load}
24582 @kindex info auto-load
24583 @item info auto-load
24584 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
24585 not.
24586
24587 @smallexample
24588 (gdb) info auto-load
24589 gdb-scripts:
24590 Loaded Script
24591 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
24592 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
24593 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
24594 loaded.
24595 python-scripts:
24596 Loaded Script
24597 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
24598 @end smallexample
24599 @end table
24600
24601 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
24602
24603 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
24604 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
24605 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
24606 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
24607 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
24608 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
24609 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
24610 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
24611 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
24612 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
24613 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
24614 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
24615 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
24616 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
24617 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
24618 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
24619 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
24620 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
24621 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
24622 @item @xref{set auto-load guile-scripts}.
24623 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
24624 @item @xref{show auto-load guile-scripts}.
24625 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
24626 @item @xref{info auto-load guile-scripts}.
24627 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
24628 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
24629 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
24630 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
24631 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
24632 @item @xref{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}.
24633 @tab Add directory for auto-loaded scripts location list.
24634 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
24635 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
24636 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
24637 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
24638 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
24639 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
24640 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
24641 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
24642 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
24643 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
24644 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
24645 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
24646 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
24647 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
24648 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
24649 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
24650 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
24651 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
24652 @end multitable
24653
24654 @node Init File in the Current Directory
24655 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
24656 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
24657
24658 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
24659 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
24660 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
24661
24662 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
24663 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24664
24665 @table @code
24666 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
24667 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
24668 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
24669 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
24670 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
24671
24672 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
24673 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
24674 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
24675 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
24676 current directory is enabled or disabled.
24677
24678 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
24679 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
24680 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
24681 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
24682 current directory have been auto-loaded.
24683 @end table
24684
24685 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
24686 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
24687 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
24688
24689 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
24690
24691 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
24692 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
24693
24694 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
24695 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
24696 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
24697 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
24698 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
24699 library.
24700
24701 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
24702 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24703
24704 @table @code
24705 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
24706 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
24707 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
24708 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
24709
24710 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
24711 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
24712 @item show auto-load libthread-db
24713 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
24714 enabled or disabled.
24715
24716 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
24717 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
24718 @item info auto-load libthread-db
24719 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
24720 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
24721 @end table
24722
24723 @node Auto-loading safe path
24724 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
24725 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
24726
24727 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
24728 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
24729 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
24730 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
24731 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
24732
24733 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
24734 get loaded:
24735
24736 @smallexample
24737 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
24738 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
24739 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
24740 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
24741 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
24742 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
24743 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
24744 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
24745 @end smallexample
24746
24747 @noindent
24748 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
24749 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
24750
24751 @smallexample
24752 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
24753 @end smallexample
24754
24755 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
24756
24757 @table @code
24758 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
24759 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
24760 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
24761 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
24762 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
24763 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
24764 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
24765 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
24766 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
24767 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
24768
24769 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
24770 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
24771 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
24772
24773 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
24774 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
24775 @item show auto-load safe-path
24776 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
24777 scripts.
24778
24779 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
24780 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
24781 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
24782 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of directories trusted for
24783 automatic loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited
24784 by the host platform path separator in use.
24785 @end table
24786
24787 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
24788 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
24789 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
24790 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
24791 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
24792
24793 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
24794 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
24795 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
24796 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
24797 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
24798 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
24799 init file in the current directory
24800 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
24801
24802 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
24803 example, you could use one of the following ways:
24804
24805 @table @asis
24806 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
24807 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
24808 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
24809 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
24810
24811 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
24812 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
24813 @value{GDBN} session.
24814
24815 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
24816 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
24817 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
24818 from trusted sources.
24819
24820 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
24821 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
24822 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
24823 trusted sources.
24824 @end table
24825
24826 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
24827 also suppresses any such warning messages:
24828
24829 @table @asis
24830 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
24831 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
24832
24833 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
24834 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
24835 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
24836 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
24837 @end table
24838
24839 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
24840 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
24841 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
24842 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
24843 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
24844 recommended to be entered.
24845
24846 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
24847 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
24848 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
24849
24850 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
24851 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
24852 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
24853 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
24854 be printed.
24855
24856 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
24857 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
24858 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
24859
24860 @smallexample
24861 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
24862 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
24863 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
24864 for objfile "/tmp/true".
24865 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
24866 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
24867 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
24868 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
24869 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
24870 @end smallexample
24871
24872 @table @code
24873 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
24874 @kindex set debug auto-load
24875 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
24876 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
24877
24878 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
24879 @kindex show debug auto-load
24880 @item show debug auto-load
24881 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
24882 on or off.
24883 @end table
24884
24885 @node Messages/Warnings
24886 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
24887
24888 @cindex verbose operation
24889 @cindex optional warnings
24890 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
24891 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
24892 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
24893 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
24894
24895 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
24896 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
24897 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
24898
24899 @table @code
24900 @kindex set verbose
24901 @item set verbose on
24902 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
24903
24904 @item set verbose off
24905 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
24906
24907 @kindex show verbose
24908 @item show verbose
24909 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
24910 @end table
24911
24912 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
24913 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
24914 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
24915 Symbol Files}).
24916
24917 @table @code
24918
24919 @kindex set complaints
24920 @item set complaints @var{limit}
24921 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
24922 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
24923 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
24924 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
24925
24926 @kindex show complaints
24927 @item show complaints
24928 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
24929
24930 @end table
24931
24932 @anchor{confirmation requests}
24933 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
24934 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
24935 you try to run a program which is already running:
24936
24937 @smallexample
24938 (@value{GDBP}) run
24939 The program being debugged has been started already.
24940 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
24941 @end smallexample
24942
24943 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
24944 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
24945
24946 @table @code
24947
24948 @kindex set confirm
24949 @cindex flinching
24950 @cindex confirmation
24951 @cindex stupid questions
24952 @item set confirm off
24953 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
24954 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
24955 automatically disables confirmation requests.
24956
24957 @item set confirm on
24958 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
24959
24960 @kindex show confirm
24961 @item show confirm
24962 Displays state of confirmation requests.
24963
24964 @end table
24965
24966 @cindex command tracing
24967 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
24968 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
24969 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
24970 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
24971
24972 @table @code
24973 @kindex set trace-commands
24974 @cindex command scripts, debugging
24975 @item set trace-commands on
24976 Enable command tracing.
24977 @item set trace-commands off
24978 Disable command tracing.
24979 @item show trace-commands
24980 Display the current state of command tracing.
24981 @end table
24982
24983 @node Debugging Output
24984 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
24985 @cindex optional debugging messages
24986
24987 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
24988 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
24989 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
24990 section documents those commands.
24991
24992 @table @code
24993 @kindex set exec-done-display
24994 @item set exec-done-display
24995 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
24996 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
24997 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
24998 @kindex show exec-done-display
24999 @item show exec-done-display
25000 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
25001 notification.
25002 @kindex set debug
25003 @cindex ARM AArch64
25004 @item set debug aarch64
25005 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
25006 The default is off.
25007 @kindex show debug
25008 @item show debug aarch64
25009 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
25010 ARM AArch64.
25011 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
25012 @cindex architecture debugging info
25013 @item set debug arch
25014 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
25015 @item show debug arch
25016 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
25017 @item set debug aix-solib
25018 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
25019 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
25020 support module. The default is off.
25021 @item show debug aix-thread
25022 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
25023 @item set debug aix-thread
25024 @cindex AIX threads
25025 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
25026 module.
25027 @item show debug aix-thread
25028 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
25029 @item set debug check-physname
25030 @cindex physname
25031 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
25032 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
25033 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
25034 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
25035 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
25036 both ways and display any discrepancies.
25037 @item show debug check-physname
25038 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
25039 @item set debug coff-pe-read
25040 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
25041 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
25042 exported symbols. The default is off.
25043 @item show debug coff-pe-read
25044 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
25045 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
25046 @item set debug dwarf-die
25047 @cindex DWARF DIEs
25048 Dump DWARF DIEs after they are read in.
25049 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
25050 A value of zero turns off the display.
25051 @item show debug dwarf-die
25052 Show the current state of DWARF DIE debugging.
25053 @item set debug dwarf-line
25054 @cindex DWARF Line Tables
25055 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
25056 DWARF line tables. The default is 0 (off).
25057 A value of 1 provides basic information.
25058 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
25059 @item show debug dwarf-line
25060 Show the current state of DWARF line table debugging.
25061 @item set debug dwarf-read
25062 @cindex DWARF Reading
25063 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
25064 DWARF debug info. The default is 0 (off).
25065 A value of 1 provides basic information.
25066 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
25067 @item show debug dwarf-read
25068 Show the current state of DWARF reader debugging.
25069 @item set debug displaced
25070 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
25071 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
25072 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
25073 @item show debug displaced
25074 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
25075 related to displaced stepping.
25076 @item set debug event
25077 @cindex event debugging info
25078 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
25079 default is off.
25080 @item show debug event
25081 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
25082 info.
25083 @item set debug expression
25084 @cindex expression debugging info
25085 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
25086 expression parsing. The default is off.
25087 @item show debug expression
25088 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
25089 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
25090 @item set debug fbsd-lwp
25091 @cindex FreeBSD LWP debug messages
25092 Turns on or off debugging messages from the FreeBSD LWP debug support.
25093 @item show debug fbsd-lwp
25094 Show the current state of FreeBSD LWP debugging messages.
25095 @item set debug fbsd-nat
25096 @cindex FreeBSD native target debug messages
25097 Turns on or off debugging messages from the FreeBSD native target.
25098 @item show debug fbsd-nat
25099 Show the current state of FreeBSD native target debugging messages.
25100 @item set debug frame
25101 @cindex frame debugging info
25102 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
25103 default is off.
25104 @item show debug frame
25105 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
25106 info.
25107 @item set debug gnu-nat
25108 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
25109 Turn on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
25110 @item show debug gnu-nat
25111 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
25112 @item set debug infrun
25113 @cindex inferior debugging info
25114 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
25115 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
25116 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
25117 @item show debug infrun
25118 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
25119 @item set debug jit
25120 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
25121 Turn on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
25122 @item show debug jit
25123 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
25124 @item set debug lin-lwp
25125 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
25126 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
25127 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
25128 @item show debug lin-lwp
25129 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
25130 @item set debug linux-namespaces
25131 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux namespaces debug messages
25132 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux namespaces debug support.
25133 @item show debug linux-namespaces
25134 Show the current state of Linux namespaces debugging messages.
25135 @item set debug mach-o
25136 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
25137 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
25138 processing. The default is off.
25139 @item show debug mach-o
25140 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
25141 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
25142 @item set debug notification
25143 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
25144 Turn on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
25145 The default is off.
25146 @item show debug notification
25147 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
25148 @item set debug observer
25149 @cindex observer debugging info
25150 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
25151 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
25152 @item show debug observer
25153 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
25154 @item set debug overload
25155 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
25156 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
25157 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
25158 is off.
25159 @item show debug overload
25160 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
25161 debugging info.
25162 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
25163 @cindex debug expression parser
25164 @item set debug parser
25165 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
25166 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
25167 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
25168 details. The default is off.
25169 @item show debug parser
25170 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
25171 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
25172 @cindex serial connections, debugging
25173 @cindex debug remote protocol
25174 @cindex remote protocol debugging
25175 @cindex display remote packets
25176 @item set debug remote
25177 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
25178 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
25179 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
25180 @item show debug remote
25181 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
25182
25183 @item set debug separate-debug-file
25184 Turns on or off display of debug output about separate debug file search.
25185 @item show debug separate-debug-file
25186 Displays the state of separate debug file search debug output.
25187
25188 @item set debug serial
25189 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
25190 default is off.
25191 @item show debug serial
25192 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
25193 info.
25194 @item set debug solib-frv
25195 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
25196 Turn on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
25197 @item show debug solib-frv
25198 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
25199 messages.
25200 @item set debug symbol-lookup
25201 @cindex symbol lookup
25202 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol lookup.
25203 The default is 0 (off).
25204 A value of 1 provides basic information.
25205 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
25206 @item show debug symbol-lookup
25207 Show the current state of symbol lookup debugging messages.
25208 @item set debug symfile
25209 @cindex symbol file functions
25210 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
25211 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
25212 @item show debug symfile
25213 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
25214 @item set debug symtab-create
25215 @cindex symbol table creation
25216 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
25217 The default is 0 (off).
25218 A value of 1 provides basic information.
25219 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
25220 @item show debug symtab-create
25221 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
25222 @item set debug target
25223 @cindex target debugging info
25224 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
25225 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
25226 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
25227 value of large memory transfers.
25228 @item show debug target
25229 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
25230 info.
25231 @item set debug timestamp
25232 @cindex timestampping debugging info
25233 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
25234 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
25235 message.
25236 @item show debug timestamp
25237 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
25238 debugging info.
25239 @item set debug varobj
25240 @cindex variable object debugging info
25241 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
25242 info. The default is off.
25243 @item show debug varobj
25244 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
25245 debugging info.
25246 @item set debug xml
25247 @cindex XML parser debugging
25248 Turn on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
25249 @item show debug xml
25250 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
25251 @end table
25252
25253 @node Other Misc Settings
25254 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
25255 @cindex miscellaneous settings
25256
25257 @table @code
25258 @kindex set interactive-mode
25259 @item set interactive-mode
25260 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
25261 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
25262 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
25263 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
25264 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
25265 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
25266 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
25267 is, non-interactively otherwise.
25268
25269 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
25270 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
25271 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
25272 inside a cygwin window.
25273
25274 @kindex show interactive-mode
25275 @item show interactive-mode
25276 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
25277 @end table
25278
25279 @node Extending GDB
25280 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
25281 @cindex extending GDB
25282
25283 @value{GDBN} provides several mechanisms for extension.
25284 @value{GDBN} also provides the ability to automatically load
25285 extensions when it reads a file for debugging. This allows the
25286 user to automatically customize @value{GDBN} for the program
25287 being debugged.
25288
25289 @menu
25290 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of @value{GDBN} Commands
25291 * Python:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Python
25292 * Guile:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Guile
25293 * Auto-loading extensions:: Automatically loading extensions
25294 * Multiple Extension Languages:: Working with multiple extension languages
25295 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
25296 @end menu
25297
25298 To facilitate the use of extension languages, @value{GDBN} is capable
25299 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
25300 can recognize which extension language is being used by looking at
25301 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
25302 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
25303 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
25304
25305 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
25306 setting:
25307
25308 @table @code
25309 @kindex set script-extension
25310 @kindex show script-extension
25311 @item set script-extension off
25312 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
25313
25314 @item set script-extension soft
25315 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
25316 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
25317 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
25318 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
25319
25320 @item set script-extension strict
25321 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
25322 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
25323 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
25324
25325 @item show script-extension
25326 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
25327
25328 @end table
25329
25330 @node Sequences
25331 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
25332
25333 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
25334 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
25335 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
25336 files.
25337
25338 @menu
25339 * Define:: How to define your own commands
25340 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
25341 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
25342 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
25343 * Auto-loading sequences:: Controlling auto-loaded command files
25344 @end menu
25345
25346 @node Define
25347 @subsection User-defined Commands
25348
25349 @cindex user-defined command
25350 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
25351 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
25352 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
25353 @code{define} command. User commands may accept an unlimited number of arguments
25354 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
25355 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$argN}. A trivial example:
25356
25357 @smallexample
25358 define adder
25359 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
25360 end
25361 @end smallexample
25362
25363 @noindent
25364 To execute the command use:
25365
25366 @smallexample
25367 adder 1 2 3
25368 @end smallexample
25369
25370 @noindent
25371 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
25372 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
25373 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
25374 functions calls.
25375
25376 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
25377 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
25378 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
25379 been passed.
25380
25381 @smallexample
25382 define adder
25383 if $argc == 2
25384 print $arg0 + $arg1
25385 end
25386 if $argc == 3
25387 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
25388 end
25389 end
25390 @end smallexample
25391
25392 Combining with the @code{eval} command (@pxref{eval}) makes it easier
25393 to process a variable number of arguments:
25394
25395 @smallexample
25396 define adder
25397 set $i = 0
25398 set $sum = 0
25399 while $i < $argc
25400 eval "set $sum = $sum + $arg%d", $i
25401 set $i = $i + 1
25402 end
25403 print $sum
25404 end
25405 @end smallexample
25406
25407 @table @code
25408
25409 @kindex define
25410 @item define @var{commandname}
25411 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
25412 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
25413 The argument @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
25414 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
25415 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
25416 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
25417
25418 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
25419 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
25420 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
25421
25422 @kindex document
25423 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
25424 @item document @var{commandname}
25425 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
25426 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
25427 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
25428 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
25429 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
25430 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
25431
25432 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
25433 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
25434 does not change the documentation.
25435
25436 @kindex dont-repeat
25437 @cindex don't repeat command
25438 @item dont-repeat
25439 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
25440 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
25441 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
25442
25443 @kindex help user-defined
25444 @item help user-defined
25445 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
25446 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
25447 included (if any).
25448
25449 @kindex show user
25450 @item show user
25451 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
25452 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
25453 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
25454 definitions for all user-defined commands.
25455 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
25456
25457 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
25458 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
25459 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
25460 @item show max-user-call-depth
25461 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
25462 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
25463 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
25464 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
25465 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
25466 @end table
25467
25468 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
25469 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
25470
25471 When user-defined commands are executed, the
25472 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
25473 stops execution of the user-defined command.
25474
25475 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
25476 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
25477 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
25478 messages when used in a user-defined command.
25479
25480 @node Hooks
25481 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
25482 @cindex command hooks
25483 @cindex hooks, for commands
25484 @cindex hooks, pre-command
25485
25486 @kindex hook
25487 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
25488 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
25489 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
25490 before that command.
25491
25492 @cindex hooks, post-command
25493 @kindex hookpost
25494 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
25495 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
25496 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
25497 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
25498 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
25499
25500 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
25501 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
25502
25503 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
25504 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
25505
25506 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
25507 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
25508 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
25509 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
25510 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
25511
25512 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
25513 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
25514 you could define:
25515
25516 @smallexample
25517 define hook-stop
25518 handle SIGALRM nopass
25519 end
25520
25521 define hook-run
25522 handle SIGALRM pass
25523 end
25524
25525 define hook-continue
25526 handle SIGALRM pass
25527 end
25528 @end smallexample
25529
25530 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
25531 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
25532 you could define:
25533
25534 @smallexample
25535 define hook-echo
25536 echo <<<---
25537 end
25538
25539 define hookpost-echo
25540 echo --->>>\n
25541 end
25542
25543 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
25544 <<<---Hello World--->>>
25545 (@value{GDBP})
25546
25547 @end smallexample
25548
25549 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
25550 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
25551 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
25552 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
25553 @c or not?
25554 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
25555 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
25556 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
25557
25558 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
25559 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
25560 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
25561
25562 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
25563 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
25564
25565 @node Command Files
25566 @subsection Command Files
25567
25568 @cindex command files
25569 @cindex scripting commands
25570 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
25571 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
25572 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
25573 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
25574 terminal.
25575
25576 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
25577 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
25578 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
25579 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
25580 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
25581
25582 @table @code
25583 @kindex source
25584 @cindex execute commands from a file
25585 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
25586 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
25587 @end table
25588
25589 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
25590 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
25591 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
25592 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
25593 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
25594
25595 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
25596 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
25597 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
25598 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
25599 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
25600 is not relevant to scripts.
25601
25602 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
25603 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
25604 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
25605 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
25606 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
25607 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
25608 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
25609 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
25610 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
25611 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
25612 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
25613 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
25614 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
25615 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
25616
25617 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
25618 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
25619 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
25620
25621 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
25622 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
25623 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
25624 when called from command files.
25625
25626 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
25627 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
25628 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
25629 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
25630 the next command.
25631
25632 @smallexample
25633 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
25634 @end smallexample
25635
25636 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
25637 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
25638 would be directed to @file{log}.
25639
25640 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
25641 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
25642 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
25643 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
25644 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
25645 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
25646 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
25647 conditionally, etc.
25648
25649 @table @code
25650 @kindex if
25651 @kindex else
25652 @item if
25653 @itemx else
25654 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
25655 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
25656 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
25657 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
25658 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
25659 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
25660 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
25661
25662 @kindex while
25663 @item while
25664 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
25665 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
25666 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
25667 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
25668 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
25669 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
25670
25671 @kindex loop_break
25672 @item loop_break
25673 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
25674 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
25675 line.
25676
25677 @kindex loop_continue
25678 @item loop_continue
25679 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
25680 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
25681 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
25682 the controlling expression.
25683
25684 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
25685 @item end
25686 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
25687 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
25688 @end table
25689
25690
25691 @node Output
25692 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
25693
25694 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
25695 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
25696 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
25697 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
25698 want.
25699
25700 @table @code
25701 @kindex echo
25702 @item echo @var{text}
25703 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
25704 @c because it is not in ANSI.
25705 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
25706 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
25707 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
25708 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
25709 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
25710 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
25711 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
25712 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
25713 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
25714
25715 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
25716 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
25717
25718 @smallexample
25719 echo This is some text\n\
25720 which is continued\n\
25721 onto several lines.\n
25722 @end smallexample
25723
25724 produces the same output as
25725
25726 @smallexample
25727 echo This is some text\n
25728 echo which is continued\n
25729 echo onto several lines.\n
25730 @end smallexample
25731
25732 @kindex output
25733 @item output @var{expression}
25734 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
25735 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
25736 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
25737 on expressions.
25738
25739 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
25740 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
25741 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
25742 Formats}, for more information.
25743
25744 @kindex printf
25745 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
25746 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
25747 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
25748 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
25749 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
25750 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
25751 executing the code below:
25752
25753 @smallexample
25754 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
25755 @end smallexample
25756
25757 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
25758 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
25759 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
25760 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
25761 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
25762 printed.
25763
25764 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
25765
25766 @smallexample
25767 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
25768 @end smallexample
25769
25770 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
25771 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
25772 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
25773
25774 @itemize @bullet
25775 @item
25776 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
25777
25778 @item
25779 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
25780 width.
25781
25782 @item
25783 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
25784 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
25785
25786 @item
25787 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
25788 supported.
25789
25790 @item
25791 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
25792
25793 @item
25794 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
25795 @end itemize
25796
25797 @noindent
25798 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
25799 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
25800 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
25801 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
25802
25803 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
25804 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
25805 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
25806 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
25807 supported.
25808
25809 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
25810 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
25811 together with a floating point specifier.
25812 letters:
25813
25814 @itemize @bullet
25815 @item
25816 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
25817
25818 @item
25819 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
25820
25821 @item
25822 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
25823 @end itemize
25824
25825 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
25826 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
25827 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
25828
25829 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
25830 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
25831
25832 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
25833 @smallexample
25834 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
25835 @end smallexample
25836
25837 @anchor{eval}
25838 @kindex eval
25839 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
25840 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
25841 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
25842
25843 @end table
25844
25845 @node Auto-loading sequences
25846 @subsection Controlling auto-loading native @value{GDBN} scripts
25847 @cindex native script auto-loading
25848
25849 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
25850 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
25851 @value{GDBN} will look for the command file @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}.
25852 @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
25853
25854 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
25855 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
25856
25857 @table @code
25858 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
25859 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
25860 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
25861 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
25862
25863 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
25864 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
25865 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
25866 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
25867 disabled.
25868
25869 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
25870 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
25871 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
25872 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
25873 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
25874 auto-loaded.
25875 @end table
25876
25877 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
25878 matching names are printed.
25879
25880 @c Python docs live in a separate file.
25881 @include python.texi
25882
25883 @c Guile docs live in a separate file.
25884 @include guile.texi
25885
25886 @node Auto-loading extensions
25887 @section Auto-loading extensions
25888 @cindex auto-loading extensions
25889
25890 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for automatically loading extensions
25891 when a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
25892 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library):
25893 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} and the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}
25894 section of modern file formats like ELF.
25895
25896 @menu
25897 * objfile-gdb.ext file: objfile-gdbdotext file. The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
25898 * .debug_gdb_scripts section: dotdebug_gdb_scripts section. The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25899 * Which flavor to choose?::
25900 @end menu
25901
25902 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
25903 debugging commands and features.
25904
25905 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
25906 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
25907 See the @samp{auto-loading} section of each extension language
25908 for more information.
25909 For @value{GDBN} command files see @ref{Auto-loading sequences}.
25910 For Python files see @ref{Python Auto-loading}.
25911
25912 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25913 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25914
25915 @node objfile-gdbdotext file
25916 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
25917 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
25918 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25919 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
25920
25921 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for a file named
25922 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
25923 where @var{objfile} is the object file's name and
25924 where @var{ext} is the file extension for the extension language:
25925
25926 @table @code
25927 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
25928 GDB's own command language
25929 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25930 Python
25931 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
25932 Guile
25933 @end table
25934
25935 @var{script-name} is formed by ensuring that the file name of @var{objfile}
25936 is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving @code{.} and @code{..}
25937 components, and appending the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} suffix.
25938 If this file exists and is readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a
25939 script in the specified extension language.
25940
25941 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
25942 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
25943
25944 Note that loading of these files requires an accordingly configured
25945 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25946
25947 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
25948 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
25949 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
25950 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
25951 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
25952 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
25953
25954 @table @code
25955 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
25956 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
25957 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
25958 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
25959 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
25960 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
25961
25962 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
25963 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
25964
25965 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
25966 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
25967 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
25968 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
25969
25970 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
25971 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
25972 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
25973 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
25974 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
25975 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
25976 platform.
25977
25978 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
25979 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
25980 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
25981
25982 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
25983 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
25984 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
25985 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
25986
25987 @anchor{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}
25988 @kindex add-auto-load-scripts-directory
25989 @item add-auto-load-scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@dots{}@r{]}
25990 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of auto-loaded scripts locations.
25991 Multiple entries may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use.
25992 @end table
25993
25994 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
25995 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
25996 @var{objfile} is opened.
25997 So your @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
25998 is evaluated more than once.
25999
26000 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
26001 @subsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
26002 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
26003
26004 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
26005 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
26006 it will look for a special section named @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
26007 If this section exists, its contents is a list of null-terminated entries
26008 specifying scripts to load. Each entry begins with a non-null prefix byte that
26009 specifies the kind of entry, typically the extension language and whether the
26010 script is in a file or inlined in @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
26011
26012 The following entries are supported:
26013
26014 @table @code
26015 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_FILE = 1
26016 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_FILE = 3
26017 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT = 4
26018 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_TEXT = 6
26019 @end table
26020
26021 @subsubsection Script File Entries
26022
26023 If the entry specifies a file, @value{GDBN} will look for the file first
26024 in the current directory and then along the source search path
26025 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
26026 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
26027 directory is not relevant to scripts.
26028
26029 File entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
26030 for example, this GCC macro for Python scripts.
26031
26032 @example
26033 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
26034 #define DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT(script_name) \
26035 asm("\
26036 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
26037 .byte 1 /* Python */\n\
26038 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
26039 .popsection \n\
26040 ");
26041 @end example
26042
26043 @noindent
26044 For Guile scripts, replace @code{.byte 1} with @code{.byte 3}.
26045 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
26046
26047 @example
26048 DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
26049 @end example
26050
26051 The script name may include directories if desired.
26052
26053 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
26054 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
26055
26056 If the macro invocation is put in a header, any application or library
26057 using this header will get a reference to the specified script,
26058 and with the use of @code{"MS"} attributes on the section, the linker
26059 will remove duplicates.
26060
26061 @subsubsection Script Text Entries
26062
26063 Script text entries allow to put the executable script in the entry
26064 itself instead of loading it from a file.
26065 The first line of the entry, everything after the prefix byte and up to
26066 the first newline (@code{0xa}) character, is the script name, and must not
26067 contain any kind of space character, e.g., spaces or tabs.
26068 The rest of the entry, up to the trailing null byte, is the script to
26069 execute in the specified language. The name needs to be unique among
26070 all script names, as @value{GDBN} executes each script only once based
26071 on its name.
26072
26073 Here is an example from file @file{py-section-script.c} in the @value{GDBN}
26074 testsuite.
26075
26076 @example
26077 #include "symcat.h"
26078 #include "gdb/section-scripts.h"
26079 asm(
26080 ".pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n"
26081 ".byte " XSTRING (SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT) "\n"
26082 ".ascii \"gdb.inlined-script\\n\"\n"
26083 ".ascii \"class test_cmd (gdb.Command):\\n\"\n"
26084 ".ascii \" def __init__ (self):\\n\"\n"
26085 ".ascii \" super (test_cmd, self).__init__ ("
26086 "\\\"test-cmd\\\", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)\\n\"\n"
26087 ".ascii \" def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):\\n\"\n"
26088 ".ascii \" print (\\\"test-cmd output, arg = %s\\\" % arg)\\n\"\n"
26089 ".ascii \"test_cmd ()\\n\"\n"
26090 ".byte 0\n"
26091 ".popsection\n"
26092 );
26093 @end example
26094
26095 Loading of inlined scripts requires a properly configured
26096 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
26097 The path to specify in @code{auto-load safe-path} is the path of the file
26098 containing the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
26099
26100 @node Which flavor to choose?
26101 @subsection Which flavor to choose?
26102
26103 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading extensions, it might not always
26104 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
26105
26106 @noindent
26107 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way:
26108
26109 @itemize @bullet
26110 @item
26111 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
26112
26113 @item
26114 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
26115
26116 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
26117 in the source search path.
26118 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
26119 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
26120
26121 @item
26122 Doesn't require source code additions.
26123 @end itemize
26124
26125 @noindent
26126 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
26127
26128 @itemize @bullet
26129 @item
26130 Works with static linking.
26131
26132 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way require an objfile to
26133 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
26134 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
26135 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's
26136 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script.
26137
26138 @item
26139 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
26140
26141 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
26142 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script to.
26143
26144 @item
26145 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
26146
26147 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
26148 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
26149 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
26150 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
26151 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
26152 top of the source tree to the source search path.
26153 @end itemize
26154
26155 @node Multiple Extension Languages
26156 @section Multiple Extension Languages
26157
26158 The Guile and Python extension languages do not share any state,
26159 and generally do not interfere with each other.
26160 There are some things to be aware of, however.
26161
26162 @subsection Python comes first
26163
26164 Python was @value{GDBN}'s first extension language, and to avoid breaking
26165 existing behaviour Python comes first. This is generally solved by the
26166 ``first one wins'' principle. @value{GDBN} maintains a list of enabled
26167 extension languages, and when it makes a call to an extension language,
26168 (say to pretty-print a value), it tries each in turn until an extension
26169 language indicates it has performed the request (e.g., has returned the
26170 pretty-printed form of a value).
26171 This extends to errors while performing such requests: If an error happens
26172 while, for example, trying to pretty-print an object then the error is
26173 reported and any following extension languages are not tried.
26174
26175 @node Aliases
26176 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
26177 @cindex aliases for commands
26178
26179 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
26180 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
26181 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
26182 that involves less typing.
26183
26184 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
26185 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
26186 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
26187
26188 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
26189 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
26190 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
26191
26192 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
26193
26194 @table @code
26195
26196 @kindex alias
26197 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
26198
26199 @end table
26200
26201 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
26202 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
26203 underscores.
26204
26205 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
26206 that is being aliased.
26207
26208 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
26209 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
26210 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
26211
26212 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
26213 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
26214
26215 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
26216 of a command so that there is less to type.
26217 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
26218 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
26219 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
26220 The following will accomplish this.
26221
26222 @smallexample
26223 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
26224 @end smallexample
26225
26226 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
26227 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
26228 for it with the @samp{document} command.
26229 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
26230
26231 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
26232 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
26233 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
26234 of a command.
26235
26236 @smallexample
26237 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
26238 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
26239 (gdb) set p elms 20
26240 (gdb) show p elms
26241 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
26242 @end smallexample
26243
26244 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
26245 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
26246 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
26247
26248 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
26249 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
26250
26251 @smallexample
26252 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
26253 @end smallexample
26254
26255 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
26256 alias for a more complex command.
26257 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
26258
26259 @smallexample
26260 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
26261 (gdb) spe 20
26262 @end smallexample
26263
26264 @node Interpreters
26265 @chapter Command Interpreters
26266 @cindex command interpreters
26267
26268 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
26269 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
26270 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
26271
26272 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
26273 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
26274 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
26275 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
26276
26277 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
26278 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
26279 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
26280 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
26281
26282 @table @code
26283 @item console
26284 @cindex console interpreter
26285 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
26286 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
26287 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
26288
26289 @item mi
26290 @cindex mi interpreter
26291 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
26292 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
26293 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
26294 Interface}.
26295
26296 @item mi2
26297 @cindex mi2 interpreter
26298 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
26299
26300 @item mi1
26301 @cindex mi1 interpreter
26302 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
26303
26304 @end table
26305
26306 @cindex invoke another interpreter
26307
26308 @kindex interpreter-exec
26309 You may execute commands in any interpreter from the current
26310 interpreter using the appropriate command. If you are running the
26311 console interpreter, simply use the @code{interpreter-exec} command:
26312
26313 @smallexample
26314 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
26315 @end smallexample
26316
26317 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
26318 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
26319
26320 Note that @code{interpreter-exec} only changes the interpreter for the
26321 duration of the specified command. It does not change the interpreter
26322 permanently.
26323
26324 @cindex start a new independent interpreter
26325
26326 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, it is
26327 possible to run an independent interpreter on a specified input/output
26328 device (usually a tty).
26329
26330 For example, consider a debugger GUI or IDE that wants to provide a
26331 @value{GDBN} console view. It may do so by embedding a terminal
26332 emulator widget in its GUI, starting @value{GDBN} in the traditional
26333 command-line mode with stdin/stdout/stderr redirected to that
26334 terminal, and then creating an MI interpreter running on a specified
26335 input/output device. The console interpreter created by @value{GDBN}
26336 at startup handles commands the user types in the terminal widget,
26337 while the GUI controls and synchronizes state with @value{GDBN} using
26338 the separate MI interpreter.
26339
26340 To start a new secondary @dfn{user interface} running MI, use the
26341 @code{new-ui} command:
26342
26343 @kindex new-ui
26344 @cindex new user interface
26345 @smallexample
26346 new-ui @var{interpreter} @var{tty}
26347 @end smallexample
26348
26349 The @var{interpreter} parameter specifies the interpreter to run.
26350 This accepts the same values as the @code{interpreter-exec} command.
26351 For example, @samp{console}, @samp{mi}, @samp{mi2}, etc. The
26352 @var{tty} parameter specifies the name of the bidirectional file the
26353 interpreter uses for input/output, usually the name of a
26354 pseudoterminal slave on Unix systems. For example:
26355
26356 @smallexample
26357 (@value{GDBP}) new-ui mi /dev/pts/9
26358 @end smallexample
26359
26360 @noindent
26361 runs an MI interpreter on @file{/dev/pts/9}.
26362
26363 @node TUI
26364 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
26365 @cindex TUI
26366 @cindex Text User Interface
26367
26368 @menu
26369 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
26370 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
26371 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
26372 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
26373 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
26374 @end menu
26375
26376 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
26377 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
26378 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
26379 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
26380 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
26381 is available.
26382
26383 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
26384 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
26385 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
26386 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @command{tui
26387 enable} or @kbd{C-x C-a}. @xref{TUI Commands, ,TUI Commands}, and
26388 @ref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
26389
26390 @node TUI Overview
26391 @section TUI Overview
26392
26393 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
26394
26395 @table @emph
26396 @item command
26397 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
26398 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
26399 managed using readline.
26400
26401 @item source
26402 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
26403 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
26404
26405 @item assembly
26406 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
26407
26408 @item register
26409 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
26410 when their values change.
26411 @end table
26412
26413 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
26414 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
26415 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
26416 indicates the breakpoint type:
26417
26418 @table @code
26419 @item B
26420 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26421
26422 @item b
26423 Breakpoint which was never hit.
26424
26425 @item H
26426 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26427
26428 @item h
26429 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
26430 @end table
26431
26432 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
26433
26434 @table @code
26435 @item +
26436 Breakpoint is enabled.
26437
26438 @item -
26439 Breakpoint is disabled.
26440 @end table
26441
26442 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
26443 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
26444 changes.
26445
26446 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
26447 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
26448 layouts:
26449
26450 @itemize @bullet
26451 @item
26452 source only,
26453
26454 @item
26455 assembly only,
26456
26457 @item
26458 source and assembly,
26459
26460 @item
26461 source and registers, or
26462
26463 @item
26464 assembly and registers.
26465 @end itemize
26466
26467 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
26468
26469 @table @emph
26470 @item target
26471 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
26472 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
26473
26474 @item process
26475 Gives the current process or thread number.
26476 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
26477
26478 @item function
26479 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
26480 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
26481 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
26482 the string @code{??} is displayed.
26483
26484 @item line
26485 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
26486 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
26487
26488 @item pc
26489 Indicates the current program counter address.
26490 @end table
26491
26492 @node TUI Keys
26493 @section TUI Key Bindings
26494 @cindex TUI key bindings
26495
26496 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
26497 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
26498 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
26499 @end ifset
26500 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
26501 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
26502 @end ifclear
26503 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
26504 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
26505
26506 @table @kbd
26507 @kindex C-x C-a
26508 @item C-x C-a
26509 @kindex C-x a
26510 @itemx C-x a
26511 @kindex C-x A
26512 @itemx C-x A
26513 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
26514 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
26515 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
26516 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
26517 The screen is then refreshed.
26518
26519 @kindex C-x 1
26520 @item C-x 1
26521 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
26522 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
26523 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
26524
26525 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
26526
26527 @kindex C-x 2
26528 @item C-x 2
26529 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
26530 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
26531 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
26532 previous layout and the new one.
26533
26534 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
26535
26536 @kindex C-x o
26537 @item C-x o
26538 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
26539 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
26540 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
26541
26542 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
26543
26544 @kindex C-x s
26545 @item C-x s
26546 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
26547 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
26548 @end table
26549
26550 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
26551
26552 @table @asis
26553 @kindex PgUp
26554 @item @key{PgUp}
26555 Scroll the active window one page up.
26556
26557 @kindex PgDn
26558 @item @key{PgDn}
26559 Scroll the active window one page down.
26560
26561 @kindex Up
26562 @item @key{Up}
26563 Scroll the active window one line up.
26564
26565 @kindex Down
26566 @item @key{Down}
26567 Scroll the active window one line down.
26568
26569 @kindex Left
26570 @item @key{Left}
26571 Scroll the active window one column left.
26572
26573 @kindex Right
26574 @item @key{Right}
26575 Scroll the active window one column right.
26576
26577 @kindex C-L
26578 @item @kbd{C-L}
26579 Refresh the screen.
26580 @end table
26581
26582 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
26583 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
26584 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
26585 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
26586 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
26587
26588 @node TUI Single Key Mode
26589 @section TUI Single Key Mode
26590 @cindex TUI single key mode
26591
26592 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
26593 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
26594 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
26595
26596 @table @kbd
26597 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26598 @item c
26599 continue
26600
26601 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26602 @item d
26603 down
26604
26605 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26606 @item f
26607 finish
26608
26609 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26610 @item n
26611 next
26612
26613 @kindex o @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26614 @item o
26615 nexti. The shortcut letter @samp{o} stands for ``step Over''.
26616
26617 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26618 @item q
26619 exit the SingleKey mode.
26620
26621 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26622 @item r
26623 run
26624
26625 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26626 @item s
26627 step
26628
26629 @kindex i @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26630 @item i
26631 stepi. The shortcut letter @samp{i} stands for ``step Into''.
26632
26633 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26634 @item u
26635 up
26636
26637 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26638 @item v
26639 info locals
26640
26641 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26642 @item w
26643 where
26644 @end table
26645
26646 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
26647 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
26648 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
26649 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
26650 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
26651 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
26652
26653
26654 @node TUI Commands
26655 @section TUI-specific Commands
26656 @cindex TUI commands
26657
26658 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
26659 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
26660 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
26661 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
26662
26663 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
26664 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
26665 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
26666 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
26667 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
26668
26669 @table @code
26670 @item tui enable
26671 @kindex tui enable
26672 Activate TUI mode. The last active TUI window layout will be used if
26673 TUI mode has prevsiouly been used in the current debugging session,
26674 otherwise a default layout is used.
26675
26676 @item tui disable
26677 @kindex tui disable
26678 Disable TUI mode, returning to the console interpreter.
26679
26680 @item info win
26681 @kindex info win
26682 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
26683
26684 @item layout @var{name}
26685 @kindex layout
26686 Changes which TUI windows are displayed. In each layout the command
26687 window is always displayed, the @var{name} parameter controls which
26688 additional windows are displayed, and can be any of the following:
26689
26690 @table @code
26691 @item next
26692 Display the next layout.
26693
26694 @item prev
26695 Display the previous layout.
26696
26697 @item src
26698 Display the source and command windows.
26699
26700 @item asm
26701 Display the assembly and command windows.
26702
26703 @item split
26704 Display the source, assembly, and command windows.
26705
26706 @item regs
26707 When in @code{src} layout display the register, source, and command
26708 windows. When in @code{asm} or @code{split} layout display the
26709 register, assembler, and command windows.
26710 @end table
26711
26712 @item focus @var{name}
26713 @kindex focus
26714 Changes which TUI window is currently active for scrolling. The
26715 @var{name} parameter can be any of the following:
26716
26717 @table @code
26718 @item next
26719 Make the next window active for scrolling.
26720
26721 @item prev
26722 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
26723
26724 @item src
26725 Make the source window active for scrolling.
26726
26727 @item asm
26728 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
26729
26730 @item regs
26731 Make the register window active for scrolling.
26732
26733 @item cmd
26734 Make the command window active for scrolling.
26735 @end table
26736
26737 @item refresh
26738 @kindex refresh
26739 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
26740
26741 @item tui reg @var{group}
26742 @kindex tui reg
26743 Changes the register group displayed in the tui register window to
26744 @var{group}. If the register window is not currently displayed this
26745 command will cause the register window to be displayed. The list of
26746 register groups, as well as their order is target specific. The
26747 following groups are available on most targets:
26748 @table @code
26749 @item next
26750 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
26751 through all of the available register groups.
26752
26753 @item prev
26754 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
26755 through all of the available register groups in the reverse order to
26756 @var{next}.
26757
26758 @item general
26759 Display the general registers.
26760 @item float
26761 Display the floating point registers.
26762 @item system
26763 Display the system registers.
26764 @item vector
26765 Display the vector registers.
26766 @item all
26767 Display all registers.
26768 @end table
26769
26770 @item update
26771 @kindex update
26772 Update the source window and the current execution point.
26773
26774 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
26775 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
26776 @kindex winheight
26777 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
26778 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
26779 decrease it. The @var{name} parameter can be one of @code{src} (the
26780 source window), @code{cmd} (the command window), @code{asm} (the
26781 disassembly window), or @code{regs} (the register display window).
26782 @end table
26783
26784 @node TUI Configuration
26785 @section TUI Configuration Variables
26786 @cindex TUI configuration variables
26787
26788 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
26789
26790 @table @code
26791 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
26792 @kindex set tui border-kind
26793 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
26794 The possible values are the following:
26795 @table @code
26796 @item space
26797 Use a space character to draw the border.
26798
26799 @item ascii
26800 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
26801
26802 @item acs
26803 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
26804 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
26805 @end table
26806
26807 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
26808 @kindex set tui border-mode
26809 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
26810 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
26811 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
26812 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
26813 @table @code
26814 @item normal
26815 Use normal attributes to display the border.
26816
26817 @item standout
26818 Use standout mode.
26819
26820 @item reverse
26821 Use reverse video mode.
26822
26823 @item half
26824 Use half bright mode.
26825
26826 @item half-standout
26827 Use half bright and standout mode.
26828
26829 @item bold
26830 Use extra bright or bold mode.
26831
26832 @item bold-standout
26833 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
26834 @end table
26835
26836 @item set tui tab-width @var{nchars}
26837 @kindex set tui tab-width
26838 @kindex tabset
26839 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters. This
26840 setting affects the display of TAB characters in the source and
26841 assembly windows.
26842 @end table
26843
26844 @node Emacs
26845 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
26846
26847 @cindex Emacs
26848 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
26849 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
26850 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
26851 @value{GDBN}.
26852
26853 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
26854 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
26855 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
26856 created Emacs buffer.
26857 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
26858
26859 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
26860 things:
26861
26862 @itemize @bullet
26863 @item
26864 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
26865 the GUD buffer.
26866
26867 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
26868 and output done by the program you are debugging.
26869
26870 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
26871 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
26872 in this way.
26873
26874 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
26875 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
26876 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
26877 stop.
26878
26879 @item
26880 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
26881
26882 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
26883 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
26884 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
26885 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
26886 and the source.
26887
26888 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
26889 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
26890 @end itemize
26891
26892 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
26893 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
26894 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
26895 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
26896
26897 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
26898 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
26899 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
26900 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
26901 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
26902 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
26903 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
26904 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
26905 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
26906
26907 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
26908 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
26909 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
26910 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
26911
26912 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
26913 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
26914 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
26915 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
26916 one you want.
26917
26918 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
26919 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
26920
26921 @table @kbd
26922 @item C-h m
26923 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
26924
26925 @item C-c C-s
26926 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
26927 update the display window to show the current file and location.
26928
26929 @item C-c C-n
26930 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
26931 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
26932 to show the current file and location.
26933
26934 @item C-c C-i
26935 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
26936 display window accordingly.
26937
26938 @item C-c C-f
26939 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
26940 @code{finish} command.
26941
26942 @item C-c C-r
26943 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
26944 command.
