2009-01-28 Daniel Jacobowitz <dan@codesourcery.com>
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
... / ...
CommitLineData
1\input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2@c Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998,
3@c 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
4@c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5@c
6@c %**start of header
7@c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
8@c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
9@setfilename gdb.info
10@c
11@include gdb-cfg.texi
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@syncodeindex ky cp
24
25@c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
26@c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
27@syncodeindex vr cp
28@syncodeindex fn cp
29
30@c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
31@c This is updated by GNU Press.
32@set EDITION Ninth
33
34@c !!set GDB edit command default editor
35@set EDITOR /bin/ex
36
37@c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
38
39@c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
40@c manuals to an info tree.
41@dircategory Software development
42@direntry
43* Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
44@end direntry
45
46@copying
47Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
481998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
49Free Software Foundation, Inc.
50
51Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
52under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
53any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
54Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
55Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
56and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
57
58(a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
59this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
60developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
61@end copying
62
63@ifnottex
64This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
65
66This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
67@value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
68@ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
69@value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
70@end ifset
71Version @value{GDBVN}.
72
73@insertcopying
74@end ifnottex
75
76@titlepage
77@title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
78@subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
79@sp 1
80@subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
81@ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
82@sp 1
83@subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
84@end ifset
85@author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
86@page
87@tex
88{\parskip=0pt
89\hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
90\hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
91\hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
92}
93@end tex
94
95@vskip 0pt plus 1filll
96Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
9751 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
98Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
99ISBN 1-882114-77-9 @*
100
101@insertcopying
102@page
103This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
104Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
105software in general. We will miss him.
106@end titlepage
107@page
108
109@ifnottex
110@node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
111
112@top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
113
114This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
115
116This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
117@ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
118@value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
119@end ifset
120Version @value{GDBVN}.
121
122Copyright (C) 1988-2009 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
123
124This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
125Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
126software in general. We will miss him.
127
128@menu
129* Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
130* Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
131
132* Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
133* Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
134* Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
135* Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
136* Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
137* Stack:: Examining the stack
138* Source:: Examining source files
139* Data:: Examining data
140* Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
141* Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
142* Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
143
144* Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
145
146* Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
147* Altering:: Altering execution
148* GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
149* Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
150* Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
151* Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
152* Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
153* Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
154* Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
155* TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
156* Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
157* GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
158* Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
159
160* GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
161
162* Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
163* Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
164* Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
165* Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
166* Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
167* Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
168* Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
169* Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
170 @value{GDBN}
171* Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
172 the operating system
173* Copying:: GNU General Public License says
174 how you can copy and share GDB
175* GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
176* Index:: Index
177@end menu
178
179@end ifnottex
180
181@contents
182
183@node Summary
184@unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
185
186The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
187going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
188program was doing at the moment it crashed.
189
190@value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
191these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
192
193@itemize @bullet
194@item
195Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
196
197@item
198Make your program stop on specified conditions.
199
200@item
201Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
202
203@item
204Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
205effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
206@end itemize
207
208You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
209For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
210For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
211
212@cindex Modula-2
213Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
214@ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
215
216@cindex Pascal
217Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
218nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
219entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
220syntax.
221
222@cindex Fortran
223@value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
224it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
225underscore.
226
227@value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
228using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
229
230@menu
231* Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
232* Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
233@end menu
234
235@node Free Software
236@unnumberedsec Free Software
237
238@value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
239General Public License
240(GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
241program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
242freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
243the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
244Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
245Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
246
247Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
248you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
249from anyone else.
250
251@unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
252
253The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
254the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
255include with the free software. Many of our most important
256programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
257texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
258when an important free software package does not come with a free
259manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
260gaps today.
261
262Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
263normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
264authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
265copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
266them from the free software world.
267
268That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
269from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
270manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
271only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
272contract to make it non-free.
273
274Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
275price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
276charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
277Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
278problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
279are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
280modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
281
282The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
283free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
284commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
285accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
286
287Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
288When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
289are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
290provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
291manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
292a changed version of the program is not really available to our
293community.
294
295Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
296acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
297author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
298authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
299to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
300may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
301with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
302are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
303of the manual.
304
305However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
306content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
307media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
308obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
309manual to replace it.
310
311Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
312lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
313free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
314the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
315realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
316the free software community.
317
318If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
319the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
320license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
321don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
322will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
323option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
324what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
325try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
326is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
327
328You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
329manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
330copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
331improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
332at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
333and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
334Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
335have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
336
337The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
338published by other publishers, at
339@url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
340
341@node Contributors
342@unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
343
344Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
345other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
346development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
347of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
348to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
349file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
350blow-by-blow account.
351
352Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
353
354@quotation
355@emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
356or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
357omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
358@end quotation
359
360So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
361particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
362releases:
363Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
364Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
365Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
366Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
367Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
368Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
369John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
370Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
371and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
372
373Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
374Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
375
376Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
377in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
378Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
379demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
380much general update work leading to release 3.0).
381
382@value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
383object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
384Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
385
386David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
387the original support for encapsulated COFF.
388
389Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
390
391Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
392Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
393support.
394Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
395