26945
26946 @item C-c <
26947 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
26948 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
26949 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
26950
26951 @item C-c >
26952 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
26953 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
26954 @end table
26955
26956 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
26957 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
26958
26959 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
26960 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
26961 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
26962 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
26963 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
26964 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
26965 speedbar displays watch expressions.
26966
26967 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
26968 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
26969 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
26970 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
26971 frame.
26972
26973 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
26974 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
26975 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
26976 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
26977 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
26978 to correspond properly with the code.
26979
26980 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
26981 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
26982 Emacs Manual}).
26983
26984 @node GDB/MI
26985 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
26986
26987 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
26988
26989 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
26990 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
26991 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
26992 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
26993 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
26994 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
26995
26996 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
26997 in the form of a reference manual.
26998
26999 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
27000 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
27001 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
27002
27003 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
27004
27005 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
27006 This chapter uses the following notation:
27007
27008 @itemize @bullet
27009 @item
27010 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
27011
27012 @item
27013 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
27014 it may or may not be given.
27015
27016 @item
27017 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
27018 may repeat zero or more times.
27019
27020 @item
27021 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
27022 may repeat one or more times.
27023
27024 @item
27025 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
27026 @end itemize
27027
27028 @ignore
27029 @heading Dependencies
27030 @end ignore
27031
27032 @menu
27033 * GDB/MI General Design::
27034 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
27035 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
27036 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
27037 * GDB/MI Output Records::
27038 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
27039 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
27040 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
27041 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
27042 * GDB/MI Program Context::
27043 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
27044 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
27045 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
27046 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
27047 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
27048 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
27049 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
27050 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
27051 * GDB/MI File Commands::
27052 @ignore
27053 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
27054 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
27055 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
27056 @end ignore
27057 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
27058 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
27059 * GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands::
27060 * GDB/MI Support Commands::
27061 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
27062 @end menu
27063
27064 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27065 @node GDB/MI General Design
27066 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
27067 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
27068
27069 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
27070 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
27071 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
27072 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
27073 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
27074 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
27075 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
27076 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
27077 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
27078 a command and reported as part of that command response.
27079
27080 The important examples of notifications are:
27081 @itemize @bullet
27082
27083 @item
27084 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
27085 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
27086 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
27087 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
27088 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
27089 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
27090 command itself was successfully executed.
27091
27092 @item
27093 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
27094 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
27095 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
27096 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
27097 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
27098 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
27099
27100 @item
27101 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
27102 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
27103 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
27104 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
27105 orthogonal frontend design.
27106
27107 @end itemize
27108
27109 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
27110 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
27111 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
27112 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
27113 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
27114 the user interface.
27115
27116
27117 @menu
27118 * Context management::
27119 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
27120 * Thread groups::
27121 @end menu
27122
27123 @node Context management
27124 @subsection Context management
27125
27126 @subsubsection Threads and Frames
27127
27128 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
27129 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
27130 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
27131 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
27132 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
27133 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
27134 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
27135 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
27136 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
27137
27138 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
27139 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
27140 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
27141 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
27142 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
27143 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
27144 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
27145 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
27146 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
27147 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} global
27148 identifier for thread and frame to operate on.
27149
27150 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
27151 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
27152 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
27153 current thread or frame be changed. For example, when stopping on a
27154 breakpoint it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is
27155 hit. For another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} or
27156 @samp{frame} commands via the frontend, it is desirable to change the
27157 frontend's selection to the one specified by user. @value{GDBN}
27158 communicates the suggestion to change current thread and frame using the
27159 @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
27160
27161 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
27162 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
27163 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
27164 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
27165 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
27166 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
27167 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
27168 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
27169 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
27170 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
27171 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
27172 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
27173 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
27174 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
27175 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
27176 @samp{--frame} options.
27177
27178 @subsubsection Language
27179
27180 The execution of several commands depends on which language is selected.
27181 By default, the current language (@pxref{show language}) is used.
27182 But for commands known to be language-sensitive, it is recommended
27183 to use the @samp{--language} option. This option takes one argument,
27184 which is the name of the language to use while executing the command.
27185 For instance:
27186
27187 @smallexample
27188 -data-evaluate-expression --language c "sizeof (void*)"
27189 ^done,value="4"
27190 (gdb)
27191 @end smallexample
27192
27193 The valid language names are the same names accepted by the
27194 @samp{set language} command (@pxref{Manually}), excluding @samp{auto},
27195 @samp{local} or @samp{unknown}.
27196
27197 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
27198 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
27199
27200 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
27201 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
27202 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
27203 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
27204 @code{-gdb-set mi-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
27205 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
27206 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
27207 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
27208 @code{-list-target-features} command.
27209
27210 @table @code
27211 @item -gdb-set mi-async on
27212 @item -gdb-set mi-async off
27213 Set whether MI is in asynchronous mode.
27214
27215 When @code{off}, which is the default, MI execution commands (e.g.,
27216 @code{-exec-continue}) are foreground commands, and @value{GDBN} waits
27217 for the program to stop before processing further commands.
27218
27219 When @code{on}, MI execution commands are background execution
27220 commands (e.g., @code{-exec-continue} becomes the equivalent of the
27221 @code{c&} CLI command), and so @value{GDBN} is capable of processing
27222 MI commands even while the target is running.
27223
27224 @item -gdb-show mi-async
27225 Show whether MI asynchronous mode is enabled.
27226 @end table
27227
27228 Note: In @value{GDBN} version 7.7 and earlier, this option was called
27229 @code{target-async} instead of @code{mi-async}, and it had the effect
27230 of both putting MI in asynchronous mode and making CLI background
27231 commands possible. CLI background commands are now always possible
27232 ``out of the box'' if the target supports them. The old spelling is
27233 kept as a deprecated alias for backwards compatibility.
27234
27235 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
27236 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
27237 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
27238 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
27239 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
27240 are running.
27241
27242 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
27243 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
27244 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
27245 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
27246 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
27247 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
27248 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
27249 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
27250 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
27251 @samp{--thread} option).
27252
27253 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
27254 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
27255 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
27256 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
27257
27258 @node Thread groups
27259 @subsection Thread groups
27260 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
27261 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
27262 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
27263 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
27264 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
27265
27266 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
27267 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
27268 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
27269 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
27270 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
27271 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
27272 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
27273 into processes.
27274
27275 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
27276 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
27277 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
27278 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
27279 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
27280 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
27281 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
27282 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
27283 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
27284 the members of specific thread group.
27285
27286 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
27287 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
27288 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
27289 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
27290 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
27291 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
27292 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
27293 after attaching to that thread group.
27294
27295 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
27296 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
27297 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
27298 such thread groups.
27299
27300 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27301 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
27302 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
27303
27304 @menu
27305 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
27306 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
27307 @end menu
27308
27309 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
27310 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
27311
27312 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
27313 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
27314 @table @code
27315 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
27316 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
27317
27318 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
27319 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
27320 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
27321
27322 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
27323 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
27324 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
27325
27326 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27327 "any sequence of digits"
27328
27329 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
27330 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
27331
27332 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
27333 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
27334
27335 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
27336 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
27337
27338 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
27339 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
27340 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
27341
27342 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
27343 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
27344
27345 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27346 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27347 @end table
27348
27349 @noindent
27350 Notes:
27351
27352 @itemize @bullet
27353 @item
27354 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
27355 output is described below.
27356
27357 @item
27358 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
27359 finishes.
27360
27361 @item
27362 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
27363 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
27364 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
27365 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
27366 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
27367 @end itemize
27368
27369 Pragmatics:
27370
27371 @itemize @bullet
27372 @item
27373 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
27374
27375 @item
27376 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
27377 @end itemize
27378
27379 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
27380 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
27381
27382 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
27383 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
27384 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
27385 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
27386 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
27387 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
27388
27389 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
27390 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
27391 @var{token}.
27392
27393 @table @code
27394 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
27395 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
27396
27397 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
27398 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
27399
27400 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
27401 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
27402
27403 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
27404 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
27405
27406 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
27407 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output nl}}
27408
27409 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
27410 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output nl}}
27411
27412 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
27413 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output nl}}
27414
27415 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
27416 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )*}
27417
27418 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
27419 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
27420
27421 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
27422 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
27423 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
27424
27425 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
27426 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
27427
27428 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
27429 @code{ @var{string} }
27430
27431 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
27432 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
27433
27434 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
27435 @code{@var{c-string}}
27436
27437 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
27438 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
27439
27440 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
27441 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
27442 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
27443
27444 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
27445 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
27446
27447 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
27448 @code{"~" @var{c-string nl}}
27449
27450 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
27451 @code{"@@" @var{c-string nl}}
27452
27453 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
27454 @code{"&" @var{c-string nl}}
27455
27456 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27457 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27458
27459 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27460 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
27461 @end table
27462
27463 @noindent
27464 Notes:
27465
27466 @itemize @bullet
27467 @item
27468 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
27469
27470 @item
27471 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
27472 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
27473 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
27474 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
27475 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
27476 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
27477 prior command.
27478
27479 @item
27480 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27481 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
27482 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
27483 prefixed by @samp{+}.
27484
27485 @item
27486 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27487 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
27488 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
27489 @samp{*}.
27490
27491 @item
27492 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27493 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
27494 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
27495 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
27496
27497 @item
27498 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27499 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
27500 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
27501 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
27502
27503 @item
27504 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27505 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
27506 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
27507
27508 @item
27509 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27510 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
27511 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
27512 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
27513
27514 @item
27515 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27516 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
27517 @var{values}.
27518
27519
27520 @end itemize
27521
27522 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
27523 details about the various output records.
27524
27525 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27526 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
27527 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
27528
27529 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
27530 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
27531
27532 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
27533 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
27534 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
27535 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
27536 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
27537 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
27538
27539 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
27540 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
27541 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
27542
27543 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27544 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
27545 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
27546 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
27547
27548 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
27549 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
27550
27551 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
27552 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
27553 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
27554 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
27555 might change.
27556
27557 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
27558 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
27559 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
27560 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
27561
27562 @itemize @bullet
27563 @item
27564 New MI commands may be added.
27565
27566 @item
27567 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
27568
27569 @item
27570 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
27571 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
27572
27573 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
27574 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
27575
27576 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
27577 @c resolve inconsistencies.
27578 @end itemize
27579
27580 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
27581 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
27582 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
27583 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
27584 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
27585
27586 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
27587 @c version?
27588
27589 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
27590 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
27591 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
27592 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
27593 @cindex mailing lists
27594
27595 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27596 @node GDB/MI Output Records
27597 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
27598
27599 @menu
27600 * GDB/MI Result Records::
27601 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
27602 * GDB/MI Async Records::
27603 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
27604 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
27605 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
27606 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
27607 @end menu
27608
27609 @node GDB/MI Result Records
27610 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
27611
27612 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27613 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
27614 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
27615 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
27616
27617 @table @code
27618 @findex ^done
27619 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
27620 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
27621 values.
27622
27623 @item "^running"
27624 @findex ^running
27625 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
27626 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
27627 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
27628 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
27629 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
27630 which threads are resumed.
27631
27632 @item "^connected"
27633 @findex ^connected
27634 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
27635
27636 @item "^error" "," "msg=" @var{c-string} [ "," "code=" @var{c-string} ]
27637 @findex ^error
27638 The operation failed. The @code{msg=@var{c-string}} variable contains
27639 the corresponding error message.
27640
27641 If present, the @code{code=@var{c-string}} variable provides an error
27642 code on which consumers can rely on to detect the corresponding
27643 error condition. At present, only one error code is defined:
27644
27645 @table @samp
27646 @item "undefined-command"
27647 Indicates that the command causing the error does not exist.
27648 @end table
27649
27650 @item "^exit"
27651 @findex ^exit
27652 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
27653
27654 @end table
27655
27656 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
27657 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
27658
27659 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
27660 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27661 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
27662 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
27663 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
27664
27665 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
27666 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
27667 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
27668 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
27669 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
27670
27671 @table @code
27672 @item "~" @var{string-output}
27673 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
27674 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
27675
27676 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
27677 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
27678 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
27679 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
27680
27681 @item "&" @var{string-output}
27682 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
27683 internals.
27684 @end table
27685
27686 @node GDB/MI Async Records
27687 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
27688
27689 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27690 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
27691 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
27692 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
27693 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
27694 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
27695
27696 The following is the list of possible async records:
27697
27698 @table @code
27699
27700 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
27701 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field can be the global
27702 thread ID of the the thread that is now running, and it can be
27703 @samp{all} if all threads are running. The frontend should assume
27704 that no interaction with a running thread is possible after this
27705 notification is produced. The frontend should not assume that this
27706 notification is output only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may
27707 emit this notification several times, either for different threads,
27708 because it cannot resume all threads together, or even for a single
27709 thread, if the thread must be stepped though some code before letting
27710 it run freely.
27711
27712 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
27713 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
27714 following values:
27715
27716 @table @code
27717 @item breakpoint-hit
27718 A breakpoint was reached.
27719 @item watchpoint-trigger
27720 A watchpoint was triggered.
27721 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
27722 A read watchpoint was triggered.
27723 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
27724 An access watchpoint was triggered.
27725 @item function-finished
27726 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
27727 @item location-reached
27728 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
27729 @item watchpoint-scope
27730 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
27731 @item end-stepping-range
27732 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
27733 similar CLI command was accomplished.
27734 @item exited-signalled
27735 The inferior exited because of a signal.
27736 @item exited
27737 The inferior exited.
27738 @item exited-normally
27739 The inferior exited normally.
27740 @item signal-received
27741 A signal was received by the inferior.
27742 @item solib-event
27743 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
27744 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
27745 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
27746 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
27747 @item fork
27748 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
27749 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27750 @item vfork
27751 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
27752 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27753 @item syscall-entry
27754 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
27755 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27756 @item syscall-return
27757 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
27758 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27759 @item exec
27760 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
27761 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27762 @end table
27763
27764 The @var{id} field identifies the global thread ID of the thread
27765 that directly caused the stop -- for example by hitting a breakpoint.
27766 Depending on whether all-stop
27767 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
27768 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
27769 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
27770 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
27771 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
27772 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
27773 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
27774 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
27775 if such information is not available.
27776
27777 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
27778 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
27779 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
27780 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
27781 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
27782 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
27783 cannot be used in any way.
27784
27785 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
27786 A thread group became associated with a running program,
27787 either because the program was just started or the thread group
27788 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
27789 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
27790 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
27791
27792 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
27793 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
27794 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
27795 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
27796 thread group. The @var{code} field is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
27797 only when the inferior exited with some code.
27798
27799 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
27800 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
27801 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
27802 contains the global @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
27803 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
27804
27805 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"[,frame="@var{frame}"]
27806 Informs that the selected thread or frame were changed. This notification
27807 is not emitted as result of the @code{-thread-select} or
27808 @code{-stack-select-frame} commands, but is emitted whenever an MI command
27809 that is not documented to change the selected thread and frame actually
27810 changes them. In particular, invoking, directly or indirectly
27811 (via user-defined command), the CLI @code{thread} or @code{frame} commands,
27812 will generate this notification. Changing the thread or frame from another
27813 user interface (see @ref{Interpreters}) will also generate this notification.
27814
27815 The @var{frame} field is only present if the newly selected thread is
27816 stopped. See @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information} for the format of its value.
27817
27818 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
27819 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
27820 that thread.
27821
27822 @item =library-loaded,...
27823 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
27824 notification has 5 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
27825 @var{host-name}, @var{symbols-loaded} and @var{ranges}. The @var{id} field is an
27826 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
27827 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
27828 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
27829 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
27830 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
27831 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
27832 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
27833 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
27834 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
27835 thread groups. The @var{ranges} field specifies the ranges of addresses belonging
27836 to this library.
27837
27838 @item =library-unloaded,...
27839 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
27840 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
27841 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
27842 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
27843 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
27844 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
27845 thread groups.
27846
27847 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
27848 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
27849 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
27850 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
27851 frame is @var{tpnum}.
27852
27853 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
27854 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
27855 initial value @var{initial}.
27856
27857 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
27858 @itemx =tsv-deleted
27859 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
27860 trace state variables are deleted.
27861
27862 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
27863 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
27864 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
27865 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
27866 value of trace state variable is known.
27867
27868 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
27869 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
27870 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
27871 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
27872 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
27873 user.
27874
27875 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
27876 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
27877 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
27878
27879 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
27880 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
27881
27882 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}",method="@var{method}"[,format="@var{format}"]
27883 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
27884 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
27885 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
27886 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
27887
27888 The @var{method} field indicates the method used to record execution. If the
27889 method in use supports multiple recording formats, @var{format} will be present
27890 and contain the currently used format. @xref{Process Record and Replay},
27891 for existing method and format values.
27892
27893 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
27894 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
27895 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
27896 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
27897 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
27898 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
27899
27900 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
27901 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
27902 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
27903 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
27904 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
27905 executable code.
27906 @end table
27907
27908 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
27909 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
27910
27911 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
27912 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
27913 following fields:
27914
27915 @table @code
27916 @item number
27917 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
27918 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
27919 @samp{1.2}.
27920
27921 @item type
27922 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
27923 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
27924
27925 @item catch-type
27926 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
27927 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
27928
27929 @item disp
27930 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
27931 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
27932 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
27933
27934 @item enabled
27935 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
27936 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
27937 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
27938
27939 @item addr
27940 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
27941 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
27942 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
27943 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
27944 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
27945
27946 @item func
27947 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
27948 If not known, this field is not present.
27949
27950 @item filename
27951 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
27952 If not known, this field is not present.
27953
27954 @item fullname
27955 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
27956 known. If not known, this field is not present.
27957
27958 @item line
27959 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
27960 If not known, this field is not present.
27961
27962 @item at
27963 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
27964 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
27965 by a symbol name.
27966
27967 @item pending
27968 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
27969 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
27970
27971 @item evaluated-by
27972 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
27973 @samp{target}.
27974
27975 @item thread
27976 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
27977 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
27978
27979 @item task
27980 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
27981 field will hold the task identifier.
27982
27983 @item cond
27984 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
27985
27986 @item ignore
27987 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
27988
27989 @item enable
27990 The enable count of the breakpoint.
27991
27992 @item traceframe-usage
27993 FIXME.
27994
27995 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
27996 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
27997
27998 @item mask
27999 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
28000
28001 @item pass
28002 A tracepoint's pass count.
28003
28004 @item original-location
28005 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
28006 This field is optional.
28007
28008 @item times
28009 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
28010
28011 @item installed
28012 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
28013 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
28014 is not.
28015
28016 @item what
28017 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
28018
28019 @end table
28020
28021 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
28022 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
28023
28024 @smallexample
28025 -> -break-insert main
28026 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28027 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
28028 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
28029 times="0"@}
28030 <- (gdb)
28031 @end smallexample
28032
28033 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
28034 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
28035
28036 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
28037 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
28038 fields:
28039
28040 @table @code
28041 @item level
28042 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
28043 zero. This field is always present.
28044
28045 @item func
28046 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
28047 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
28048
28049 @item addr
28050 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
28051
28052 @item file
28053 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
28054 address. This field may be absent.
28055
28056 @item line
28057 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
28058 may be absent.
28059
28060 @item from
28061 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
28062 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
28063
28064 @end table
28065
28066 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
28067 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
28068
28069 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
28070 uses a tuple with the following fields. The fields are always present unless
28071 stated otherwise.
28072
28073 @table @code
28074 @item id
28075 The global numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}.
28076
28077 @item target-id
28078 The target-specific string identifying the thread.
28079
28080 @item details
28081 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
28082 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
28083 frontend. This field is optional.
28084
28085 @item name
28086 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
28087 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
28088 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
28089 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
28090 field is omitted.
28091
28092 @item state
28093 The execution state of the thread, either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running},
28094 depending on whether the thread is presently running.
28095
28096 @item frame
28097 The stack frame currently executing in the thread. This field is only present
28098 if the thread is stopped. Its format is documented in
28099 @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information}.
28100
28101 @item core
28102 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
28103 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
28104 @end table
28105
28106 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
28107 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
28108
28109 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
28110 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
28111 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
28112 the @code{exception-name} field. Also, for exceptions that were raised
28113 with an exception message, @value{GDBN} provides that message via
28114 the @code{exception-message} field.
28115
28116 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28117 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
28118 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
28119 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
28120
28121 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
28122 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
28123 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
28124 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
28125
28126 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
28127 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
28128
28129 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
28130
28131 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
28132 information of the breakpoint.
28133
28134 @smallexample
28135 -> -break-insert main
28136 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28137 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
28138 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
28139 times="0"@}
28140 <- (gdb)
28141 @end smallexample
28142
28143 @subheading Program Execution
28144
28145 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
28146 reason that execution stopped.
28147
28148 @smallexample
28149 -> -exec-run
28150 <- ^running
28151 <- (gdb)
28152 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
28153 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
28154 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
28155 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",
28156 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28157 <- (gdb)
28158 -> -exec-continue
28159 <- ^running
28160 <- (gdb)
28161 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
28162 <- (gdb)
28163 @end smallexample
28164
28165 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
28166
28167 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
28168
28169 @smallexample
28170 -> (gdb)
28171 <- -gdb-exit
28172 <- ^exit
28173 @end smallexample
28174
28175 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
28176 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
28177 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
28178 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
28179 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
28180 fails to exit in reasonable time.
28181
28182 @subheading A Bad Command
28183
28184 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
28185
28186 @smallexample
28187 -> -rubbish
28188 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
28189 <- (gdb)
28190 @end smallexample
28191
28192
28193 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28194 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
28195 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
28196
28197 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
28198 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
28199
28200 @subheading Motivation
28201
28202 The motivation for this collection of commands.
28203
28204 @subheading Introduction
28205
28206 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
28207
28208 @subheading Commands
28209
28210 For each command in the block, the following is described:
28211
28212 @subsubheading Synopsis
28213
28214 @smallexample
28215 -command @var{args}@dots{}
28216 @end smallexample
28217
28218 @subsubheading Result
28219
28220 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28221
28222 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
28223
28224 @subsubheading Example
28225
28226 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
28227 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
28228
28229
28230 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28231 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
28232 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
28233
28234 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
28235 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
28236 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
28237 breakpoints.
28238
28239 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
28240 @findex -break-after
28241
28242 @subsubheading Synopsis
28243
28244 @smallexample
28245 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
28246 @end smallexample
28247
28248 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
28249 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
28250 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
28251 @samp{-break-list} command below.
28252
28253 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28254
28255 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
28256
28257 @subsubheading Example
28258
28259 @smallexample
28260 (gdb)
28261 -break-insert main
28262 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28263 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
28264 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28265 times="0"@}
28266 (gdb)
28267 -break-after 1 3
28268 ~
28269 ^done
28270 (gdb)
28271 -break-list
28272 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28273 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28274 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28275 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28276 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28277 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28278 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28279 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28280 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28281 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
28282 (gdb)
28283 @end smallexample
28284
28285 @ignore
28286 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
28287 @findex -break-catch
28288 @end ignore
28289
28290 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
28291 @findex -break-commands
28292
28293 @subsubheading Synopsis
28294
28295 @smallexample
28296 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
28297 @end smallexample
28298
28299 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
28300 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
28301 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
28302 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
28303 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
28304 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
28305
28306 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28307
28308 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
28309
28310 @subsubheading Example
28311
28312 @smallexample
28313 (gdb)
28314 -break-insert main
28315 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28316 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
28317 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28318 times="0"@}
28319 (gdb)
28320 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
28321 ^done
28322 (gdb)
28323 @end smallexample
28324
28325 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
28326 @findex -break-condition
28327
28328 @subsubheading Synopsis
28329
28330 @smallexample
28331 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
28332 @end smallexample
28333
28334 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
28335 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
28336 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
28337 command below).
28338
28339 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28340
28341 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
28342
28343 @subsubheading Example
28344
28345 @smallexample
28346 (gdb)
28347 -break-condition 1 1
28348 ^done
28349 (gdb)
28350 -break-list
28351 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28352 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28353 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28354 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28355 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28356 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28357 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28358 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28359 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28360 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
28361 (gdb)
28362 @end smallexample
28363
28364 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
28365 @findex -break-delete
28366
28367 @subsubheading Synopsis
28368
28369 @smallexample
28370 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28371 @end smallexample
28372
28373 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
28374 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
28375
28376 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28377
28378 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
28379
28380 @subsubheading Example
28381
28382 @smallexample
28383 (gdb)
28384 -break-delete 1
28385 ^done
28386 (gdb)
28387 -break-list
28388 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
28389 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28390 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28391 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28392 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28393 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28394 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28395 body=[]@}
28396 (gdb)
28397 @end smallexample
28398
28399 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
28400 @findex -break-disable
28401
28402 @subsubheading Synopsis
28403
28404 @smallexample
28405 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28406 @end smallexample
28407
28408 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
28409 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
28410
28411 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28412
28413 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
28414
28415 @subsubheading Example
28416
28417 @smallexample
28418 (gdb)
28419 -break-disable 2
28420 ^done
28421 (gdb)
28422 -break-list
28423 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28424 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28425 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28426 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28427 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28428 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28429 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28430 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
28431 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28432 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28433 (gdb)
28434 @end smallexample
28435
28436 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
28437 @findex -break-enable
28438
28439 @subsubheading Synopsis
28440
28441 @smallexample
28442 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28443 @end smallexample
28444
28445 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
28446
28447 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28448
28449 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
28450
28451 @subsubheading Example
28452
28453 @smallexample
28454 (gdb)
28455 -break-enable 2
28456 ^done
28457 (gdb)
28458 -break-list
28459 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28460 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28461 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28462 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28463 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28464 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28465 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28466 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28467 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28468 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28469 (gdb)
28470 @end smallexample
28471
28472 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
28473 @findex -break-info
28474
28475 @subsubheading Synopsis
28476
28477 @smallexample
28478 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
28479 @end smallexample
28480
28481 @c REDUNDANT???
28482 Get information about a single breakpoint.
28483
28484 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
28485 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
28486 table.
28487
28488 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28489
28490 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
28491
28492 @subsubheading Example
28493 N.A.
28494
28495 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
28496 @findex -break-insert
28497 @anchor{-break-insert}
28498
28499 @subsubheading Synopsis
28500
28501 @smallexample
28502 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
28503 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
28504 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
28505 @end smallexample
28506
28507 @noindent
28508 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
28509
28510 @table @var
28511 @item linespec location
28512 A linespec location. @xref{Linespec Locations}.
28513
28514 @item explicit location
28515 An explicit location. @sc{gdb/mi} explicit locations are
28516 analogous to the CLI's explicit locations using the option names
28517 listed below. @xref{Explicit Locations}.
28518
28519 @table @samp
28520 @item --source @var{filename}
28521 The source file name of the location. This option requires the use
28522 of either @samp{--function} or @samp{--line}.
28523
28524 @item --function @var{function}
28525 The name of a function or method.
28526
28527 @item --label @var{label}
28528 The name of a label.
28529
28530 @item --line @var{lineoffset}
28531 An absolute or relative line offset from the start of the location.
28532 @end table
28533
28534 @item address location
28535 An address location, *@var{address}. @xref{Address Locations}.
28536 @end table
28537
28538 @noindent
28539 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
28540
28541 @table @samp
28542 @item -t
28543 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
28544 @item -h
28545 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
28546 @item -f
28547 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
28548 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
28549 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
28550 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
28551 cannot be parsed.
28552 @item -d
28553 Create a disabled breakpoint.
28554 @item -a
28555 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
28556 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
28557 @item -c @var{condition}
28558 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28559 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
28560 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
28561 @item -p @var{thread-id}
28562 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
28563 @var{thread-id}.
28564 @end table
28565
28566 @subsubheading Result
28567
28568 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
28569 resulting breakpoint.
28570
28571 Note: this format is open to change.
28572 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
28573
28574 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28575
28576 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
28577 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
28578
28579 @subsubheading Example
28580
28581 @smallexample
28582 (gdb)
28583 -break-insert main
28584 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
28585 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
28586 times="0"@}
28587 (gdb)
28588 -break-insert -t foo
28589 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
28590 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28591 times="0"@}
28592 (gdb)
28593 -break-list
28594 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28595 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28596 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28597 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28598 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28599 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28600 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28601 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28602 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
28603 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
28604 times="0"@},
28605 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28606 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
28607 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28608 times="0"@}]@}
28609 (gdb)
28610 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
28611 @c ~int foo(int, int);
28612 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
28613 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28614 @c times="0"@}
28615 @c (gdb)
28616 @end smallexample
28617
28618 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
28619 @findex -dprintf-insert
28620
28621 @subsubheading Synopsis
28622
28623 @smallexample
28624 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
28625 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
28626 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
28627 [ @var{argument} ]
28628 @end smallexample
28629
28630 @noindent
28631 If supplied, @var{location} may be specified the same way as for
28632 the @code{-break-insert} command. @xref{-break-insert}.
28633
28634 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
28635
28636 @table @samp
28637 @item -t
28638 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
28639 @item -f
28640 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
28641 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
28642 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
28643 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
28644 cannot be parsed.
28645 @item -d
28646 Create a disabled breakpoint.
28647 @item -c @var{condition}
28648 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28649 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
28650 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
28651 to @var{ignore-count}.
28652 @item -p @var{thread-id}
28653 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
28654 @var{thread-id}.
28655 @end table
28656
28657 @subsubheading Result
28658
28659 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
28660 resulting breakpoint.
28661
28662 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
28663
28664 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28665
28666 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
28667
28668 @subsubheading Example
28669
28670 @smallexample
28671 (gdb)
28672 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
28673 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28674 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
28675 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
28676 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
28677 original-location="foo"@}
28678 (gdb)
28679 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
28680 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28681 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
28682 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
28683 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
28684 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
28685 (gdb)
28686 @end smallexample
28687
28688 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
28689 @findex -break-list
28690
28691 @subsubheading Synopsis
28692
28693 @smallexample
28694 -break-list
28695 @end smallexample
28696
28697 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
28698
28699 @table @samp
28700 @item Number
28701 number of the breakpoint
28702 @item Type
28703 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
28704 @item Disposition
28705 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
28706 or @samp{nokeep}
28707 @item Enabled
28708 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
28709 @item Address
28710 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
28711 @item What
28712 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
28713 name, line number
28714 @item Thread-groups
28715 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
28716 @item Times
28717 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
28718 @end table
28719
28720 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
28721 @code{body} field is an empty list.
28722
28723 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28724
28725 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
28726
28727 @subsubheading Example
28728
28729 @smallexample
28730 (gdb)
28731 -break-list
28732 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28733 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28734 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28735 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28736 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28737 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28738 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28739 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28740 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28741 times="0"@},
28742 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28743 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28744 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28745 (gdb)
28746 @end smallexample
28747
28748 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
28749
28750 @smallexample
28751 (gdb)
28752 -break-list
28753 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
28754 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28755 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28756 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28757 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28758 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28759 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28760 body=[]@}
28761 (gdb)
28762 @end smallexample
28763
28764 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
28765 @findex -break-passcount
28766
28767 @subsubheading Synopsis
28768
28769 @smallexample
28770 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
28771 @end smallexample
28772
28773 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
28774 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
28775 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
28776 command @samp{passcount}.
28777
28778 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
28779 @findex -break-watch
28780
28781 @subsubheading Synopsis
28782
28783 @smallexample
28784 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
28785 @end smallexample
28786
28787 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
28788 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
28789 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
28790 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
28791 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
28792 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
28793 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
28794 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
28795
28796 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
28797 breakpoints inserted.
28798
28799 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28800
28801 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
28802 @samp{rwatch}.
28803
28804 @subsubheading Example
28805
28806 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
28807
28808 @smallexample
28809 (gdb)
28810 -break-watch x
28811 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
28812 (gdb)
28813 -exec-continue
28814 ^running
28815 (gdb)
28816 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
28817 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
28818 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28819 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28820 (gdb)
28821 @end smallexample
28822
28823 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
28824 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
28825 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
28826
28827 @smallexample
28828 (gdb)
28829 -break-watch C
28830 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
28831 (gdb)
28832 -exec-continue
28833 ^running
28834 (gdb)
28835 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
28836 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28837 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28838 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28839 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13",
28840 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28841 (gdb)
28842 -exec-continue
28843 ^running
28844 (gdb)
28845 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
28846 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28847 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28848 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28849 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18",
28850 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28851 (gdb)
28852 @end smallexample
28853
28854 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
28855 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
28856 deleted.
28857
28858 @smallexample
28859 (gdb)
28860 -break-watch C
28861 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
28862 (gdb)
28863 -break-list
28864 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28865 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28866 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28867 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28868 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28869 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28870 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28871 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28872 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28873 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28874 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
28875 times="1"@},
28876 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28877 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28878 (gdb)
28879 -exec-continue
28880 ^running
28881 (gdb)
28882 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
28883 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28884 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28885 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28886 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13",
28887 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28888 (gdb)
28889 -break-list
28890 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28891 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28892 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28893 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28894 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28895 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28896 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28897 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28898 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28899 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28900 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
28901 times="1"@},
28902 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28903 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
28904 (gdb)
28905 -exec-continue
28906 ^running
28907 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
28908 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28909 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28910 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28911 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18",
28912 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28913 (gdb)
28914 -break-list
28915 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28916 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28917 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28918 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28919 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28920 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28921 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28922 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28923 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28924 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28925 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
28926 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
28927 (gdb)
28928 @end smallexample
28929
28930
28931 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28932 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28933 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
28934
28935 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
28936 catchpoints.
28937
28938 @menu
28939 * Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28940 * Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28941 @end menu
28942
28943 @node Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28944 @subsection Shared Library @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
28945
28946 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
28947 @findex -catch-load
28948
28949 @subsubheading Synopsis
28950
28951 @smallexample
28952 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28953 @end smallexample
28954
28955 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
28956 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28957 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
28958 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28959 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
28960
28961
28962 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28963
28964 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
28965
28966 @subsubheading Example
28967
28968 @smallexample
28969 -catch-load -t foo.so
28970 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28971 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
28972 (gdb)
28973 @end smallexample
28974
28975
28976 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
28977 @findex -catch-unload
28978
28979 @subsubheading Synopsis
28980
28981 @smallexample
28982 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28983 @end smallexample
28984
28985 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
28986 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28987 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
28988 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28989 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
28990
28991 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28992
28993 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
28994
28995 @subsubheading Example
28996
28997 @smallexample
28998 -catch-unload -d bar.so
28999 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
29000 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
29001 (gdb)
29002 @end smallexample
29003
29004 @node Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
29005 @subsection Ada Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
29006
29007 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
29008 that stop the execution when Ada exceptions are being raised.
29009
29010 @subheading The @code{-catch-assert} Command
29011 @findex -catch-assert
29012
29013 @subsubheading Synopsis
29014
29015 @smallexample
29016 -catch-assert [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -t ]
29017 @end smallexample
29018
29019 Add a catchpoint for failed Ada assertions.
29020
29021 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
29022
29023 @table @samp
29024 @item -c @var{condition}
29025 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
29026 @item -d
29027 Create a disabled catchpoint.
29028 @item -t
29029 Create a temporary catchpoint.
29030 @end table
29031
29032 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29033
29034 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch assert}.
29035
29036 @subsubheading Example
29037
29038 @smallexample
29039 -catch-assert
29040 ^done,bkptno="5",bkpt=@{number="5",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29041 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404888",what="failed Ada assertions",
29042 thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",
29043 original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_assert_failure"@}
29044 (gdb)
29045 @end smallexample
29046
29047 @subheading The @code{-catch-exception} Command
29048 @findex -catch-exception
29049
29050 @subsubheading Synopsis
29051
29052 @smallexample
29053 -catch-exception [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
29054 [ -t ] [ -u ]
29055 @end smallexample
29056
29057 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are raised.
29058 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
29059 gets raised. But it is also possible, by using some of the
29060 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
29061 catchpoints.
29062
29063 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
29064
29065 @table @samp
29066 @item -c @var{condition}
29067 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
29068 @item -d
29069 Create a disabled catchpoint.
29070 @item -e @var{exception-name}
29071 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is raised. This option cannot
29072 be used combined with @samp{-u}.
29073 @item -t
29074 Create a temporary catchpoint.
29075 @item -u
29076 Stop only when an unhandled exception gets raised. This option
29077 cannot be used combined with @samp{-e}.
29078 @end table
29079
29080 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29081
29082 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch exception}
29083 and @samp{catch exception unhandled}.
29084
29085 @subsubheading Example
29086
29087 @smallexample
29088 -catch-exception -e Program_Error
29089 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29090 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404874",
29091 what="`Program_Error' Ada exception", thread-groups=["i1"],
29092 times="0",original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_exception"@}
29093 (gdb)
29094 @end smallexample
29095
29096 @subheading The @code{-catch-handlers} Command
29097 @findex -catch-handlers
29098
29099 @subsubheading Synopsis
29100
29101 @smallexample
29102 -catch-handlers [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
29103 [ -t ]
29104 @end smallexample
29105
29106 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are handled.
29107 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
29108 gets handled. But it is also possible, by using some of the
29109 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
29110 catchpoints.
29111
29112 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
29113
29114 @table @samp
29115 @item -c @var{condition}
29116 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
29117 @item -d
29118 Create a disabled catchpoint.
29119 @item -e @var{exception-name}
29120 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is handled.
29121 @item -t
29122 Create a temporary catchpoint.
29123 @end table
29124
29125 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29126
29127 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch handlers}.
29128
29129 @subsubheading Example
29130
29131 @smallexample
29132 -catch-handlers -e Constraint_Error
29133 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29134 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000402f68",
29135 what="`Constraint_Error' Ada exception handlers",thread-groups=["i1"],
29136 times="0",original-location="__gnat_begin_handler"@}
29137 (gdb)
29138 @end smallexample
29139
29140 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29141 @node GDB/MI Program Context
29142 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
29143
29144 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
29145 @findex -exec-arguments
29146
29147
29148 @subsubheading Synopsis
29149
29150 @smallexample
29151 -exec-arguments @var{args}
29152 @end smallexample
29153
29154 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
29155 @samp{-exec-run}.
29156
29157 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29158
29159 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
29160
29161 @subsubheading Example
29162
29163 @smallexample
29164 (gdb)
29165 -exec-arguments -v word
29166 ^done
29167 (gdb)
29168 @end smallexample
29169
29170
29171 @ignore
29172 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
29173 @findex -exec-show-arguments
29174
29175 @subsubheading Synopsis
29176
29177 @smallexample
29178 -exec-show-arguments
29179 @end smallexample
29180
29181 Print the arguments of the program.
29182
29183 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29184
29185 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
29186
29187 @subsubheading Example
29188 N.A.
29189 @end ignore
29190
29191
29192 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
29193 @findex -environment-cd
29194
29195 @subsubheading Synopsis
29196
29197 @smallexample
29198 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
29199 @end smallexample
29200
29201 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
29202
29203 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29204
29205 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
29206
29207 @subsubheading Example
29208
29209 @smallexample
29210 (gdb)
29211 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
29212 ^done
29213 (gdb)
29214 @end smallexample
29215
29216
29217 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
29218 @findex -environment-directory
29219
29220 @subsubheading Synopsis
29221
29222 @smallexample
29223 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
29224 @end smallexample
29225
29226 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
29227 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
29228 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
29229 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
29230 occurs as normal.
29231 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
29232 multiple directories in a single command
29233 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
29234 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
29235 If blanks are needed as
29236 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
29237 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
29238 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
29239 character must not be used
29240 in any directory name.
29241 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
29242
29243 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29244
29245 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
29246
29247 @subsubheading Example
29248
29249 @smallexample
29250 (gdb)
29251 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
29252 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
29253 (gdb)
29254 -environment-directory ""
29255 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
29256 (gdb)
29257 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
29258 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
29259 (gdb)
29260 -environment-directory -r
29261 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
29262 (gdb)
29263 @end smallexample
29264
29265
29266 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
29267 @findex -environment-path
29268
29269 @subsubheading Synopsis
29270
29271 @smallexample
29272 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
29273 @end smallexample
29274
29275 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
29276 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
29277 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
29278 supplied in addition to the
29279 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
29280 occurs as normal.
29281 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
29282 multiple directories in a single command
29283 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
29284 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
29285 If blanks are needed as
29286 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
29287 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
29288 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
29289 character must not be used
29290 in any directory name.
29291 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
29292
29293
29294 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29295
29296 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
29297
29298 @subsubheading Example
29299
29300 @smallexample
29301 (gdb)
29302 -environment-path
29303 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
29304 (gdb)
29305 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
29306 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
29307 (gdb)
29308 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
29309 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
29310 (gdb)
29311 @end smallexample
29312
29313
29314 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
29315 @findex -environment-pwd
29316
29317 @subsubheading Synopsis
29318
29319 @smallexample
29320 -environment-pwd
29321 @end smallexample
29322
29323 Show the current working directory.
29324
29325 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29326
29327 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
29328
29329 @subsubheading Example
29330
29331 @smallexample
29332 (gdb)
29333 -environment-pwd
29334 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
29335 (gdb)
29336 @end smallexample
29337
29338 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29339 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
29340 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
29341
29342
29343 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
29344 @findex -thread-info
29345
29346 @subsubheading Synopsis
29347
29348 @smallexample
29349 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
29350 @end smallexample
29351
29352 Reports information about either a specific thread, if the
29353 @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all threads.
29354 @var{thread-id} is the thread's global thread ID. When printing
29355 information about all threads, also reports the global ID of the
29356 current thread.
29357
29358 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29359
29360 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
29361 about all threads.
29362
29363 @subsubheading Result
29364
29365 The result contains the following attributes:
29366
29367 @table @samp
29368 @item threads
29369 A list of threads. The format of the elements of the list is described in
29370 @ref{GDB/MI Thread Information}.
29371
29372 @item current-thread-id
29373 The global id of the currently selected thread. This field is omitted if there
29374 is no selected thread (for example, when the selected inferior is not running,
29375 and therefore has no threads) or if a @var{thread-id} argument was passed to
29376 the command.
29377
29378 @end table
29379
29380 @subsubheading Example
29381
29382 @smallexample
29383 -thread-info
29384 ^done,threads=[
29385 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
29386 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
29387 args=[]@},state="running"@},
29388 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
29389 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
29390 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
29391 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158",arch="i386:x86_64"@},
29392 state="running"@}],
29393 current-thread-id="1"
29394 (gdb)
29395 @end smallexample
29396
29397 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
29398 @findex -thread-list-ids
29399
29400 @subsubheading Synopsis
29401
29402 @smallexample
29403 -thread-list-ids
29404 @end smallexample
29405
29406 Produces a list of the currently known global @value{GDBN} thread ids.
29407 At the end of the list it also prints the total number of such
29408 threads.
29409
29410 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
29411 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
29412
29413 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29414
29415 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
29416
29417 @subsubheading Example
29418
29419 @smallexample
29420 (gdb)
29421 -thread-list-ids
29422 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
29423 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
29424 (gdb)
29425 @end smallexample
29426
29427
29428 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
29429 @findex -thread-select
29430
29431 @subsubheading Synopsis
29432
29433 @smallexample
29434 -thread-select @var{thread-id}
29435 @end smallexample
29436
29437 Make thread with global thread number @var{thread-id} the current
29438 thread. It prints the number of the new current thread, and the
29439 topmost frame for that thread.
29440
29441 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
29442 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
29443
29444 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29445
29446 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
29447
29448 @subsubheading Example
29449
29450 @smallexample
29451 (gdb)
29452 -exec-next
29453 ^running
29454 (gdb)
29455 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
29456 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
29457 (gdb)
29458 -thread-list-ids
29459 ^done,
29460 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
29461 number-of-threads="3"
29462 (gdb)
29463 -thread-select 3
29464 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
29465 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
29466 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
29467 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29468 (gdb)
29469 @end smallexample
29470
29471 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29472 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
29473 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
29474
29475 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
29476 @findex -ada-task-info
29477
29478 @subsubheading Synopsis
29479
29480 @smallexample
29481 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
29482 @end smallexample
29483
29484 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
29485 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
29486
29487 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29488
29489 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
29490 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
29491
29492 @subsubheading Result
29493
29494 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
29495 defined for each Ada task:
29496
29497 @table @samp
29498 @item current
29499 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
29500
29501 @item id
29502 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
29503
29504 @item task-id
29505 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
29506
29507 @item thread-id
29508 The global thread identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada
29509 task.
29510
29511 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
29512 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
29513 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
29514
29515 @item parent-id
29516 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
29517 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
29518
29519 @item priority
29520 The base priority of the task.
29521
29522 @item state
29523 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
29524 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
29525
29526 @item name
29527 The name of the task.
29528
29529 @end table
29530
29531 @subsubheading Example
29532
29533 @smallexample
29534 -ada-task-info
29535 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
29536 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
29537 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
29538 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
29539 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
29540 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
29541 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
29542 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
29543 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
29544 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
29545 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
29546 (gdb)
29547 @end smallexample
29548
29549 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29550 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
29551 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
29552
29553 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
29554 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
29555 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
29556 other cases.
29557
29558 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
29559 @findex -exec-continue
29560
29561 @subsubheading Synopsis
29562
29563 @smallexample
29564 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
29565 @end smallexample
29566
29567 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
29568 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
29569 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
29570 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
29571 @itemize @bullet
29572 @item
29573 breakpoints or watchpoints
29574 @item
29575 signals or exceptions
29576 @item
29577 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
29578 @item
29579 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
29580 @end itemize
29581 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
29582 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
29583 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
29584 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
29585 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
29586 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
29587
29588 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29589
29590 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
29591
29592 @subsubheading Example
29593
29594 @smallexample
29595 -exec-continue
29596 ^running
29597 (gdb)
29598 @@Hello world
29599 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
29600 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
29601 line="13",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29602 (gdb)
29603 @end smallexample
29604
29605
29606 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
29607 @findex -exec-finish
29608
29609 @subsubheading Synopsis
29610
29611 @smallexample
29612 -exec-finish [--reverse]
29613 @end smallexample
29614
29615 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
29616 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
29617 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
29618 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
29619 function was called.
29620
29621 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29622
29623 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
29624
29625 @subsubheading Example
29626
29627 Function returning @code{void}.
29628
29629 @smallexample
29630 -exec-finish
29631 ^running
29632 (gdb)
29633 @@hello from foo
29634 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
29635 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29636 (gdb)
29637 @end smallexample
29638
29639 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
29640 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
29641 value itself.
29642
29643 @smallexample
29644 -exec-finish
29645 ^running
29646 (gdb)
29647 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
29648 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
29649 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
29650 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
29651 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
29652 (gdb)
29653 @end smallexample
29654
29655
29656 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
29657 @findex -exec-interrupt
29658
29659 @subsubheading Synopsis
29660
29661 @smallexample
29662 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
29663 @end smallexample
29664
29665 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
29666 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
29667 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
29668 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
29669 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
29670
29671 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
29672 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
29673 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
29674 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
29675
29676 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
29677 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
29678 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
29679 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
29680
29681 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29682
29683 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
29684
29685 @subsubheading Example
29686
29687 @smallexample
29688 (gdb)
29689 111-exec-continue
29690 111^running
29691
29692 (gdb)
29693 222-exec-interrupt
29694 222^done
29695 (gdb)
29696 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
29697 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29698 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29699 (gdb)
29700
29701 (gdb)
29702 -exec-interrupt
29703 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
29704 (gdb)
29705 @end smallexample
29706
29707 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
29708 @findex -exec-jump
29709
29710 @subsubheading Synopsis
29711
29712 @smallexample
29713 -exec-jump @var{location}
29714 @end smallexample
29715
29716 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
29717 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
29718 different forms of @var{location}.
29719
29720 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29721
29722 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
29723
29724 @subsubheading Example
29725
29726 @smallexample
29727 -exec-jump foo.c:10
29728 *running,thread-id="all"
29729 ^running
29730 @end smallexample
29731
29732
29733 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
29734 @findex -exec-next
29735
29736 @subsubheading Synopsis
29737
29738 @smallexample
29739 -exec-next [--reverse]
29740 @end smallexample
29741
29742 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29743 of the next source line is reached.
29744
29745 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29746 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
29747 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
29748 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
29749 source line where the function was called.
29750
29751
29752 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29753
29754 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
29755
29756 @subsubheading Example
29757
29758 @smallexample
29759 -exec-next
29760 ^running
29761 (gdb)
29762 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
29763 (gdb)
29764 @end smallexample
29765
29766
29767 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
29768 @findex -exec-next-instruction
29769
29770 @subsubheading Synopsis
29771
29772 @smallexample
29773 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
29774 @end smallexample
29775
29776 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
29777 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
29778 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
29779 printed as well.
29780
29781 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29782 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
29783 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
29784 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
29785 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
29786
29787 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29788
29789 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
29790
29791 @subsubheading Example
29792
29793 @smallexample
29794 (gdb)
29795 -exec-next-instruction
29796 ^running
29797
29798 (gdb)
29799 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29800 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
29801 (gdb)
29802 @end smallexample
29803
29804
29805 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
29806 @findex -exec-return
29807
29808 @subsubheading Synopsis
29809
29810 @smallexample
29811 -exec-return
29812 @end smallexample
29813
29814 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
29815 Displays the new current frame.
29816
29817 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29818
29819 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
29820
29821 @subsubheading Example
29822
29823 @smallexample
29824 (gdb)
29825 200-break-insert callee4
29826 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
29827 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
29828 (gdb)
29829 000-exec-run
29830 000^running
29831 (gdb)
29832 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29833 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
29834 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29835 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
29836 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29837 (gdb)
29838 205-break-delete
29839 205^done
29840 (gdb)
29841 111-exec-return
29842 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
29843 args=[@{name="strarg",
29844 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
29845 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29846 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18",
29847 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29848 (gdb)
29849 @end smallexample
29850
29851
29852 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
29853 @findex -exec-run
29854
29855 @subsubheading Synopsis
29856
29857 @smallexample
29858 -exec-run [ --all | --thread-group N ] [ --start ]
29859 @end smallexample
29860
29861 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
29862 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
29863 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
29864 the program has exited exceptionally.
29865
29866 When neither the @samp{--all} nor the @samp{--thread-group} option
29867 is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
29868 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
29869 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
29870 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
29871
29872 Using the @samp{--start} option instructs the debugger to stop
29873 the execution at the start of the inferior's main subprogram,
29874 following the same behavior as the @code{start} command
29875 (@pxref{Starting}).
29876
29877 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29878
29879 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
29880
29881 @subsubheading Examples
29882
29883 @smallexample
29884 (gdb)
29885 -break-insert main
29886 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29887 (gdb)
29888 -exec-run
29889 ^running
29890 (gdb)
29891 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29892 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
29893 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29894 (gdb)
29895 @end smallexample
29896
29897 @noindent
29898 Program exited normally:
29899
29900 @smallexample
29901 (gdb)
29902 -exec-run
29903 ^running
29904 (gdb)
29905 x = 55
29906 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29907 (gdb)
29908 @end smallexample
29909
29910 @noindent
29911 Program exited exceptionally:
29912
29913 @smallexample
29914 (gdb)
29915 -exec-run
29916 ^running
29917 (gdb)
29918 x = 55
29919 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
29920 (gdb)
29921 @end smallexample
29922
29923 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
29924 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
29925
29926 @smallexample
29927 (gdb)
29928 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
29929 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
29930 @end smallexample
29931
29932
29933 @c @subheading -exec-signal
29934
29935
29936 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
29937 @findex -exec-step
29938
29939 @subsubheading Synopsis
29940
29941 @smallexample
29942 -exec-step [--reverse]
29943 @end smallexample
29944
29945 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29946 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
29947 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
29948 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
29949 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
29950 previously executed source line.
29951
29952 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29953
29954 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
29955
29956 @subsubheading Example
29957
29958 Stepping into a function:
29959
29960 @smallexample
29961 -exec-step
29962 ^running
29963 (gdb)
29964 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29965 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
29966 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
29967 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29968 (gdb)
29969 @end smallexample
29970
29971 Regular stepping:
29972
29973 @smallexample
29974 -exec-step
29975 ^running
29976 (gdb)
29977 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
29978 (gdb)
29979 @end smallexample
29980
29981
29982 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
29983 @findex -exec-step-instruction
29984
29985 @subsubheading Synopsis
29986
29987 @smallexample
29988 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
29989 @end smallexample
29990
29991 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
29992 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
29993 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
29994 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
29995 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
29996 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
29997 as well.
29998
29999 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30000
30001 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
30002
30003 @subsubheading Example
30004
30005 @smallexample
30006 (gdb)
30007 -exec-step-instruction
30008 ^running
30009
30010 (gdb)
30011 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
30012 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
30013 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
30014 (gdb)
30015 -exec-step-instruction
30016 ^running
30017
30018 (gdb)
30019 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
30020 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
30021 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
30022 (gdb)
30023 @end smallexample
30024
30025
30026 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
30027 @findex -exec-until
30028
30029 @subsubheading Synopsis
30030
30031 @smallexample
30032 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
30033 @end smallexample
30034
30035 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
30036 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
30037 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
30038 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
30039
30040 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30041
30042 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
30043
30044 @subsubheading Example
30045
30046 @smallexample
30047 (gdb)
30048 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
30049 ^running
30050 (gdb)
30051 x = 55
30052 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
30053 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6",
30054 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
30055 (gdb)
30056 @end smallexample
30057
30058 @ignore
30059 @subheading -file-clear
30060 Is this going away????
30061 @end ignore
30062
30063 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30064 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
30065 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
30066
30067 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
30068 @findex -enable-frame-filters
30069
30070 @smallexample
30071 -enable-frame-filters
30072 @end smallexample
30073
30074 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
30075 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
30076 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
30077 request that this functionality be enabled.
30078
30079 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
30080
30081 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
30082 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
30083
30084 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
30085 @findex -stack-info-frame
30086
30087 @subsubheading Synopsis
30088
30089 @smallexample
30090 -stack-info-frame
30091 @end smallexample
30092
30093 Get info on the selected frame.
30094
30095 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30096
30097 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
30098 (without arguments).
30099
30100 @subsubheading Example
30101
30102 @smallexample
30103 (gdb)
30104 -stack-info-frame
30105 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
30106 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30107 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17",
30108 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
30109 (gdb)
30110 @end smallexample
30111
30112 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
30113 @findex -stack-info-depth
30114
30115 @subsubheading Synopsis
30116
30117 @smallexample
30118 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
30119 @end smallexample
30120
30121 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
30122 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
30123
30124 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30125
30126 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
30127
30128 @subsubheading Example
30129
30130 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
30131
30132 @smallexample
30133 (gdb)
30134 -stack-info-depth
30135 ^done,depth="12"
30136 (gdb)
30137 -stack-info-depth 4
30138 ^done,depth="4"
30139 (gdb)
30140 -stack-info-depth 12
30141 ^done,depth="12"
30142 (gdb)
30143 -stack-info-depth 11
30144 ^done,depth="11"
30145 (gdb)
30146 -stack-info-depth 13
30147 ^done,depth="12"
30148 (gdb)
30149 @end smallexample
30150
30151 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
30152 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
30153 @findex -stack-list-arguments
30154
30155 @subsubheading Synopsis
30156
30157 @smallexample
30158 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
30159 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
30160 @end smallexample
30161
30162 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
30163 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
30164 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
30165 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
30166 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
30167 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
30168 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
30169 which case only existing frames will be returned.
30170
30171 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30172 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30173 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30174 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30175 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
30176 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
30177
30178 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
30179 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
30180 are still displayed, however.
30181
30182 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
30183 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
30184
30185 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30186
30187 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
30188 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
30189 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
30190
30191 @subsubheading Example
30192
30193 @smallexample
30194 (gdb)
30195 -stack-list-frames
30196 ^done,
30197 stack=[
30198 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30199 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30200 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
30201 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30202 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
30203 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30204 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17",
30205 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30206 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
30207 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30208 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22",
30209 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30210 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
30211 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30212 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27",
30213 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30214 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
30215 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30216 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32",
30217 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
30218 (gdb)
30219 -stack-list-arguments 0
30220 ^done,
30221 stack-args=[
30222 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
30223 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
30224 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
30225 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
30226 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
30227 (gdb)
30228 -stack-list-arguments 1
30229 ^done,
30230 stack-args=[
30231 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
30232 frame=@{level="1",
30233 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
30234 frame=@{level="2",args=[
30235 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30236 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
30237 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
30238 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30239 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
30240 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
30241 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
30242 (gdb)
30243 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
30244 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
30245 (gdb)
30246 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
30247 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
30248 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30249 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
30250 (gdb)
30251 @end smallexample
30252
30253 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
30254
30255
30256 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
30257 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
30258 @findex -stack-list-frames
30259
30260 @subsubheading Synopsis
30261
30262 @smallexample
30263 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
30264 @end smallexample
30265
30266 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
30267 following info:
30268
30269 @table @samp
30270 @item @var{level}
30271 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
30272 @item @var{addr}
30273 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
30274 @item @var{func}
30275 Function name.
30276 @item @var{file}
30277 File name of the source file where the function lives.
30278 @item @var{fullname}
30279 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
30280 @item @var{line}
30281 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
30282 @item @var{from}
30283 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
30284 if the frame's function is not known.
30285 @item @var{arch}
30286 Frame's architecture.
30287 @end table
30288
30289 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
30290 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
30291 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
30292 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
30293 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
30294 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
30295 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
30296 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
30297 Python frame filters will not be executed.
30298
30299 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30300
30301 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
30302
30303 @subsubheading Example
30304
30305 Full stack backtrace:
30306
30307 @smallexample
30308 (gdb)
30309 -stack-list-frames
30310 ^done,stack=
30311 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
30312 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11",
30313 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30314 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30315 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30316 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30317 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30318 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30319 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30320 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30321 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30322 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30323 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30324 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30325 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30326 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30327 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30328 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30329 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30330 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30331 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30332 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30333 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30334 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30335 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30336 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30337 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30338 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30339 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30340 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30341 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30342 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30343 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30344 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
30345 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4",
30346 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
30347 (gdb)
30348 @end smallexample
30349
30350 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
30351
30352 @smallexample
30353 (gdb)
30354 -stack-list-frames 3 5
30355 ^done,stack=
30356 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30357 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30358 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30359 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30360 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30361 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30362 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30363 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30364 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
30365 (gdb)
30366 @end smallexample
30367
30368 Show a single frame:
30369
30370 @smallexample
30371 (gdb)
30372 -stack-list-frames 3 3
30373 ^done,stack=
30374 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30375 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30376 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
30377 (gdb)
30378 @end smallexample
30379
30380
30381 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
30382 @findex -stack-list-locals
30383 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
30384
30385 @subsubheading Synopsis
30386
30387 @smallexample
30388 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
30389 @end smallexample
30390
30391 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
30392 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30393 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30394 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30395 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30396 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
30397 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
30398 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
30399 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
30400 Python frame filters will not be executed.
30401
30402 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
30403 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
30404 variables are still displayed, however.
30405
30406 This command is deprecated in favor of the
30407 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
30408
30409 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30410
30411 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
30412
30413 @subsubheading Example
30414
30415 @smallexample
30416 (gdb)
30417 -stack-list-locals 0
30418 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
30419 (gdb)
30420 -stack-list-locals --all-values
30421 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
30422 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
30423 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
30424 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
30425 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
30426 (gdb)
30427 @end smallexample
30428
30429 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
30430 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
30431 @findex -stack-list-variables
30432
30433 @subsubheading Synopsis
30434
30435 @smallexample
30436 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
30437 @end smallexample
30438
30439 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
30440 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30441 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30442 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30443 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30444 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
30445 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
30446
30447 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
30448 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
30449 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
30450
30451 @subsubheading Example
30452
30453 @smallexample
30454 (gdb)
30455 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
30456 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
30457 (gdb)
30458 @end smallexample
30459
30460
30461 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
30462 @findex -stack-select-frame
30463
30464 @subsubheading Synopsis
30465
30466 @smallexample
30467 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
30468 @end smallexample
30469
30470 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
30471 the stack.
30472
30473 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
30474 option to every command.
30475
30476 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30477
30478 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
30479 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
30480
30481 @subsubheading Example
30482
30483 @smallexample
30484 (gdb)
30485 -stack-select-frame 2
30486 ^done
30487 (gdb)
30488 @end smallexample
30489
30490 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30491 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
30492 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
30493
30494 @ignore
30495
30496 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
30497
30498 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
30499 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
30500 used by @code{Insight}.
30501
30502 The two main reasons for that are:
30503
30504 @enumerate 1
30505 @item
30506 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
30507
30508 @item
30509 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
30510 now).
30511 @end enumerate
30512
30513 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
30514 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
30515 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
30516 hints about their use.
30517
30518 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
30519 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
30520 least, the following operations:
30521
30522 @itemize @bullet
30523 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
30524 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
30525 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
30526 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
30527 @end itemize
30528
30529 @end ignore
30530
30531 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
30532
30533 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
30534
30535 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
30536 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
30537 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
30538 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
30539 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
30540 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
30541 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
30542 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
30543 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
30544 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
30545 object, or to change display format.
30546
30547 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
30548 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
30549 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
30550 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
30551 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
30552 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
30553 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
30554 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
30555 child will be created.
30556
30557 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
30558 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
30559 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
30560 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
30561 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
30562
30563 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
30564 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
30565 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
30566 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
30567 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
30568 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
30569 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
30570 variables that frontend has created.
30571
30572 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
30573 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
30574 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
30575 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
30576 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
30577 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
30578 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
30579 implicitly updated.
30580
30581 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
30582 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
30583 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
30584 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
30585 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
30586 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
30587 frame. Consider this example:
30588
30589 @smallexample
30590 void do_work(...)
30591 @{
30592 struct work_state state;
30593
30594 if (...)
30595 do_work(...);
30596 @}
30597 @end smallexample
30598
30599 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
30600 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
30601 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
30602 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
30603 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
30604
30605 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
30606 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
30607 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
30608 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
30609 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
30610 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
30611
30612 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
30613 access this functionality:
30614
30615 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
30616 @item @strong{Operation}
30617 @tab @strong{Description}
30618
30619 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
30620 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
30621 @item @code{-var-create}
30622 @tab create a variable object
30623 @item @code{-var-delete}
30624 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
30625 @item @code{-var-set-format}
30626 @tab set the display format of this variable
30627 @item @code{-var-show-format}
30628 @tab show the display format of this variable
30629 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
30630 @tab tells how many children this object has
30631 @item @code{-var-list-children}
30632 @tab return a list of the object's children
30633 @item @code{-var-info-type}
30634 @tab show the type of this variable object
30635 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
30636 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
30637 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
30638 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
30639 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
30640 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
30641 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
30642 @tab get the value of this variable
30643 @item @code{-var-assign}
30644 @tab set the value of this variable
30645 @item @code{-var-update}
30646 @tab update the variable and its children
30647 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
30648 @tab set frozeness attribute
30649 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
30650 @tab set range of children to display on update
30651 @end multitable
30652
30653 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
30654 how it can be used.
30655
30656 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
30657
30658 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
30659 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
30660
30661 @smallexample
30662 -enable-pretty-printing
30663 @end smallexample
30664
30665 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
30666 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
30667 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
30668 request that this functionality be enabled.
30669
30670 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
30671
30672 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
30673 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
30674
30675 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
30676 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
30677
30678 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
30679 @findex -var-create
30680
30681 @subsubheading Synopsis
30682
30683 @smallexample
30684 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
30685 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
30686 @end smallexample
30687
30688 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
30689 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
30690 register.
30691
30692 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
30693 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
30694 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
30695 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
30696 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
30697
30698 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
30699 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
30700 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
30701 object must be created.
30702
30703 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
30704 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
30705
30706 @itemize @bullet
30707 @item
30708 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
30709
30710 @item
30711 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
30712
30713 @item
30714 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
30715 @end itemize
30716
30717 @cindex dynamic varobj
30718 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
30719 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
30720 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
30721 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
30722 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
30723 compatibility for existing clients.
30724
30725 @subsubheading Result
30726
30727 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
30728 are:
30729
30730 @table @samp
30731 @item name
30732 The name of the varobj.
30733
30734 @item numchild
30735 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
30736 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
30737 @samp{has_more} attribute.
30738
30739 @item value
30740 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
30741 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
30742 will not be interesting.
30743
30744 @item type
30745 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
30746 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
30747 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30748 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30749 @emph{declared} one.
30750
30751 @item thread-id
30752 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
30753 thread's global identifier.
30754
30755 @item has_more
30756 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
30757 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
30758
30759 @item dynamic
30760 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30761 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30762 then this attribute will not be present.
30763
30764 @item displayhint
30765 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30766 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30767 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30768 @end table
30769
30770 Typical output will look like this:
30771
30772 @smallexample
30773 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
30774 has_more="@var{has_more}"
30775 @end smallexample
30776
30777
30778 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
30779 @findex -var-delete
30780
30781 @subsubheading Synopsis
30782
30783 @smallexample
30784 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
30785 @end smallexample
30786
30787 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
30788 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
30789
30790 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
30791
30792
30793 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
30794 @findex -var-set-format
30795
30796 @subsubheading Synopsis
30797
30798 @smallexample
30799 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
30800 @end smallexample
30801
30802 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
30803 @var{format-spec}.
30804
30805 @anchor{-var-set-format}
30806 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
30807
30808 @smallexample
30809 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
30810 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural | zero-hexadecimal@}
30811 @end smallexample
30812
30813 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
30814 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
30815 for pointers, etc.).
30816
30817 The zero-hexadecimal format has a representation similar to hexadecimal
30818 but with padding zeroes to the left of the value. For example, a 32-bit
30819 hexadecimal value of 0x1234 would be represented as 0x00001234 in the
30820 zero-hexadecimal format.
30821
30822 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
30823 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
30824
30825 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
30826 @findex -var-show-format
30827
30828 @subsubheading Synopsis
30829
30830 @smallexample
30831 -var-show-format @var{name}
30832 @end smallexample
30833
30834 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
30835
30836 @smallexample
30837 @var{format} @expansion{}
30838 @var{format-spec}
30839 @end smallexample
30840
30841
30842 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
30843 @findex -var-info-num-children
30844
30845 @subsubheading Synopsis
30846
30847 @smallexample
30848 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
30849 @end smallexample
30850
30851 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
30852
30853 @smallexample
30854 numchild=@var{n}
30855 @end smallexample
30856
30857 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
30858 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
30859 be available.
30860
30861
30862 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
30863 @findex -var-list-children
30864
30865 @subsubheading Synopsis
30866
30867 @smallexample
30868 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
30869 @end smallexample
30870 @anchor{-var-list-children}
30871
30872 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
30873 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
30874 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
30875 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
30876 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
30877 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
30878 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
30879 and unions.
30880
30881 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
30882 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
30883 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
30884 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
30885 reported.
30886
30887 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
30888 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
30889 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
30890 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
30891 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
30892 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
30893 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
30894 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
30895 the visible items.
30896
30897 For each child the following results are returned:
30898
30899 @table @var
30900
30901 @item name
30902 Name of the variable object created for this child.
30903
30904 @item exp
30905 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
30906 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
30907
30908 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
30909 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
30910
30911 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
30912 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
30913 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
30914 type and value are not present.
30915
30916 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
30917 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
30918 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
30919
30920 @item numchild
30921 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
30922 0.
30923
30924 @item type
30925 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
30926 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30927 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30928 @emph{declared} one.
30929
30930 @item value
30931 If values were requested, this is the value.
30932
30933 @item thread-id
30934 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the
30935 thread's global thread id. Otherwise this result is not present.
30936
30937 @item frozen
30938 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
30939
30940 @item displayhint
30941 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30942 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30943 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30944
30945 @item dynamic
30946 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30947 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30948 then this attribute will not be present.
30949
30950 @end table
30951
30952 The result may have its own attributes:
30953
30954 @table @samp
30955 @item displayhint
30956 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30957 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30958 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30959
30960 @item has_more
30961 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
30962 remaining after the end of the selected range.
30963 @end table
30964
30965 @subsubheading Example
30966
30967 @smallexample
30968 (gdb)
30969 -var-list-children n
30970 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30971 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30972 (gdb)
30973 -var-list-children --all-values n
30974 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30975 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30976 @end smallexample
30977
30978
30979 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
30980 @findex -var-info-type
30981
30982 @subsubheading Synopsis
30983
30984 @smallexample
30985 -var-info-type @var{name}
30986 @end smallexample
30987
30988 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
30989 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
30990 @value{GDBN} CLI:
30991
30992 @smallexample
30993 type=@var{typename}
30994 @end smallexample
30995
30996
30997 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
30998 @findex -var-info-expression
30999
31000 @subsubheading Synopsis
31001
31002 @smallexample
31003 -var-info-expression @var{name}
31004 @end smallexample
31005
31006 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
31007 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
31008 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
31009
31010 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
31011 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
31012
31013 @smallexample
31014 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
31015 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
31016 @end smallexample
31017
31018 @noindent
31019 Here, the value of @code{lang} is the language name, which can be
31020 found in @ref{Supported Languages}.
31021
31022 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
31023 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
31024 is of limited use.
31025
31026 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
31027 @findex -var-info-path-expression
31028
31029 @subsubheading Synopsis
31030
31031 @smallexample
31032 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
31033 @end smallexample
31034
31035 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
31036 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
31037 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
31038 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
31039 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
31040 watchpoint from a variable object.
31041
31042 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
31043 and will give an error when invoked on one.
31044
31045 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
31046 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
31047 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
31048 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
31049 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
31050 @smallexample
31051 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
31052 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
31053 @end smallexample
31054
31055 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
31056 @findex -var-show-attributes
31057
31058 @subsubheading Synopsis
31059
31060 @smallexample
31061 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
31062 @end smallexample
31063
31064 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
31065
31066 @smallexample
31067 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
31068 @end smallexample
31069
31070 @noindent
31071 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
31072
31073 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
31074 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
31075
31076 @subsubheading Synopsis
31077
31078 @smallexample
31079 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
31080 @end smallexample
31081
31082 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
31083 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
31084 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
31085 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
31086 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
31087 the current display format will be used. The current display format
31088 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
31089
31090 @smallexample
31091 value=@var{value}
31092 @end smallexample
31093
31094 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
31095 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
31096
31097 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
31098 @findex -var-assign
31099
31100 @subsubheading Synopsis
31101
31102 @smallexample
31103 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
31104 @end smallexample
31105
31106 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
31107 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
31108 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
31109 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
31110
31111 @subsubheading Example
31112
31113 @smallexample
31114 (gdb)
31115 -var-assign var1 3
31116 ^done,value="3"
31117 (gdb)
31118 -var-update *
31119 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
31120 (gdb)
31121 @end smallexample
31122
31123 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
31124 @findex -var-update
31125
31126 @subsubheading Synopsis
31127
31128 @smallexample
31129 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
31130 @end smallexample
31131
31132 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
31133 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
31134 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
31135 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
31136 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
31137 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
31138 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
31139 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
31140 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
31141 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
31142 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
31143 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
31144 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
31145
31146 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
31147 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
31148 diagnostic.
31149
31150 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
31151 only the selected range of children will be reported.
31152
31153 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
31154 @samp{changelist}.
31155
31156 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
31157
31158 @table @samp
31159 @item name
31160 The name of the varobj.
31161
31162 @item value
31163 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
31164 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
31165
31166 @item in_scope
31167 @anchor{-var-update}
31168 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
31169
31170 @table @code
31171 @item "true"
31172 The variable object's current value is valid.
31173
31174 @item "false"
31175 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
31176 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
31177 scope.
31178
31179 @item "invalid"
31180 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
31181 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
31182 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
31183 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
31184 objects.
31185 @end table
31186
31187 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
31188 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
31189
31190 @item type_changed
31191 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
31192 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
31193 be @samp{false}.
31194
31195 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
31196 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
31197 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
31198 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
31199 unset.
31200
31201 @item new_type
31202 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
31203 hold the new type.
31204
31205 @item new_num_children
31206 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
31207 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
31208
31209 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
31210 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
31211 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
31212 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
31213 children which may be available.
31214
31215 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
31216 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
31217 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
31218 only happen at the end of the update range).
31219
31220 @item displayhint
31221 The display hint, if any.
31222
31223 @item has_more
31224 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
31225 available outside the varobj's update range.
31226
31227 @item dynamic
31228 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
31229 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
31230 then this attribute will not be present.
31231
31232 @item new_children
31233 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
31234 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
31235 be listed in this attribute.
31236 @end table
31237
31238 @subsubheading Example
31239
31240 @smallexample
31241 (gdb)
31242 -var-assign var1 3
31243 ^done,value="3"
31244 (gdb)
31245 -var-update --all-values var1
31246 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
31247 type_changed="false"@}]
31248 (gdb)
31249 @end smallexample
31250
31251 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
31252 @findex -var-set-frozen
31253 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
31254
31255 @subsubheading Synopsis
31256
31257 @smallexample
31258 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
31259 @end smallexample
31260
31261 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
31262 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
31263 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
31264 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
31265 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
31266 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
31267 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
31268 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
31269 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
31270 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
31271 @code{-var-update} does.
31272
31273 @subsubheading Example
31274
31275 @smallexample
31276 (gdb)
31277 -var-set-frozen V 1
31278 ^done
31279 (gdb)
31280 @end smallexample
31281
31282 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
31283 @findex -var-set-update-range
31284 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
31285
31286 @subsubheading Synopsis
31287
31288 @smallexample
31289 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
31290 @end smallexample
31291
31292 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
31293 @code{-var-update}.
31294
31295 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
31296 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
31297 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
31298 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
31299
31300 @subsubheading Example
31301
31302 @smallexample
31303 (gdb)
31304 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
31305 ^done
31306 @end smallexample
31307
31308 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
31309 @findex -var-set-visualizer
31310 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
31311
31312 @subsubheading Synopsis
31313
31314 @smallexample
31315 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
31316 @end smallexample
31317
31318 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
31319
31320 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
31321 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
31322
31323 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
31324 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
31325 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
31326 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
31327 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
31328 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
31329 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
31330
31331 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
31332 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
31333 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
31334 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
31335
31336 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
31337 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Support Commands})
31338 can be used to check this.
31339
31340 @subsubheading Example
31341
31342 Resetting the visualizer:
31343
31344 @smallexample
31345 (gdb)
31346 -var-set-visualizer V None
31347 ^done
31348 @end smallexample
31349
31350 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
31351
31352 @smallexample
31353 (gdb)
31354 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
31355 ^done
31356 @end smallexample
31357
31358 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
31359 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
31360
31361 @smallexample
31362 (gdb)
31363 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
31364 ^done
31365 @end smallexample
31366
31367 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31368 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
31369 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
31370
31371 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
31372 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
31373 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
31374 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
31375
31376 For details about what an addressable memory unit is,
31377 @pxref{addressable memory unit}.
31378
31379 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
31380 @c @subheading -data-assign
31381 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
31382 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
31383 @c set variable
31384 @c @subsubheading Example
31385 @c N.A.
31386
31387 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
31388 @findex -data-disassemble
31389
31390 @subsubheading Synopsis
31391
31392 @smallexample
31393 -data-disassemble
31394 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
31395 | [ -a @var{addr} ]
31396 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
31397 -- @var{mode}
31398 @end smallexample
31399
31400 @noindent
31401 Where:
31402
31403 @table @samp
31404 @item @var{start-addr}
31405 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
31406 @item @var{end-addr}
31407 is the end address
31408 @item @var{addr}
31409 is an address anywhere within (or the name of) the function to
31410 disassemble. If an address is specified, the whole function
31411 surrounding that address will be disassembled. If a name is
31412 specified, the whole function with that name will be disassembled.
31413 @item @var{filename}
31414 is the name of the file to disassemble
31415 @item @var{linenum}
31416 is the line number to disassemble around
31417 @item @var{lines}
31418 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
31419 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
31420 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
31421 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
31422 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
31423 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
31424 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
31425 are displayed.
31426 @item @var{mode}
31427 is one of:
31428 @itemize @bullet
31429 @item 0 disassembly only
31430 @item 1 mixed source and disassembly (deprecated)
31431 @item 2 disassembly with raw opcodes
31432 @item 3 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes (deprecated)
31433 @item 4 mixed source and disassembly
31434 @item 5 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes
31435 @end itemize
31436
31437 Modes 1 and 3 are deprecated. The output is ``source centric''
31438 which hasn't proved useful in practice.
31439 @xref{Machine Code}, for a discussion of the difference between
31440 @code{/m} and @code{/s} output of the @code{disassemble} command.
31441 @end table
31442
31443 @subsubheading Result
31444
31445 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
31446 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
31447 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
31448
31449 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
31450 following fields:
31451
31452 @table @code
31453 @item address
31454 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
31455
31456 @item func-name
31457 The name of the function this instruction is within.
31458
31459 @item offset
31460 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
31461
31462 @item inst
31463 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
31464
31465 @item opcodes
31466 This field is only present for modes 2, 3 and 5. This contains the raw opcode
31467 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
31468
31469 @end table
31470
31471 For modes 1, 3, 4 and 5 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
31472 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
31473
31474 @table @code
31475 @item line
31476 The line number within @samp{file}.
31477
31478 @item file
31479 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
31480 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
31481 used.
31482
31483 @item fullname
31484 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
31485 using the source file search path
31486 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
31487 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
31488
31489 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
31490 present in the debug information.
31491
31492 @item line_asm_insn
31493 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
31494 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
31495 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
31496 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
31497 @samp{opcodes}.
31498
31499 @end table
31500
31501 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
31502 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
31503 adjust its format.
31504
31505 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31506
31507 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
31508
31509 @subsubheading Example
31510
31511 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
31512
31513 @smallexample
31514 (gdb)
31515 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
31516 ^done,
31517 asm_insns=[
31518 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31519 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31520 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31521 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31522 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
31523 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
31524 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
31525 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31526 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
31527 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
31528 (gdb)
31529 @end smallexample
31530
31531 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
31532 @code{main}.
31533
31534 @smallexample
31535 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
31536 ^done,asm_insns=[
31537 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
31538 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
31539 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31540 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31541 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31542 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31543 [@dots{}]
31544 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
31545 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
31546 (gdb)
31547 @end smallexample
31548
31549 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
31550
31551 @smallexample
31552 (gdb)
31553 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
31554 ^done,asm_insns=[
31555 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
31556 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
31557 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31558 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31559 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31560 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
31561 (gdb)
31562 @end smallexample
31563
31564 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
31565
31566 @smallexample
31567 (gdb)
31568 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
31569 ^done,asm_insns=[
31570 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
31571 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31572 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31573 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
31574 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
31575 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
31576 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31577 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31578 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
31579 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31580 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31581 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
31582 (gdb)
31583 @end smallexample
31584
31585
31586 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
31587 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
31588
31589 @subsubheading Synopsis
31590
31591 @smallexample
31592 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
31593 @end smallexample
31594
31595 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
31596 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
31597 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
31598
31599 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31600
31601 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
31602 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
31603 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
31604
31605 @subsubheading Example
31606
31607 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
31608 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
31609 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
31610 output.
31611
31612 @smallexample
31613 211-data-evaluate-expression A
31614 211^done,value="1"
31615 (gdb)
31616 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
31617 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
31618 (gdb)
31619 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
31620 411^done,value="4"
31621 (gdb)
31622 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
31623 511^done,value="4"
31624 (gdb)
31625 @end smallexample
31626
31627
31628 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
31629 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
31630
31631 @subsubheading Synopsis
31632
31633 @smallexample
31634 -data-list-changed-registers
31635 @end smallexample
31636
31637 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
31638
31639 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31640
31641 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
31642 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
31643
31644 @subsubheading Example
31645
31646 On a PPC MBX board:
31647
31648 @smallexample
31649 (gdb)
31650 -exec-continue
31651 ^running
31652
31653 (gdb)
31654 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
31655 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
31656 line="5",arch="powerpc"@}
31657 (gdb)
31658 -data-list-changed-registers
31659 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
31660 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
31661 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
31662 (gdb)
31663 @end smallexample
31664
31665
31666 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
31667 @findex -data-list-register-names
31668
31669 @subsubheading Synopsis
31670
31671 @smallexample
31672 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
31673 @end smallexample
31674
31675 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
31676 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
31677 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
31678 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
31679 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
31680 include empty register names.
31681
31682 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31683
31684 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
31685 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
31686 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
31687
31688 @subsubheading Example
31689
31690 For the PPC MBX board:
31691 @smallexample
31692 (gdb)
31693 -data-list-register-names
31694 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
31695 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
31696 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
31697 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
31698 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
31699 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
31700 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
31701 (gdb)
31702 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
31703 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
31704 (gdb)
31705 @end smallexample
31706
31707 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
31708 @findex -data-list-register-values
31709
31710 @subsubheading Synopsis
31711
31712 @smallexample
31713 -data-list-register-values
31714 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
31715 @end smallexample
31716
31717 Display the registers' contents. The format according to which the
31718 registers' contents are to be returned is given by @var{fmt}, followed
31719 by an optional list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A
31720 missing list of numbers indicates that the contents of all the
31721 registers must be returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option
31722 indicates that only the available registers are to be returned.
31723
31724 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
31725
31726 @table @code
31727 @item x
31728 Hexadecimal
31729 @item o
31730 Octal
31731 @item t
31732 Binary
31733 @item d
31734 Decimal
31735 @item r
31736 Raw
31737 @item N
31738 Natural
31739 @end table
31740
31741 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31742
31743 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
31744 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
31745
31746 @subsubheading Example
31747
31748 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
31749 don't appear in the actual output):
31750
31751 @smallexample
31752 (gdb)
31753 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
31754 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
31755 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
31756 (gdb)
31757 -data-list-register-values x
31758 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
31759 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
31760 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
31761 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
31762 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
31763 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
31764 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
31765 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
31766 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
31767 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
31768 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
31769 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
31770 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
31771 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
31772 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
31773 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
31774 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
31775 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
31776 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
31777 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
31778 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
31779 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
31780 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
31781 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
31782 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
31783 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
31784 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
31785 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
31786 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
31787 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
31788 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
31789 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
31790 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
31791 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
31792 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
31793 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
31794 (gdb)
31795 @end smallexample
31796
31797
31798 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
31799 @findex -data-read-memory
31800
31801 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
31802
31803 @subsubheading Synopsis
31804
31805 @smallexample
31806 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
31807 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
31808 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
31809 @end smallexample
31810
31811 @noindent
31812 where:
31813
31814 @table @samp
31815 @item @var{address}
31816 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31817 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31818 quoted using the C convention.
31819
31820 @item @var{word-format}
31821 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
31822 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
31823 ,Output Formats}).
31824
31825 @item @var{word-size}
31826 The size of each memory word in bytes.
31827
31828 @item @var{nr-rows}
31829 The number of rows in the output table.
31830
31831 @item @var{nr-cols}
31832 The number of columns in the output table.
31833
31834 @item @var{aschar}
31835 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
31836 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
31837 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
31838 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
31839
31840 @item @var{byte-offset}
31841 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
31842 @end table
31843
31844 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
31845 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
31846 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
31847 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
31848 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
31849 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
31850 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
31851 @samp{addr}.
31852
31853 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
31854 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
31855 @samp{prev-page}.
31856
31857 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31858
31859 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
31860 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
31861
31862 @subsubheading Example
31863
31864 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
31865 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
31866 word. Display each word in hex.
31867
31868 @smallexample
31869 (gdb)
31870 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
31871 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
31872 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
31873 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
31874 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
31875 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
31876 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
31877 (gdb)
31878 @end smallexample
31879
31880 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
31881 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
31882
31883 @smallexample
31884 (gdb)
31885 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
31886 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
31887 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
31888 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
31889 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
31890 (gdb)
31891 @end smallexample
31892
31893 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
31894 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
31895 used as the non-printable character.
31896
31897 @smallexample
31898 (gdb)
31899 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
31900 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
31901 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
31902 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
31903 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31904 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31905 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31906 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31907 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
31908 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
31909 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
31910 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
31911 (gdb)
31912 @end smallexample
31913
31914 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
31915 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
31916
31917 @subsubheading Synopsis
31918
31919 @smallexample
31920 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{offset} ]
31921 @var{address} @var{count}
31922 @end smallexample
31923
31924 @noindent
31925 where:
31926
31927 @table @samp
31928 @item @var{address}
31929 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
31930 to be read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31931 quoted using the C convention.
31932
31933 @item @var{count}
31934 The number of addressable memory units to read. This should be an integer
31935 literal.
31936
31937 @item @var{offset}
31938 The offset relative to @var{address} at which to start reading. This
31939 should be an integer literal. This option is provided so that a frontend
31940 is not required to first evaluate address and then perform address
31941 arithmetics itself.
31942
31943 @end table
31944
31945 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
31946 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
31947 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
31948 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
31949 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
31950 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
31951
31952 In general, every single memory unit in the region may be readable or not,
31953 and the only way to read every readable unit is to try a read at
31954 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
31955 attempt to read all accessible memory units at either beginning or the end
31956 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
31957 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
31958 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
31959 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
31960
31961 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
31962 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
31963 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
31964 and has the following fields:
31965
31966 @table @code
31967 @item begin
31968 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31969
31970 @item end
31971 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31972
31973 @item offset
31974 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
31975 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
31976
31977 @item contents
31978 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
31979
31980 @end table
31981
31982
31983
31984 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31985
31986 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
31987
31988 @subsubheading Example
31989
31990 @smallexample
31991 (gdb)
31992 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
31993 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
31994 end="0xbffff15e",
31995 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
31996 (gdb)
31997 @end smallexample
31998
31999
32000 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
32001 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
32002
32003 @subsubheading Synopsis
32004
32005 @smallexample
32006 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
32007 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
32008 @end smallexample
32009
32010 @noindent
32011 where:
32012
32013 @table @samp
32014 @item @var{address}
32015 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
32016 to be written. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should
32017 be quoted using the C convention.
32018
32019 @item @var{contents}
32020 The hex-encoded data to write. It is an error if @var{contents} does
32021 not represent an integral number of addressable memory units.
32022
32023 @item @var{count}
32024 Optional argument indicating the number of addressable memory units to be
32025 written. If @var{count} is greater than @var{contents}' length,
32026 @value{GDBN} will repeatedly write @var{contents} until it fills
32027 @var{count} memory units.
32028
32029 @end table
32030
32031 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32032
32033 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32034
32035 @subsubheading Example
32036
32037 @smallexample
32038 (gdb)
32039 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
32040 ^done
32041 (gdb)
32042 @end smallexample
32043
32044 @smallexample
32045 (gdb)
32046 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
32047 ^done
32048 (gdb)
32049 @end smallexample
32050
32051 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32052 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
32053 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
32054
32055 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
32056 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
32057
32058 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
32059 @findex -trace-find
32060
32061 @subsubheading Synopsis
32062
32063 @smallexample
32064 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
32065 @end smallexample
32066
32067 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
32068 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
32069 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
32070
32071 @table @samp
32072
32073 @item none
32074 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
32075
32076 @item frame-number
32077 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
32078 that index.
32079
32080 @item tracepoint-number
32081 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
32082 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
32083
32084 @item pc
32085 An address is required as parameter. Finds
32086 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
32087 address.
32088
32089 @item pc-inside-range
32090 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
32091 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
32092 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
32093
32094 @item pc-outside-range
32095 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
32096 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
32097 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
32098
32099 @item line
32100 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
32101 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
32102 the specified location.
32103
32104 @end table
32105
32106 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
32107 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
32108
32109 @table @samp
32110 @item found
32111 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
32112 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
32113
32114 @item traceframe
32115 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
32116 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
32117
32118 @item tracepoint
32119 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
32120 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
32121
32122 @item frame
32123 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
32124 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
32125 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
32126
32127 @end table
32128
32129 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32130
32131 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
32132
32133 @subheading -trace-define-variable
32134 @findex -trace-define-variable
32135
32136 @subsubheading Synopsis
32137
32138 @smallexample
32139 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
32140 @end smallexample
32141
32142 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
32143 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
32144 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
32145 with the @samp{$} character.
32146
32147 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32148
32149 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
32150
32151 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
32152 @findex -trace-frame-collected
32153
32154 @subsubheading Synopsis
32155
32156 @smallexample
32157 -trace-frame-collected
32158 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
32159 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
32160 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
32161 [--memory-contents]
32162 @end smallexample
32163
32164 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
32165 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
32166 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
32167 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
32168 See the output description table below for more details.
32169
32170 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
32171 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
32172 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
32173 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
32174 memory range and which is a computed expression.
32175
32176 For instance, if the actions were
32177 @smallexample
32178 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
32179 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
32180 @end smallexample
32181
32182 @noindent
32183 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
32184 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
32185 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
32186 objects would be computed expressions.
32187
32188 An example output would be:
32189
32190 @smallexample
32191 (gdb)
32192 -trace-frame-collected
32193 ^done,
32194 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
32195 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
32196 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
32197 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
32198 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
32199 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
32200 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
32201 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
32202 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
32203 ...
32204 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
32205 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
32206 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
32207 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
32208 (gdb)
32209 @end smallexample
32210
32211 Where:
32212
32213 @table @code
32214 @item explicit-variables
32215 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
32216 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
32217 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
32218 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
32219 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
32220 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
32221 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
32222 arrays, structures and unions.
32223
32224 @item computed-expressions
32225 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
32226 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
32227 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
32228 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
32229
32230 @item registers
32231 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
32232 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
32233 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
32234 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
32235 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
32236
32237 @item tvars
32238 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
32239 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
32240 current value are returned.
32241
32242 @item memory
32243 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
32244 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
32245 collected memory range and has the following fields:
32246
32247 @table @code
32248 @item address
32249 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
32250
32251 @item length
32252 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
32253
32254 @item contents
32255 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
32256 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
32257
32258 @end table
32259
32260 @end table
32261
32262 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32263
32264 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32265
32266 @subsubheading Example
32267
32268 @subheading -trace-list-variables
32269 @findex -trace-list-variables
32270
32271 @subsubheading Synopsis
32272
32273 @smallexample
32274 -trace-list-variables
32275 @end smallexample
32276
32277 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
32278 table has the following fields:
32279
32280 @table @samp
32281 @item name
32282 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
32283
32284 @item initial
32285 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
32286 field is always present.
32287
32288 @item current
32289 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
32290 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
32291 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
32292 presently running.
32293
32294 @end table
32295
32296 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32297
32298 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
32299
32300 @subsubheading Example
32301
32302 @smallexample
32303 (gdb)
32304 -trace-list-variables
32305 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
32306 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
32307 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
32308 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
32309 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
32310 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
32311 (gdb)
32312 @end smallexample
32313
32314 @subheading -trace-save
32315 @findex -trace-save
32316
32317 @subsubheading Synopsis
32318
32319 @smallexample
32320 -trace-save [ -r ] [ -ctf ] @var{filename}
32321 @end smallexample
32322
32323 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
32324 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
32325 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
32326 to perform the save.
32327
32328 By default, this command will save the trace in the tfile format. You can
32329 supply the optional @samp{-ctf} argument to save it the CTF format. See
32330 @ref{Trace Files} for more information about CTF.
32331
32332 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32333
32334 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
32335
32336
32337 @subheading -trace-start
32338 @findex -trace-start
32339
32340 @subsubheading Synopsis
32341
32342 @smallexample
32343 -trace-start
32344 @end smallexample
32345
32346 Starts a tracing experiment. The result of this command does not
32347 have any fields.
32348
32349 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32350
32351 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
32352
32353 @subheading -trace-status
32354 @findex -trace-status
32355
32356 @subsubheading Synopsis
32357
32358 @smallexample
32359 -trace-status
32360 @end smallexample
32361
32362 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
32363 the following fields:
32364
32365 @table @samp
32366
32367 @item supported
32368 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
32369 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
32370 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
32371 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
32372 started. This field is always present.
32373
32374 @item running
32375 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
32376 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
32377 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
32378
32379 @item stop-reason
32380 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
32381 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
32382 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
32383 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
32384 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
32385 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
32386 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
32387 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
32388 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
32389
32390 @item stopping-tracepoint
32391 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
32392 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
32393 @samp{passcount}.
32394
32395 @item frames
32396 @itemx frames-created
32397 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
32398 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
32399 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
32400 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
32401
32402 @item buffer-size
32403 @itemx buffer-free
32404 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
32405 remaining space. These fields are optional.
32406
32407 @item circular
32408 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
32409 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
32410 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
32411 and may fill up.
32412
32413 @item disconnected
32414 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
32415 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
32416 that the trace run will stop.
32417
32418 @item trace-file
32419 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
32420 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
32421
32422 @end table
32423
32424 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32425
32426 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
32427
32428 @subheading -trace-stop
32429 @findex -trace-stop
32430
32431 @subsubheading Synopsis
32432
32433 @smallexample
32434 -trace-stop
32435 @end smallexample
32436
32437 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
32438 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
32439 @samp{running} fields are not output.
32440
32441 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32442
32443 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
32444
32445
32446 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32447 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
32448 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
32449
32450
32451 @ignore
32452 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
32453 @findex -symbol-info-address
32454
32455 @subsubheading Synopsis
32456
32457 @smallexample
32458 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
32459 @end smallexample
32460
32461 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
32462
32463 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32464
32465 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
32466
32467 @subsubheading Example
32468 N.A.
32469
32470
32471 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
32472 @findex -symbol-info-file
32473
32474 @subsubheading Synopsis
32475
32476 @smallexample
32477 -symbol-info-file
32478 @end smallexample
32479
32480 Show the file for the symbol.
32481
32482 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32483
32484 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
32485 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
32486
32487 @subsubheading Example
32488 N.A.
32489
32490
32491 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
32492 @findex -symbol-info-function
32493
32494 @subsubheading Synopsis
32495
32496 @smallexample
32497 -symbol-info-function
32498 @end smallexample
32499
32500 Show which function the symbol lives in.
32501
32502 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32503
32504 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
32505
32506 @subsubheading Example
32507 N.A.
32508
32509
32510 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
32511 @findex -symbol-info-line
32512
32513 @subsubheading Synopsis
32514
32515 @smallexample
32516 -symbol-info-line
32517 @end smallexample
32518
32519 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
32520
32521 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32522
32523 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
32524 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
32525
32526 @subsubheading Example
32527 N.A.
32528
32529
32530 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
32531 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
32532
32533 @subsubheading Synopsis
32534
32535 @smallexample
32536 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
32537 @end smallexample
32538
32539 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
32540
32541 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32542
32543 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
32544
32545 @subsubheading Example
32546 N.A.
32547
32548
32549 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
32550 @findex -symbol-list-functions
32551
32552 @subsubheading Synopsis
32553
32554 @smallexample
32555 -symbol-list-functions
32556 @end smallexample
32557
32558 List the functions in the executable.
32559
32560 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32561
32562 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
32563 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32564
32565 @subsubheading Example
32566 N.A.
32567 @end ignore
32568
32569
32570 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
32571 @findex -symbol-list-lines
32572
32573 @subsubheading Synopsis
32574
32575 @smallexample
32576 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
32577 @end smallexample
32578
32579 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
32580 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
32581 ascending PC order.
32582
32583 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32584
32585 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32586
32587 @subsubheading Example
32588 @smallexample
32589 (gdb)
32590 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
32591 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
32592 (gdb)
32593 @end smallexample
32594
32595
32596 @ignore
32597 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
32598 @findex -symbol-list-types
32599
32600 @subsubheading Synopsis
32601
32602 @smallexample
32603 -symbol-list-types
32604 @end smallexample
32605
32606 List all the type names.
32607
32608 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32609
32610 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
32611 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32612
32613 @subsubheading Example
32614 N.A.
32615
32616
32617 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
32618 @findex -symbol-list-variables
32619
32620 @subsubheading Synopsis
32621
32622 @smallexample
32623 -symbol-list-variables
32624 @end smallexample
32625
32626 List all the global and static variable names.
32627
32628 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32629
32630 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32631
32632 @subsubheading Example
32633 N.A.
32634
32635
32636 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
32637 @findex -symbol-locate
32638
32639 @subsubheading Synopsis
32640
32641 @smallexample
32642 -symbol-locate
32643 @end smallexample
32644
32645 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32646
32647 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
32648
32649 @subsubheading Example
32650 N.A.
32651
32652
32653 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
32654 @findex -symbol-type
32655
32656 @subsubheading Synopsis
32657
32658 @smallexample
32659 -symbol-type @var{variable}
32660 @end smallexample
32661
32662 Show type of @var{variable}.
32663
32664 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32665
32666 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
32667 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
32668
32669 @subsubheading Example
32670 N.A.
32671 @end ignore
32672
32673
32674 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32675 @node GDB/MI File Commands
32676 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
32677
32678 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
32679 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
32680
32681 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
32682 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
32683
32684 @subsubheading Synopsis
32685
32686 @smallexample
32687 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
32688 @end smallexample
32689
32690 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
32691 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
32692 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
32693 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
32694 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
32695 notification.
32696
32697 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32698
32699 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
32700
32701 @subsubheading Example
32702
32703 @smallexample
32704 (gdb)
32705 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32706 ^done
32707 (gdb)
32708 @end smallexample
32709
32710
32711 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
32712 @findex -file-exec-file
32713
32714 @subsubheading Synopsis
32715
32716 @smallexample
32717 -file-exec-file @var{file}
32718 @end smallexample
32719
32720 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
32721 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
32722 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
32723 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
32724 notification.
32725
32726 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32727
32728 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
32729
32730 @subsubheading Example
32731
32732 @smallexample
32733 (gdb)
32734 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32735 ^done
32736 (gdb)
32737 @end smallexample
32738
32739
32740 @ignore
32741 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
32742 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
32743
32744 @subsubheading Synopsis
32745
32746 @smallexample
32747 -file-list-exec-sections
32748 @end smallexample
32749
32750 List the sections of the current executable file.
32751
32752 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32753
32754 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
32755 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
32756 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
32757
32758 @subsubheading Example
32759 N.A.
32760 @end ignore
32761
32762
32763 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
32764 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
32765
32766 @subsubheading Synopsis
32767
32768 @smallexample
32769 -file-list-exec-source-file
32770 @end smallexample
32771
32772 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
32773 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
32774 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
32775 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
32776
32777 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32778
32779 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
32780
32781 @subsubheading Example
32782
32783 @smallexample
32784 (gdb)
32785 123-file-list-exec-source-file
32786 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
32787 (gdb)
32788 @end smallexample
32789
32790
32791 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
32792 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
32793
32794 @subsubheading Synopsis
32795
32796 @smallexample
32797 -file-list-exec-source-files
32798 @end smallexample
32799
32800 List the source files for the current executable.
32801
32802 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
32803 name) of a source file.
32804
32805 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32806
32807 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
32808 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
32809
32810 @subsubheading Example
32811 @smallexample
32812 (gdb)
32813 -file-list-exec-source-files
32814 ^done,files=[
32815 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
32816 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
32817 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
32818 (gdb)
32819 @end smallexample
32820
32821 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
32822 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
32823
32824 @subsubheading Synopsis
32825
32826 @smallexample
32827 -file-list-shared-libraries [ @var{regexp} ]
32828 @end smallexample
32829
32830 List the shared libraries in the program.
32831 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those libraries whose
32832 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
32833
32834 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32835
32836 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}. The fields
32837 have a similar meaning to the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
32838 The @code{ranges} field specifies the multiple segments belonging to this
32839 library. Each range has the following fields:
32840
32841 @table @samp
32842 @item from
32843 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the segment.
32844 @item to
32845 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the segment.
32846 @end table
32847
32848 @subsubheading Example
32849 @smallexample
32850 (gdb)
32851 -file-list-exec-source-files
32852 ^done,shared-libraries=[
32853 @{id="/lib/libfoo.so",target-name="/lib/libfoo.so",host-name="/lib/libfoo.so",symbols-loaded="1",thread-group="i1",ranges=[@{from="0x72815989",to="0x728162c0"@}]@},
32854 @{id="/lib/libbar.so",target-name="/lib/libbar.so",host-name="/lib/libbar.so",symbols-loaded="1",thread-group="i1",ranges=[@{from="0x76ee48c0",to="0x76ee9160"@}]@}]
32855 (gdb)
32856 @end smallexample
32857
32858
32859 @ignore
32860 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
32861 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
32862
32863 @subsubheading Synopsis
32864
32865 @smallexample
32866 -file-list-symbol-files
32867 @end smallexample
32868
32869 List symbol files.
32870
32871 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32872
32873 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
32874
32875 @subsubheading Example
32876 N.A.
32877 @end ignore
32878
32879
32880 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
32881 @findex -file-symbol-file
32882
32883 @subsubheading Synopsis
32884
32885 @smallexample
32886 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
32887 @end smallexample
32888
32889 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
32890 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
32891 produced, except for a completion notification.
32892
32893 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32894
32895 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
32896
32897 @subsubheading Example
32898
32899 @smallexample
32900 (gdb)
32901 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32902 ^done
32903 (gdb)
32904 @end smallexample
32905
32906 @ignore
32907 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32908 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
32909 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
32910
32911 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
32912
32913 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
32914
32915 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
32916
32917 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
32918
32919 @c @subheading -overlay-map
32920
32921 @c @subheading -overlay-off
32922
32923 @c @subheading -overlay-on
32924
32925 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
32926
32927 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32928 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
32929 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
32930
32931 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
32932
32933 @c @subheading -signal-handle
32934
32935 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
32936
32937 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
32938 @end ignore
32939
32940
32941 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32942 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
32943 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
32944
32945
32946 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
32947 @findex -target-attach
32948
32949 @subsubheading Synopsis
32950
32951 @smallexample
32952 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
32953 @end smallexample
32954
32955 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
32956 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
32957 group, the id previously returned by
32958 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
32959
32960 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32961
32962 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
32963
32964 @subsubheading Example
32965 @smallexample
32966 (gdb)
32967 -target-attach 34
32968 =thread-created,id="1"
32969 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
32970 ^done
32971 (gdb)
32972 @end smallexample
32973
32974 @ignore
32975 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
32976 @findex -target-compare-sections
32977
32978 @subsubheading Synopsis
32979
32980 @smallexample
32981 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
32982 @end smallexample
32983
32984 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
32985 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
32986
32987 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32988
32989 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
32990
32991 @subsubheading Example
32992 N.A.
32993 @end ignore
32994
32995
32996 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
32997 @findex -target-detach
32998
32999 @subsubheading Synopsis
33000
33001 @smallexample
33002 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
33003 @end smallexample
33004
33005 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
33006 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
33007 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
33008
33009 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33010
33011 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
33012
33013 @subsubheading Example
33014
33015 @smallexample
33016 (gdb)
33017 -target-detach
33018 ^done
33019 (gdb)
33020 @end smallexample
33021
33022
33023 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
33024 @findex -target-disconnect
33025
33026 @subsubheading Synopsis
33027
33028 @smallexample
33029 -target-disconnect
33030 @end smallexample
33031
33032 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
33033 generally not resumed.
33034
33035 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33036
33037 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
33038
33039 @subsubheading Example
33040
33041 @smallexample
33042 (gdb)
33043 -target-disconnect
33044 ^done
33045 (gdb)
33046 @end smallexample
33047
33048
33049 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
33050 @findex -target-download
33051
33052 @subsubheading Synopsis
33053
33054 @smallexample
33055 -target-download
33056 @end smallexample
33057
33058 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
33059 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
33060
33061 @table @samp
33062 @item section
33063 The name of the section.
33064 @item section-sent
33065 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
33066 @item section-size
33067 The size of the section.
33068 @item total-sent
33069 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
33070 @item total-size
33071 The size of the overall executable to download.
33072 @end table
33073
33074 @noindent
33075 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
33076 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
33077
33078 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
33079 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
33080
33081 @table @samp
33082 @item section
33083 The name of the section.
33084 @item section-size
33085 The size of the section.
33086 @item total-size
33087 The size of the overall executable to download.
33088 @end table
33089
33090 @noindent
33091 At the end, a summary is printed.
33092
33093 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33094
33095 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
33096
33097 @subsubheading Example
33098
33099 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
33100 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
33101
33102 @smallexample
33103 (gdb)
33104 -target-download
33105 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
33106 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
33107 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
33108 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
33109 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
33110 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
33111 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
33112 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
33113 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
33114 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
33115 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
33116 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
33117 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
33118 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
33119 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
33120 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
33121 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
33122 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
33123 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
33124 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
33125 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
33126 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
33127 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
33128 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
33129 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
33130 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
33131 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
33132 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
33133 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
33134 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
33135 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
33136 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
33137 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
33138 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
33139 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
33140 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
33141 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
33142 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
33143 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
33144 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
33145 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
33146 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
33147 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
33148 write-rate="429"
33149 (gdb)
33150 @end smallexample
33151
33152
33153 @ignore
33154 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
33155 @findex -target-exec-status
33156
33157 @subsubheading Synopsis
33158
33159 @smallexample
33160 -target-exec-status
33161 @end smallexample
33162
33163 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
33164 not, for instance).
33165
33166 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33167
33168 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
33169
33170 @subsubheading Example
33171 N.A.
33172
33173
33174 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
33175 @findex -target-list-available-targets
33176
33177 @subsubheading Synopsis
33178
33179 @smallexample
33180 -target-list-available-targets
33181 @end smallexample
33182
33183 List the possible targets to connect to.
33184
33185 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33186
33187 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
33188
33189 @subsubheading Example
33190 N.A.
33191
33192
33193 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
33194 @findex -target-list-current-targets
33195
33196 @subsubheading Synopsis
33197
33198 @smallexample
33199 -target-list-current-targets
33200 @end smallexample
33201
33202 Describe the current target.
33203
33204 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33205
33206 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
33207 other things).
33208
33209 @subsubheading Example
33210 N.A.
33211
33212
33213 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
33214 @findex -target-list-parameters
33215
33216 @subsubheading Synopsis
33217
33218 @smallexample
33219 -target-list-parameters
33220 @end smallexample
33221
33222 @c ????
33223 @end ignore
33224
33225 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33226
33227 No equivalent.
33228
33229 @subsubheading Example
33230 N.A.
33231
33232 @subheading The @code{-target-flash-erase} Command
33233 @findex -target-flash-erase
33234
33235 @subsubheading Synopsis
33236
33237 @smallexample
33238 -target-flash-erase
33239 @end smallexample
33240
33241 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
33242
33243 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{flash-erase}.
33244
33245 The output is a list of flash regions that have been erased, with starting
33246 addresses and memory region sizes.
33247
33248 @smallexample
33249 (gdb)
33250 -target-flash-erase
33251 ^done,erased-regions=@{address="0x0",size="0x40000"@}
33252 (gdb)
33253 @end smallexample
33254
33255 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
33256 @findex -target-select
33257
33258 @subsubheading Synopsis
33259
33260 @smallexample
33261 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
33262 @end smallexample
33263
33264 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
33265
33266 @table @samp
33267 @item @var{type}
33268 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
33269 @item @var{parameters}
33270 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
33271 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
33272 @end table
33273
33274 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
33275 which the target program is, in the following form:
33276
33277 @smallexample
33278 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
33279 args=[@var{arg list}]
33280 @end smallexample
33281
33282 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33283
33284 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
33285
33286 @subsubheading Example
33287
33288 @smallexample
33289 (gdb)
33290 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
33291 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
33292 (gdb)
33293 @end smallexample
33294
33295 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33296 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
33297 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
33298
33299
33300 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
33301 @findex -target-file-put
33302
33303 @subsubheading Synopsis
33304
33305 @smallexample
33306 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
33307 @end smallexample
33308
33309 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
33310 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
33311
33312 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33313
33314 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
33315
33316 @subsubheading Example
33317
33318 @smallexample
33319 (gdb)
33320 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
33321 ^done
33322 (gdb)
33323 @end smallexample
33324
33325
33326 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
33327 @findex -target-file-get
33328
33329 @subsubheading Synopsis
33330
33331 @smallexample
33332 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
33333 @end smallexample
33334
33335 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
33336 on the host system.
33337
33338 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33339
33340 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
33341
33342 @subsubheading Example
33343
33344 @smallexample
33345 (gdb)
33346 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
33347 ^done
33348 (gdb)
33349 @end smallexample
33350
33351
33352 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
33353 @findex -target-file-delete
33354
33355 @subsubheading Synopsis
33356
33357 @smallexample
33358 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
33359 @end smallexample
33360
33361 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
33362
33363 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33364
33365 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
33366
33367 @subsubheading Example
33368
33369 @smallexample
33370 (gdb)
33371 -target-file-delete remotefile
33372 ^done
33373 (gdb)
33374 @end smallexample
33375
33376
33377 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33378 @node GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands
33379 @section Ada Exceptions @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
33380
33381 @subheading The @code{-info-ada-exceptions} Command
33382 @findex -info-ada-exceptions
33383
33384 @subsubheading Synopsis
33385
33386 @smallexample
33387 -info-ada-exceptions [ @var{regexp}]
33388 @end smallexample
33389
33390 List all Ada exceptions defined within the program being debugged.
33391 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those exceptions whose
33392 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
33393
33394 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33395
33396 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info exceptions}.
33397
33398 @subsubheading Result
33399
33400 The result is a table of Ada exceptions. The following columns are
33401 defined for each exception:
33402
33403 @table @samp
33404 @item name
33405 The name of the exception.
33406
33407 @item address
33408 The address of the exception.
33409
33410 @end table
33411
33412 @subsubheading Example
33413
33414 @smallexample
33415 -info-ada-exceptions aint
33416 ^done,ada-exceptions=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="2",
33417 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
33418 @{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="address",colhdr="Address"@}],
33419 body=[@{name="constraint_error",address="0x0000000000613da0"@},
33420 @{name="const.aint_global_e",address="0x0000000000613b00"@}]@}
33421 @end smallexample
33422
33423 @subheading Catching Ada Exceptions
33424
33425 The commands describing how to ask @value{GDBN} to stop when a program
33426 raises an exception are described at @ref{Ada Exception GDB/MI
33427 Catchpoint Commands}.
33428
33429
33430 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33431 @node GDB/MI Support Commands
33432 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Support Commands
33433
33434 Since new commands and features get regularly added to @sc{gdb/mi},
33435 some commands are available to help front-ends query the debugger
33436 about support for these capabilities. Similarly, it is also possible
33437 to query @value{GDBN} about target support of certain features.
33438
33439 @subheading The @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} Command
33440 @cindex @code{-info-gdb-mi-command}
33441 @findex -info-gdb-mi-command
33442
33443 @subsubheading Synopsis
33444
33445 @smallexample
33446 -info-gdb-mi-command @var{cmd_name}
33447 @end smallexample
33448
33449 Query support for the @sc{gdb/mi} command named @var{cmd_name}.
33450
33451 Note that the dash (@code{-}) starting all @sc{gdb/mi} commands
33452 is technically not part of the command name (@pxref{GDB/MI Input
33453 Syntax}), and thus should be omitted in @var{cmd_name}. However,
33454 for ease of use, this command also accepts the form with the leading
33455 dash.
33456
33457 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33458
33459 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33460
33461 @subsubheading Result
33462
33463 The result is a tuple. There is currently only one field:
33464
33465 @table @samp
33466 @item exists
33467 This field is equal to @code{"true"} if the @sc{gdb/mi} command exists,
33468 @code{"false"} otherwise.
33469
33470 @end table
33471
33472 @subsubheading Example
33473
33474 Here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command does not exist:
33475
33476 @smallexample
33477 -info-gdb-mi-command unsupported-command
33478 ^done,command=@{exists="false"@}
33479 @end smallexample
33480
33481 @noindent
33482 And here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command is known
33483 to the debugger:
33484
33485 @smallexample
33486 -info-gdb-mi-command symbol-list-lines
33487 ^done,command=@{exists="true"@}
33488 @end smallexample
33489
33490 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
33491 @findex -list-features
33492 @cindex supported @sc{gdb/mi} features, list
33493
33494 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
33495 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
33496 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
33497 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
33498 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
33499 startup.
33500
33501 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
33502 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
33503 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
33504 is given below.
33505
33506 Example output:
33507
33508 @smallexample
33509 (gdb) -list-features
33510 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
33511 @end smallexample
33512
33513 The current list of features is:
33514
33515 @ftable @samp
33516 @item frozen-varobjs
33517 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
33518 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
33519 of @code{-varobj-create}.
33520 @item pending-breakpoints
33521 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
33522 command.
33523 @item python
33524 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
33525 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
33526 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
33527 @item thread-info
33528 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
33529 @item data-read-memory-bytes
33530 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
33531 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
33532 @item breakpoint-notifications
33533 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
33534 CLI will be announced via async records.
33535 @item ada-task-info
33536 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
33537 @item language-option
33538 Indicates that all @sc{gdb/mi} commands accept the @option{--language}
33539 option (@pxref{Context management}).
33540 @item info-gdb-mi-command
33541 Indicates support for the @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} command.
33542 @item undefined-command-error-code
33543 Indicates support for the "undefined-command" error code in error result
33544 records, produced when trying to execute an undefined @sc{gdb/mi} command
33545 (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}).
33546 @item exec-run-start-option
33547 Indicates that the @code{-exec-run} command supports the @option{--start}
33548 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}).
33549 @item data-disassemble-a-option
33550 Indicates that the @code{-data-disassemble} command supports the @option{-a}
33551 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Data Manipulation}).
33552 @end ftable
33553
33554 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
33555 @findex -list-target-features
33556
33557 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
33558 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
33559 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
33560 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
33561 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
33562 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
33563 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
33564 Example output:
33565
33566 @smallexample
33567 (gdb) -list-target-features
33568 ^done,result=["async"]
33569 @end smallexample
33570
33571 The current list of features is:
33572
33573 @table @samp
33574 @item async
33575 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
33576 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
33577 while the target is running.
33578
33579 @item reverse
33580 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
33581 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
33582
33583 @end table
33584
33585 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33586 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
33587 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
33588
33589 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
33590
33591 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
33592 @findex -gdb-exit
33593
33594 @subsubheading Synopsis
33595
33596 @smallexample
33597 -gdb-exit
33598 @end smallexample
33599
33600 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
33601
33602 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33603
33604 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
33605
33606 @subsubheading Example
33607
33608 @smallexample
33609 (gdb)
33610 -gdb-exit
33611 ^exit
33612 @end smallexample
33613
33614
33615 @ignore
33616 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
33617 @findex -exec-abort
33618
33619 @subsubheading Synopsis
33620
33621 @smallexample
33622 -exec-abort
33623 @end smallexample
33624
33625 Kill the inferior running program.
33626
33627 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33628
33629 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
33630
33631 @subsubheading Example
33632 N.A.
33633 @end ignore
33634
33635
33636 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
33637 @findex -gdb-set
33638
33639 @subsubheading Synopsis
33640
33641 @smallexample
33642 -gdb-set
33643 @end smallexample
33644
33645 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
33646 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
33647
33648 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33649
33650 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
33651
33652 @subsubheading Example
33653
33654 @smallexample
33655 (gdb)
33656 -gdb-set $foo=3
33657 ^done
33658 (gdb)
33659 @end smallexample
33660
33661
33662 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
33663 @findex -gdb-show
33664
33665 @subsubheading Synopsis
33666
33667 @smallexample
33668 -gdb-show
33669 @end smallexample
33670
33671 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
33672
33673 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33674
33675 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
33676
33677 @subsubheading Example
33678
33679 @smallexample
33680 (gdb)
33681 -gdb-show annotate
33682 ^done,value="0"
33683 (gdb)
33684 @end smallexample
33685
33686 @c @subheading -gdb-source
33687
33688
33689 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
33690 @findex -gdb-version
33691
33692 @subsubheading Synopsis
33693
33694 @smallexample
33695 -gdb-version
33696 @end smallexample
33697
33698 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
33699
33700 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33701
33702 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
33703 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
33704
33705 @subsubheading Example
33706
33707 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
33708 @c box in TeX.
33709 @smallexample
33710 (gdb)
33711 -gdb-version
33712 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
33713 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
33714 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
33715 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
33716 ~ certain conditions.
33717 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
33718 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
33719 ~ details.
33720 ~This GDB was configured as
33721 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
33722 ^done
33723 (gdb)
33724 @end smallexample
33725
33726 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
33727 @findex -list-thread-groups
33728
33729 @subheading Synopsis
33730
33731 @smallexample
33732 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
33733 @end smallexample
33734
33735 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
33736 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
33737 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
33738 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
33739 top-level thread groups.
33740
33741 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
33742 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
33743 available on the target.
33744
33745 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
33746 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
33747 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
33748 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
33749 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
33750 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
33751 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
33752 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
33753
33754 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
33755 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
33756 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
33757 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
33758 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
33759 @samp{threads} field.
33760
33761 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
33762 the following caveats:
33763
33764 @itemize @bullet
33765 @item
33766 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
33767 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
33768 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
33769
33770 @item
33771 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
33772 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
33773 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
33774 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
33775 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
33776 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
33777
33778 @end itemize
33779
33780 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
33781 have the following fields:
33782
33783 @table @code
33784 @item id
33785 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
33786 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
33787 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
33788
33789 @item type
33790 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
33791 valid type.
33792
33793 @item pid
33794 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
33795 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
33796
33797 @item exit-code
33798 The exit code of this group's last exited thread, formatted in octal.
33799 This field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process} and
33800 only if the process is not running.
33801
33802 @item num_children
33803 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
33804 absent for an available thread group.
33805
33806 @item threads
33807 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
33808 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
33809 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
33810
33811 @item cores
33812 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
33813 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
33814 such information is not available.
33815
33816 @item executable
33817 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
33818 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
33819 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
33820
33821 @end table
33822
33823 @subheading Example
33824
33825 @smallexample
33826 @value{GDBP}
33827 -list-thread-groups
33828 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
33829 -list-thread-groups 17
33830 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
33831 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
33832 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
33833 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
33834 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158",arch="i386:x86_64"@},state="running"@}]]
33835 -list-thread-groups --available
33836 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
33837 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
33838 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
33839 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
33840 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
33841 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
33842 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
33843 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
33844 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
33845 @end smallexample
33846
33847 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
33848 @findex -info-os
33849
33850 @subsubheading Synopsis
33851
33852 @smallexample
33853 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
33854 @end smallexample
33855
33856 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
33857 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
33858 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
33859 of data of that type.
33860
33861 The types of information available depend on the target operating
33862 system.
33863
33864 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33865
33866 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
33867
33868 @subsubheading Example
33869
33870 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
33871 like this:
33872
33873 @smallexample
33874 @value{GDBP}
33875 -info-os
33876 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="10",nr_cols="3",
33877 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
33878 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
33879 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
33880 body=[item=@{col0="cpus",col1="Listing of all cpus/cores on the system",
33881 col2="CPUs"@},
33882 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
33883 col2="File descriptors"@},
33884 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
33885 col2="Kernel modules"@},
33886 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
33887 col2="Message queues"@},
33888 item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
33889 col2="Processes"@},
33890 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
33891 col2="Process groups"@},
33892 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
33893 col2="Semaphores"@},
33894 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
33895 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
33896 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
33897 col2="Sockets"@},
33898 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
33899 col2="Threads"@}]
33900 @value{GDBP}
33901 -info-os processes
33902 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
33903 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
33904 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
33905 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
33906 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
33907 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
33908 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
33909 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
33910 ...
33911 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
33912 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
33913 (gdb)
33914 @end smallexample
33915
33916 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
33917 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
33918 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
33919 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
33920 @code{info os} omits it.)
33921
33922 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
33923 @findex -add-inferior
33924
33925 @subheading Synopsis
33926
33927 @smallexample
33928 -add-inferior
33929 @end smallexample
33930
33931 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
33932 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
33933 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
33934 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
33935 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
33936 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
33937
33938 @subheading Example
33939
33940 @smallexample
33941 @value{GDBP}
33942 -add-inferior
33943 ^done,inferior="i3"
33944 @end smallexample
33945
33946 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
33947 @findex -interpreter-exec
33948
33949 @subheading Synopsis
33950
33951 @smallexample
33952 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
33953 @end smallexample
33954 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
33955
33956 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
33957
33958 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33959
33960 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
33961
33962 @subheading Example
33963
33964 @smallexample
33965 (gdb)
33966 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
33967 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
33968 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
33969 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
33970 ^done
33971 (gdb)
33972 @end smallexample
33973
33974 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
33975 @findex -inferior-tty-set
33976
33977 @subheading Synopsis
33978
33979 @smallexample
33980 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33981 @end smallexample
33982
33983 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
33984
33985 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33986
33987 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
33988
33989 @subheading Example
33990
33991 @smallexample
33992 (gdb)
33993 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33994 ^done
33995 (gdb)
33996 @end smallexample
33997
33998 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
33999 @findex -inferior-tty-show
34000
34001 @subheading Synopsis
34002
34003 @smallexample
34004 -inferior-tty-show
34005 @end smallexample
34006
34007 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
34008
34009 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34010
34011 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
34012
34013 @subheading Example
34014
34015 @smallexample
34016 (gdb)
34017 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
34018 ^done
34019 (gdb)
34020 -inferior-tty-show
34021 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
34022 (gdb)
34023 @end smallexample
34024
34025 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
34026 @findex -enable-timings
34027
34028 @subheading Synopsis
34029
34030 @smallexample
34031 -enable-timings [yes | no]
34032 @end smallexample
34033
34034 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
34035 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
34036 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
34037 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
34038
34039 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34040
34041 No equivalent.
34042
34043 @subheading Example
34044
34045 @smallexample
34046 (gdb)
34047 -enable-timings
34048 ^done
34049 (gdb)
34050 -break-insert main
34051 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
34052 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
34053 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
34054 times="0"@},
34055 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
34056 (gdb)
34057 -enable-timings no
34058 ^done
34059 (gdb)
34060 -exec-run
34061 ^running
34062 (gdb)
34063 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
34064 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
34065 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
34066 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
34067 (gdb)
34068 @end smallexample
34069
34070 @node Annotations
34071 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
34072
34073 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
34074 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
34075 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
34076 relatively high level.
34077
34078 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
34079 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
34080
34081 @ignore
34082 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
34083 @end ignore
34084
34085 @menu
34086 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
34087 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
34088 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
34089 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
34090 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
34091 * Annotations for Running::
34092 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
34093 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
34094 @end menu
34095
34096 @node Annotations Overview
34097 @section What is an Annotation?
34098 @cindex annotations
34099
34100 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
34101 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
34102 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
34103 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
34104 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
34105 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
34106 cannot contain newline characters.
34107
34108 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
34109 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
34110 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
34111 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
34112 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
34113 means those three characters as output.
34114
34115 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
34116 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
34117 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
34118 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
34119 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
34120 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
34121 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
34122 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
34123 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
34124
34125 @table @code
34126 @kindex set annotate
34127 @item set annotate @var{level}
34128 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
34129 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
34130
34131 @item show annotate
34132 @kindex show annotate
34133 Show the current annotation level.
34134 @end table
34135
34136 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
34137
34138 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
34139
34140 @smallexample
34141 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
34142 GNU gdb 6.0
34143 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
34144 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
34145 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
34146 under certain conditions.
34147 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
34148 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
34149 for details.
34150 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
34151
34152 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
34153 (@value{GDBP})
34154 ^Z^Zprompt
34155 @kbd{quit}
34156
34157 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
34158 $
34159 @end smallexample
34160
34161 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
34162 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
34163 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
34164 output from @value{GDBN}.
34165
34166 @node Server Prefix
34167 @section The Server Prefix
34168 @cindex server prefix
34169
34170 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
34171 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
34172 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
34173 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
34174 a transparent manner.
34175
34176 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
34177 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
34178 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
34179 @code{print} command.
34180
34181 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
34182 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
34183
34184 @node Prompting
34185 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
34186
34187 @cindex annotations for prompts
34188 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
34189 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
34190 over, etc.
34191
34192 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
34193 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
34194 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
34195 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
34196 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
34197 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
34198 features the following annotations:
34199
34200 @smallexample
34201 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
34202 ^Z^Zprompt
34203 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
34204 @end smallexample
34205
34206 The input types are
34207
34208 @table @code
34209 @findex pre-prompt annotation
34210 @findex prompt annotation
34211 @findex post-prompt annotation
34212 @item prompt
34213 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
34214
34215 @findex pre-commands annotation
34216 @findex commands annotation
34217 @findex post-commands annotation
34218 @item commands
34219 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
34220 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
34221
34222 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
34223 @findex overload-choice annotation
34224 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
34225 @item overload-choice
34226 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
34227
34228 @findex pre-query annotation
34229 @findex query annotation
34230 @findex post-query annotation
34231 @item query
34232 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
34233
34234 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
34235 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
34236 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
34237 @item prompt-for-continue
34238 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
34239 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
34240 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
34241 presence of annotations.
34242 @end table
34243
34244 @node Errors
34245 @section Errors
34246 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
34247
34248 @findex quit annotation
34249 @smallexample
34250 ^Z^Zquit
34251 @end smallexample
34252
34253 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
34254
34255 @findex error annotation
34256 @smallexample
34257 ^Z^Zerror
34258 @end smallexample
34259
34260 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
34261
34262 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
34263 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
34264 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
34265 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
34266 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
34267 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
34268 to the top level.
34269
34270 @findex error-begin annotation
34271 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
34272
34273 @smallexample
34274 ^Z^Zerror-begin
34275 @end smallexample
34276
34277 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
34278 message.
34279
34280 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
34281 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
34282 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
34283
34284 @node Invalidation
34285 @section Invalidation Notices
34286
34287 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
34288 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
34289 changed.
34290
34291 @table @code
34292 @findex frames-invalid annotation
34293 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
34294
34295 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
34296 have changed.
34297
34298 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
34299 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
34300
34301 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
34302 deleted a breakpoint.
34303 @end table
34304
34305 @node Annotations for Running
34306 @section Running the Program
34307 @cindex annotations for running programs
34308
34309 @findex starting annotation
34310 @findex stopping annotation
34311 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
34312 @code{step} or @code{continue},
34313
34314 @smallexample
34315 ^Z^Zstarting
34316 @end smallexample
34317
34318 is output. When the program stops,
34319
34320 @smallexample
34321 ^Z^Zstopped
34322 @end smallexample
34323
34324 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
34325 annotations describe how the program stopped.
34326
34327 @table @code
34328 @findex exited annotation
34329 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
34330 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
34331 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
34332
34333 @findex signalled annotation
34334 @findex signal-name annotation
34335 @findex signal-name-end annotation
34336 @findex signal-string annotation
34337 @findex signal-string-end annotation
34338 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
34339 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
34340 annotation continues:
34341
34342 @smallexample
34343 @var{intro-text}
34344 ^Z^Zsignal-name
34345 @var{name}
34346 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
34347 @var{middle-text}
34348 ^Z^Zsignal-string
34349 @var{string}
34350 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
34351 @var{end-text}
34352 @end smallexample
34353
34354 @noindent
34355 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
34356 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
34357 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}. The arguments
34358 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
34359 user's benefit and have no particular format.
34360
34361 @findex signal annotation
34362 @item ^Z^Zsignal
34363 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
34364 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
34365 terminated with it.
34366
34367 @findex breakpoint annotation
34368 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
34369 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
34370
34371 @findex watchpoint annotation
34372 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
34373 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
34374 @end table
34375
34376 @node Source Annotations
34377 @section Displaying Source
34378 @cindex annotations for source display
34379
34380 @findex source annotation
34381 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
34382
34383 @smallexample
34384 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
34385 @end smallexample
34386
34387 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
34388 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
34389 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
34390 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
34391 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
34392 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
34393 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
34394 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
34395 source which is being displayed. The @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
34396 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
34397 depend on the language).
34398
34399 @node JIT Interface
34400 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
34401 @cindex just-in-time compilation
34402 @cindex JIT compilation interface
34403
34404 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
34405 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
34406 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
34407 performance while maintaining platform independence.
34408
34409 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
34410 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
34411 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
34412 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
34413 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
34414 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
34415
34416 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
34417 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
34418 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
34419 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
34420 LLVM JIT.
34421
34422 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
34423 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
34424 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
34425 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
34426 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
34427 out about additional code.
34428
34429 @menu
34430 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
34431 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
34432 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
34433 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
34434 @end menu
34435
34436 @node Declarations
34437 @section JIT Declarations
34438
34439 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
34440 implement the interface:
34441
34442 @smallexample
34443 typedef enum
34444 @{
34445 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
34446 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
34447 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
34448 @} jit_actions_t;
34449
34450 struct jit_code_entry
34451 @{
34452 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
34453 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
34454 const char *symfile_addr;
34455 uint64_t symfile_size;
34456 @};
34457
34458 struct jit_descriptor
34459 @{
34460 uint32_t version;
34461 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
34462 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
34463 uint32_t action_flag;
34464 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
34465 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
34466 @};
34467
34468 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
34469 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
34470
34471 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
34472 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
34473 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
34474 @end smallexample
34475
34476 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
34477 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
34478 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
34479
34480 @node Registering Code
34481 @section Registering Code
34482
34483 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
34484
34485 @itemize @bullet
34486 @item
34487 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
34488 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
34489
34490 @item
34491 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
34492 file.
34493
34494 @item
34495 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
34496
34497 @item
34498 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
34499
34500 @item
34501 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
34502 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
34503 @end itemize
34504
34505 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
34506 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
34507 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
34508 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
34509
34510 @node Unregistering Code
34511 @section Unregistering Code
34512
34513 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
34514
34515 @itemize @bullet
34516 @item
34517 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
34518
34519 @item
34520 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
34521
34522 @item
34523 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
34524 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
34525 @end itemize
34526
34527 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
34528 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
34529
34530 @node Custom Debug Info
34531 @section Custom Debug Info
34532 @cindex custom JIT debug info
34533 @cindex JIT debug info reader
34534
34535 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
34536 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
34537 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
34538 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
34539 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
34540 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
34541 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
34542 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
34543 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
34544
34545 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
34546 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
34547 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
34548 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
34549 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
34550 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
34551 compiler.
34552
34553 @menu
34554 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
34555 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
34556 @end menu
34557
34558 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
34559 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
34560 @kindex jit-reader-load
34561 @kindex jit-reader-unload
34562
34563 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
34564 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
34565
34566 @table @code
34567 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
34568 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}, which is a shared
34569 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
34570 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
34571 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
34572 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
34573 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
34574
34575 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
34576 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
34577 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
34578 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
34579 @code{jit-reader-load}.
34580
34581 @item jit-reader-unload
34582 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
34583
34584 @end table
34585
34586 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
34587 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
34588 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
34589
34590 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
34591 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
34592
34593 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
34594 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
34595 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
34596 the system include directory.
34597
34598 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
34599 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
34600 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
34601
34602 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
34603 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
34604
34605 @findex gdb_init_reader
34606 @smallexample
34607 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
34608 @end smallexample
34609
34610 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
34611
34612 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
34613 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
34614 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
34615 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
34616 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
34617 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
34618
34619 @smallexample
34620 struct gdb_reader_funcs
34621 @{
34622 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
34623 int reader_version;
34624
34625 /* For use by the reader. */
34626 void *priv_data;
34627
34628 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
34629 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
34630 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
34631 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
34632 @};
34633 @end smallexample
34634
34635 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
34636 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
34637
34638 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
34639 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
34640 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
34641 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
34642 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
34643 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
34644 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
34645 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
34646 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
34647 target's address space.
34648
34649 @node In-Process Agent
34650 @chapter In-Process Agent
34651 @cindex debugging agent
34652 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
34653 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
34654 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
34655 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
34656 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
34657 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
34658 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
34659 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
34660 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
34661 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
34662 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
34663 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
34664 behavior without interrupting it.
34665
34666 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
34667 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
34668 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
34669 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
34670 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
34671 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
34672 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
34673 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
34674 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
34675
34676 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
34677 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
34678 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
34679 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
34680
34681 @anchor{Control Agent}
34682 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
34683 debugging with the following commands:
34684
34685 @table @code
34686 @kindex set agent on
34687 @item set agent on
34688 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
34689 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
34690 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
34691 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
34692 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
34693 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
34694
34695 @kindex set agent off
34696 @item set agent off
34697 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
34698 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
34699
34700 @kindex show agent
34701 @item show agent
34702 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
34703 the in-process agent.
34704 @end table
34705
34706 @menu
34707 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
34708 @end menu
34709
34710 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
34711 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
34712 @cindex in-process agent protocol
34713
34714 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
34715 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
34716 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
34717 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
34718 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
34719 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
34720 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
34721 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
34722 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
34723
34724 @menu
34725 * IPA Protocol Objects::
34726 * IPA Protocol Commands::
34727 @end menu
34728
34729 @node IPA Protocol Objects
34730 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
34731 @cindex ipa protocol objects
34732
34733 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
34734 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
34735
34736 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
34737 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
34738 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
34739 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
34740
34741 @enumerate
34742 @item
34743 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
34744 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
34745 @item
34746 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
34747 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
34748 the other one.
34749 @end enumerate
34750
34751 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
34752
34753 @enumerate
34754 @item
34755 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
34756 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
34757 @anchor{agent expression object}
34758 @item
34759 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
34760 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
34761 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
34762 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
34763 @item
34764 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
34765 @anchor{tracepoint object}
34766
34767 @end enumerate
34768
34769 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
34770 object:
34771
34772 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
34773 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
34774 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
34775 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
34776 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
34777 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
34778 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34779 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
34780 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
34781 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
34782 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
34783 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
34784 memory address for collecting.
34785 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
34786 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34787 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
34788 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34789 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
34790 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34791 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
34792 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
34793 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
34794 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
34795 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
34796 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
34797 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
34798 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
34799 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
34800 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
34801 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
34802 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
34803 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
34804 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
34805 @ref{agent expression object}
34806 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
34807 @ref{agent expression object}
34808 @item actions @tab variable
34809 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
34810 @end multitable
34811
34812 @node IPA Protocol Commands
34813 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
34814 @cindex ipa protocol commands
34815
34816 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
34817 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
34818
34819 @table @samp
34820
34821 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
34822 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
34823 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
34824 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
34825 in IPA finally.
34826
34827 Replies:
34828 @table @samp
34829 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
34830 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
34831 The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
34832 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
34833 The @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
34834 The @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
34835 @item E @var{NN}
34836 for an error
34837
34838 @end table
34839
34840 @item close
34841 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
34842 is about to kill inferiors.
34843
34844 @item qTfSTM
34845 @xref{qTfSTM}.
34846 @item qTsSTM
34847 @xref{qTsSTM}.
34848 @item qTSTMat
34849 @xref{qTSTMat}.
34850 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
34851 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
34852
34853 Replies:
34854 @table @samp
34855 @item E @var{NN}
34856 for an error
34857 @end table
34858 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
34859 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
34860 @end table
34861
34862 @node GDB Bugs
34863 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
34864 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
34865 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
34866
34867 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
34868
34869 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
34870 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
34871 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
34872 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
34873
34874 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
34875 information that enables us to fix the bug.
34876
34877 @menu
34878 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
34879 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
34880 @end menu
34881
34882 @node Bug Criteria
34883 @section Have You Found a Bug?
34884 @cindex bug criteria
34885
34886 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
34887
34888 @itemize @bullet
34889 @cindex fatal signal
34890 @cindex debugger crash
34891 @cindex crash of debugger
34892 @item
34893 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
34894 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
34895
34896 @cindex error on valid input
34897 @item
34898 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
34899 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
34900 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
34901
34902 @cindex invalid input
34903 @item
34904 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
34905 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
34906 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
34907 for traditional practice''.
34908
34909 @item
34910 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
34911 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
34912 @end itemize
34913
34914 @node Bug Reporting
34915 @section How to Report Bugs
34916 @cindex bug reports
34917 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
34918
34919 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
34920 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
34921 contact that organization first.
34922
34923 You can find contact information for many support companies and
34924 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
34925 distribution.
34926 @c should add a web page ref...
34927
34928 @ifset BUGURL
34929 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
34930 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
34931 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
34932 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
34933 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
34934 be used.
34935
34936 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
34937 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
34938 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
34939 @samp{bug-gdb}.
34940
34941 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
34942 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
34943 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
34944 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
34945 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
34946 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
34947 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
34948 bug reports to the mailing list.
34949 @end ifset
34950 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
34951 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
34952 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
34953 @end ifclear
34954 @end ifset
34955
34956 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
34957 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
34958 fact or leave it out, state it!
34959
34960 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
34961 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
34962 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
34963 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
34964 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
34965 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
34966 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
34967 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
34968 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
34969
34970 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
34971 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
34972 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
34973 self-contained.
34974
34975 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
34976 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
34977 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
34978 bugs properly.
34979
34980 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
34981
34982 @itemize @bullet
34983 @item
34984 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
34985 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
34986 version}.
34987
34988 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
34989 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
34990
34991 @item
34992 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
34993 version number.
34994
34995 @item
34996 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
34997 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
34998 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
34999 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
35000
35001 @item
35002 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
35003 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
35004
35005 @item
35006 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
35007 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
35008 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
35009 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
35010 those compilers.
35011
35012 @item
35013 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
35014 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
35015 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
35016 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
35017
35018 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
35019 and then we might not encounter the bug.
35020
35021 @item
35022 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
35023 reproduce the bug.
35024
35025 @item
35026 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
35027 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
35028
35029 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
35030 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
35031 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
35032 a chance to make a mistake.
35033
35034 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
35035 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
35036 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
35037 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
35038 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
35039 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
35040 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
35041 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
35042
35043 @pindex script
35044 @cindex recording a session script
35045 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
35046 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
35047 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
35048 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
35049
35050 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
35051 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
35052
35053 @item
35054 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
35055 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
35056 it by context, not by line number.
35057
35058 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
35059 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
35060
35061 @end itemize
35062
35063 Here are some things that are not necessary:
35064
35065 @itemize @bullet
35066 @item
35067 A description of the envelope of the bug.
35068
35069 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
35070 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
35071 changes will not affect it.
35072
35073 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
35074 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
35075 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
35076 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
35077
35078 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
35079 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
35080 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
35081 less time, and so on.
35082
35083 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
35084 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
35085
35086 @item
35087 A patch for the bug.
35088
35089 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
35090 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
35091 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
35092 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
35093
35094 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
35095 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
35096 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
35097 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
35098
35099 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
35100 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
35101 help us to understand.
35102
35103 @item
35104 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
35105
35106 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
35107 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
35108 @end itemize
35109
35110 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
35111 @c and consists of the two following files:
35112 @c rluser.texi
35113 @c hsuser.texi
35114 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
35115 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
35116 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
35117 @include rluser.texi
35118 @include hsuser.texi
35119 @end ifclear
35120
35121 @node In Memoriam
35122 @appendix In Memoriam
35123
35124 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
35125 contributors:
35126
35127 @table @code
35128 @item Fred Fish
35129 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
35130 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
35131 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
35132
35133 @item Michael Snyder
35134 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
35135 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
35136 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
35137 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
35138 @end table
35139
35140 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
35141 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
35142
35143 @node Formatting Documentation
35144 @appendix Formatting Documentation
35145
35146 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
35147 @cindex reference card
35148 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
35149 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
35150 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
35151 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
35152 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
35153 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
35154
35155 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
35156 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
35157
35158 @smallexample
35159 make refcard.dvi
35160 @end smallexample
35161
35162 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
35163 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
35164 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
35165 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
35166 your @sc{dvi} output program.
35167
35168 @cindex documentation
35169
35170 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
35171 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
35172 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
35173 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
35174 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
35175 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
35176
35177 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
35178 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
35179 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
35180 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
35181 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
35182 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
35183 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
35184 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
35185
35186 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
35187 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
35188 @code{makeinfo}.
35189
35190 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
35191 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
35192 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
35193
35194 @smallexample
35195 cd gdb
35196 make gdb.info
35197 @end smallexample
35198
35199 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
35200 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
35201 Texinfo definitions file.
35202
35203 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
35204 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
35205 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
35206 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
35207 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
35208 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
35209 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
35210
35211 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
35212 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
35213 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
35214 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
35215 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
35216 directory.
35217
35218 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
35219 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
35220 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
35221 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
35222
35223 @smallexample
35224 make gdb.dvi
35225 @end smallexample
35226
35227 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
35228
35229 @node Installing GDB
35230 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
35231 @cindex installation
35232
35233 @menu
35234 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
35235 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
35236 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
35237 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
35238 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
35239 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
35240 @end menu
35241
35242 @node Requirements
35243 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
35244 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
35245
35246 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
35247 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
35248
35249 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
35250 @table @asis
35251 @item C@t{++}11 compiler
35252 @value{GDBN} is written in C@t{++}11. It should be buildable with any
35253 recent C@t{++}11 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
35254
35255 @item GNU make
35256 @value{GDBN}'s build system relies on features only found in the GNU
35257 make program. Other variants of @code{make} will not work.
35258 @end table
35259
35260 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
35261 @table @asis
35262 @item Expat
35263 @anchor{Expat}
35264 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
35265 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
35266 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
35267 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
35268 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
35269 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
35270
35271 Expat is used for:
35272
35273 @itemize @bullet
35274 @item
35275 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
35276 @item
35277 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
35278 @item
35279 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
35280 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
35281 @item
35282 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
35283 @item
35284 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
35285 @item
35286 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format},
35287 @pxref{Branch Trace Configuration Format})
35288 @end itemize
35289
35290 @item Guile
35291 @value{GDBN} can be scripted using GNU Guile. @xref{Guile}. By
35292 default, @value{GDBN} will be compiled if the Guile libraries are
35293 installed and are found by @file{configure}. You can use the
35294 @code{--with-guile} option to request Guile, and pass either the Guile
35295 version number or the file name of the relevant @code{pkg-config}
35296 program to choose a particular version of Guile.
35297
35298 @item iconv
35299 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
35300 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
35301 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
35302 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
35303
35304 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
35305 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to
35306 find it. This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies
35307 the directory that contains the @code{iconv} program. This program is
35308 run in order to make a list of the available character sets.
35309
35310 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If
35311 Libiconv is installed in a standard place, @value{GDBN} will
35312 automatically use it if it is needed. If you have previously
35313 installed Libiconv in a non-standard place, you can use the
35314 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to @file{configure}.
35315
35316 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
35317 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
35318 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
35319 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
35320 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
35321 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
35322 Libiconv, unpack it inside the top-level directory of the @value{GDBN}
35323 source tree, and then rename the directory holding the Libiconv source
35324 code to @samp{libiconv}.
35325
35326 @item lzma
35327 @value{GDBN} can support debugging sections that are compressed with
35328 the LZMA library. @xref{MiniDebugInfo}. If this library is not
35329 included with your operating system, you can find it in the xz package
35330 at @url{http://tukaani.org/xz/}. If the LZMA library is available in
35331 the usual place, then the @file{configure} script will use it
35332 automatically. If it is installed in an unusual path, you can use the
35333 @option{--with-lzma-prefix} option to specify its location.
35334
35335 @item MPFR
35336 @anchor{MPFR}
35337 @value{GDBN} can use the GNU MPFR multiple-precision floating-point
35338 library. This library may be included with your operating system
35339 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
35340 @url{http://www.mpfr.org}. The @file{configure} script will search
35341 for this library in several standard locations; if it is installed
35342 in an unusual path, you can use the @option{--with-libmpfr-prefix}
35343 option to specify its location.
35344
35345 GNU MPFR is used to emulate target floating-point arithmetic during
35346 expression evaluation when the target uses different floating-point
35347 formats than the host. If GNU MPFR it is not available, @value{GDBN}
35348 will fall back to using host floating-point arithmetic.
35349
35350 @item Python
35351 @value{GDBN} can be scripted using Python language. @xref{Python}.
35352 By default, @value{GDBN} will be compiled if the Python libraries are
35353 installed and are found by @file{configure}. You can use the
35354 @code{--with-python} option to request Python, and pass either the
35355 file name of the relevant @code{python} executable, or the name of the
35356 directory in which Python is installed, to choose a particular
35357 installation of Python.
35358
35359 @item zlib
35360 @cindex compressed debug sections
35361 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
35362 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
35363 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
35364 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
35365 information in such binaries.
35366
35367 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
35368 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
35369 @url{http://zlib.net}.
35370 @end table
35371
35372 @node Running Configure
35373 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
35374 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
35375 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
35376 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
35377 build the @code{gdb} program.
35378 @iftex
35379 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
35380 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
35381 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
35382 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
35383 @end iftex
35384
35385 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
35386 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
35387 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
35388
35389 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
35390 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
35391
35392 @table @code
35393 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
35394 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
35395
35396 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
35397 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
35398
35399 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
35400 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
35401
35402 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
35403 @sc{gnu} include files
35404
35405 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
35406 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
35407
35408 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
35409 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
35410
35411 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
35412 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
35413 @end table
35414
35415 There may be other subdirectories as well.
35416
35417 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
35418 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
35419 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
35420
35421 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
35422 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
35423 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
35424 argument.
35425
35426 For example:
35427
35428 @smallexample
35429 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
35430 ./configure
35431 make
35432 @end smallexample
35433
35434 Running @samp{configure} and then running @code{make} builds the
35435 included supporting libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured
35436 source files, and the binaries, are left in the corresponding source
35437 directories.
35438
35439 @need 750
35440 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
35441 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
35442 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
35443
35444 @smallexample
35445 sh configure
35446 @end smallexample
35447
35448 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
35449 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
35450 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
35451 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
35452 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
35453 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
35454 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
35455 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
35456 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
35457
35458 You can install @code{@value{GDBN}} anywhere. The best way to do this
35459 is to pass the @code{--prefix} option to @code{configure}, and then
35460 install it with @code{make install}.
35461
35462 @node Separate Objdir
35463 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
35464
35465 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
35466 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
35467 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
35468 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
35469 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
35470 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
35471 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
35472 program specified there.
35473
35474 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
35475 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
35476 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
35477 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
35478 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
35479 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
35480
35481 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
35482 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
35483
35484 @smallexample
35485 @group
35486 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
35487 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
35488 cd ../gdb-sun4
35489 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure
35490 make
35491 @end group
35492 @end smallexample
35493
35494 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
35495 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
35496 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
35497 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
35498 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
35499 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
35500
35501 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
35502 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
35503 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
35504 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
35505 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
35506
35507 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
35508 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
35509 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
35510 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
35511 You specify a cross-debugging target by
35512 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
35513
35514 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
35515 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
35516 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
35517
35518 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
35519 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
35520 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
35521 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
35522 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
35523
35524 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
35525 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
35526 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
35527 with each other.
35528
35529 @node Config Names
35530 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
35531
35532 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
35533 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
35534 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
35535 of information in the following pattern:
35536
35537 @smallexample
35538 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
35539 @end smallexample
35540
35541 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
35542 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
35543 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
35544
35545 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
35546 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
35547 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
35548 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
35549 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
35550 abbreviations---for example:
35551
35552 @smallexample
35553 % sh config.sub i386-linux
35554 i386-pc-linux-gnu
35555 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
35556 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
35557 % sh config.sub hp9k700
35558 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
35559 % sh config.sub sun4
35560 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
35561 % sh config.sub sun3
35562 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
35563 % sh config.sub i986v
35564 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
35565 @end smallexample
35566
35567 @noindent
35568 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
35569 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
35570
35571 @node Configure Options
35572 @section @file{configure} Options
35573
35574 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
35575 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure}
35576 also has several other options not listed here. @inforef{Running
35577 configure scripts,,autoconf.info}, for a full
35578 explanation of @file{configure}.
35579
35580 @smallexample
35581 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
35582 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
35583 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
35584 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
35585 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
35586 @end smallexample
35587
35588 @noindent
35589 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
35590 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
35591 @samp{--}.
35592
35593 @table @code
35594 @item --help
35595 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
35596
35597 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
35598 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
35599 @file{@var{dir}}.
35600
35601 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
35602 Configure the source to install programs under directory
35603 @file{@var{dir}}.
35604
35605 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
35606 @need 2000
35607 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
35608 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
35609 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
35610 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
35611 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
35612 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
35613 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
35614 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
35615 @var{dirname}.
35616
35617 @item --target=@var{target}
35618 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
35619 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
35620 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
35621
35622 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available
35623 targets. Also see the @code{--enable-targets} option, below.
35624 @end table
35625
35626 There are many other options that are specific to @value{GDBN}. This
35627 lists just the most common ones; there are some very specialized
35628 options not described here.
35629
35630 @table @code
35631 @item --enable-targets=@r{[}@var{target}@r{]}@dots{}
35632 @itemx --enable-targets=all
35633 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the
35634 specified list of targets. The special value @samp{all} configures
35635 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs running on any target it supports.
35636
35637 @item --with-gdb-datadir=@var{path}
35638 Set the @value{GDBN}-specific data directory. @value{GDBN} will look
35639 here for certain supporting files or scripts. This defaults to the
35640 @file{gdb} subdirectory of @samp{datadi} (which can be set using
35641 @code{--datadir}).
35642
35643 @item --with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}
35644 Sets up the default source path substitution rule so that directory
35645 names recorded in debug information will be automatically adjusted for
35646 any directory under @var{dir}. @var{dir} should be a subdirectory of
35647 @value{GDBN}'s configured prefix, the one mentioned in the
35648 @code{--prefix} or @code{--exec-prefix} options to configure. This
35649 option is useful if GDB is supposed to be moved to a different place
35650 after it is built.
35651
35652 @item --enable-64-bit-bfd
35653 Enable 64-bit support in BFD on 32-bit hosts.
35654
35655 @item --disable-gdbmi
35656 Build @value{GDBN} without the GDB/MI machine interface
35657 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
35658
35659 @item --enable-tui
35660 Build @value{GDBN} with the text-mode full-screen user interface
35661 (TUI). Requires a curses library (ncurses and cursesX are also
35662 supported).
35663
35664 @item --with-curses
35665 Use the curses library instead of the termcap library, for text-mode
35666 terminal operations.
35667
35668 @item --with-libunwind-ia64
35669 Use the libunwind library for unwinding function call stack on ia64
35670 target platforms. See http://www.nongnu.org/libunwind/index.html for
35671 details.
35672
35673 @item --with-system-readline
35674 Use the readline library installed on the host, rather than the
35675 library supplied as part of @value{GDBN}.
35676
35677 @item --with-system-zlib
35678 Use the zlib library installed on the host, rather than the library
35679 supplied as part of @value{GDBN}.
35680
35681 @item --with-expat
35682 Build @value{GDBN} with Expat, a library for XML parsing. (Done by
35683 default if libexpat is installed and found at configure time.) This
35684 library is used to read XML files supplied with @value{GDBN}. If it
35685 is unavailable, some features, such as remote protocol memory maps,
35686 target descriptions, and shared library lists, that are based on XML
35687 files, will not be available in @value{GDBN}. If your host does not
35688 have libexpat installed, you can get the latest version from
35689 `http://expat.sourceforge.net'.
35690
35691 @item --with-libiconv-prefix@r{[}=@var{dir}@r{]}
35692
35693 Build @value{GDBN} with GNU libiconv, a character set encoding
35694 conversion library. This is not done by default, as on GNU systems
35695 the @code{iconv} that is built in to the C library is sufficient. If
35696 your host does not have a working @code{iconv}, you can get the latest
35697 version of GNU iconv from `https://www.gnu.org/software/libiconv/'.
35698
35699 @value{GDBN}'s build system also supports building GNU libiconv as
35700 part of the overall build. @xref{Requirements}.
35701
35702 @item --with-lzma
35703 Build @value{GDBN} with LZMA, a compression library. (Done by default
35704 if liblzma is installed and found at configure time.) LZMA is used by
35705 @value{GDBN}'s "mini debuginfo" feature, which is only useful on
35706 platforms using the ELF object file format. If your host does not
35707 have liblzma installed, you can get the latest version from
35708 `https://tukaani.org/xz/'.
35709
35710 @item --with-mpfr
35711 Build @value{GDBN} with GNU MPFR, a library for multiple-precision
35712 floating-point computation with correct rounding. (Done by default if
35713 GNU MPFR is installed and found at configure time.) This library is
35714 used to emulate target floating-point arithmetic during expression
35715 evaluation when the target uses different floating-point formats than
35716 the host. If GNU MPFR is not available, @value{GDBN} will fall back
35717 to using host floating-point arithmetic. If your host does not have
35718 GNU MPFR installed, you can get the latest version from
35719 `http://www.mpfr.org'.
35720
35721 @item --with-python@r{[}=@var{python}@r{]}
35722 Build @value{GDBN} with Python scripting support. (Done by default if
35723 libpython is present and found at configure time.) Python makes
35724 @value{GDBN} scripting much more powerful than the restricted CLI
35725 scripting language. If your host does not have Python installed, you
35726 can find it on `http://www.python.org/download/'. The oldest version
35727 of Python supported by GDB is 2.4. The optional argument @var{python}
35728 is used to find the Python headers and libraries. It can be either
35729 the name of a Python executable, or the name of the directory in which
35730 Python is installed.
35731
35732 @item --with-guile[=GUILE]'
35733 Build @value{GDBN} with GNU Guile scripting support. (Done by default
35734 if libguile is present and found at configure time.) If your host
35735 does not have Guile installed, you can find it at
35736 `https://www.gnu.org/software/guile/'. The optional argument GUILE
35737 can be a version number, which will cause @code{configure} to try to
35738 use that version of Guile; or the file name of a @code{pkg-config}
35739 executable, which will be queried to find the information needed to
35740 compile and link against Guile.
35741
35742 @item --without-included-regex
35743 Don't use the regex library included with @value{GDBN} (as part of the
35744 libiberty library). This is the default on hosts with version 2 of
35745 the GNU C library.
35746
35747 @item --with-sysroot=@var{dir}
35748 Use @var{dir} as the default system root directory for libraries whose
35749 file names begin with @file{/lib}' or @file{/usr/lib'}. (The value of
35750 @var{dir} can be modified at run time by using the @command{set
35751 sysroot} command.) If @var{dir} is under the @value{GDBN} configured
35752 prefix (set with @code{--prefix} or @code{--exec-prefix options}, the
35753 default system root will be automatically adjusted if and when
35754 @value{GDBN} is moved to a different location.
35755
35756 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
35757 Configure @value{GDBN} to automatically load a system-wide init file.
35758 @var{file} should be an absolute file name. If @var{file} is in a
35759 directory under the configured prefix, and @value{GDBN} is moved to
35760 another location after being built, the location of the system-wide
35761 init file will be adjusted accordingly.
35762
35763 @item --enable-build-warnings
35764 When building the @value{GDBN} sources, ask the compiler to warn about
35765 any code which looks even vaguely suspicious. It passes many
35766 different warning flags, depending on the exact version of the
35767 compiler you are using.
35768
35769 @item --enable-werror
35770 Treat compiler warnings as werrors. It adds the @code{-Werror} flag
35771 to the compiler, which will fail the compilation if the compiler
35772 outputs any warning messages.
35773
35774 @item --enable-ubsan
35775 Enable the GCC undefined behavior sanitizer. This is disabled by
35776 default, but passing @code{--enable-ubsan=yes} or
35777 @code{--enable-ubsan=auto} to @code{configure} will enable it. The
35778 undefined behavior sanitizer checks for C@t{++} undefined behavior.
35779 It has a performance cost, so if you are looking at @value{GDBN}'s
35780 performance, you should disable it. The undefined behavior sanitizer
35781 was first introduced in GCC 4.9.
35782 @end table
35783
35784 @node System-wide configuration
35785 @section System-wide configuration and settings
35786 @cindex system-wide init file
35787
35788 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
35789 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
35790 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
35791
35792 Here is the corresponding configure option:
35793
35794 @table @code
35795 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
35796 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
35797 @var{file}.
35798 @end table
35799
35800 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
35801 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
35802
35803 @itemize @bullet
35804 @item
35805 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
35806 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
35807 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
35808 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
35809 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
35810 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
35811
35812 @item
35813 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
35814 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
35815 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
35816 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
35817 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
35818 @end itemize
35819
35820 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
35821 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
35822 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
35823 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
35824 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
35825 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
35826 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
35827 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
35828 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
35829 reread.
35830
35831 @menu
35832 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
35833 @end menu
35834
35835 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
35836 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
35837 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
35838
35839 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
35840 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
35841 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
35842 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
35843 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
35844 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
35845
35846 The following scripts are currently available:
35847 @itemize @bullet
35848
35849 @item @file{elinos.py}
35850 @pindex elinos.py
35851 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
35852 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
35853 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
35854 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
35855 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
35856 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
35857
35858 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
35859 @pindex wrs-linux.py
35860 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
35861 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
35862 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
35863 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
35864
35865 @end itemize
35866
35867 @node Maintenance Commands
35868 @appendix Maintenance Commands
35869 @cindex maintenance commands
35870 @cindex internal commands
35871
35872 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
35873 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
35874 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
35875 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
35876 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
35877
35878 @table @code
35879 @kindex maint agent
35880 @kindex maint agent-eval
35881 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
35882 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
35883 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
35884 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
35885 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
35886 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
35887 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
35888 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
35889 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
35890 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
35891 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
35892 addition and return the sum.
35893 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
35894 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
35895
35896 @kindex maint agent-printf
35897 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
35898 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
35899 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
35900 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
35901 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
35902
35903 @kindex maint info breakpoints
35904 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
35905 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
35906 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
35907 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
35908 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
35909 is shown:
35910
35911 @table @code
35912 @item breakpoint
35913 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
35914
35915 @item watchpoint
35916 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
35917
35918 @item longjmp
35919 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
35920 @code{longjmp} calls.
35921
35922 @item longjmp resume
35923 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
35924
35925 @item until
35926 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
35927
35928 @item finish
35929 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
35930
35931 @item shlib events
35932 Shared library events.
35933
35934 @end table
35935
35936 @kindex maint info btrace
35937 @item maint info btrace
35938 Pint information about raw branch tracing data.
35939
35940 @kindex maint btrace packet-history
35941 @item maint btrace packet-history
35942 Print the raw branch trace packets that are used to compute the
35943 execution history for the @samp{record btrace} command. Both the
35944 information and the format in which it is printed depend on the btrace
35945 recording format.
35946
35947 @table @code
35948 @item bts
35949 For the BTS recording format, print a list of blocks of sequential
35950 code. For each block, the following information is printed:
35951
35952 @table @asis
35953 @item Block number
35954 Newer blocks have higher numbers. The oldest block has number zero.
35955 @item Lowest @samp{PC}
35956 @item Highest @samp{PC}
35957 @end table
35958
35959 @item pt
35960 For the Intel Processor Trace recording format, print a list of
35961 Intel Processor Trace packets. For each packet, the following
35962 information is printed:
35963
35964 @table @asis
35965 @item Packet number
35966 Newer packets have higher numbers. The oldest packet has number zero.
35967 @item Trace offset
35968 The packet's offset in the trace stream.
35969 @item Packet opcode and payload
35970 @end table
35971 @end table
35972
35973 @kindex maint btrace clear-packet-history
35974 @item maint btrace clear-packet-history
35975 Discards the cached packet history printed by the @samp{maint btrace
35976 packet-history} command. The history will be computed again when
35977 needed.
35978
35979 @kindex maint btrace clear
35980 @item maint btrace clear
35981 Discard the branch trace data. The data will be fetched anew and the
35982 branch trace will be recomputed when needed.
35983
35984 This implicitly truncates the branch trace to a single branch trace
35985 buffer. When updating branch trace incrementally, the branch trace
35986 available to @value{GDBN} may be bigger than a single branch trace
35987 buffer.
35988
35989 @kindex maint set btrace pt skip-pad
35990 @item maint set btrace pt skip-pad
35991 @kindex maint show btrace pt skip-pad
35992 @item maint show btrace pt skip-pad
35993 Control whether @value{GDBN} will skip PAD packets when computing the
35994 packet history.
35995
35996 @kindex set displaced-stepping
35997 @kindex show displaced-stepping
35998 @cindex displaced stepping support
35999 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
36000 @item set displaced-stepping
36001 @itemx show displaced-stepping
36002 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
36003 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
36004 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
36005 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
36006 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
36007
36008 @table @code
36009 @item set displaced-stepping on
36010 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
36011 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
36012
36013 @item set displaced-stepping off
36014 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
36015 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
36016
36017 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
36018 @item set displaced-stepping auto
36019 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
36020 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
36021 architecture supports displaced stepping.
36022 @end table
36023
36024 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
36025 @item maint check-psymtabs
36026 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
36027 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
36028
36029 @kindex maint check-symtabs
36030 @item maint check-symtabs
36031 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
36032
36033 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
36034 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
36035 Expand symbol tables.
36036 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
36037 names matching @var{regexp}.
36038
36039 @kindex maint set catch-demangler-crashes
36040 @kindex maint show catch-demangler-crashes
36041 @cindex demangler crashes
36042 @item maint set catch-demangler-crashes [on|off]
36043 @itemx maint show catch-demangler-crashes
36044 Control whether @value{GDBN} should attempt to catch crashes in the
36045 symbol name demangler. The default is to attempt to catch crashes.
36046 If enabled, the first time a crash is caught, a core file is created,
36047 the offending symbol is displayed and the user is presented with the
36048 option to terminate the current session.
36049
36050 @kindex maint cplus first_component
36051 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
36052 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
36053
36054 @kindex maint cplus namespace
36055 @item maint cplus namespace
36056 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
36057
36058 @kindex maint deprecate
36059 @kindex maint undeprecate
36060 @cindex deprecated commands
36061 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
36062 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
36063 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
36064 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
36065 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
36066 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
36067 the replacement as part of the warning.
36068
36069 @kindex maint dump-me
36070 @item maint dump-me
36071 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
36072 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
36073 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
36074 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
36075
36076 @kindex maint internal-error
36077 @kindex maint internal-warning
36078 @kindex maint demangler-warning
36079 @cindex demangler crashes
36080 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
36081 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
36082 @itemx maint demangler-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
36083
36084 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error},
36085 @code{internal_warning} or @code{demangler_warning} and hence behave
36086 as though an internal problem has been detected. In addition to
36087 reporting the internal problem, these functions give the user the
36088 opportunity to either quit @value{GDBN} or (for @code{internal_error}
36089 and @code{internal_warning}) create a core file of the current
36090 @value{GDBN} session.
36091
36092 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
36093 used as the text of the error or warning message.
36094
36095 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
36096
36097 @smallexample
36098 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
36099 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
36100 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
36101 debugging may prove unreliable.
36102 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
36103 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
36104 (@value{GDBP})
36105 @end smallexample
36106
36107 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
36108 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
36109 @cindex demangler crashes
36110
36111 @kindex maint set internal-error
36112 @kindex maint show internal-error
36113 @kindex maint set internal-warning
36114 @kindex maint show internal-warning
36115 @kindex maint set demangler-warning
36116 @kindex maint show demangler-warning
36117 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
36118 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
36119 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
36120 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
36121 @itemx maint set demangler-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
36122 @itemx maint show demangler-warning @var{action}
36123 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
36124 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
36125 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
36126 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
36127 described in the table below.
36128
36129 @table @samp
36130 @item quit
36131 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
36132 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
36133
36134 @item corefile
36135 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
36136 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do. Note
36137 that there is no @code{corefile} option for @code{demangler-warning}:
36138 demangler warnings always create a core file and this cannot be
36139 disabled.
36140 @end table
36141
36142 @kindex maint packet
36143 @item maint packet @var{text}
36144 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
36145 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
36146 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
36147 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
36148 checksum.
36149
36150 @kindex maint print architecture
36151 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36152 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
36153 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
36154
36155 @kindex maint print c-tdesc @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36156 @item maint print c-tdesc
36157 Print the target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
36158 a C source file. By default, the target description is for the current
36159 target, but if the optional argument @var{file} is provided, that file
36160 is used to produce the description. The @var{file} should be an XML
36161 document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description Format}.
36162 The created source file is built into @value{GDBN} when @value{GDBN} is
36163 built again. This command is used by developers after they add or
36164 modify XML target descriptions.
36165
36166 @kindex maint check xml-descriptions
36167 @item maint check xml-descriptions @var{dir}
36168 Check that the target descriptions dynamically created by @value{GDBN}
36169 equal the descriptions created from XML files found in @var{dir}.
36170
36171 @anchor{maint check libthread-db}
36172 @kindex maint check libthread-db
36173 @item maint check libthread-db
36174 Run integrity checks on the current inferior's thread debugging
36175 library. This exercises all @code{libthread_db} functionality used by
36176 @value{GDBN} on GNU/Linux systems, and by extension also exercises the
36177 @code{proc_service} functions provided by @value{GDBN} that
36178 @code{libthread_db} uses. Note that parts of the test may be skipped
36179 on some platforms when debugging core files.
36180
36181 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
36182 @item maint print dummy-frames
36183 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
36184
36185 @smallexample
36186 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
36187 @dots{}
36188 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
36189 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
36190 58 return (a + b);
36191 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
36192 @dots{}
36193 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
36194 0xa8206d8: id=@{stack=0xbfffe734,code=0xbfffe73f,!special@}, ptid=process 9353
36195 (@value{GDBP})
36196 @end smallexample
36197
36198 Takes an optional file parameter.
36199
36200 @kindex maint print registers
36201 @kindex maint print raw-registers
36202 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
36203 @kindex maint print register-groups
36204 @kindex maint print remote-registers
36205 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36206 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36207 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36208 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36209 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36210 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
36211
36212 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
36213 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
36214 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
36215 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
36216 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
36217 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
36218 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
36219 and offsets in the `G' packets.
36220
36221 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
36222 write the information.
36223
36224 @kindex maint print reggroups
36225 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36226 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
36227 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
36228 information.
36229
36230 The register groups info looks like this:
36231
36232 @smallexample
36233 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
36234 Group Type
36235 general user
36236 float user
36237 all user
36238 vector user
36239 system user
36240 save internal
36241 restore internal
36242 @end smallexample
36243
36244 @kindex flushregs
36245 @item flushregs
36246 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
36247
36248 @kindex maint print objfiles
36249 @cindex info for known object files
36250 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
36251 Print a dump of all known object files.
36252 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
36253 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
36254 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
36255
36256 @kindex maint print user-registers
36257 @cindex user registers
36258 @item maint print user-registers
36259 List all currently available @dfn{user registers}. User registers
36260 typically provide alternate names for actual hardware registers. They
36261 include the four ``standard'' registers @code{$fp}, @code{$pc},
36262 @code{$sp}, and @code{$ps}. @xref{standard registers}. User
36263 registers can be used in expressions in the same way as the canonical
36264 register names, but only the latter are listed by the @code{info
36265 registers} and @code{maint print registers} commands.
36266
36267 @kindex maint print section-scripts
36268 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
36269 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
36270 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
36271 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
36272 matching @var{regexp}.
36273 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
36274 and the full path if known.
36275 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
36276
36277 @kindex maint print statistics
36278 @cindex bcache statistics
36279 @item maint print statistics
36280 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
36281 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
36282 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
36283 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
36284 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
36285 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
36286 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
36287 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
36288 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
36289 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
36290 lengths.
36291
36292 @kindex maint print target-stack
36293 @cindex target stack description
36294 @item maint print target-stack
36295 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
36296 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
36297 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
36298 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
36299 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
36300 address.
36301
36302 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
36303 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
36304
36305 @kindex maint print type
36306 @cindex type chain of a data type
36307 @item maint print type @var{expr}
36308 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
36309 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
36310 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
36311 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
36312 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
36313
36314 @kindex maint selftest
36315 @cindex self tests
36316 @item maint selftest @r{[}@var{filter}@r{]}
36317 Run any self tests that were compiled in to @value{GDBN}. This will
36318 print a message showing how many tests were run, and how many failed.
36319 If a @var{filter} is passed, only the tests with @var{filter} in their
36320 name will by ran.
36321
36322 @kindex "maint info selftests"
36323 @cindex self tests
36324 @item maint info selftests
36325 List the selftests compiled in to @value{GDBN}.
36326
36327 @kindex maint set dwarf always-disassemble
36328 @kindex maint show dwarf always-disassemble
36329 @item maint set dwarf always-disassemble
36330 @item maint show dwarf always-disassemble
36331 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
36332 information.
36333
36334 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
36335 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
36336 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
36337 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
36338 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
36339 always see the disassembly form.
36340
36341 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
36342
36343 @smallexample
36344 (gdb) info addr argc
36345 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
36346 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
36347 @end smallexample
36348
36349 For more information on these expressions, see
36350 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
36351
36352 @kindex maint set dwarf max-cache-age
36353 @kindex maint show dwarf max-cache-age
36354 @item maint set dwarf max-cache-age
36355 @itemx maint show dwarf max-cache-age
36356 Control the DWARF compilation unit cache.
36357
36358 @cindex DWARF compilation units cache
36359 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
36360 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF
36361 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
36362 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
36363 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
36364 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
36365 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
36366 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
36367
36368 @kindex maint set dwarf unwinders
36369 @kindex maint show dwarf unwinders
36370 @item maint set dwarf unwinders
36371 @itemx maint show dwarf unwinders
36372 Control use of the DWARF frame unwinders.
36373
36374 @cindex DWARF frame unwinders
36375 Many targets that support DWARF debugging use @value{GDBN}'s DWARF
36376 frame unwinders to build the backtrace. Many of these targets will
36377 also have a second mechanism for building the backtrace for use in
36378 cases where DWARF information is not available, this second mechanism
36379 is often an analysis of a function's prologue.
36380
36381 In order to extend testing coverage of the second level stack
36382 unwinding mechanisms it is helpful to be able to disable the DWARF
36383 stack unwinders, this can be done with this switch.
36384
36385 In normal use of @value{GDBN} disabling the DWARF unwinders is not
36386 advisable, there are cases that are better handled through DWARF than
36387 prologue analysis, and the debug experience is likely to be better
36388 with the DWARF frame unwinders enabled.
36389
36390 If DWARF frame unwinders are not supported for a particular target
36391 architecture, then enabling this flag does not cause them to be used.
36392 @kindex maint set profile
36393 @kindex maint show profile
36394 @cindex profiling GDB
36395 @item maint set profile
36396 @itemx maint show profile
36397 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
36398
36399 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
36400 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
36401 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
36402 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
36403 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
36404 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
36405 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
36406
36407 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
36408 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
36409
36410 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
36411 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
36412 @cindex hardware debug registers
36413 @item maint set show-debug-regs
36414 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
36415 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
36416 registers. Use @code{on} to enable, @code{off} to disable. If
36417 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
36418 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
36419 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
36420
36421 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
36422 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
36423 @item maint set show-all-tib
36424 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
36425 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
36426 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
36427 command.
36428
36429 @kindex maint set target-async
36430 @kindex maint show target-async
36431 @item maint set target-async
36432 @itemx maint show target-async
36433 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets operate in synchronous or
36434 asynchronous mode (@pxref{Background Execution}). Normally the
36435 default is asynchronous, if it is available; but this can be changed
36436 to more easily debug problems occurring only in synchronous mode.
36437
36438 @kindex maint set target-non-stop @var{mode} [on|off|auto]
36439 @kindex maint show target-non-stop
36440 @item maint set target-non-stop
36441 @itemx maint show target-non-stop
36442
36443 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets always operate in non-stop
36444 mode even if @code{set non-stop} is @code{off} (@pxref{Non-Stop
36445 Mode}). The default is @code{auto}, meaning non-stop mode is enabled
36446 if supported by the target.
36447
36448 @table @code
36449 @item maint set target-non-stop auto
36450 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} controls the target in
36451 non-stop mode if the target supports it.
36452
36453 @item maint set target-non-stop on
36454 @value{GDBN} controls the target in non-stop mode even if the target
36455 does not indicate support.
36456
36457 @item maint set target-non-stop off
36458 @value{GDBN} does not control the target in non-stop mode even if the
36459 target supports it.
36460 @end table
36461
36462 @kindex maint set per-command
36463 @kindex maint show per-command
36464 @item maint set per-command
36465 @itemx maint show per-command
36466 @cindex resources used by commands
36467
36468 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
36469 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
36470
36471 @table @code
36472 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
36473 @itemx maint show per-command space
36474 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
36475 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
36476 took, following the command's own output.
36477 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
36478 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
36479
36480 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
36481 @itemx maint show per-command time
36482 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
36483 for each command.
36484 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
36485 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
36486 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
36487 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
36488 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
36489 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
36490 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
36491 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
36492 spent by the program been debugged.
36493 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
36494 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
36495
36496 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
36497 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
36498 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
36499 for each command.
36500 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
36501
36502 @enumerate a
36503 @item
36504 number of symbol tables
36505 @item
36506 number of primary symbol tables
36507 @item
36508 number of blocks in the blockvector
36509 @end enumerate
36510 @end table
36511
36512 @kindex maint set check-libthread-db
36513 @kindex maint show check-libthread-db
36514 @item maint set check-libthread-db [on|off]
36515 @itemx maint show check-libthread-db
36516 Control whether @value{GDBN} should run integrity checks on inferior
36517 specific thread debugging libraries as they are loaded. The default
36518 is not to perform such checks. If any check fails @value{GDBN} will
36519 unload the library and continue searching for a suitable candidate as
36520 described in @ref{set libthread-db-search-path}. For more information
36521 about the tests, see @ref{maint check libthread-db}.
36522
36523 @kindex maint space
36524 @cindex memory used by commands
36525 @item maint space @var{value}
36526 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
36527 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
36528
36529 @kindex maint time
36530 @cindex time of command execution
36531 @item maint time @var{value}
36532 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
36533 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
36534
36535 @kindex maint translate-address
36536 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
36537 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
36538 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
36539 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
36540 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
36541 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
36542 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
36543
36544 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
36545 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
36546 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
36547
36548 @end table
36549
36550 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
36551 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
36552
36553 @table @code
36554 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
36555 @kindex set watchdog
36556 @cindex watchdog timer
36557 @cindex timeout for commands
36558 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
36559 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
36560 reports and error and the command is aborted.
36561
36562 @item show watchdog
36563 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
36564 @end table
36565
36566 @node Remote Protocol
36567 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
36568
36569 @menu
36570 * Overview::
36571 * Packets::
36572 * Stop Reply Packets::
36573 * General Query Packets::
36574 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
36575 * Tracepoint Packets::
36576 * Host I/O Packets::
36577 * Interrupts::
36578 * Notification Packets::
36579 * Remote Non-Stop::
36580 * Packet Acknowledgment::
36581 * Examples::
36582 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
36583 * Library List Format::
36584 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
36585 * Memory Map Format::
36586 * Thread List Format::
36587 * Traceframe Info Format::
36588 * Branch Trace Format::
36589 * Branch Trace Configuration Format::
36590 @end menu
36591
36592 @node Overview
36593 @section Overview
36594
36595 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
36596 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
36597 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
36598 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
36599
36600 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
36601 transmitted and received data, respectively.
36602
36603 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
36604 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
36605 @cindex remote serial protocol
36606 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
36607 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
36608 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
36609 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
36610 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
36611
36612 @smallexample
36613 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
36614 @end smallexample
36615 @noindent
36616
36617 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
36618 @noindent
36619 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
36620 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
36621 eight bit unsigned checksum).
36622
36623 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
36624 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
36625
36626 @smallexample
36627 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
36628 @end smallexample
36629
36630 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
36631 @noindent
36632 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
36633 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
36634 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
36635
36636 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
36637 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
36638 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
36639 retransmission):
36640
36641 @smallexample
36642 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
36643 <- @code{+}
36644 @end smallexample
36645 @noindent
36646
36647 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
36648 once a connection is established.
36649 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
36650
36651 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
36652 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
36653 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
36654 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
36655 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
36656 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
36657 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
36658
36659 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
36660 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
36661 exceptions).
36662
36663 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
36664 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
36665 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
36666 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
36667
36668 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
36669 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
36670 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
36671
36672 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
36673 @anchor{Binary Data}
36674 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
36675 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
36676 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
36677 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
36678 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
36679 binary data.
36680
36681 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
36682 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
36683 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
36684 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
36685 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
36686 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
36687 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
36688 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
36689 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
36690 (described next).
36691
36692 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
36693 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
36694 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
36695 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
36696 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
36697 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
36698 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
36699 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
36700 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
36701 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
36702 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
36703 3}} more times.
36704
36705 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
36706 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
36707 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
36708 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
36709 @samp{0*"00}.
36710
36711 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
36712 error number. That number is not well defined.
36713
36714 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
36715 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
36716 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
36717 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
36718 on that response.
36719
36720 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
36721 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
36722 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
36723 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
36724 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
36725 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
36726
36727 @node Packets
36728 @section Packets
36729
36730 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
36731 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
36732 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
36733 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
36734
36735 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
36736 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
36737 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
36738 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
36739 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
36740 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
36741 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
36742 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
36743 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
36744 @var{baz}.
36745
36746 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
36747 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
36748 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
36749 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
36750 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
36751 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
36752 pick any thread.
36753
36754 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
36755 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
36756 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
36757 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
36758 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
36759 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
36760 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
36761 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
36762 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
36763 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
36764 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
36765 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
36766 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
36767
36768 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
36769 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
36770 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
36771 more information.
36772
36773 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
36774 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
36775
36776 Here are the packet descriptions.
36777
36778 @table @samp
36779
36780 @item !
36781 @cindex @samp{!} packet
36782 @anchor{extended mode}
36783 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
36784 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
36785 debugged.
36786
36787 Reply:
36788 @table @samp
36789 @item OK
36790 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
36791 @end table
36792
36793 @item ?
36794 @cindex @samp{?} packet
36795 @anchor{? packet}
36796 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
36797 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
36798 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
36799
36800 Reply:
36801 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36802
36803 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
36804 @cindex @samp{A} packet
36805 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
36806 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
36807 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
36808
36809 Reply:
36810 @table @samp
36811 @item OK
36812 The arguments were set.
36813 @item E @var{NN}
36814 An error occurred.
36815 @end table
36816
36817 @item b @var{baud}
36818 @cindex @samp{b} packet
36819 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
36820 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
36821
36822 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
36823 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
36824 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
36825
36826 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
36827 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
36828 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
36829 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
36830 of view, nothing actually happened.}
36831
36832 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
36833 @cindex @samp{B} packet
36834 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
36835 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
36836
36837 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
36838 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
36839
36840 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
36841 @anchor{bc}
36842 @item bc
36843 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
36844 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
36845
36846 Reply:
36847 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36848
36849 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
36850 @anchor{bs}
36851 @item bs
36852 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
36853 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
36854
36855 Reply:
36856 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36857
36858 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
36859 @cindex @samp{c} packet
36860 Continue at @var{addr}, which is the address to resume. If @var{addr}
36861 is omitted, resume at current address.
36862
36863 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36864 packet}.
36865
36866 Reply:
36867 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36868
36869 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
36870 @cindex @samp{C} packet
36871 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
36872 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
36873
36874 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36875 packet}.
36876
36877 Reply:
36878 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36879
36880 @item d
36881 @cindex @samp{d} packet
36882 Toggle debug flag.
36883
36884 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
36885 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
36886
36887 @item D
36888 @itemx D;@var{pid}
36889 @cindex @samp{D} packet
36890 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
36891 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
36892 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
36893
36894 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
36895 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
36896 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
36897 big-endian hex string.
36898
36899 Reply:
36900 @table @samp
36901 @item OK
36902 for success
36903 @item E @var{NN}
36904 for an error
36905 @end table
36906
36907 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
36908 @cindex @samp{F} packet
36909 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
36910 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
36911 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
36912
36913 @item g
36914 @anchor{read registers packet}
36915 @cindex @samp{g} packet
36916 Read general registers.
36917
36918 Reply:
36919 @table @samp
36920 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
36921 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
36922 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
36923 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
36924 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
36925 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}.
36926
36927 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
36928 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
36929 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
36930 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
36931 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
36932 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
36933 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
36934 have been collected, and both have zero value:
36935
36936 @smallexample
36937 -> @code{g}
36938 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
36939 @end smallexample
36940
36941 @item E @var{NN}
36942 for an error.
36943 @end table
36944
36945 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
36946 @cindex @samp{G} packet
36947 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
36948 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
36949
36950 Reply:
36951 @table @samp
36952 @item OK
36953 for success
36954 @item E @var{NN}
36955 for an error
36956 @end table
36957
36958 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
36959 @cindex @samp{H} packet
36960 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
36961 @samp{G}, et.al.). Depending on the operation to be performed, @var{op}
36962 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
36963 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
36964 option), and @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
36965 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
36966 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36967
36968 Reply:
36969 @table @samp
36970 @item OK
36971 for success
36972 @item E @var{NN}
36973 for an error
36974 @end table
36975
36976 @c FIXME: JTC:
36977 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
36978 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
36979 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
36980 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
36981 @c described. For example:
36982 @c
36983 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
36984 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
36985 @c otherwise returns current registers.
36986 @c
36987 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
36988 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
36989 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
36990
36991 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
36992 @anchor{cycle step packet}
36993 @cindex @samp{i} packet
36994 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
36995 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
36996 step starting at that address.
36997
36998 @item I
36999 @cindex @samp{I} packet
37000 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
37001 step packet}.
37002
37003 @item k
37004 @cindex @samp{k} packet
37005 Kill request.
37006
37007 The exact effect of this packet is not specified.
37008
37009 For a bare-metal target, it may power cycle or reset the target
37010 system. For that reason, the @samp{k} packet has no reply.
37011
37012 For a single-process target, it may kill that process if possible.
37013
37014 A multiple-process target may choose to kill just one process, or all
37015 that are under @value{GDBN}'s control. For more precise control, use
37016 the vKill packet (@pxref{vKill packet}).
37017
37018 If the target system immediately closes the connection in response to
37019 @samp{k}, @value{GDBN} does not consider the lack of packet
37020 acknowledgment to be an error, and assumes the kill was successful.
37021
37022 If connected using @kbd{target extended-remote}, and the target does
37023 not close the connection in response to a kill request, @value{GDBN}
37024 probes the target state as if a new connection was opened
37025 (@pxref{? packet}).
37026
37027 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
37028 @cindex @samp{m} packet
37029 Read @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
37030 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to
37031 any particular boundary.
37032
37033 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
37034 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
37035 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
37036 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
37037 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
37038 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
37039 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
37040 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
37041
37042 Reply:
37043 @table @samp
37044 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
37045 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
37046 The reply may contain fewer addressable memory units than requested if the
37047 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
37048 @item E @var{NN}
37049 @var{NN} is errno
37050 @end table
37051
37052 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37053 @cindex @samp{M} packet
37054 Write @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
37055 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). The data is given by @var{XX@dots{}}; each
37056 byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
37057
37058 Reply:
37059 @table @samp
37060 @item OK
37061 for success
37062 @item E @var{NN}
37063 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
37064 written).
37065 @end table
37066
37067 @item p @var{n}
37068 @cindex @samp{p} packet
37069 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
37070 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
37071 register value is encoded.
37072
37073 Reply:
37074 @table @samp
37075 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
37076 the register's value
37077 @item E @var{NN}
37078 for an error
37079 @item @w{}
37080 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
37081 @end table
37082
37083 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
37084 @anchor{write register packet}
37085 @cindex @samp{P} packet
37086 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
37087 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
37088 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
37089
37090 Reply:
37091 @table @samp
37092 @item OK
37093 for success
37094 @item E @var{NN}
37095 for an error
37096 @end table
37097
37098 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
37099 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
37100 @cindex @samp{q} packet
37101 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
37102 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
37103 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
37104
37105 @item r
37106 @cindex @samp{r} packet
37107 Reset the entire system.
37108
37109 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
37110
37111 @item R @var{XX}
37112 @cindex @samp{R} packet
37113 Restart the program being debugged. The @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
37114 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37115
37116 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
37117
37118 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
37119 @cindex @samp{s} packet
37120 Single step, resuming at @var{addr}. If
37121 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
37122
37123 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37124 packet}.
37125
37126 Reply:
37127 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37128
37129 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
37130 @anchor{step with signal packet}
37131 @cindex @samp{S} packet
37132 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
37133 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
37134
37135 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37136 packet}.
37137
37138 Reply:
37139 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37140
37141 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
37142 @cindex @samp{t} packet
37143 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
37144 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}, both of which are are 4 byte long.
37145 There must be at least 3 digits in @var{addr}.
37146
37147 @item T @var{thread-id}
37148 @cindex @samp{T} packet
37149 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
37150
37151 Reply:
37152 @table @samp
37153 @item OK
37154 thread is still alive
37155 @item E @var{NN}
37156 thread is dead
37157 @end table
37158
37159 @item v
37160 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
37161 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
37162
37163 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
37164 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
37165 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
37166 The process ID is a
37167 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
37168 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
37169 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
37170
37171 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
37172 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
37173 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
37174 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
37175 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
37176 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
37177 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
37178 @c stopping or restarting threads.
37179
37180 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37181
37182 Reply:
37183 @table @samp
37184 @item E @var{nn}
37185 for an error
37186 @item @r{Any stop packet}
37187 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
37188 @item OK
37189 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
37190 @end table
37191
37192 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
37193 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
37194 @anchor{vCont packet}
37195 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
37196
37197 For each inferior thread, the leftmost action with a matching
37198 @var{thread-id} is applied. Threads that don't match any action
37199 remain in their current state. Thread IDs are specified using the
37200 syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}. If multiprocess
37201 extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}) are supported, actions
37202 can be specified to match all threads in a process by using the
37203 @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the @var{thread-id}. An action with no
37204 @var{thread-id} matches all threads. Specifying no actions is an
37205 error.
37206
37207 Currently supported actions are:
37208
37209 @table @samp
37210 @item c
37211 Continue.
37212 @item C @var{sig}
37213 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
37214 @item s
37215 Step.
37216 @item S @var{sig}
37217 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
37218 @item t
37219 Stop.
37220 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
37221 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
37222 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
37223 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
37224 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
37225 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
37226
37227 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
37228 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
37229 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
37230 jumps to @var{start}).
37231
37232 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
37233 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
37234 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
37235
37236 @end table
37237
37238 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
37239 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
37240 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
37241
37242 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
37243 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
37244 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
37245 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
37246 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
37247 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
37248 as an implementation detail.
37249
37250 The server must ignore @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, @samp{S}, and
37251 @samp{r} actions for threads that are already running. Conversely,
37252 the server must ignore @samp{t} actions for threads that are already
37253 stopped.
37254
37255 @emph{Note:} In non-stop mode, a thread is considered running until
37256 @value{GDBN} acknowleges an asynchronous stop notification for it with
37257 the @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}).
37258
37259 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
37260 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}).
37261
37262 Reply:
37263 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37264
37265 @item vCont?
37266 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
37267 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
37268
37269 Reply:
37270 @table @samp
37271 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
37272 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
37273 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
37274 @item @w{}
37275 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
37276 @end table
37277
37278 @anchor{vCtrlC packet}
37279 @item vCtrlC
37280 @cindex @samp{vCtrlC} packet
37281 Interrupt remote target as if a control-C was pressed on the remote
37282 terminal. This is the equivalent to reacting to the @code{^C}
37283 (@samp{\003}, the control-C character) character in all-stop mode
37284 while the target is running, except this works in non-stop mode.
37285 @xref{interrupting remote targets}, for more info on the all-stop
37286 variant.
37287
37288 Reply:
37289 @table @samp
37290 @item E @var{nn}
37291 for an error
37292 @item OK
37293 for success
37294 @end table
37295
37296 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
37297 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
37298 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
37299 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
37300
37301 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
37302 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
37303 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
37304 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
37305 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
37306 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
37307 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
37308 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
37309 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
37310 packet is received.
37311
37312 Reply:
37313 @table @samp
37314 @item OK
37315 for success
37316 @item E @var{NN}
37317 for an error
37318 @end table
37319
37320 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37321 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
37322 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
37323 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
37324 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
37325 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
37326 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
37327 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
37328 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
37329 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
37330 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
37331 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
37332
37333
37334 Reply:
37335 @table @samp
37336 @item OK
37337 for success
37338 @item E.memtype
37339 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
37340 @item E @var{NN}
37341 for an error
37342 @end table
37343
37344 @item vFlashDone
37345 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
37346 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
37347 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
37348 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
37349 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
37350 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
37351 request is completed.
37352
37353 @item vKill;@var{pid}
37354 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
37355 @anchor{vKill packet}
37356 Kill the process with the specified process ID @var{pid}, which is a
37357 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
37358 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
37359 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
37360
37361 Reply:
37362 @table @samp
37363 @item E @var{nn}
37364 for an error
37365 @item OK
37366 for success
37367 @end table
37368
37369 @item vMustReplyEmpty
37370 @cindex @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} packet
37371 The correct reply to an unknown @samp{v} packet is to return the empty
37372 string, however, some older versions of @command{gdbserver} would
37373 incorrectly return @samp{OK} for unknown @samp{v} packets.
37374
37375 The @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} is used as a feature test to check how
37376 @command{gdbserver} handles unknown packets, it is important that this
37377 packet be handled in the same way as other unknown @samp{v} packets.
37378 If this packet is handled differently to other unknown @samp{v}
37379 packets then it is possile that @value{GDBN} may run into problems in
37380 other areas, specifically around use of @samp{vFile:setfs:}.
37381
37382 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
37383 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
37384 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
37385 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
37386 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
37387 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
37388 state.
37389
37390 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
37391
37392 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37393
37394 Reply:
37395 @table @samp
37396 @item E @var{nn}
37397 for an error
37398 @item @r{Any stop packet}
37399 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
37400 @end table
37401
37402 @item vStopped
37403 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
37404 @xref{Notification Packets}.
37405
37406 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37407 @anchor{X packet}
37408 @cindex @samp{X} packet
37409 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
37410 Memory is specified by its address @var{addr} and number of addressable memory
37411 units @var{length} (@pxref{addressable memory unit});
37412 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
37413
37414 Reply:
37415 @table @samp
37416 @item OK
37417 for success
37418 @item E @var{NN}
37419 for an error
37420 @end table
37421
37422 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
37423 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
37424 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
37425 @cindex @samp{z} packet
37426 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
37427 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
37428 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
37429
37430 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
37431 separately.
37432
37433 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
37434 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
37435 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
37436 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
37437 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
37438 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
37439
37440 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37441 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
37442 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
37443 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
37444 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a software breakpoint at address
37445 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
37446
37447 A software breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
37448 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
37449 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of the
37450 breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm} and
37451 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
37452 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind}
37453 (@pxref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}); if no
37454 architecture-specific value is being used, it should be @samp{0}.
37455 @var{kind} is hex-encoded. @var{cond_list} is an optional list of
37456 conditional expressions in bytecode form that should be evaluated on
37457 the target's side. These are the conditions that should be taken into
37458 consideration when deciding if the breakpoint trigger should be
37459 reported back to @value{GDBN}.
37460
37461 See also the @samp{swbreak} stop reason (@pxref{swbreak stop reason})
37462 for how to best report a software breakpoint event to @value{GDBN}.
37463
37464 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
37465 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
37466
37467 @table @samp
37468
37469 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
37470 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
37471 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
37472
37473 @end table
37474
37475 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
37476 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
37477 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
37478 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
37479 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
37480 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
37481 separators. Each expression has the following form:
37482
37483 @table @samp
37484
37485 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
37486 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
37487 actual commands expression in bytecode form.
37488
37489 @end table
37490
37491 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
37492 code that contains software breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
37493 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
37494 target, is not defined.}
37495
37496 Reply:
37497 @table @samp
37498 @item OK
37499 success
37500 @item @w{}
37501 not supported
37502 @item E @var{NN}
37503 for an error
37504 @end table
37505
37506 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37507 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
37508 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
37509 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
37510 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
37511 address @var{addr}.
37512
37513 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
37514 dependent on being able to modify the target's memory. The
37515 @var{kind}, @var{cond_list}, and @var{cmd_list} arguments have the
37516 same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
37517
37518 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
37519 movement.}
37520
37521 Reply:
37522 @table @samp
37523 @item OK
37524 success
37525 @item @w{}
37526 not supported
37527 @item E @var{NN}
37528 for an error
37529 @end table
37530
37531 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37532 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37533 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
37534 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
37535 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
37536 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
37537
37538 Reply:
37539 @table @samp
37540 @item OK
37541 success
37542 @item @w{}
37543 not supported
37544 @item E @var{NN}
37545 for an error
37546 @end table
37547
37548 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37549 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37550 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
37551 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
37552 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
37553 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
37554
37555 Reply:
37556 @table @samp
37557 @item OK
37558 success
37559 @item @w{}
37560 not supported
37561 @item E @var{NN}
37562 for an error
37563 @end table
37564
37565 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37566 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37567 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
37568 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
37569 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
37570 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
37571
37572 Reply:
37573 @table @samp
37574 @item OK
37575 success
37576 @item @w{}
37577 not supported
37578 @item E @var{NN}
37579 for an error
37580 @end table
37581
37582 @end table
37583
37584 @node Stop Reply Packets
37585 @section Stop Reply Packets
37586 @cindex stop reply packets
37587
37588 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
37589 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
37590 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
37591 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
37592 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
37593 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
37594 @value{GDBN} source code.
37595
37596 In non-stop mode, the server will simply reply @samp{OK} to commands
37597 such as @samp{vCont}; any stop will be the subject of a future
37598 notification. @xref{Remote Non-Stop}.
37599
37600 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
37601 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
37602 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
37603 components.
37604
37605 @table @samp
37606
37607 @item S @var{AA}
37608 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
37609 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
37610 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
37611
37612 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
37613 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
37614 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
37615 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
37616 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
37617 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
37618 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
37619 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
37620
37621 @itemize @bullet
37622 @item
37623 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
37624 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. The data @var{r} is a
37625 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
37626 two-digit hex number.
37627
37628 @item
37629 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
37630 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
37631
37632 @item
37633 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
37634 the core on which the stop event was detected.
37635
37636 @item
37637 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
37638 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
37639 reasons are listed below. The @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
37640 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
37641
37642 @item
37643 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
37644 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
37645 future.
37646 @end itemize
37647
37648 The currently defined stop reasons are:
37649
37650 @table @samp
37651 @item watch
37652 @itemx rwatch
37653 @itemx awatch
37654 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
37655 hex.
37656
37657 @item syscall_entry
37658 @itemx syscall_return
37659 The packet indicates a syscall entry or return, and @var{r} is the
37660 syscall number, in hex.
37661
37662 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
37663 @item library
37664 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
37665 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
37666 list of loaded libraries. The @var{r} part is ignored.
37667
37668 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
37669 @item replaylog
37670 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
37671 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
37672 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
37673 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
37674 for more information.
37675
37676 @item swbreak
37677 @anchor{swbreak stop reason}
37678 The packet indicates a software breakpoint instruction was executed,
37679 irrespective of whether it was @value{GDBN} that planted the
37680 breakpoint or the breakpoint is hardcoded in the program. The @var{r}
37681 part must be left empty.
37682
37683 On some architectures, such as x86, at the architecture level, when a
37684 breakpoint instruction executes the program counter points at the
37685 breakpoint address plus an offset. On such targets, the stub is
37686 responsible for adjusting the PC to point back at the breakpoint
37687 address.
37688
37689 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
37690 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
37691 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
37692 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
37693 indicating support.
37694
37695 This packet is required for correct non-stop mode operation.
37696
37697 @item hwbreak
37698 The packet indicates the target stopped for a hardware breakpoint.
37699 The @var{r} part must be left empty.
37700
37701 The same remarks about @samp{qSupported} and non-stop mode above
37702 apply.
37703
37704 @cindex fork events, remote reply
37705 @item fork
37706 The packet indicates that @code{fork} was called, and @var{r}
37707 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
37708 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
37709 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
37710 fork events.
37711
37712 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
37713 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
37714 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
37715 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
37716 indicating support.
37717
37718 @cindex vfork events, remote reply
37719 @item vfork
37720 The packet indicates that @code{vfork} was called, and @var{r}
37721 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
37722 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
37723 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
37724 vfork events.
37725
37726 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
37727 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
37728 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
37729 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
37730 indicating support.
37731
37732 @cindex vforkdone events, remote reply
37733 @item vforkdone
37734 The packet indicates that a child process created by a vfork
37735 has either called @code{exec} or terminated, so that the
37736 address spaces of the parent and child process are no longer
37737 shared. The @var{r} part is ignored. This packet is only
37738 applicable to targets that support vforkdone events.
37739
37740 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
37741 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
37742 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
37743 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
37744 indicating support.
37745
37746 @cindex exec events, remote reply
37747 @item exec
37748 The packet indicates that @code{execve} was called, and @var{r}
37749 is the absolute pathname of the file that was executed, in hex.
37750 This packet is only applicable to targets that support exec events.
37751
37752 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
37753 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
37754 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
37755 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
37756 indicating support.
37757
37758 @cindex thread create event, remote reply
37759 @anchor{thread create event}
37760 @item create
37761 The packet indicates that the thread was just created. The new thread
37762 is stopped until @value{GDBN} sets it running with a resumption packet
37763 (@pxref{vCont packet}). This packet should not be sent by default;
37764 @value{GDBN} requests it with the @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See
37765 also the @samp{w} (@pxref{thread exit event}) remote reply below. The
37766 @var{r} part is ignored.
37767
37768 @end table
37769
37770 @item W @var{AA}
37771 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
37772 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
37773 applicable to certain targets.
37774
37775 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
37776 exited process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
37777 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
37778 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
37779 hex strings.
37780
37781 @item X @var{AA}
37782 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
37783 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
37784
37785 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
37786 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
37787 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
37788 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
37789 hex strings.
37790
37791 @anchor{thread exit event}
37792 @cindex thread exit event, remote reply
37793 @item w @var{AA} ; @var{tid}
37794
37795 The thread exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This response
37796 should not be sent by default; @value{GDBN} requests it with the
37797 @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See also @ref{thread create event} above.
37798 @var{AA} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
37799
37800 @item N
37801 There are no resumed threads left in the target. In other words, even
37802 though the process is alive, the last resumed thread has exited. For
37803 example, say the target process has two threads: thread 1 and thread
37804 2. The client leaves thread 1 stopped, and resumes thread 2, which
37805 subsequently exits. At this point, even though the process is still
37806 alive, and thus no @samp{W} stop reply is sent, no thread is actually
37807 executing either. The @samp{N} stop reply thus informs the client
37808 that it can stop waiting for stop replies. This packet should not be
37809 sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions did not support it.
37810 @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an appropriate
37811 @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The remote stub must
37812 also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature indicating
37813 support.
37814
37815 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
37816 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
37817 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
37818 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
37819 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
37820
37821 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
37822 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
37823 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
37824 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
37825 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
37826 system calls.
37827
37828 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
37829 this very system call.
37830
37831 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
37832 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
37833 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
37834 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
37835 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
37836 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
37837
37838 @end table
37839
37840 @node General Query Packets
37841 @section General Query Packets
37842 @cindex remote query requests
37843
37844 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
37845 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
37846 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
37847 sending information to and from the stub.
37848
37849 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
37850 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
37851 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
37852 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
37853 conventions:
37854
37855 @itemize @bullet
37856 @item
37857 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
37858 @item
37859 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
37860 letter.
37861 @item
37862 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
37863 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
37864 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
37865 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
37866 @end itemize
37867
37868 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
37869 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
37870 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
37871 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
37872 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
37873 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
37874 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
37875 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
37876 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
37877 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
37878 packet.}.
37879
37880 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
37881 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
37882 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
37883 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
37884 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
37885
37886 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
37887
37888 @table @samp
37889
37890 @item QAgent:1
37891 @itemx QAgent:0
37892 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
37893 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
37894
37895 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
37896 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
37897 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
37898 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
37899 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
37900 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
37901 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
37902 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
37903 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
37904 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
37905 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
37906
37907 @item qC
37908 @cindex current thread, remote request
37909 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
37910 Return the current thread ID.
37911
37912 Reply:
37913 @table @samp
37914 @item QC @var{thread-id}
37915 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
37916 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
37917 @item @r{(anything else)}
37918 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
37919 @end table
37920
37921 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
37922 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
37923 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
37924 @anchor{qCRC packet}
37925 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
37926 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
37927 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
37928 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
37929
37930 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
37931 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
37932 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
37933 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
37934 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
37935 detect trailing zeros.
37936
37937 Reply:
37938 @table @samp
37939 @item E @var{NN}
37940 An error (such as memory fault)
37941 @item C @var{crc32}
37942 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
37943 @end table
37944
37945 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
37946 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
37947 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
37948 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
37949 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
37950 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
37951 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
37952 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
37953 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
37954 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
37955 randomization.
37956
37957 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37958
37959 Reply:
37960 @table @samp
37961 @item OK
37962 The request succeeded.
37963
37964 @item E @var{nn}
37965 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37966
37967 @item @w{}
37968 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
37969 by the stub.
37970 @end table
37971
37972 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37973 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37974 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
37975 address space randomization.
37976
37977 @item QStartupWithShell:@var{value}
37978 @cindex startup with shell, remote request
37979 @cindex @samp{QStartupWithShell} packet
37980 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to start the inferior using a
37981 shell program. This is the default behavior on both @value{GDBN} and
37982 @command{gdbserver} (@pxref{set startup-with-shell}). This packet is
37983 used to inform @command{gdbserver} whether it should start the
37984 inferior using a shell or not.
37985
37986 If @var{value} is @samp{0}, @command{gdbserver} will not use a shell
37987 to start the inferior. If @var{value} is @samp{1},
37988 @command{gdbserver} will use a shell to start the inferior. All other
37989 values are considered an error.
37990
37991 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
37992 mode}).
37993
37994 Reply:
37995 @table @samp
37996 @item OK
37997 The request succeeded.
37998
37999 @item E @var{nn}
38000 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38001 @end table
38002
38003 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38004 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38005 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
38006 actually support starting the inferior using a shell.
38007
38008 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set startup-with-shell}
38009 command; @pxref{set startup-with-shell}.
38010
38011 @item QEnvironmentHexEncoded:@var{hex-value}
38012 @anchor{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
38013 @cindex set environment variable, remote request
38014 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded} packet
38015 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to set environment variables that
38016 will be passed to the inferior during the startup process. This
38017 packet is used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment
38018 variable that has been defined by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{set
38019 environment}).
38020
38021 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
38022 representation of the @var{name=value} format representing an
38023 environment variable. The name of the environment variable is
38024 represented by @var{name}, and the value to be assigned to the
38025 environment variable is represented by @var{value}. If the variable
38026 has no value (i.e., the value is @code{null}), then @var{value} will
38027 not be present.
38028
38029 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
38030 mode}).
38031
38032 Reply:
38033 @table @samp
38034 @item OK
38035 The request succeeded.
38036 @end table
38037
38038 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38039 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38040 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
38041 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
38042 inferior.
38043
38044 This packet is related to the @code{set environment} command;
38045 @pxref{set environment}.
38046
38047 @item QEnvironmentUnset:@var{hex-value}
38048 @anchor{QEnvironmentUnset}
38049 @cindex unset environment variable, remote request
38050 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentUnset} packet
38051 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to unset environment variables
38052 before starting the inferior in the remote target. This packet is
38053 used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment variable that has
38054 been unset by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{unset environment}).
38055
38056 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
38057 representation of the name of the environment variable to be unset.
38058
38059 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
38060 mode}).
38061
38062 Reply:
38063 @table @samp
38064 @item OK
38065 The request succeeded.
38066 @end table
38067
38068 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38069 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38070 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
38071 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
38072 inferior.
38073
38074 This packet is related to the @code{unset environment} command;
38075 @pxref{unset environment}.
38076
38077 @item QEnvironmentReset
38078 @anchor{QEnvironmentReset}
38079 @cindex reset environment, remote request
38080 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentReset} packet
38081 On UNIX-like targets, this packet is used to reset the state of
38082 environment variables in the remote target before starting the
38083 inferior. In this context, reset means unsetting all environment
38084 variables that were previously set by the user (i.e., were not
38085 initially present in the environment). It is sent to
38086 @command{gdbserver} before the @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
38087 (@pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}) and the @samp{QEnvironmentUnset}
38088 (@pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}) packets.
38089
38090 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
38091 mode}).
38092
38093 Reply:
38094 @table @samp
38095 @item OK
38096 The request succeeded.
38097 @end table
38098
38099 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38100 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38101 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
38102 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
38103 inferior.
38104
38105 @item QSetWorkingDir:@r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
38106 @anchor{QSetWorkingDir packet}
38107 @cindex set working directory, remote request
38108 @cindex @samp{QSetWorkingDir} packet
38109 This packet is used to inform the remote server of the intended
38110 current working directory for programs that are going to be executed.
38111
38112 The packet is composed by @var{directory}, an hex encoded
38113 representation of the directory that the remote inferior will use as
38114 its current working directory. If @var{directory} is an empty string,
38115 the remote server should reset the inferior's current working
38116 directory to its original, empty value.
38117
38118 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
38119 mode}).
38120
38121 Reply:
38122 @table @samp
38123 @item OK
38124 The request succeeded.
38125 @end table
38126
38127 @item qfThreadInfo
38128 @itemx qsThreadInfo
38129 @cindex list active threads, remote request
38130 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
38131 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
38132 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
38133 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
38134 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
38135 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
38136 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
38137 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
38138
38139 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
38140
38141 Reply:
38142 @table @samp
38143 @item m @var{thread-id}
38144 A single thread ID
38145 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
38146 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
38147 @item l
38148 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
38149 @end table
38150
38151 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38152 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
38153 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
38154 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
38155 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
38156 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
38157 fields.
38158
38159 @emph{Note: @value{GDBN} will send the @code{qfThreadInfo} query during the
38160 initial connection with the remote target, and the very first thread ID
38161 mentioned in the reply will be stopped by @value{GDBN} in a subsequent
38162 message. Therefore, the stub should ensure that the first thread ID in
38163 the @code{qfThreadInfo} reply is suitable for being stopped by @value{GDBN}.}
38164
38165 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
38166 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
38167 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
38168 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
38169 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
38170
38171 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
38172 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
38173
38174 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
38175 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
38176 information associated with the variable.)
38177
38178 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
38179 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
38180 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
38181 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
38182 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
38183 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
38184
38185 Reply:
38186 @table @samp
38187 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38188 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
38189 local storage requested.
38190
38191 @item E @var{nn}
38192 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38193
38194 @item @w{}
38195 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
38196 @end table
38197
38198 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
38199 @cindex get thread information block address
38200 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
38201 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
38202
38203 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
38204
38205 Reply:
38206 @table @samp
38207 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38208 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
38209 thread information block.
38210
38211 @item E @var{nn}
38212 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
38213 address could not be retrieved.
38214
38215 @item @w{}
38216 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
38217 @end table
38218
38219 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
38220 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
38221 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
38222 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
38223 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
38224 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
38225 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
38226
38227 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
38228
38229 Reply:
38230 @table @samp
38231 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
38232 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
38233 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
38234 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
38235 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
38236 is a sequence of thread IDs, @var{threadid} (eight hex
38237 digits), from the target. See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
38238 @end table
38239
38240 @item qOffsets
38241 @cindex section offsets, remote request
38242 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
38243 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
38244 image.
38245
38246 Reply:
38247 @table @samp
38248 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
38249 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
38250 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
38251 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
38252 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
38253 segments by the supplied offsets.
38254
38255 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
38256 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
38257 to the @code{Bss} section.}
38258
38259 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
38260 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
38261 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
38262 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
38263 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
38264 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
38265 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
38266 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
38267 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
38268 @end table
38269
38270 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
38271 @cindex thread information, remote request
38272 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
38273 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
38274 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
38275 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
38276
38277 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
38278 (see below).
38279
38280 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
38281
38282 @item QNonStop:1
38283 @itemx QNonStop:0
38284 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
38285 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
38286 @anchor{QNonStop}
38287 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
38288 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
38289
38290 Reply:
38291 @table @samp
38292 @item OK
38293 The request succeeded.
38294
38295 @item E @var{nn}
38296 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38297
38298 @item @w{}
38299 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
38300 the stub.
38301 @end table
38302
38303 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38304 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38305 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
38306 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
38307
38308 @item QCatchSyscalls:1 @r{[};@var{sysno}@r{]}@dots{}
38309 @itemx QCatchSyscalls:0
38310 @cindex catch syscalls from inferior, remote request
38311 @cindex @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
38312 @anchor{QCatchSyscalls}
38313 Enable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}) or disable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:0})
38314 catching syscalls from the inferior process.
38315
38316 For @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}, each listed syscall @var{sysno} (encoded
38317 in hex) should be reported to @value{GDBN}. If no syscall @var{sysno}
38318 is listed, every system call should be reported.
38319
38320 Note that if a syscall not in the list is reported, @value{GDBN} will
38321 still filter the event according to its own list from all corresponding
38322 @code{catch syscall} commands. However, it is more efficient to only
38323 report the requested syscalls.
38324
38325 Multiple @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} packets do not combine; any earlier
38326 @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} list is completely replaced by the new list.
38327
38328 If the inferior process execs, the state of @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is
38329 kept for the new process too. On targets where exec may affect syscall
38330 numbers, for example with exec between 32 and 64-bit processes, the
38331 client should send a new packet with the new syscall list.
38332
38333 Reply:
38334 @table @samp
38335 @item OK
38336 The request succeeded.
38337
38338 @item E @var{nn}
38339 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38340
38341 @item @w{}
38342 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is not supported by
38343 the stub.
38344 @end table
38345
38346 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote catch-syscalls}
38347 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote catch-syscalls}).
38348 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38349 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38350
38351 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
38352 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
38353 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
38354 @anchor{QPassSignals}
38355 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
38356 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
38357 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
38358 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
38359 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
38360 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
38361 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
38362 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
38363 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
38364
38365 Reply:
38366 @table @samp
38367 @item OK
38368 The request succeeded.
38369
38370 @item E @var{nn}
38371 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38372
38373 @item @w{}
38374 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
38375 the stub.
38376 @end table
38377
38378 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
38379 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
38380 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38381 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38382
38383 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
38384 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
38385 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
38386 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
38387 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
38388 Others should be silently discarded.
38389
38390 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
38391 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
38392 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
38393 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
38394 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
38395 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
38396 signals.
38397
38398 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
38399 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
38400
38401 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
38402 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
38403 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
38404 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
38405 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
38406
38407 Reply:
38408 @table @samp
38409 @item OK
38410 The request succeeded.
38411
38412 @item E @var{nn}
38413 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38414
38415 @item @w{}
38416 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
38417 by the stub.
38418 @end table
38419
38420 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
38421 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
38422 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38423 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38424
38425 @anchor{QThreadEvents}
38426 @item QThreadEvents:1
38427 @itemx QThreadEvents:0
38428 @cindex thread create/exit events, remote request
38429 @cindex @samp{QThreadEvents} packet
38430
38431 Enable (@samp{QThreadEvents:1}) or disable (@samp{QThreadEvents:0})
38432 reporting of thread create and exit events. @xref{thread create
38433 event}, for the reply specifications. For example, this is used in
38434 non-stop mode when @value{GDBN} stops a set of threads and
38435 synchronously waits for the their corresponding stop replies. Without
38436 exit events, if one of the threads exits, @value{GDBN} would hang
38437 forever not knowing that it should no longer expect a stop for that
38438 same thread. @value{GDBN} does not enable this feature unless the
38439 stub reports that it supports it by including @samp{QThreadEvents+} in
38440 its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38441
38442 Reply:
38443 @table @samp
38444 @item OK
38445 The request succeeded.
38446
38447 @item E @var{nn}
38448 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38449
38450 @item @w{}
38451 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QThreadEvents} is not supported by
38452 the stub.
38453 @end table
38454
38455 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote thread-events}
38456 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote thread-events}).
38457
38458 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
38459 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
38460 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
38461 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
38462 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
38463 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
38464 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
38465 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
38466 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
38467
38468 Reply:
38469 @table @samp
38470 @item OK
38471 A command response with no output.
38472 @item @var{OUTPUT}
38473 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
38474 @item E @var{NN}
38475 Indicate a badly formed request.
38476 @item @w{}
38477 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
38478 @end table
38479
38480 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
38481 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
38482 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
38483 packets.)
38484
38485 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
38486 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
38487 @ifnotinfo
38488 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
38489 @end ifnotinfo
38490 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
38491 @anchor{qSearch memory}
38492 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
38493 Both @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex;
38494 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, also hex encoded.
38495
38496 Reply:
38497 @table @samp
38498 @item 0
38499 The pattern was not found.
38500 @item 1,address
38501 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
38502 @item E @var{NN}
38503 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
38504 @item @w{}
38505 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
38506 @end table
38507
38508 @item QStartNoAckMode
38509 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
38510 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
38511 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
38512 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
38513
38514 Reply:
38515 @table @samp
38516 @item OK
38517 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
38518 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
38519 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
38520 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
38521 @item @w{}
38522 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
38523 @end table
38524
38525 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
38526 @cindex supported packets, remote query
38527 @cindex features of the remote protocol
38528 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
38529 @anchor{qSupported}
38530 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
38531 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
38532 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
38533 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
38534 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
38535 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
38536 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
38537 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
38538 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
38539 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
38540 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
38541 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
38542 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
38543 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
38544
38545 Reply:
38546 @table @samp
38547 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
38548 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
38549 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
38550 possible forms).
38551 @item @w{}
38552 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
38553 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
38554 @end table
38555
38556 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
38557 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
38558 are:
38559
38560 @table @samp
38561 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
38562 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
38563 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
38564 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
38565 @item @var{name}+
38566 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
38567 need an associated value.
38568 @item @var{name}-
38569 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
38570 @item @var{name}?
38571 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
38572 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
38573 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
38574 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
38575 @end table
38576
38577 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
38578 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
38579 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
38580 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
38581 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
38582
38583 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
38584 are defined:
38585
38586 @table @samp
38587 @item multiprocess
38588 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
38589 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
38590 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
38591 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38592 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
38593
38594 @item xmlRegisters
38595 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
38596 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
38597 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
38598 description.
38599
38600 @item qRelocInsn
38601 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
38602 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
38603 instruction reply packet}).
38604
38605 @item swbreak
38606 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the swbreak stop
38607 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
38608
38609 @item hwbreak
38610 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the hwbreak stop
38611 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
38612
38613 @item fork-events
38614 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports fork event
38615 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
38616 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
38617 including @samp{fork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38618
38619 @item vfork-events
38620 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports vfork event
38621 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
38622 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
38623 including @samp{vfork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38624
38625 @item exec-events
38626 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports exec event
38627 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
38628 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
38629 including @samp{exec-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38630
38631 @item vContSupported
38632 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} wants to know the
38633 supported actions in the reply to @samp{vCont?} packet.
38634 @end table
38635
38636 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
38637 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
38638 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
38639 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
38640 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
38641 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
38642 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
38643 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
38644 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
38645 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
38646 all the features it supports.
38647
38648 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
38649 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
38650
38651 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
38652 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
38653 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
38654 form response.
38655
38656 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
38657 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
38658 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
38659 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
38660
38661 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
38662 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
38663 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
38664 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
38665 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
38666
38667 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
38668
38669 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
38670 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
38671 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
38672 @item Feature Name
38673 @tab Value Required
38674 @tab Default
38675 @tab Probe Allowed
38676
38677 @item @samp{PacketSize}
38678 @tab Yes
38679 @tab @samp{-}
38680 @tab No
38681
38682 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
38683 @tab No
38684 @tab @samp{-}
38685 @tab Yes
38686
38687 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
38688 @tab No
38689 @tab @samp{-}
38690 @tab Yes
38691
38692 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
38693 @tab No
38694 @tab @samp{-}
38695 @tab Yes
38696
38697 @item @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read}
38698 @tab No
38699 @tab @samp{-}
38700 @tab Yes
38701
38702 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
38703 @tab No
38704 @tab @samp{-}
38705 @tab Yes
38706
38707 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
38708 @tab No
38709 @tab @samp{-}
38710 @tab Yes
38711
38712 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
38713 @tab No
38714 @tab @samp{-}
38715 @tab Yes
38716
38717 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
38718 @tab No
38719 @tab @samp{-}
38720 @tab No
38721
38722 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
38723 @tab No
38724 @tab @samp{-}
38725 @tab Yes
38726
38727 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
38728 @tab No
38729 @tab @samp{-}
38730 @tab Yes
38731
38732 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
38733 @tab No
38734 @tab @samp{-}
38735 @tab Yes
38736
38737 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
38738 @tab No
38739 @tab @samp{-}
38740 @tab Yes
38741
38742 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
38743 @tab No
38744 @tab @samp{-}
38745 @tab Yes
38746
38747 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
38748 @tab No
38749 @tab @samp{-}
38750 @tab Yes
38751
38752 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
38753 @tab No
38754 @tab @samp{-}
38755 @tab Yes
38756
38757 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
38758 @tab No
38759 @tab @samp{-}
38760 @tab Yes
38761
38762 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
38763 @tab No
38764 @tab @samp{-}
38765 @tab Yes
38766
38767 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
38768 @tab No
38769 @tab @samp{-}
38770 @tab Yes
38771
38772 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
38773 @tab Yes
38774 @tab @samp{-}
38775 @tab Yes
38776
38777 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
38778 @tab Yes
38779 @tab @samp{-}
38780 @tab Yes
38781
38782 @item @samp{Qbtrace:pt}
38783 @tab Yes
38784 @tab @samp{-}
38785 @tab Yes
38786
38787 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size}
38788 @tab Yes
38789 @tab @samp{-}
38790 @tab Yes
38791
38792 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size}
38793 @tab Yes
38794 @tab @samp{-}
38795 @tab Yes
38796
38797 @item @samp{QNonStop}
38798 @tab No
38799 @tab @samp{-}
38800 @tab Yes
38801
38802 @item @samp{QCatchSyscalls}
38803 @tab No
38804 @tab @samp{-}
38805 @tab Yes
38806
38807 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
38808 @tab No
38809 @tab @samp{-}
38810 @tab Yes
38811
38812 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
38813 @tab No
38814 @tab @samp{-}
38815 @tab Yes
38816
38817 @item @samp{multiprocess}
38818 @tab No
38819 @tab @samp{-}
38820 @tab No
38821
38822 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
38823 @tab No
38824 @tab @samp{-}
38825 @tab No
38826
38827 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
38828 @tab No
38829 @tab @samp{-}
38830 @tab No
38831
38832 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
38833 @tab No
38834 @tab @samp{-}
38835 @tab No
38836
38837 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
38838 @tab No
38839 @tab @samp{-}
38840 @tab No
38841
38842 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
38843 @tab No
38844 @tab @samp{-}
38845 @tab No
38846
38847 @item @samp{QAgent}
38848 @tab No
38849 @tab @samp{-}
38850 @tab No
38851
38852 @item @samp{QAllow}
38853 @tab No
38854 @tab @samp{-}
38855 @tab No
38856
38857 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
38858 @tab No
38859 @tab @samp{-}
38860 @tab No
38861
38862 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
38863 @tab No
38864 @tab @samp{-}
38865 @tab No
38866
38867 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
38868 @tab No
38869 @tab @samp{-}
38870 @tab No
38871
38872 @item @samp{tracenz}
38873 @tab No
38874 @tab @samp{-}
38875 @tab No
38876
38877 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
38878 @tab No
38879 @tab @samp{-}
38880 @tab No
38881
38882 @item @samp{swbreak}
38883 @tab No
38884 @tab @samp{-}
38885 @tab No
38886
38887 @item @samp{hwbreak}
38888 @tab No
38889 @tab @samp{-}
38890 @tab No
38891
38892 @item @samp{fork-events}
38893 @tab No
38894 @tab @samp{-}
38895 @tab No
38896
38897 @item @samp{vfork-events}
38898 @tab No
38899 @tab @samp{-}
38900 @tab No
38901
38902 @item @samp{exec-events}
38903 @tab No
38904 @tab @samp{-}
38905 @tab No
38906
38907 @item @samp{QThreadEvents}
38908 @tab No
38909 @tab @samp{-}
38910 @tab No
38911
38912 @item @samp{no-resumed}
38913 @tab No
38914 @tab @samp{-}
38915 @tab No
38916
38917 @end multitable
38918
38919 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
38920
38921 @table @samp
38922 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
38923 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
38924 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
38925 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
38926 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
38927 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
38928 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
38929 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
38930 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
38931 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
38932
38933 @item qXfer:auxv:read
38934 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
38935 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
38936
38937 @item qXfer:btrace:read
38938 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
38939 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
38940
38941 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read
38942 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
38943 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}).
38944
38945 @item qXfer:exec-file:read
38946 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read} packet
38947 (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}).
38948
38949 @item qXfer:features:read
38950 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
38951 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
38952
38953 @item qXfer:libraries:read
38954 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
38955 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
38956
38957 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
38958 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
38959 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
38960
38961 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
38962 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
38963 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
38964 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
38965
38966 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
38967 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
38968 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
38969
38970 @item qXfer:sdata:read
38971 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
38972 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
38973
38974 @item qXfer:spu:read
38975 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
38976 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
38977
38978 @item qXfer:spu:write
38979 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
38980 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
38981
38982 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
38983 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
38984 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
38985
38986 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
38987 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
38988 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
38989
38990 @item qXfer:threads:read
38991 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
38992 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
38993
38994 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
38995 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
38996 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
38997
38998 @item qXfer:uib:read
38999 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
39000 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
39001
39002 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
39003 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
39004 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
39005
39006 @item QNonStop
39007 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
39008 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
39009
39010 @item QCatchSyscalls
39011 The remote stub understands the @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
39012 (@pxref{QCatchSyscalls}).
39013
39014 @item QPassSignals
39015 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
39016 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
39017
39018 @item QStartNoAckMode
39019 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
39020 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
39021
39022 @item multiprocess
39023 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
39024 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
39025 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
39026 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
39027 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
39028 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
39029 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
39030 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
39031 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
39032 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
39033 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
39034
39035 @item qXfer:osdata:read
39036 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
39037 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
39038
39039 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
39040 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
39041 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
39042 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
39043
39044 @item ConditionalTracepoints
39045 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
39046 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
39047
39048 @item ReverseContinue
39049 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
39050 (@pxref{bc}).
39051
39052 @item ReverseStep
39053 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
39054 (@pxref{bs}).
39055
39056 @item TracepointSource
39057 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
39058 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
39059
39060 @item QAgent
39061 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
39062
39063 @item QAllow
39064 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
39065
39066 @item QDisableRandomization
39067 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
39068
39069 @item StaticTracepoint
39070 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
39071 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
39072
39073 @item InstallInTrace
39074 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
39075 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
39076
39077 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
39078 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
39079 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
39080 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
39081
39082 @item QTBuffer:size
39083 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
39084 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
39085
39086 @item tracenz
39087 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
39088 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
39089 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
39090
39091 @item BreakpointCommands
39092 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
39093 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
39094 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
39095
39096 @item Qbtrace:off
39097 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
39098
39099 @item Qbtrace:bts
39100 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
39101
39102 @item Qbtrace:pt
39103 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:pt} packet.
39104
39105 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size
39106 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size} packet.
39107
39108 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size
39109 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size} packet.
39110
39111 @item swbreak
39112 The remote stub reports the @samp{swbreak} stop reason for memory
39113 breakpoints.
39114
39115 @item hwbreak
39116 The remote stub reports the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason for hardware
39117 breakpoints.
39118
39119 @item fork-events
39120 The remote stub reports the @samp{fork} stop reason for fork events.
39121
39122 @item vfork-events
39123 The remote stub reports the @samp{vfork} stop reason for vfork events
39124 and vforkdone events.
39125
39126 @item exec-events
39127 The remote stub reports the @samp{exec} stop reason for exec events.
39128
39129 @item vContSupported
39130 The remote stub reports the supported actions in the reply to
39131 @samp{vCont?} packet.
39132
39133 @item QThreadEvents
39134 The remote stub understands the @samp{QThreadEvents} packet.
39135
39136 @item no-resumed
39137 The remote stub reports the @samp{N} stop reply.
39138
39139 @end table
39140
39141 @item qSymbol::
39142 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
39143 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
39144 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
39145 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
39146
39147 Reply:
39148 @table @samp
39149 @item OK
39150 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
39151 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
39152 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
39153 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
39154 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
39155 below.
39156 @end table
39157
39158 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
39159 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
39160
39161 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
39162 target has previously requested.
39163
39164 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
39165 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
39166 will be empty.
39167
39168 Reply:
39169 @table @samp
39170 @item OK
39171 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
39172 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
39173 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
39174 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
39175 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
39176 @end table
39177
39178 @item qTBuffer
39179 @itemx QTBuffer
39180 @itemx QTDisconnected
39181 @itemx QTDP
39182 @itemx QTDPsrc
39183 @itemx QTDV
39184 @itemx qTfP
39185 @itemx qTfV
39186 @itemx QTFrame
39187 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
39188
39189 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39190
39191 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
39192 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
39193 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
39194 Obtain from the target OS a printable string description of thread
39195 attributes for the thread @var{thread-id}; see @ref{thread-id syntax},
39196 for the forms of @var{thread-id}. This
39197 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
39198 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
39199 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
39200 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
39201 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
39202
39203 Reply:
39204 @table @samp
39205 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
39206 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
39207 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
39208 the thread's attributes.
39209 @end table
39210
39211 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
39212 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
39213 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
39214 packets.)
39215
39216 @item QTNotes
39217 @itemx qTP
39218 @itemx QTSave
39219 @itemx qTsP
39220 @itemx qTsV
39221 @itemx QTStart
39222 @itemx QTStop
39223 @itemx QTEnable
39224 @itemx QTDisable
39225 @itemx QTinit
39226 @itemx QTro
39227 @itemx qTStatus
39228 @itemx qTV
39229 @itemx qTfSTM
39230 @itemx qTsSTM
39231 @itemx qTSTMat
39232 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39233
39234 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39235 @cindex read special object, remote request
39236 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
39237 @anchor{qXfer read}
39238 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
39239 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
39240 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
39241 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
39242 additional details about what data to access.
39243
39244 Reply:
39245 @table @samp
39246 @item m @var{data}
39247 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
39248 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
39249 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
39250 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
39251 It is possible for @var{data} to have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
39252 request.
39253
39254 @item l @var{data}
39255 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
39256 There is no more data to be read. It is possible for @var{data} to
39257 have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the request.
39258
39259 @item l
39260 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
39261 There is no more data to be read.
39262
39263 @item E00
39264 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
39265
39266 @item E @var{nn}
39267 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
39268 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
39269
39270 @item @w{}
39271 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
39272 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
39273 @end table
39274
39275 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
39276 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
39277 formats, listed above.
39278
39279 @table @samp
39280 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39281 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
39282 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
39283 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
39284
39285 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39286 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39287
39288 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39289 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
39290
39291 Return a description of the current branch trace.
39292 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
39293 packet may have one of the following values:
39294
39295 @table @code
39296 @item all
39297 Returns all available branch trace.
39298
39299 @item new
39300 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
39301 the last read request.
39302
39303 @item delta
39304 Returns the new branch trace since the last read request. Adds a new
39305 block to the end of the trace that begins at zero and ends at the source
39306 location of the first branch in the trace buffer. This extra block is
39307 used to stitch traces together.
39308
39309 If the trace buffer overflowed, returns an error indicating the overflow.
39310 @end table
39311
39312 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
39313 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39314
39315 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39316 @anchor{qXfer btrace-conf read}
39317
39318 Return a description of the current branch trace configuration.
39319 @xref{Branch Trace Configuration Format}.
39320
39321 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
39322 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39323
39324 @item qXfer:exec-file:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39325 @anchor{qXfer executable filename read}
39326 Return the full absolute name of the file that was executed to create
39327 a process running on the remote system. The annex specifies the
39328 numeric process ID of the process to query, encoded as a hexadecimal
39329 number. If the annex part is empty the remote stub should return the
39330 filename corresponding to the currently executing process.
39331
39332 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39333 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39334
39335 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39336 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
39337 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
39338 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
39339 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
39340
39341 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39342 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39343
39344 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39345 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
39346 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
39347 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39348 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39349
39350 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
39351 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
39352 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
39353
39354 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39355 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39356
39357 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39358 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
39359 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
39360 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
39361 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
39362 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
39363 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39364 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
39365
39366 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
39367 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
39368
39369 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39370 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39371
39372 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
39373 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
39374 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
39375 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
39376
39377 @table @code
39378 @item start=@var{address}
39379 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
39380 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
39381 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
39382 chosen as the starting point.
39383
39384 @item prev=@var{address}
39385 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
39386 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
39387 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
39388 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
39389 exists prior to the starting point.
39390
39391 @end table
39392
39393 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
39394 ignored.
39395
39396 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39397 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
39398 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
39399 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39400 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39401
39402 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39403 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39404
39405 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39406 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
39407
39408 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
39409 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
39410 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
39411 Action Lists}.
39412
39413 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39414 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39415 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39416
39417 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39418 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
39419 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
39420 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
39421 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39422
39423 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39424 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39425 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39426
39427 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39428 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
39429 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
39430 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
39431 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
39432 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
39433 in that context to be accessed.
39434
39435 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39436 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39437 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39438
39439 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39440 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
39441 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
39442 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39443 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39444
39445 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39446 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39447
39448 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39449 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
39450
39451 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
39452 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
39453 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39454
39455 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39456 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39457
39458 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39459 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
39460
39461 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
39462 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
39463
39464 This packet is not probed by default.
39465
39466 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39467 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
39468 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
39469 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
39470 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
39471
39472 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39473 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39474
39475 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39476 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
39477 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
39478 @xref{Operating System Information}.
39479
39480 @end table
39481
39482 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39483 @cindex write data into object, remote request
39484 @anchor{qXfer write}
39485 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
39486 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
39487 into the data. The binary-encoded data (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be
39488 written is given by @var{data}@dots{}. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
39489 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
39490 to access.
39491
39492 Reply:
39493 @table @samp
39494 @item @var{nn}
39495 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
39496 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
39497
39498 @item E00
39499 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
39500
39501 @item E @var{nn}
39502 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
39503 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
39504
39505 @item @w{}
39506 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
39507 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
39508 @end table
39509
39510 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
39511 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
39512 formats, listed above.
39513
39514 @table @samp
39515 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39516 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
39517 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
39518 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
39519 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
39520
39521 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39522 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39523 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39524
39525 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39526 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
39527 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
39528 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
39529 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
39530 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
39531 in that context to be accessed.
39532
39533 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39534 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39535 @end table
39536
39537 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
39538 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
39539 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
39540 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
39541 must respond with an empty packet.
39542
39543 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
39544 @cindex query attached, remote request
39545 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
39546 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
39547 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
39548 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
39549 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
39550 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
39551 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
39552
39553 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
39554 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
39555 the @code{quit} command.
39556
39557 Reply:
39558 @table @samp
39559 @item 1
39560 The remote server attached to an existing process.
39561 @item 0
39562 The remote server created a new process.
39563 @item E @var{NN}
39564 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39565 @end table
39566
39567 @item Qbtrace:bts
39568 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Branch Trace Store.
39569
39570 Reply:
39571 @table @samp
39572 @item OK
39573 Branch tracing has been enabled.
39574 @item E.errtext
39575 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39576 @end table
39577
39578 @item Qbtrace:pt
39579 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Intel Processor Trace.
39580
39581 Reply:
39582 @table @samp
39583 @item OK
39584 Branch tracing has been enabled.
39585 @item E.errtext
39586 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39587 @end table
39588
39589 @item Qbtrace:off
39590 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
39591
39592 Reply:
39593 @table @samp
39594 @item OK
39595 Branch tracing has been disabled.
39596 @item E.errtext
39597 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39598 @end table
39599
39600 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size=@var{value}
39601 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
39602 btrace recording method in bts format.
39603
39604 Reply:
39605 @table @samp
39606 @item OK
39607 The ring buffer size has been set.
39608 @item E.errtext
39609 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39610 @end table
39611
39612 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size=@var{value}
39613 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
39614 btrace recording method in pt format.
39615
39616 Reply:
39617 @table @samp
39618 @item OK
39619 The ring buffer size has been set.
39620 @item E.errtext
39621 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39622 @end table
39623
39624 @end table
39625
39626 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
39627 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
39628
39629 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
39630 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
39631 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
39632
39633 @menu
39634 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
39635 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
39636 @end menu
39637
39638 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
39639 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
39640
39641 @menu
39642 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
39643 @end menu
39644
39645 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
39646 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
39647 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
39648
39649 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
39650
39651 @table @r
39652
39653 @item 2
39654 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
39655
39656 @item 3
39657 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
39658
39659 @item 4
39660 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
39661
39662 @end table
39663
39664 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
39665 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
39666
39667 @menu
39668 * MIPS Register packet Format::
39669 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
39670 @end menu
39671
39672 @node MIPS Register packet Format
39673 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
39674 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
39675
39676 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
39677 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
39678 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
39679 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
39680 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
39681 most-significant -- least-significant.
39682
39683 @table @r
39684
39685 @item MIPS32
39686 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
39687 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
39688 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
39689
39690 @item MIPS64
39691 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
39692 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
39693 as @code{MIPS32}.
39694
39695 @end table
39696
39697 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
39698 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
39699 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
39700
39701 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
39702
39703 @table @r
39704
39705 @item 2
39706 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
39707
39708 @item 3
39709 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
39710
39711 @item 4
39712 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
39713
39714 @item 5
39715 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
39716
39717 @end table
39718
39719 @node Tracepoint Packets
39720 @section Tracepoint Packets
39721 @cindex tracepoint packets
39722 @cindex packets, tracepoint
39723
39724 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
39725 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
39726
39727 @table @samp
39728
39729 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
39730 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
39731 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
39732 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
39733 the tracepoint is disabled. The @var{step} gives the tracepoint's step
39734 count, and @var{pass} gives its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
39735 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
39736 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
39737 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
39738 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
39739 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
39740 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
39741 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
39742 actions.
39743
39744 Replies:
39745 @table @samp
39746 @item OK
39747 The packet was understood and carried out.
39748 @item qRelocInsn
39749 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
39750 @item @w{}
39751 The packet was not recognized.
39752 @end table
39753
39754 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
39755 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. The @var{n} and
39756 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
39757 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
39758 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
39759 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
39760 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
39761
39762 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
39763 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
39764 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
39765 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
39766 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
39767 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
39768 tracepoint actions.
39769
39770 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
39771 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
39772 following forms:
39773
39774 @table @samp
39775
39776 @item R @var{mask}
39777 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask},
39778 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
39779 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
39780 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
39781 not fit in a 32-bit word.
39782
39783 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
39784 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
39785 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
39786 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
39787 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
39788 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
39789 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
39790
39791 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
39792 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
39793 it directs. The agent expression @var{expr} is as described in
39794 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
39795 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
39796 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
39797 packet).
39798
39799 @end table
39800
39801 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
39802 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
39803 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
39804 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
39805 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
39806 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
39807 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
39808 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
39809
39810 Replies:
39811 @table @samp
39812 @item OK
39813 The packet was understood and carried out.
39814 @item qRelocInsn
39815 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
39816 @item @w{}
39817 The packet was not recognized.
39818 @end table
39819
39820 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
39821 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
39822 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
39823 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
39824 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. The @var{type}
39825 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
39826 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
39827 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
39828
39829 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
39830 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
39831 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
39832 fit in a single packet.
39833 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
39834 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
39835
39836 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
39837 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
39838 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
39839 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
39840
39841 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
39842 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
39843 query packets.
39844
39845 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
39846 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
39847 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
39848 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
39849 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
39850 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
39851 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
39852 be found.
39853
39854 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}:@var{builtin}:@var{name}
39855 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
39856 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
39857 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
39858 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
39859 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
39860 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
39861 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
39862 mentioned in expressions. The value @var{builtin} should be 1 (one)
39863 if the trace state variable is builtin and 0 (zero) if it is not builtin.
39864 @value{GDBN} only sets @var{builtin} to 1 if a previous @samp{qTfV} or
39865 @samp{qTsV} packet had it set. The contents of @var{name} is the
39866 hex-encoded name (without the leading @samp{$}) of the trace state
39867 variable.
39868
39869 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
39870 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
39871 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
39872 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
39873 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
39874
39875 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
39876 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
39877 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
39878 one of the following forms:
39879
39880 @table @samp
39881 @item F @var{f}
39882 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
39883 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
39884 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
39885
39886 @item T @var{t}
39887 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
39888 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
39889
39890 @end table
39891
39892 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
39893 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39894 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
39895 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
39896
39897 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
39898 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39899 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
39900 is a hexadecimal number.
39901
39902 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
39903 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39904 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
39905 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
39906 numbers.
39907
39908 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
39909 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
39910 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
39911
39912 @item qTMinFTPILen
39913 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
39914 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
39915 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
39916 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
39917 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
39918 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
39919 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
39920 arrange for that.
39921
39922 Replies:
39923
39924 @table @samp
39925 @item 0
39926 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
39927 @item @var{length}
39928 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length}
39929 is a hexadecimal number greater or equal to 1. A reply
39930 of 1 means that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction
39931 regardless of size.
39932 @item E
39933 An error has occurred.
39934 @item @w{}
39935 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
39936 @end table
39937
39938 @item QTStart
39939 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
39940 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
39941 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
39942 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
39943 instruction reply packet}).
39944
39945 @item QTStop
39946 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
39947 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
39948
39949 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
39950 @anchor{QTEnable}
39951 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
39952 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
39953 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
39954 of data from it will resume.
39955
39956 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
39957 @anchor{QTDisable}
39958 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
39959 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
39960 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
39961 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
39962
39963 @item QTinit
39964 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
39965 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
39966
39967 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
39968 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
39969 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
39970 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
39971 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
39972
39973 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
39974 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
39975 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
39976 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
39977
39978 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
39979 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
39980 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
39981 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
39982 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
39983 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
39984
39985 @item qTStatus
39986 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
39987 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
39988
39989 The reply has the form:
39990
39991 @table @samp
39992
39993 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
39994 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
39995 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
39996 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
39997
39998 @end table
39999
40000 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
40001 explanations as one of the optional fields:
40002
40003 @table @samp
40004
40005 @item tnotrun:0
40006 No trace has been run yet.
40007
40008 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
40009 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
40010 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
40011 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
40012 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
40013
40014 @item tfull:0
40015 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
40016
40017 @item tdisconnected:0
40018 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
40019
40020 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
40021 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
40022
40023 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
40024 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
40025 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
40026 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression); it
40027 is hex encoded.
40028
40029 @item tunknown:0
40030 The trace stopped for some other reason.
40031
40032 @end table
40033
40034 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
40035 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
40036 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
40037 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
40038 trace.
40039
40040 @table @samp
40041
40042 @item tframes:@var{n}
40043 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
40044
40045 @item tcreated:@var{n}
40046 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
40047 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
40048
40049 @item tsize:@var{n}
40050 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
40051
40052 @item tfree:@var{n}
40053 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
40054
40055 @item circular:@var{n}
40056 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
40057 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
40058 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
40059 and may fill up.
40060
40061 @item disconn:@var{n}
40062 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
40063 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
40064 that the trace run will stop.
40065
40066 @end table
40067
40068 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
40069 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
40070 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
40071 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
40072 address @var{addr}.
40073
40074 Replies:
40075 @table @samp
40076 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
40077 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
40078 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
40079 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
40080 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
40081
40082 @end table
40083
40084 @item qTV:@var{var}
40085 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
40086 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
40087 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
40088
40089 Replies:
40090 @table @samp
40091 @item V@var{value}
40092 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
40093 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
40094 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
40095 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
40096 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
40097 program is running.
40098
40099 @item U
40100 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
40101 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
40102 was not collected.
40103 @end table
40104
40105 @item qTfP
40106 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
40107 @itemx qTsP
40108 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
40109 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
40110 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
40111 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
40112 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
40113 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
40114
40115 @item qTfV
40116 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
40117 @itemx qTsV
40118 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
40119 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
40120 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
40121 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
40122 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
40123 trace state variables.
40124
40125 @item qTfSTM
40126 @itemx qTsSTM
40127 @anchor{qTfSTM}
40128 @anchor{qTsSTM}
40129 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
40130 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
40131 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
40132 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
40133 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
40134 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
40135
40136 Reply:
40137 @table @samp
40138 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
40139 A single marker
40140 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
40141 a comma-separated list of markers
40142 @item l
40143 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
40144 @item E @var{nn}
40145 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
40146 @item @w{}
40147 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
40148 stub.
40149 @end table
40150
40151 The @var{address} is encoded in hex;
40152 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
40153
40154 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
40155 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
40156 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
40157 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
40158 @dfn{last}).
40159
40160 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
40161 @anchor{qTSTMat}
40162 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
40163 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
40164 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
40165 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
40166 tracepoint markers.
40167
40168 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
40169 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
40170 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
40171 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. The @var{filename} is encoded
40172 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
40173 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
40174
40175 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
40176 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
40177 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
40178 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
40179 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
40180 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
40181 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
40182 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
40183 available.
40184
40185 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
40186 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
40187 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
40188
40189 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
40190 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
40191 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
40192 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
40193 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
40194 use whatever size it prefers.
40195
40196 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
40197 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
40198 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
40199 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
40200 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
40201
40202 @end table
40203
40204 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
40205 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
40206 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
40207 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
40208 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
40209 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
40210 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
40211 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
40212 it had executed in the original location.
40213
40214 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
40215 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
40216 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
40217 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
40218 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
40219 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
40220 format of the request is:
40221
40222 @table @samp
40223 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
40224
40225 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
40226 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
40227 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
40228 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
40229 memory starting at @var{to}.
40230 @end table
40231
40232 Replies:
40233 @table @samp
40234 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
40235 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. The @var{adjusted_size} is
40236 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
40237 @item E @var{NN}
40238 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
40239 relocating the instruction.
40240 @end table
40241
40242 @node Host I/O Packets
40243 @section Host I/O Packets
40244 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
40245 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
40246
40247 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
40248 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
40249 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
40250 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
40251 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
40252 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
40253 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
40254 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
40255 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
40256 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
40257
40258 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
40259 its arguments. They have this format:
40260
40261 @table @samp
40262
40263 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
40264 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
40265 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
40266 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
40267 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
40268 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
40269 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
40270 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
40271 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
40272
40273 @end table
40274
40275 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
40276
40277 @table @samp
40278
40279 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
40280 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
40281 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
40282 @var{errno} will be included in the result specifying a
40283 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
40284 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
40285 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
40286 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
40287 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
40288 @var{attachment}.
40289
40290 @item @w{}
40291 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
40292
40293 @end table
40294
40295 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
40296
40297 @table @samp
40298 @item vFile:open: @var{filename}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
40299 Open a file at @var{filename} and return a file descriptor for it, or
40300 return -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string,
40301 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
40302 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
40303 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
40304 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
40305
40306 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
40307 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
40308 -1 if an error occurs.
40309
40310 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
40311 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
40312 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
40313 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
40314 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
40315 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
40316 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
40317 @var{count} was zero.
40318
40319 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40320 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40321 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40322 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40323 some characters were escaped.
40324
40325 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
40326 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
40327 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
40328 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
40329 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
40330 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
40331 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
40332 error occurred.
40333
40334 @item vFile:fstat: @var{fd}
40335 Get information about the open file corresponding to @var{fd}.
40336 On success the information is returned as a binary attachment
40337 and the return value is the size of this attachment in bytes.
40338 If an error occurs the return value is -1. The format of the
40339 returned binary attachment is as described in @ref{struct stat}.
40340
40341 @item vFile:unlink: @var{filename}
40342 Delete the file at @var{filename} on the target. Return 0,
40343 or -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string.
40344
40345 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
40346 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
40347 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
40348
40349 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40350 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40351 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40352 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40353 some characters were escaped.
40354
40355 @item vFile:setfs: @var{pid}
40356 Select the filesystem on which @code{vFile} operations with
40357 @var{filename} arguments will operate. This is required for
40358 @value{GDBN} to be able to access files on remote targets where
40359 the remote stub does not share a common filesystem with the
40360 inferior(s).
40361
40362 If @var{pid} is nonzero, select the filesystem as seen by process
40363 @var{pid}. If @var{pid} is zero, select the filesystem as seen by
40364 the remote stub. Return 0 on success, or -1 if an error occurs.
40365 If @code{vFile:setfs:} indicates success, the selected filesystem
40366 remains selected until the next successful @code{vFile:setfs:}
40367 operation.
40368
40369 @end table
40370
40371 @node Interrupts
40372 @section Interrupts
40373 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
40374 @anchor{interrupting remote targets}
40375
40376 In all-stop mode, when a program on the remote target is running,
40377 @value{GDBN} may attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C},
40378 @code{BREAK} or a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}, control of which
40379 is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
40380
40381 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
40382 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
40383 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
40384 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
40385 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
40386
40387 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
40388 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
40389 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
40390 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
40391 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
40392 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
40393 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
40394 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
40395
40396 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
40397 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
40398 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
40399
40400 In non-stop mode, because packet resumptions are asynchronous
40401 (@pxref{vCont packet}), @value{GDBN} is always free to send a remote
40402 command to the remote stub, even when the target is running. For that
40403 reason, @value{GDBN} instead sends a regular packet (@pxref{vCtrlC
40404 packet}) with the usual packet framing instead of the single byte
40405 @code{0x03}.
40406
40407 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
40408 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
40409 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
40410 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
40411 currently-executing threads and processes.
40412 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
40413 running program, it should send one of the stop
40414 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
40415 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
40416 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
40417 Interrupts received while the
40418 program is stopped are queued and the program will be interrupted when
40419 it is resumed next time.
40420
40421 @node Notification Packets
40422 @section Notification Packets
40423 @cindex notification packets
40424 @cindex packets, notification
40425
40426 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
40427 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
40428 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
40429 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
40430 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
40431 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
40432 is not a problem.
40433
40434 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
40435 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
40436 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
40437 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
40438 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
40439 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
40440 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
40441
40442 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
40443 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
40444
40445 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
40446 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
40447 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
40448 not they understand it.
40449
40450 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
40451 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
40452 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
40453 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
40454 recipients.
40455
40456 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
40457 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
40458 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
40459 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
40460 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
40461
40462 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
40463 @table @samp
40464 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
40465 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
40466 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
40467 carrying the specific information about the notification, and
40468 @var{name} specifying the name of the notification.
40469 @item @var{ack}
40470 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
40471 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
40472 @end table
40473
40474 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
40475 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
40476
40477 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
40478 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
40479 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
40480 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
40481 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
40482 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
40483 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
40484 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
40485 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
40486 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
40487
40488 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
40489 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
40490 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
40491 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
40492 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
40493 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
40494
40495 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
40496 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
40497 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
40498 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
40499 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
40500
40501 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
40502 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
40503 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
40504 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
40505 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
40506 normally.
40507
40508 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
40509 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
40510 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
40511 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
40512 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
40513 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
40514 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
40515 the process shall be repeated.
40516
40517 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
40518 following example:
40519 @smallexample
40520 <- @code{%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
40521 @code{...}
40522 -> @code{vStopped}
40523 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
40524 -> @code{vStopped}
40525 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
40526 -> @code{vStopped}
40527 <- @code{OK}
40528 @end smallexample
40529
40530 The following notifications are defined:
40531 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
40532
40533 @item Notification
40534 @tab Ack
40535 @tab Event
40536 @tab Description
40537
40538 @item Stop
40539 @tab vStopped
40540 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
40541 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
40542 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
40543 @value{GDBN}.
40544 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
40545
40546 @end multitable
40547
40548 @node Remote Non-Stop
40549 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
40550
40551 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
40552 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
40553 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
40554 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40555
40556 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
40557 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
40558 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
40559 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
40560 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
40561 probe the target state after a mode change.
40562
40563 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
40564 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
40565 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
40566 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
40567 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
40568 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
40569 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
40570 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
40571 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
40572 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
40573 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
40574
40575 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
40576 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
40577 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
40578 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
40579 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
40580 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
40581 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
40582 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
40583 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
40584 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
40585 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
40586 @samp{OK}.
40587
40588 If the stub supports non-stop mode, it should also support the
40589 @samp{swbreak} stop reason if software breakpoints are supported, and
40590 the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason if hardware breakpoints are supported
40591 (@pxref{swbreak stop reason}). This is because given the asynchronous
40592 nature of non-stop mode, between the time a thread hits a breakpoint
40593 and the time the event is finally processed by @value{GDBN}, the
40594 breakpoint may have already been removed from the target. Due to
40595 this, @value{GDBN} needs to be able to tell whether a trap stop was
40596 caused by a delayed breakpoint event, which should be ignored, as
40597 opposed to a random trap signal, which should be reported to the user.
40598 Note the @samp{swbreak} feature implies that the target is responsible
40599 for adjusting the PC when a software breakpoint triggers, if
40600 necessary, such as on the x86 architecture.
40601
40602 @node Packet Acknowledgment
40603 @section Packet Acknowledgment
40604
40605 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
40606 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
40607 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
40608 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
40609 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
40610 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
40611 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
40612
40613 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
40614 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
40615 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
40616 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
40617 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
40618
40619 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
40620 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
40621 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
40622 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
40623
40624 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
40625 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
40626 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
40627 @pxref{qSupported}.
40628 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
40629 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
40630 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
40631 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
40632 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
40633 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
40634 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
40635
40636 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
40637 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
40638 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
40639 connection.
40640 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
40641 new connection is established,
40642 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
40643 for the current connection, once disabled.
40644
40645 @node Examples
40646 @section Examples
40647
40648 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
40649 does not get any direct output:
40650
40651 @smallexample
40652 -> @code{R00}
40653 <- @code{+}
40654 @emph{target restarts}
40655 -> @code{?}
40656 <- @code{+}
40657 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
40658 -> @code{+}
40659 @end smallexample
40660
40661 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
40662
40663 @smallexample
40664 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
40665 <- @code{+}
40666 -> @code{s}
40667 <- @code{+}
40668 @emph{time passes}
40669 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
40670 -> @code{+}
40671 -> @code{g}
40672 <- @code{+}
40673 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
40674 -> @code{+}
40675 @end smallexample
40676
40677 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
40678 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
40679 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
40680
40681 @menu
40682 * File-I/O Overview::
40683 * Protocol Basics::
40684 * The F Request Packet::
40685 * The F Reply Packet::
40686 * The Ctrl-C Message::
40687 * Console I/O::
40688 * List of Supported Calls::
40689 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
40690 * Constants::
40691 * File-I/O Examples::
40692 @end menu
40693
40694 @node File-I/O Overview
40695 @subsection File-I/O Overview
40696 @cindex file-i/o overview
40697
40698 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
40699 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
40700 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
40701 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
40702 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
40703 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
40704
40705 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
40706 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
40707 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
40708 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
40709 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
40710
40711 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
40712 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
40713 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
40714 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
40715 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
40716 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
40717 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
40718
40719 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
40720 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
40721 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
40722 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
40723 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
40724
40725 @smallexample
40726 (@value{GDBP}) continue
40727 <- target requests 'system call X'
40728 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
40729 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
40730 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
40731 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
40732 @end smallexample
40733
40734 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
40735 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
40736 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
40737 system are not supported by this protocol.
40738
40739 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
40740
40741 @node Protocol Basics
40742 @subsection Protocol Basics
40743 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
40744
40745 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
40746 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
40747 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
40748 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
40749 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
40750 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
40751 to call the appropriate host system call:
40752
40753 @itemize @bullet
40754 @item
40755 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
40756
40757 @item
40758 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
40759 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
40760 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
40761 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
40762
40763 @end itemize
40764
40765 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
40766
40767 @itemize @bullet
40768 @item
40769 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
40770 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
40771 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
40772 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
40773 packet.
40774
40775 @item
40776 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
40777 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
40778
40779 @item
40780 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
40781
40782 @item
40783 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
40784
40785 @item
40786 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
40787 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
40788 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
40789 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
40790 packet.
40791
40792 @end itemize
40793
40794 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
40795 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
40796
40797 @itemize @bullet
40798 @item
40799 Return value.
40800
40801 @item
40802 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
40803
40804 @item
40805 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
40806
40807 @end itemize
40808
40809 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
40810 the latest continue or step action.
40811
40812 @node The F Request Packet
40813 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
40814 @cindex file-i/o request packet
40815 @cindex @code{F} request packet
40816
40817 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
40818
40819 @table @samp
40820 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
40821
40822 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
40823 This is just the name of the function.
40824
40825 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
40826 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
40827 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
40828 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
40829 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
40830 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
40831 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
40832
40833 @end table
40834
40835
40836
40837 @node The F Reply Packet
40838 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
40839 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
40840 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
40841
40842 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
40843
40844 @table @samp
40845
40846 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
40847
40848 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
40849
40850 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
40851 representation.
40852 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
40853
40854 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
40855 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
40856 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
40857
40858 @smallexample
40859 F0,0,C
40860 @end smallexample
40861
40862 @noindent
40863 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
40864
40865 @smallexample
40866 F-1,4,C
40867 @end smallexample
40868
40869 @noindent
40870 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
40871
40872 @end table
40873
40874
40875 @node The Ctrl-C Message
40876 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
40877 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
40878
40879 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
40880 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
40881 the target should behave as if it had
40882 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
40883 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
40884 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
40885 packet.
40886
40887 It's important for the target to know in which
40888 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
40889
40890 @itemize @bullet
40891 @item
40892 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
40893
40894 @item
40895 The system call on the host has been finished.
40896
40897 @end itemize
40898
40899 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
40900 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
40901 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
40902 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
40903 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
40904 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
40905
40906 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
40907 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
40908 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
40909 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
40910 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
40911 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
40912 or the full action has been completed.
40913
40914 @node Console I/O
40915 @subsection Console I/O
40916 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
40917
40918 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
40919 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
40920 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
40921 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
40922 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
40923 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
40924 conditions is met:
40925
40926 @itemize @bullet
40927 @item
40928 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
40929 @code{read}
40930 system call is treated as finished.
40931
40932 @item
40933 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
40934 newline.
40935
40936 @item
40937 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
40938 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
40939
40940 @end itemize
40941
40942 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
40943 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
40944 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
40945 is stopped at the user's request.
40946
40947
40948 @node List of Supported Calls
40949 @subsection List of Supported Calls
40950 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
40951
40952 @menu
40953 * open::
40954 * close::
40955 * read::
40956 * write::
40957 * lseek::
40958 * rename::
40959 * unlink::
40960 * stat/fstat::
40961 * gettimeofday::
40962 * isatty::
40963 * system::
40964 @end menu
40965
40966 @node open
40967 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
40968 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
40969
40970 @table @asis
40971 @item Synopsis:
40972 @smallexample
40973 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
40974 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
40975 @end smallexample
40976
40977 @item Request:
40978 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
40979
40980 @noindent
40981 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
40982
40983 @table @code
40984 @item O_CREAT
40985 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
40986 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
40987 are concerned.
40988
40989 @item O_EXCL
40990 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
40991 an error and open() fails.
40992
40993 @item O_TRUNC
40994 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
40995 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
40996 truncated to zero length.
40997
40998 @item O_APPEND
40999 The file is opened in append mode.
41000
41001 @item O_RDONLY
41002 The file is opened for reading only.
41003
41004 @item O_WRONLY
41005 The file is opened for writing only.
41006
41007 @item O_RDWR
41008 The file is opened for reading and writing.
41009 @end table
41010
41011 @noindent
41012 Other bits are silently ignored.
41013
41014
41015 @noindent
41016 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
41017
41018 @table @code
41019 @item S_IRUSR
41020 User has read permission.
41021
41022 @item S_IWUSR
41023 User has write permission.
41024
41025 @item S_IRGRP
41026 Group has read permission.
41027
41028 @item S_IWGRP
41029 Group has write permission.
41030
41031 @item S_IROTH
41032 Others have read permission.
41033
41034 @item S_IWOTH
41035 Others have write permission.
41036 @end table
41037
41038 @noindent
41039 Other bits are silently ignored.
41040
41041
41042 @item Return value:
41043 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
41044 occurred.
41045
41046 @item Errors:
41047
41048 @table @code
41049 @item EEXIST
41050 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
41051
41052 @item EISDIR
41053 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
41054
41055 @item EACCES
41056 The requested access is not allowed.
41057
41058 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41059 @var{pathname} was too long.
41060
41061 @item ENOENT
41062 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
41063
41064 @item ENODEV
41065 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
41066
41067 @item EROFS
41068 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
41069 write access was requested.
41070
41071 @item EFAULT
41072 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
41073
41074 @item ENOSPC
41075 No space on device to create the file.
41076
41077 @item EMFILE
41078 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
41079
41080 @item ENFILE
41081 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
41082 has been reached.
41083
41084 @item EINTR
41085 The call was interrupted by the user.
41086 @end table
41087
41088 @end table
41089
41090 @node close
41091 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
41092 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
41093
41094 @table @asis
41095 @item Synopsis:
41096 @smallexample
41097 int close(int fd);
41098 @end smallexample
41099
41100 @item Request:
41101 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
41102
41103 @item Return value:
41104 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
41105
41106 @item Errors:
41107
41108 @table @code
41109 @item EBADF
41110 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
41111
41112 @item EINTR
41113 The call was interrupted by the user.
41114 @end table
41115
41116 @end table
41117
41118 @node read
41119 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
41120 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
41121
41122 @table @asis
41123 @item Synopsis:
41124 @smallexample
41125 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
41126 @end smallexample
41127
41128 @item Request:
41129 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
41130
41131 @item Return value:
41132 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
41133 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
41134 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
41135
41136 @item Errors:
41137
41138 @table @code
41139 @item EBADF
41140 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
41141 reading.
41142
41143 @item EFAULT
41144 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41145
41146 @item EINTR
41147 The call was interrupted by the user.
41148 @end table
41149
41150 @end table
41151
41152 @node write
41153 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
41154 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
41155
41156 @table @asis
41157 @item Synopsis:
41158 @smallexample
41159 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
41160 @end smallexample
41161
41162 @item Request:
41163 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
41164
41165 @item Return value:
41166 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
41167 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
41168 is returned.
41169
41170 @item Errors:
41171
41172 @table @code
41173 @item EBADF
41174 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
41175 writing.
41176
41177 @item EFAULT
41178 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41179
41180 @item EFBIG
41181 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
41182 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
41183
41184 @item ENOSPC
41185 No space on device to write the data.
41186
41187 @item EINTR
41188 The call was interrupted by the user.
41189 @end table
41190
41191 @end table
41192
41193 @node lseek
41194 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
41195 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
41196
41197 @table @asis
41198 @item Synopsis:
41199 @smallexample
41200 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
41201 @end smallexample
41202
41203 @item Request:
41204 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
41205
41206 @var{flag} is one of:
41207
41208 @table @code
41209 @item SEEK_SET
41210 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
41211
41212 @item SEEK_CUR
41213 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
41214 bytes.
41215
41216 @item SEEK_END
41217 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
41218 bytes.
41219 @end table
41220
41221 @item Return value:
41222 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
41223 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
41224 value of -1 is returned.
41225
41226 @item Errors:
41227
41228 @table @code
41229 @item EBADF
41230 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
41231
41232 @item ESPIPE
41233 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
41234
41235 @item EINVAL
41236 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
41237
41238 @item EINTR
41239 The call was interrupted by the user.
41240 @end table
41241
41242 @end table
41243
41244 @node rename
41245 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
41246 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
41247
41248 @table @asis
41249 @item Synopsis:
41250 @smallexample
41251 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
41252 @end smallexample
41253
41254 @item Request:
41255 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
41256
41257 @item Return value:
41258 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41259
41260 @item Errors:
41261
41262 @table @code
41263 @item EISDIR
41264 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
41265 directory.
41266
41267 @item EEXIST
41268 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
41269
41270 @item EBUSY
41271 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
41272 process.
41273
41274 @item EINVAL
41275 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
41276 of itself.
41277
41278 @item ENOTDIR
41279 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
41280 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
41281 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
41282
41283 @item EFAULT
41284 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
41285
41286 @item EACCES
41287 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41288
41289 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41290
41291 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
41292
41293 @item ENOENT
41294 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
41295
41296 @item EROFS
41297 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41298
41299 @item ENOSPC
41300 The device containing the file has no room for the new
41301 directory entry.
41302
41303 @item EINTR
41304 The call was interrupted by the user.
41305 @end table
41306
41307 @end table
41308
41309 @node unlink
41310 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
41311 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
41312
41313 @table @asis
41314 @item Synopsis:
41315 @smallexample
41316 int unlink(const char *pathname);
41317 @end smallexample
41318
41319 @item Request:
41320 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
41321
41322 @item Return value:
41323 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41324
41325 @item Errors:
41326
41327 @table @code
41328 @item EACCES
41329 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41330
41331 @item EPERM
41332 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
41333
41334 @item EBUSY
41335 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
41336 being used by another process.
41337
41338 @item EFAULT
41339 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41340
41341 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41342 @var{pathname} was too long.
41343
41344 @item ENOENT
41345 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
41346
41347 @item ENOTDIR
41348 A component of the path is not a directory.
41349
41350 @item EROFS
41351 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41352
41353 @item EINTR
41354 The call was interrupted by the user.
41355 @end table
41356
41357 @end table
41358
41359 @node stat/fstat
41360 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
41361 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
41362 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
41363
41364 @table @asis
41365 @item Synopsis:
41366 @smallexample
41367 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
41368 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
41369 @end smallexample
41370
41371 @item Request:
41372 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
41373 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
41374
41375 @item Return value:
41376 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41377
41378 @item Errors:
41379
41380 @table @code
41381 @item EBADF
41382 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
41383
41384 @item ENOENT
41385 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
41386 path is an empty string.
41387
41388 @item ENOTDIR
41389 A component of the path is not a directory.
41390
41391 @item EFAULT
41392 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41393
41394 @item EACCES
41395 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41396
41397 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41398 @var{pathname} was too long.
41399
41400 @item EINTR
41401 The call was interrupted by the user.
41402 @end table
41403
41404 @end table
41405
41406 @node gettimeofday
41407 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
41408 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
41409
41410 @table @asis
41411 @item Synopsis:
41412 @smallexample
41413 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
41414 @end smallexample
41415
41416 @item Request:
41417 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
41418
41419 @item Return value:
41420 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
41421
41422 @item Errors:
41423
41424 @table @code
41425 @item EINVAL
41426 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
41427
41428 @item EFAULT
41429 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41430 @end table
41431
41432 @end table
41433
41434 @node isatty
41435 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
41436 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
41437
41438 @table @asis
41439 @item Synopsis:
41440 @smallexample
41441 int isatty(int fd);
41442 @end smallexample
41443
41444 @item Request:
41445 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
41446
41447 @item Return value:
41448 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
41449
41450 @item Errors:
41451
41452 @table @code
41453 @item EINTR
41454 The call was interrupted by the user.
41455 @end table
41456
41457 @end table
41458
41459 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
41460 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
41461 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
41462 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
41463 needed.
41464
41465
41466 @node system
41467 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
41468 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
41469
41470 @table @asis
41471 @item Synopsis:
41472 @smallexample
41473 int system(const char *command);
41474 @end smallexample
41475
41476 @item Request:
41477 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
41478
41479 @item Return value:
41480 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
41481 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
41482 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
41483 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
41484 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
41485 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
41486 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
41487
41488 @item Errors:
41489
41490 @table @code
41491 @item EINTR
41492 The call was interrupted by the user.
41493 @end table
41494
41495 @end table
41496
41497 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
41498 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
41499 the host is simplified before it's returned
41500 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
41501 is discarded, and the return value consists
41502 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
41503
41504 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
41505 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
41506 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
41507
41508 @table @code
41509 @item set remote system-call-allowed
41510 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
41511 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
41512 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
41513
41514 @item show remote system-call-allowed
41515 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
41516 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
41517 protocol.
41518 @end table
41519
41520 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
41521 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
41522 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
41523
41524 @menu
41525 * Integral Datatypes::
41526 * Pointer Values::
41527 * Memory Transfer::
41528 * struct stat::
41529 * struct timeval::
41530 @end menu
41531
41532 @node Integral Datatypes
41533 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
41534 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
41535
41536 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
41537 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
41538 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
41539
41540 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
41541 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
41542
41543 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
41544
41545 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
41546 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
41547
41548 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
41549
41550 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
41551 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
41552 byte order.
41553
41554 @node Pointer Values
41555 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
41556 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
41557
41558 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
41559 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
41560 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
41561 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
41562
41563 @smallexample
41564 @code{1aaf/12}
41565 @end smallexample
41566
41567 @noindent
41568 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
41569 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
41570 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
41571 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
41572
41573 @smallexample
41574 @code{123456/d}
41575 @end smallexample
41576
41577 @node Memory Transfer
41578 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
41579 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
41580
41581 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
41582 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
41583 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
41584 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
41585 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
41586 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
41587 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
41588
41589
41590 @node struct stat
41591 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
41592 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
41593
41594 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
41595 is defined as follows:
41596
41597 @smallexample
41598 struct stat @{
41599 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
41600 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
41601 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
41602 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
41603 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
41604 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
41605 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
41606 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
41607 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
41608 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
41609 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
41610 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
41611 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
41612 @};
41613 @end smallexample
41614
41615 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
41616 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
41617 structure is of size 64 bytes.
41618
41619 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
41620 range of values.
41621
41622 @table @code
41623
41624 @item st_dev
41625 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
41626
41627 @item st_ino
41628 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
41629
41630 @item st_mode
41631 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
41632 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
41633
41634 @item st_uid
41635 @itemx st_gid
41636 @itemx st_rdev
41637 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
41638
41639 @item st_atime
41640 @itemx st_mtime
41641 @itemx st_ctime
41642 These values have a host and file system dependent
41643 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
41644 support exact timing values.
41645 @end table
41646
41647 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
41648 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
41649 continuing.
41650
41651 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
41652 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
41653 get truncated on the target.
41654
41655 @node struct timeval
41656 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
41657 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
41658
41659 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
41660 is defined as follows:
41661
41662 @smallexample
41663 struct timeval @{
41664 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
41665 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
41666 @};
41667 @end smallexample
41668
41669 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
41670 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
41671 structure is of size 8 bytes.
41672
41673 @node Constants
41674 @subsection Constants
41675 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
41676
41677 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
41678 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
41679 values before and after the call as needed.
41680
41681 @menu
41682 * Open Flags::
41683 * mode_t Values::
41684 * Errno Values::
41685 * Lseek Flags::
41686 * Limits::
41687 @end menu
41688
41689 @node Open Flags
41690 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
41691 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
41692
41693 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
41694
41695 @smallexample
41696 O_RDONLY 0x0
41697 O_WRONLY 0x1
41698 O_RDWR 0x2
41699 O_APPEND 0x8
41700 O_CREAT 0x200
41701 O_TRUNC 0x400
41702 O_EXCL 0x800
41703 @end smallexample
41704
41705 @node mode_t Values
41706 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
41707 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
41708
41709 All values are given in octal representation.
41710
41711 @smallexample
41712 S_IFREG 0100000
41713 S_IFDIR 040000
41714 S_IRUSR 0400
41715 S_IWUSR 0200
41716 S_IXUSR 0100
41717 S_IRGRP 040
41718 S_IWGRP 020
41719 S_IXGRP 010
41720 S_IROTH 04
41721 S_IWOTH 02
41722 S_IXOTH 01
41723 @end smallexample
41724
41725 @node Errno Values
41726 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
41727 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
41728
41729 All values are given in decimal representation.
41730
41731 @smallexample
41732 EPERM 1
41733 ENOENT 2
41734 EINTR 4
41735 EBADF 9
41736 EACCES 13
41737 EFAULT 14
41738 EBUSY 16
41739 EEXIST 17
41740 ENODEV 19
41741 ENOTDIR 20
41742 EISDIR 21
41743 EINVAL 22
41744 ENFILE 23
41745 EMFILE 24
41746 EFBIG 27
41747 ENOSPC 28
41748 ESPIPE 29
41749 EROFS 30
41750 ENAMETOOLONG 91
41751 EUNKNOWN 9999
41752 @end smallexample
41753
41754 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
41755 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
41756
41757 @node Lseek Flags
41758 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
41759 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
41760
41761 @smallexample
41762 SEEK_SET 0
41763 SEEK_CUR 1
41764 SEEK_END 2
41765 @end smallexample
41766
41767 @node Limits
41768 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
41769 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
41770
41771 All values are given in decimal representation.
41772
41773 @smallexample
41774 INT_MIN -2147483648
41775 INT_MAX 2147483647
41776 UINT_MAX 4294967295
41777 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
41778 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
41779 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
41780 @end smallexample
41781
41782 @node File-I/O Examples
41783 @subsection File-I/O Examples
41784 @cindex file-i/o examples
41785
41786 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
41787 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
41788
41789 @smallexample
41790 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
41791 @emph{request memory read from target}
41792 -> @code{m1234,6}
41793 <- XXXXXX
41794 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
41795 -> @code{F6}
41796 @end smallexample
41797
41798 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
41799 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
41800
41801 @smallexample
41802 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41803 @emph{request memory write to target}
41804 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
41805 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
41806 -> @code{F6}
41807 @end smallexample
41808
41809 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
41810 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
41811
41812 @smallexample
41813 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41814 -> @code{F-1,9}
41815 @end smallexample
41816
41817 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
41818 host is called:
41819
41820 @smallexample
41821 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41822 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
41823 <- @code{T02}
41824 @end smallexample
41825
41826 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
41827 host is called:
41828
41829 @smallexample
41830 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41831 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
41832 <- @code{T02}
41833 @end smallexample
41834
41835 @node Library List Format
41836 @section Library List Format
41837 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
41838
41839 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
41840 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
41841 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
41842 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
41843 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
41844 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
41845 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
41846 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
41847 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
41848 are loaded.
41849
41850 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
41851 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
41852 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
41853 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
41854
41855 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
41856 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
41857 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
41858 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
41859 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
41860 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
41861
41862 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41863 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
41864
41865 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
41866 offset, looks like this:
41867
41868 @smallexample
41869 <library-list>
41870 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
41871 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
41872 </library>
41873 </library-list>
41874 @end smallexample
41875
41876 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
41877 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
41878
41879 @smallexample
41880 <library-list>
41881 <library name="sharedlib.o">
41882 <section address="0x10000000"/>
41883 <section address="0x20000000"/>
41884 <section address="0x30000000"/>
41885 </library>
41886 </library-list>
41887 @end smallexample
41888
41889 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
41890
41891 @smallexample
41892 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
41893 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
41894 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41895 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
41896 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
41897 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
41898 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
41899 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
41900 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
41901 @end smallexample
41902
41903 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
41904 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
41905 section for each library.
41906
41907 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
41908 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
41909 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
41910
41911 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
41912 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
41913 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
41914 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
41915
41916 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
41917 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
41918 target, the following parameters are reported:
41919
41920 @itemize @minus
41921 @item
41922 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
41923 @code{struct link_map}.
41924 @item
41925 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
41926 (Thread Local Storage) access.
41927 @item
41928 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
41929 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
41930 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
41931 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
41932 @item
41933 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
41934 @end itemize
41935
41936 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
41937 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
41938 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
41939
41940 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41941 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
41942
41943 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
41944 looks like this:
41945
41946 @smallexample
41947 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
41948 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
41949 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
41950 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
41951 l_ld="0x152350"/>
41952 </library-list-svr>
41953 @end smallexample
41954
41955 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
41956
41957 @smallexample
41958 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
41959 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
41960 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41961 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
41962 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
41963 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
41964 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
41965 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
41966 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
41967 @end smallexample
41968
41969 @node Memory Map Format
41970 @section Memory Map Format
41971 @cindex memory map format
41972
41973 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
41974 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
41975 memory map.
41976
41977 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
41978 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
41979 lists memory regions.
41980
41981 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41982 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
41983
41984 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
41985
41986 @smallexample
41987 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41988 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
41989 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
41990 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
41991 <memory-map>
41992 region...
41993 </memory-map>
41994 @end smallexample
41995
41996 Each region can be either:
41997
41998 @itemize
41999
42000 @item
42001 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
42002 bytes from there:
42003
42004 @smallexample
42005 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42006 @end smallexample
42007
42008
42009 @item
42010 A region of read-only memory:
42011
42012 @smallexample
42013 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42014 @end smallexample
42015
42016
42017 @item
42018 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
42019 bytes in length:
42020
42021 @smallexample
42022 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
42023 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
42024 </memory>
42025 @end smallexample
42026
42027 @end itemize
42028
42029 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
42030 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
42031 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
42032
42033 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
42034
42035 @smallexample
42036 <!-- ................................................... -->
42037 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
42038 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
42039 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
42040 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
42041 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
42042 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory)*>
42043 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
42044 <!ELEMENT memory (property)*>
42045 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
42046 and its type, or device. -->
42047 <!ATTLIST memory type (ram|rom|flash) #REQUIRED
42048 start CDATA #REQUIRED
42049 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
42050 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
42051 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
42052 <!ATTLIST property name (blocksize) #REQUIRED>
42053 @end smallexample
42054
42055 @node Thread List Format
42056 @section Thread List Format
42057 @cindex thread list format
42058
42059 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
42060 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
42061 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
42062 the following structure:
42063
42064 @smallexample
42065 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42066 <threads>
42067 <thread id="id" core="0" name="name">
42068 ... description ...
42069 </thread>
42070 </threads>
42071 @end smallexample
42072
42073 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
42074 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
42075 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
42076 the thread was last executing on. The @samp{name} attribute, if
42077 present, specifies the human-readable name of the thread. The content
42078 of the of @samp{thread} element is interpreted as human-readable
42079 auxiliary information. The @samp{handle} attribute, if present,
42080 is a hex encoded representation of the thread handle.
42081
42082
42083 @node Traceframe Info Format
42084 @section Traceframe Info Format
42085 @cindex traceframe info format
42086
42087 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
42088 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
42089 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
42090 collected in a traceframe.
42091
42092 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
42093 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
42094
42095 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42096 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42097
42098 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42099
42100 @smallexample
42101 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42102 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
42103 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
42104 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
42105 <traceframe-info>
42106 block...
42107 </traceframe-info>
42108 @end smallexample
42109
42110 Each traceframe block can be either:
42111
42112 @itemize
42113
42114 @item
42115 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
42116 @var{length} bytes from there:
42117
42118 @smallexample
42119 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42120 @end smallexample
42121
42122 @item
42123 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
42124 collected:
42125
42126 @smallexample
42127 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
42128 @end smallexample
42129
42130 @end itemize
42131
42132 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
42133
42134 @smallexample
42135 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
42136 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42137
42138 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
42139 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
42140 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
42141 <!ELEMENT tvar>
42142 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
42143 @end smallexample
42144
42145 @node Branch Trace Format
42146 @section Branch Trace Format
42147 @cindex branch trace format
42148
42149 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
42150 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
42151 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
42152 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
42153
42154 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
42155 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
42156
42157 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42158 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42159
42160 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42161
42162 @smallexample
42163 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42164 <!DOCTYPE btrace
42165 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
42166 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
42167 <btrace>
42168 block...
42169 </btrace>
42170 @end smallexample
42171
42172 @itemize
42173
42174 @item
42175 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
42176 and ending at @var{end}:
42177
42178 @smallexample
42179 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
42180 @end smallexample
42181
42182 @end itemize
42183
42184 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
42185
42186 @smallexample
42187 <!ELEMENT btrace (block* | pt) >
42188 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42189
42190 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
42191 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
42192 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
42193
42194 <!ELEMENT pt (pt-config?, raw?)>
42195
42196 <!ELEMENT pt-config (cpu?)>
42197
42198 <!ELEMENT cpu EMPTY>
42199 <!ATTLIST cpu vendor CDATA #REQUIRED
42200 family CDATA #REQUIRED
42201 model CDATA #REQUIRED
42202 stepping CDATA #REQUIRED>
42203
42204 <!ELEMENT raw (#PCDATA)>
42205 @end smallexample
42206
42207 @node Branch Trace Configuration Format
42208 @section Branch Trace Configuration Format
42209 @cindex branch trace configuration format
42210
42211 For each inferior thread, @value{GDBN} can obtain the branch trace
42212 configuration using the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
42213 (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}) packet.
42214
42215 The configuration describes the branch trace format and configuration
42216 settings for that format. The following information is described:
42217
42218 @table @code
42219 @item bts
42220 This thread uses the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) format.
42221 @table @code
42222 @item size
42223 The size of the @acronym{BTS} ring buffer in bytes.
42224 @end table
42225 @item pt
42226 This thread uses the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} (@acronym{Intel
42227 PT}) format.
42228 @table @code
42229 @item size
42230 The size of the @acronym{Intel PT} ring buffer in bytes.
42231 @end table
42232 @end table
42233
42234 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42235 branch trace configuration discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42236
42237 The formal DTD for the branch trace configuration format is given below:
42238
42239 @smallexample
42240 <!ELEMENT btrace-conf (bts?, pt?)>
42241 <!ATTLIST btrace-conf version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42242
42243 <!ELEMENT bts EMPTY>
42244 <!ATTLIST bts size CDATA #IMPLIED>
42245
42246 <!ELEMENT pt EMPTY>
42247 <!ATTLIST pt size CDATA #IMPLIED>
42248 @end smallexample
42249
42250 @include agentexpr.texi
42251
42252 @node Target Descriptions
42253 @appendix Target Descriptions
42254 @cindex target descriptions
42255
42256 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
42257 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
42258 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
42259 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
42260 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
42261 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
42262 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
42263
42264 @itemize @bullet
42265 @item
42266 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
42267 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
42268 @item
42269 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
42270 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
42271 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
42272 @item
42273 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
42274 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
42275 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
42276 @end itemize
42277
42278 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
42279 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
42280 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
42281 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
42282 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
42283
42284 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42285 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
42286
42287 @menu
42288 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
42289 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
42290 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
42291 descriptions.
42292 * Enum Target Types:: How to define enum target types.
42293 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
42294 @end menu
42295
42296 @node Retrieving Descriptions
42297 @section Retrieving Descriptions
42298
42299 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
42300 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
42301 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
42302 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
42303 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
42304 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
42305 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
42306 Format}.
42307
42308 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
42309 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
42310 specify a file are:
42311
42312 @table @code
42313 @cindex set tdesc filename
42314 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
42315 Read the target description from @var{path}.
42316
42317 @cindex unset tdesc filename
42318 @item unset tdesc filename
42319 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
42320 will use the description supplied by the current target.
42321
42322 @cindex show tdesc filename
42323 @item show tdesc filename
42324 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
42325 @end table
42326
42327
42328 @node Target Description Format
42329 @section Target Description Format
42330 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
42331
42332 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
42333 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
42334 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
42335 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
42336 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
42337 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
42338 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
42339
42340 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
42341 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
42342 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
42343 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
42344 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
42345
42346 Here is a simple target description:
42347
42348 @smallexample
42349 <target version="1.0">
42350 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
42351 </target>
42352 @end smallexample
42353
42354 @noindent
42355 This minimal description only says that the target uses
42356 the x86-64 architecture.
42357
42358 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
42359 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
42360 are explained further below.
42361
42362 @smallexample
42363 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42364 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
42365 <target version="1.0">
42366 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
42367 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
42368 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
42369 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
42370 </target>
42371 @end smallexample
42372
42373 @noindent
42374 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
42375 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
42376 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
42377 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
42378 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
42379 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
42380 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
42381 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
42382 the version mismatch.
42383
42384 @subsection Inclusion
42385 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
42386 @cindex XInclude
42387 @ifnotinfo
42388 @cindex <xi:include>
42389 @end ifnotinfo
42390
42391 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
42392 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
42393 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
42394 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
42395 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
42396
42397 @smallexample
42398 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
42399 @end smallexample
42400
42401 @noindent
42402 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
42403 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
42404 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
42405 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
42406 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
42407 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
42408 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
42409 original description.
42410
42411 @subsection Architecture
42412 @cindex <architecture>
42413
42414 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
42415
42416 @smallexample
42417 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
42418 @end smallexample
42419
42420 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42421 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42422
42423 @subsection OS ABI
42424 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
42425
42426 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42427 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42428
42429 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
42430
42431 @smallexample
42432 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
42433 @end smallexample
42434
42435 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
42436 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
42437
42438 @subsection Compatible Architecture
42439 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
42440
42441 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42442 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42443
42444 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
42445
42446 @smallexample
42447 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
42448 @end smallexample
42449
42450 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42451 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42452
42453 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
42454 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
42455 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
42456 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
42457 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
42458 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
42459 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
42460
42461 @smallexample
42462 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
42463 <compatible>spu</compatible>
42464 @end smallexample
42465
42466 @subsection Features
42467 @cindex <feature>
42468
42469 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
42470 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
42471 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
42472 has this form:
42473
42474 @smallexample
42475 <feature name="@var{name}">
42476 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
42477 @var{reg}@dots{}
42478 </feature>
42479 @end smallexample
42480
42481 @noindent
42482 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
42483 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
42484 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
42485 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
42486
42487 @subsection Types
42488
42489 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
42490 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
42491 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
42492 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
42493 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite
42494 and enum types.
42495
42496 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
42497 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
42498 Types must be defined before they are used.
42499
42500 @cindex <vector>
42501 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
42502 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
42503 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
42504 @var{count}:
42505
42506 @smallexample
42507 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
42508 @end smallexample
42509
42510 @cindex <union>
42511 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
42512 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
42513 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
42514 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
42515
42516 @smallexample
42517 <union id="@var{id}">
42518 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
42519 @dots{}
42520 </union>
42521 @end smallexample
42522
42523 @cindex <struct>
42524 @cindex <flags>
42525 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
42526 it with either a structure type or a flags type.
42527 A flags type may only contain bitfields.
42528 A structure type may either contain only bitfields or contain no bitfields.
42529 If the value contains only bitfields, its total size in bytes must be
42530 specified.
42531
42532 Non-bitfield values have a @var{name} and @var{type}.
42533
42534 @smallexample
42535 <struct id="@var{id}">
42536 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
42537 @dots{}
42538 </struct>
42539 @end smallexample
42540
42541 Both @var{name} and @var{type} values are required.
42542 No implicit padding is added.
42543
42544 Bitfield values have a @var{name}, @var{start}, @var{end} and @var{type}.
42545
42546 @smallexample
42547 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42548 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
42549 @dots{}
42550 </struct>
42551 @end smallexample
42552
42553 @smallexample
42554 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42555 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
42556 @dots{}
42557 </flags>
42558 @end smallexample
42559
42560 The @var{name} value is required.
42561 Bitfield values may be named with the empty string, @samp{""},
42562 in which case the field is ``filler'' and its value is not printed.
42563 Not all bits need to be specified, so ``filler'' fields are optional.
42564
42565 The @var{start} and @var{end} values are required, and @var{type}
42566 is optional.
42567 The field's @var{start} must be less than or equal to its @var{end},
42568 and zero represents the least significant bit.
42569
42570 The default value of @var{type} is @code{bool} for single bit fields,
42571 and an unsigned integer otherwise.
42572
42573 Which to choose? Structures or flags?
42574
42575 Registers defined with @samp{flags} have these advantages over
42576 defining them with @samp{struct}:
42577
42578 @itemize @bullet
42579 @item
42580 Arithmetic may be performed on them as if they were integers.
42581 @item
42582 They are printed in a more readable fashion.
42583 @end itemize
42584
42585 Registers defined with @samp{struct} have one advantage over
42586 defining them with @samp{flags}:
42587
42588 @itemize @bullet
42589 @item
42590 One can fetch individual fields like in @samp{C}.
42591
42592 @smallexample
42593 (gdb) print $my_struct_reg.field3
42594 $1 = 42
42595 @end smallexample
42596
42597 @end itemize
42598
42599 @subsection Registers
42600 @cindex <reg>
42601
42602 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
42603
42604 @smallexample
42605 <reg name="@var{name}"
42606 bitsize="@var{size}"
42607 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
42608 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
42609 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
42610 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
42611 @end smallexample
42612
42613 @noindent
42614 The components are as follows:
42615
42616 @table @var
42617
42618 @item name
42619 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
42620
42621 @item bitsize
42622 The register's size, in bits.
42623
42624 @item regnum
42625 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
42626 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
42627 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
42628 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
42629 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
42630 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
42631 in order of increasing register number.
42632
42633 @item save-restore
42634 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
42635 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
42636 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
42637 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
42638 ABI.
42639
42640 @item type
42641 The type of the register. It may be a predefined type, a type
42642 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
42643 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
42644 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
42645 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
42646 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
42647
42648 @item group
42649 The register group to which this register belongs. It can be one of the
42650 standard register groups @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{vector} or an
42651 arbitrary string. Group names should be limited to alphanumeric characters.
42652 If a group name is made up of multiple words the words may be separated by
42653 hyphens; e.g.@: @code{special-group} or @code{ultra-special-group}. If no
42654 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register in
42655 @code{info registers}.
42656
42657 @end table
42658
42659 @node Predefined Target Types
42660 @section Predefined Target Types
42661 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
42662
42663 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
42664 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
42665 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
42666 types. The currently supported types are:
42667
42668 @table @code
42669
42670 @item bool
42671 Boolean type, occupying a single bit.
42672
42673 @item int8
42674 @itemx int16
42675 @itemx int24
42676 @itemx int32
42677 @itemx int64
42678 @itemx int128
42679 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
42680
42681 @item uint8
42682 @itemx uint16
42683 @itemx uint24
42684 @itemx uint32
42685 @itemx uint64
42686 @itemx uint128
42687 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
42688
42689 @item code_ptr
42690 @itemx data_ptr
42691 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
42692 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
42693 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
42694 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
42695 may be marked as data pointers.
42696
42697 @item ieee_single
42698 Single precision IEEE floating point.
42699
42700 @item ieee_double
42701 Double precision IEEE floating point.
42702
42703 @item arm_fpa_ext
42704 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
42705
42706 @item i387_ext
42707 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
42708
42709 @item i386_eflags
42710 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
42711
42712 @item i386_mxcsr
42713 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
42714
42715 @end table
42716
42717 @node Enum Target Types
42718 @section Enum Target Types
42719 @cindex target descriptions, enum types
42720
42721 Enum target types are useful in @samp{struct} and @samp{flags}
42722 register descriptions. @xref{Target Description Format}.
42723
42724 Enum types have a name, size and a list of name/value pairs.
42725
42726 @smallexample
42727 <enum id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42728 <evalue name="@var{name}" value="@var{value}"/>
42729 @dots{}
42730 </enum>
42731 @end smallexample
42732
42733 Enums must be defined before they are used.
42734
42735 @smallexample
42736 <enum id="levels_type" size="4">
42737 <evalue name="low" value="0"/>
42738 <evalue name="high" value="1"/>
42739 </enum>
42740 <flags id="flags_type" size="4">
42741 <field name="X" start="0"/>
42742 <field name="LEVEL" start="1" end="1" type="levels_type"/>
42743 </flags>
42744 <reg name="flags" bitsize="32" type="flags_type"/>
42745 @end smallexample
42746
42747 Given that description, a value of 3 for the @samp{flags} register
42748 would be printed as:
42749
42750 @smallexample
42751 (gdb) info register flags
42752 flags 0x3 [ X LEVEL=high ]
42753 @end smallexample
42754
42755 @node Standard Target Features
42756 @section Standard Target Features
42757 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
42758
42759 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
42760 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
42761 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
42762 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
42763 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
42764 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
42765 can recognize them.
42766
42767 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
42768 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
42769 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
42770 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
42771 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
42772 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
42773 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
42774 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
42775
42776 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
42777 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
42778 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
42779
42780 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
42781 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
42782 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
42783 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
42784
42785 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
42786 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
42787 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
42788
42789 @menu
42790 * AArch64 Features::
42791 * ARC Features::
42792 * ARM Features::
42793 * i386 Features::
42794 * MicroBlaze Features::
42795 * MIPS Features::
42796 * M68K Features::
42797 * NDS32 Features::
42798 * Nios II Features::
42799 * OpenRISC 1000 Features::
42800 * PowerPC Features::
42801 * S/390 and System z Features::
42802 * Sparc Features::
42803 * TIC6x Features::
42804 @end menu
42805
42806
42807 @node AArch64 Features
42808 @subsection AArch64 Features
42809 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
42810
42811 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
42812 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
42813 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
42814
42815 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
42816 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
42817 and @samp{fpcr}.
42818
42819 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.sve} feature is optional. If present,
42820 it should contain registers @samp{z0} through @samp{z31}, @samp{p0}
42821 through @samp{p15}, @samp{ffr} and @samp{vg}.
42822
42823 @node ARC Features
42824 @subsection ARC Features
42825 @cindex target descriptions, ARC Features
42826
42827 ARC processors are highly configurable, so even core registers and their number
42828 are not completely predetermined. In addition flags and PC registers which are
42829 important to @value{GDBN} are not ``core'' registers in ARC. It is required
42830 that one of the core registers features is present.
42831 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is mandatory.
42832
42833 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and ARC HS
42834 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
42835 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
42836 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain register @samp{ilink}
42837 and any of extension core registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
42838 @samp{ilink} and extension core registers are not available to read/write, when
42839 debugging GNU/Linux applications, thus @samp{ilink} is made optional.
42840
42841 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core-reduced.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and
42842 ARC HS targets with a reduced register file. It should contain registers
42843 @samp{r0} through @samp{r3}, @samp{r10} through @samp{r15}, @samp{gp},
42844 @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink}, @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}.
42845 This feature may contain register @samp{ilink} and any of extension core
42846 registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
42847
42848 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.arcompact} feature is required for ARCompact
42849 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
42850 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
42851 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain registers
42852 @samp{ilink1}, @samp{ilink2} and any of extension core registers @samp{r32}
42853 through @samp{r59/acch}. @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} and extension core
42854 registers are not available when debugging GNU/Linux applications. The only
42855 difference with @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is in the names of
42856 @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} registers and that @samp{r30} is mandatory in
42857 ARC v2, but @samp{ilink2} is optional on ARCompact.
42858
42859 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is required for all ARC
42860 targets. It should contain registers @samp{pc} and @samp{status32}.
42861
42862 @node ARM Features
42863 @subsection ARM Features
42864 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
42865
42866 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
42867 ARM targets.
42868 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
42869 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
42870
42871 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
42872 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
42873 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
42874 and @samp{xpsr}.
42875
42876 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
42877 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
42878
42879 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
42880 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
42881 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
42882 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
42883
42884 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
42885 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
42886 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
42887 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
42888 halves of the double-precision registers.
42889
42890 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
42891 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
42892 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
42893 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
42894 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
42895 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
42896
42897 @node i386 Features
42898 @subsection i386 Features
42899 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
42900
42901 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
42902 targets. It should describe the following registers:
42903
42904 @itemize @minus
42905 @item
42906 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
42907 @item
42908 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
42909 @item
42910 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
42911 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
42912 @item
42913 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
42914 @item
42915 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
42916 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
42917 @end itemize
42918
42919 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
42920
42921 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
42922 describe registers:
42923
42924 @itemize @minus
42925 @item
42926 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
42927 @item
42928 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
42929 @item
42930 @samp{mxcsr}
42931 @end itemize
42932
42933 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
42934 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
42935 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
42936
42937 @itemize @minus
42938 @item
42939 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
42940 @item
42941 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
42942 @end itemize
42943
42944 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.mpx} is an optional feature representing Intel
42945 Memory Protection Extension (MPX). It should describe the following registers:
42946
42947 @itemize @minus
42948 @item
42949 @samp{bnd0raw} through @samp{bnd3raw} for i386 and amd64.
42950 @item
42951 @samp{bndcfgu} and @samp{bndstatus} for i386 and amd64.
42952 @end itemize
42953
42954 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
42955 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
42956
42957 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.segments} feature is optional. It should
42958 describe two system registers: @samp{fs_base} and @samp{gs_base}.
42959
42960 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx512} feature is optional and requires the
42961 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature. It should
42962 describe additional @sc{xmm} registers:
42963
42964 @itemize @minus
42965 @item
42966 @samp{xmm16h} through @samp{xmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
42967 @end itemize
42968
42969 It should describe the upper 128 bits of additional @sc{ymm} registers:
42970
42971 @itemize @minus
42972 @item
42973 @samp{ymm16h} through @samp{ymm31h}, only valid for amd64.
42974 @end itemize
42975
42976 It should
42977 describe the upper 256 bits of @sc{zmm} registers:
42978
42979 @itemize @minus
42980 @item
42981 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm7h} for i386.
42982 @item
42983 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm15h} for amd64.
42984 @end itemize
42985
42986 It should
42987 describe the additional @sc{zmm} registers:
42988
42989 @itemize @minus
42990 @item
42991 @samp{zmm16h} through @samp{zmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
42992 @end itemize
42993
42994 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.pkeys} feature is optional. It should
42995 describe a single register, @samp{pkru}. It is a 32-bit register
42996 valid for i386 and amd64.
42997
42998 @node MicroBlaze Features
42999 @subsection MicroBlaze Features
43000 @cindex target descriptions, MicroBlaze features
43001
43002 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.core} feature is required for MicroBlaze
43003 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
43004 @samp{rpc}, @samp{rmsr}, @samp{rear}, @samp{resr}, @samp{rfsr}, @samp{rbtr},
43005 @samp{rpvr}, @samp{rpvr1} through @samp{rpvr11}, @samp{redr}, @samp{rpid},
43006 @samp{rzpr}, @samp{rtlbx}, @samp{rtlbsx}, @samp{rtlblo}, and @samp{rtlbhi}.
43007
43008 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.stack-protect} feature is optional.
43009 If present, it should contain registers @samp{rshr} and @samp{rslr}
43010
43011 @node MIPS Features
43012 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
43013 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
43014
43015 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
43016 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
43017 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
43018 on the target.
43019
43020 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
43021 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
43022 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43023
43024 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
43025 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
43026 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
43027 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43028
43029 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
43030 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
43031 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
43032 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43033
43034 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
43035 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
43036 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
43037
43038 @node M68K Features
43039 @subsection M68K Features
43040 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
43041
43042 @table @code
43043 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
43044 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
43045 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
43046 One of those features must be always present.
43047 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
43048 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
43049 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
43050 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
43051
43052 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
43053 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
43054 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
43055 @samp{fpiaddr}.
43056 @end table
43057
43058 @node NDS32 Features
43059 @subsection NDS32 Features
43060 @cindex target descriptions, NDS32 features
43061
43062 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.core} feature is required for NDS32
43063 targets. It should contain at least registers @samp{r0} through
43064 @samp{r10}, @samp{r15}, @samp{fp}, @samp{gp}, @samp{lp}, @samp{sp},
43065 and @samp{pc}.
43066
43067 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
43068 it should contain 64-bit double-precision floating-point registers
43069 @samp{fd0} through @emph{fdN}, which should be @samp{fd3}, @samp{fd7},
43070 @samp{fd15}, or @samp{fd31} based on the FPU configuration implemented.
43071
43072 @emph{Note:} The first sixteen 64-bit double-precision floating-point
43073 registers are overlapped with the thirty-two 32-bit single-precision
43074 floating-point registers. The 32-bit single-precision registers, if
43075 not being listed explicitly, will be synthesized from halves of the
43076 overlapping 64-bit double-precision registers. Listing 32-bit
43077 single-precision registers explicitly is deprecated, and the
43078 support to it could be totally removed some day.
43079
43080 @node Nios II Features
43081 @subsection Nios II Features
43082 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
43083
43084 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
43085 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
43086 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
43087 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
43088 @samp{mpuacc}).
43089
43090 @node OpenRISC 1000 Features
43091 @subsection Openrisc 1000 Features
43092 @cindex target descriptions, OpenRISC 1000 features
43093
43094 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.or1k.group0} feature is required for OpenRISC 1000
43095 targets. It should contain the 32 general purpose registers (@samp{r0}
43096 through @samp{r31}), @samp{ppc}, @samp{npc} and @samp{sr}.
43097
43098 @node PowerPC Features
43099 @subsection PowerPC Features
43100 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
43101
43102 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
43103 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
43104 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
43105 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43106
43107 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
43108 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
43109
43110 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
43111 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
43112 and @samp{vrsave}.
43113
43114 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
43115 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
43116 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
43117 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
43118 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
43119 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
43120
43121 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
43122 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
43123 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
43124 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
43125 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
43126 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
43127 user.
43128
43129 @node S/390 and System z Features
43130 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
43131 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
43132 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
43133
43134 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
43135 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
43136 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
43137 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
43138 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
43139 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
43140 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
43141 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
43142 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
43143
43144 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
43145 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
43146 @samp{fpc}.
43147
43148 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
43149 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
43150
43151 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
43152 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
43153 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
43154 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
43155 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
43156 32-bit wide.
43157
43158 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
43159 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
43160 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
43161
43162 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.vx} feature is optional. It should contain
43163 64-bit wide registers @samp{v0l} through @samp{v15l}, which will be
43164 combined by @value{GDBN} with the floating point registers @samp{f0}
43165 through @samp{f15} to present the 128-bit wide vector registers
43166 @samp{v0} through @samp{v15}. In addition, this feature should
43167 contain the 128-bit wide vector registers @samp{v16} through
43168 @samp{v31}.
43169
43170 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gs} feature is optional. It should contain
43171 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage-control registers @samp{gsd},
43172 @samp{gssm}, and @samp{gsepla}.
43173
43174 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gsbc} feature is optional. It should contain
43175 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage broadcast control registers
43176 @samp{bc_gsd}, @samp{bc_gssm}, and @samp{bc_gsepla}.
43177
43178 @node Sparc Features
43179 @subsection Sparc Features
43180 @cindex target descriptions, sparc32 features
43181 @cindex target descriptions, sparc64 features
43182 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
43183 targets. It should describe the following registers:
43184
43185 @itemize @minus
43186 @item
43187 @samp{g0} through @samp{g7}
43188 @item
43189 @samp{o0} through @samp{o7}
43190 @item
43191 @samp{l0} through @samp{l7}
43192 @item
43193 @samp{i0} through @samp{i7}
43194 @end itemize
43195
43196 They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43197
43198 Also the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.fpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
43199 targets. It should describe the following registers:
43200
43201 @itemize @minus
43202 @item
43203 @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}
43204 @item
43205 @samp{f32} through @samp{f62} for sparc64
43206 @end itemize
43207
43208 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cp0} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
43209 targets. It should describe the following registers:
43210
43211 @itemize @minus
43212 @item
43213 @samp{y}, @samp{psr}, @samp{wim}, @samp{tbr}, @samp{pc}, @samp{npc},
43214 @samp{fsr}, and @samp{csr} for sparc32
43215 @item
43216 @samp{pc}, @samp{npc}, @samp{state}, @samp{fsr}, @samp{fprs}, and @samp{y}
43217 for sparc64
43218 @end itemize
43219
43220 @node TIC6x Features
43221 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
43222 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
43223 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
43224 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
43225 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
43226 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
43227
43228 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
43229 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
43230 through @samp{B31}.
43231
43232 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
43233 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
43234
43235 @node Operating System Information
43236 @appendix Operating System Information
43237 @cindex operating system information
43238
43239 @menu
43240 * Process list::
43241 @end menu
43242
43243 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
43244 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
43245 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
43246 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
43247 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
43248 on a different aspect of target.
43249
43250 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
43251 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
43252 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
43253 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
43254
43255 @node Process list
43256 @appendixsection Process list
43257 @cindex operating system information, process list
43258
43259 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
43260 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
43261 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
43262 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
43263
43264 An example document is:
43265
43266 @smallexample
43267 <?xml version="1.0"?>
43268 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
43269 <osdata type="processes">
43270 <item>
43271 <column name="pid">1</column>
43272 <column name="user">root</column>
43273 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
43274 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
43275 </item>
43276 </osdata>
43277 @end smallexample
43278
43279 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
43280 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
43281 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
43282 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
43283 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
43284 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
43285 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
43286
43287 @node Trace File Format
43288 @appendix Trace File Format
43289 @cindex trace file format
43290
43291 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
43292 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
43293
43294 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
43295 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
43296 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
43297 in the future.
43298
43299 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
43300 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
43301 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
43302 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
43303 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
43304 of this section.
43305
43306 @table @code
43307 @item R @var{size}
43308 Specifies the size of a register block in bytes. This is equal to the
43309 size of a @code{g} packet payload in the remote protocol. @var{size}
43310 is an ascii decimal number. There should be only one such line in
43311 a single trace file.
43312
43313 @item status @var{status}
43314 Trace status. @var{status} has the same format as a @code{qTStatus}
43315 remote packet reply. There should be only one such line in a single trace
43316 file.
43317
43318 @item tp @var{payload}
43319 Tracepoint definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
43320 @code{qTfP}/@code{qTsP} remote packet reply payload. A single tracepoint
43321 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
43322 reply packets.
43323
43324 @item tsv @var{payload}
43325 Trace state variable definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
43326 @code{qTfV}/@code{qTsV} remote packet reply payload. A single variable
43327 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
43328 reply packets.
43329
43330 @item tdesc @var{payload}
43331 Target description in XML format. The @var{payload} is a single line of
43332 the XML file. All such lines should be concatenated together to get
43333 the original XML file. This file is in the same format as @code{qXfer}
43334 @code{features} payload, and corresponds to the main @code{target.xml}
43335 file. Includes are not allowed.
43336
43337 @end table
43338
43339 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
43340 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
43341 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
43342 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
43343 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
43344 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
43345 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
43346 endianness.
43347
43348 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
43349
43350 @table @code
43351 @item R @var{bytes}
43352 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
43353 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
43354 actual bytes, in target order, not a hexadecimal encoding.
43355
43356 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
43357 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
43358 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
43359 @var{length} bytes.
43360
43361 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
43362 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
43363 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
43364
43365 @end table
43366
43367 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
43368 of blocks.
43369
43370 @node Index Section Format
43371 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
43372 @cindex .gdb_index section format
43373 @cindex index section format
43374
43375 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
43376 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
43377 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
43378 description.
43379
43380 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
43381 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
43382 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
43383 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
43384 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
43385 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
43386
43387 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
43388
43389 @enumerate
43390 @item
43391 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
43392 unless otherwise noted:
43393
43394 @enumerate
43395 @item
43396 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
43397 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
43398 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
43399 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
43400 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
43401 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
43402 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
43403
43404 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
43405 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
43406 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
43407 currently not flagged as deprecated.
43408
43409 @item
43410 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
43411
43412 @item
43413 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
43414 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
43415 to the next offset.
43416
43417 @item
43418 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
43419
43420 @item
43421 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
43422
43423 @item
43424 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
43425 @end enumerate
43426
43427 @item
43428 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
43429 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
43430 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
43431 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
43432 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
43433 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
43434 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
43435 CU indices.
43436
43437 @item
43438 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
43439 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
43440 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
43441 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
43442
43443 @item
43444 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
43445 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
43446
43447 @enumerate
43448 @item
43449 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
43450
43451 @item
43452 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
43453 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
43454
43455 @item
43456 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
43457 @end enumerate
43458
43459 @item
43460 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
43461 the hash table is always a power of 2.
43462
43463 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
43464 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
43465 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
43466 constant pool.
43467
43468 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
43469 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
43470 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
43471
43472 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
43473 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
43474 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
43475 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
43476 index version:
43477
43478 @table @asis
43479 @item Version 4
43480 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
43481
43482 @item Versions 5 to 7
43483 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
43484 @end table
43485
43486 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
43487
43488 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
43489 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
43490 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
43491 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
43492 collision.
43493
43494 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
43495 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
43496 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
43497 the code.
43498
43499 @item
43500 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
43501 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
43502 strings.
43503
43504 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
43505 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
43506 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
43507 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
43508 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
43509 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
43510
43511 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
43512 @end enumerate
43513
43514 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
43515 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
43516 CU index+attributes value for each use.
43517
43518 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
43519 (bit 0 = LSB):
43520
43521 @table @asis
43522
43523 @item Bits 0-23
43524 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
43525 @item Bits 24-27
43526 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
43527 @item Bits 28-30
43528 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
43529
43530 @table @asis
43531 @item 0
43532 This value is reserved and should not be used.
43533 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
43534 with previous versions of the index.
43535 @item 1
43536 The symbol is a type.
43537 @item 2
43538 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
43539 @item 3
43540 The symbol is a function.
43541 @item 4
43542 Any other kind of symbol.
43543 @item 5,6,7
43544 These values are reserved.
43545 @end table
43546
43547 @item Bit 31
43548 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
43549
43550 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
43551 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
43552 @value{GDBN} sources.
43553
43554 @end table
43555
43556 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
43557 global/static attributes in the index.
43558
43559 @smallexample
43560 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
43561 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
43562 switch (die->tag)
43563 @{
43564 case DW_TAG_typedef:
43565 case DW_TAG_base_type:
43566 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
43567 kind = TYPE;
43568 is_static = 1;
43569 break;
43570 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
43571 kind = VARIABLE;
43572 is_static = language != CPLUS;
43573 break;
43574 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
43575 kind = FUNCTION;
43576 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
43577 break;
43578 case DW_TAG_constant:
43579 kind = VARIABLE;
43580 is_static = ! is_external;
43581 break;
43582 case DW_TAG_variable:
43583 kind = VARIABLE;
43584 is_static = ! is_external;
43585 break;
43586 case DW_TAG_namespace:
43587 kind = TYPE;
43588 is_static = 0;
43589 break;
43590 case DW_TAG_class_type:
43591 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
43592 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
43593 case DW_TAG_union_type:
43594 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
43595 kind = TYPE;
43596 is_static = language != CPLUS;
43597 break;
43598 default:
43599 assert (0);
43600 @}
43601 @end smallexample
43602
43603 @node Man Pages
43604 @appendix Manual pages
43605 @cindex Man pages
43606
43607 @menu
43608 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
43609 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
43610 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
43611 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
43612 * gdb-add-index man:: Add index files to speed up GDB
43613 @end menu
43614
43615 @node gdb man
43616 @heading gdb man
43617
43618 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
43619
43620 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
43621 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
43622 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
43623 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
43624 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
43625 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
43626 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
43627 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
43628 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
43629 @c man end
43630
43631 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
43632 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
43633 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
43634 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
43635
43636 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
43637 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
43638
43639 @itemize @bullet
43640 @item
43641 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
43642
43643 @item
43644 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
43645
43646 @item
43647 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
43648
43649 @item
43650 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
43651 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
43652 @end itemize
43653
43654 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
43655 Modula-2.
43656
43657 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
43658 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
43659 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
43660 by using the command @code{help}.
43661
43662 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
43663 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
43664 executable program as the argument:
43665
43666 @smallexample
43667 gdb program
43668 @end smallexample
43669
43670 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
43671
43672 @smallexample
43673 gdb program core
43674 @end smallexample
43675
43676 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
43677 to debug a running process:
43678
43679 @smallexample
43680 gdb program 1234
43681 gdb -p 1234
43682 @end smallexample
43683
43684 @noindent
43685 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
43686 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
43687 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
43688
43689 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
43690
43691 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
43692 @table @env
43693 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43694 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
43695
43696 @item run [@var{arglist}]
43697 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
43698
43699 @item bt
43700 Backtrace: display the program stack.
43701
43702 @item print @var{expr}
43703 Display the value of an expression.
43704
43705 @item c
43706 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
43707
43708 @item next
43709 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
43710 function calls in the line.
43711
43712 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43713 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
43714
43715 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43716 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
43717
43718 @item step
43719 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
43720 function calls in the line.
43721
43722 @item help [@var{name}]
43723 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
43724 about using @value{GDBN}.
43725
43726 @item quit
43727 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
43728 @end table
43729
43730 @ifset man
43731 For full details on @value{GDBN},
43732 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43733 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
43734 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
43735 @end ifset
43736 @c man end
43737
43738 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
43739 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
43740 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
43741 encountered with no
43742 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
43743 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
43744 Many options have
43745 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
43746 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
43747 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
43748 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
43749 more usual convention.)
43750
43751 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
43752 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
43753 option is used.
43754
43755 @table @env
43756 @item -help
43757 @itemx -h
43758 List all options, with brief explanations.
43759
43760 @item -symbols=@var{file}
43761 @itemx -s @var{file}
43762 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
43763
43764 @item -write
43765 Enable writing into executable and core files.
43766
43767 @item -exec=@var{file}
43768 @itemx -e @var{file}
43769 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
43770 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
43771 dump.
43772
43773 @item -se=@var{file}
43774 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
43775 file.
43776
43777 @item -core=@var{file}
43778 @itemx -c @var{file}
43779 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
43780
43781 @item -command=@var{file}
43782 @itemx -x @var{file}
43783 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
43784
43785 @item -ex @var{command}
43786 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
43787
43788 @item -directory=@var{directory}
43789 @itemx -d @var{directory}
43790 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
43791
43792 @item -nh
43793 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
43794
43795 @item -nx
43796 @itemx -n
43797 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
43798
43799 @item -quiet
43800 @itemx -q
43801 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
43802 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
43803
43804 @item -batch
43805 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
43806 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
43807 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
43808 commands in the command files.
43809
43810 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
43811 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
43812 more useful, the message
43813
43814 @smallexample
43815 Program exited normally.
43816 @end smallexample
43817
43818 @noindent
43819 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
43820 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
43821
43822 @item -cd=@var{directory}
43823 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
43824 instead of the current directory.
43825
43826 @item -fullname
43827 @itemx -f
43828 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
43829 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
43830 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
43831 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
43832 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
43833 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
43834 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
43835 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
43836
43837 @item -b @var{bps}
43838 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
43839 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
43840
43841 @item -tty=@var{device}
43842 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
43843 @end table
43844 @c man end
43845
43846 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
43847 @ifset man
43848 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43849 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43850 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43851
43852 @smallexample
43853 info gdb
43854 @end smallexample
43855
43856 @noindent
43857 should give you access to the complete manual.
43858
43859 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43860 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43861 @end ifset
43862 @c man end
43863
43864 @node gdbserver man
43865 @heading gdbserver man
43866
43867 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
43868 @format
43869 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
43870 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
43871
43872 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43873
43874 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43875 @c man end
43876 @end format
43877
43878 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
43879 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
43880 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
43881
43882 @ifclear man
43883 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
43884 @end ifclear
43885 @ifset man
43886 Usage (server (target) side):
43887 @end ifset
43888
43889 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
43890 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
43891 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
43892 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
43893
43894 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
43895 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
43896 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
43897
43898 @smallexample
43899 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
43900 @end smallexample
43901
43902 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
43903
43904 @smallexample
43905 @ifset man
43906 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
43907 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
43908 @end ifset
43909 @ifclear man
43910 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
43911 @end ifclear
43912 @end smallexample
43913
43914 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
43915 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
43916 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
43917
43918 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
43919
43920 @smallexample
43921 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
43922 @end smallexample
43923
43924 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
43925 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
43926 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
43927 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
43928 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
43929 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
43930 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
43931 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
43932 print an error message and exit.
43933
43934 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
43935 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
43936
43937 @smallexample
43938 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43939 @end smallexample
43940
43941 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
43942 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
43943
43944 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
43945 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
43946 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
43947 the program you want to debug.
43948
43949 @smallexample
43950 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43951 @end smallexample
43952
43953 @ifclear man
43954 @subheading Usage (host side)
43955 @end ifclear
43956 @ifset man
43957 Usage (host side):
43958 @end ifset
43959
43960 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
43961 @value{GDBN} needs to examine its symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
43962 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
43963 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
43964 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
43965 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
43966 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
43967 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
43968 descriptor. For example:
43969
43970 @smallexample
43971 @ifset man
43972 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
43973 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
43974 @end ifset
43975 @ifclear man
43976 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
43977 @end ifclear
43978 @end smallexample
43979
43980 @noindent
43981 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
43982
43983 @smallexample
43984 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
43985 @end smallexample
43986
43987 @noindent
43988 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
43989 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
43990 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
43991 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
43992 `Connection refused'.
43993
43994 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
43995 described in
43996 @ifset man
43997 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
43998 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
43999 @end ifset
44000 @ifclear man
44001 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
44002 @end ifclear
44003 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
44004
44005 @smallexample
44006 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
44007 @end smallexample
44008
44009 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
44010 case.
44011 @c man end
44012
44013 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
44014 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
44015
44016 @itemize @bullet
44017
44018 @item
44019 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
44020
44021 @smallexample
44022 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
44023 @end smallexample
44024
44025 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
44026 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
44027 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
44028 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
44029 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
44030 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
44031 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
44032
44033 @item
44034 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
44035 program:
44036
44037 @smallexample
44038 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44039 @end smallexample
44040
44041 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
44042 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
44043 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
44044 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
44045
44046 @item
44047 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
44048
44049 @smallexample
44050 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44051 @end smallexample
44052
44053 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
44054 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
44055 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
44056 debug several processes in the same session.
44057 @end itemize
44058
44059 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
44060
44061 @table @env
44062
44063 @item --help
44064 List all options, with brief explanations.
44065
44066 @item --version
44067 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
44068
44069 @item --attach
44070 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
44071
44072 @smallexample
44073 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44074 @end smallexample
44075
44076 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
44077 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
44078
44079 @item --multi
44080 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
44081 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
44082 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
44083 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
44084
44085 @smallexample
44086 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44087 @end smallexample
44088
44089 @item --debug
44090 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
44091 process.
44092 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
44093 the developers.
44094
44095 @item --remote-debug
44096 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
44097 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
44098 the developers.
44099
44100 @item --debug-format=option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
44101 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to include extra information in each line
44102 of debugging output.
44103 @xref{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}.
44104
44105 @item --wrapper
44106 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
44107 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
44108 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
44109 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
44110
44111 @item --once
44112 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
44113 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
44114 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
44115 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
44116
44117 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
44118
44119 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
44120 @c QDisableRandomization.
44121
44122 @end table
44123 @c man end
44124
44125 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
44126 @ifset man
44127 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44128 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44129 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44130
44131 @smallexample
44132 info gdb
44133 @end smallexample
44134
44135 should give you access to the complete manual.
44136
44137 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44138 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44139 @end ifset
44140 @c man end
44141
44142 @node gcore man
44143 @heading gcore
44144
44145 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
44146
44147 @format
44148 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
44149 gcore [-a] [-o @var{prefix}] @var{pid1} [@var{pid2}...@var{pidN}]
44150 @c man end
44151 @end format
44152
44153 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
44154 Generate core dumps of one or more running programs with process IDs
44155 @var{pid1}, @var{pid2}, etc. A core file produced by @command{gcore}
44156 is equivalent to one produced by the kernel when the process crashes
44157 (and when @kbd{ulimit -c} was used to set up an appropriate core dump
44158 limit). However, unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} finishes
44159 its job the program remains running without any change.
44160 @c man end
44161
44162 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
44163 @table @env
44164 @item -a
44165 Dump all memory mappings. The actual effect of this option depends on
44166 the Operating System. On @sc{gnu}/Linux, it will disable
44167 @code{use-coredump-filter} (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}) and
44168 enable @code{dump-excluded-mappings} (@pxref{set
44169 dump-excluded-mappings}).
44170
44171 @item -o @var{prefix}
44172 The optional argument @var{prefix} specifies the prefix to be used
44173 when composing the file names of the core dumps. The file name is
44174 composed as @file{@var{prefix}.@var{pid}}, where @var{pid} is the
44175 process ID of the running program being analyzed by @command{gcore}.
44176 If not specified, @var{prefix} defaults to @var{gcore}.
44177 @end table
44178 @c man end
44179
44180 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
44181 @ifset man
44182 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44183 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44184 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44185
44186 @smallexample
44187 info gdb
44188 @end smallexample
44189
44190 @noindent
44191 should give you access to the complete manual.
44192
44193 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44194 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44195 @end ifset
44196 @c man end
44197
44198 @node gdbinit man
44199 @heading gdbinit
44200
44201 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
44202
44203 @format
44204 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
44205 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44206 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
44207 @end ifset
44208
44209 ~/.gdbinit
44210
44211 ./.gdbinit
44212 @c man end
44213 @end format
44214
44215 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
44216 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
44217 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
44218 described in
44219 @ifset man
44220 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
44221 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
44222 @end ifset
44223 @ifclear man
44224 @ref{Sequences}.
44225 @end ifclear
44226
44227 Please read more in
44228 @ifset man
44229 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
44230 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
44231 @end ifset
44232 @ifclear man
44233 @ref{Startup}.
44234 @end ifclear
44235
44236 @table @env
44237 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44238 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
44239 @end ifset
44240 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44241 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
44242 @end ifclear
44243 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
44244 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
44245 See more in
44246 @ifset man
44247 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
44248 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
44249 @end ifset
44250 @ifclear man
44251 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
44252 @end ifclear
44253
44254 @item ~/.gdbinit
44255 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
44256 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
44257
44258 @item ./.gdbinit
44259 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
44260 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
44261 See more in
44262 @ifset man
44263 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
44264 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
44265 @end ifset
44266 @ifclear man
44267 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
44268 @end ifclear
44269 @end table
44270 @c man end
44271
44272 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
44273 @ifset man
44274 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
44275
44276 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44277 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44278 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44279
44280 @smallexample
44281 info gdb
44282 @end smallexample
44283
44284 should give you access to the complete manual.
44285
44286 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44287 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44288 @end ifset
44289 @c man end
44290
44291 @node gdb-add-index man
44292 @heading gdb-add-index
44293 @pindex gdb-add-index
44294 @anchor{gdb-add-index}
44295
44296 @c man title gdb-add-index Add index files to speed up GDB
44297
44298 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb-add-index
44299 gdb-add-index @var{filename}
44300 @c man end
44301
44302 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb-add-index
44303 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
44304 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
44305 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly--at the cost of a delay early on.
44306 For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so @value{GDBN}
44307 provides a way to build an index, which speeds up startup.
44308
44309 To determine whether a file contains such an index, use the command
44310 @kbd{readelf -S filename}: the index is stored in a section named
44311 @code{.gdb_index}. The index file can only be produced on systems
44312 which use ELF binaries and DWARF debug information (i.e., sections
44313 named @code{.debug_*}).
44314
44315 @command{gdb-add-index} uses @value{GDBN} and @command{objdump} found
44316 in the @env{PATH} environment variable. If you want to use different
44317 versions of these programs, you can specify them through the
44318 @env{GDB} and @env{OBJDUMP} environment variables.
44319
44320 See more in
44321 @ifset man
44322 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Index Files}
44323 -- shell command @kbd{info -f gdb -n "Index Files"}.
44324 @end ifset
44325 @ifclear man
44326 @ref{Index Files}.
44327 @end ifclear
44328 @c man end
44329
44330 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb-add-index
44331 @ifset man
44332 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44333 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44334 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44335
44336 @smallexample
44337 info gdb
44338 @end smallexample
44339
44340 should give you access to the complete manual.
44341
44342 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44343 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44344 @end ifset
44345 @c man end
44346
44347 @include gpl.texi
44348
44349 @node GNU Free Documentation License
44350 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
44351 @include fdl.texi
44352
44353 @node Concept Index
44354 @unnumbered Concept Index
44355
44356 @printindex cp
44357
44358 @node Command and Variable Index
44359 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
44360
44361 @printindex fn
44362
44363 @tex
44364 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
44365 % meantime:
44366 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
44367 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
44368 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
44369 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
44370 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
44371 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
44372 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
44373 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
44374 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
44375 \page\colophon
44376 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
44377 @end tex
44378
44379 @bye
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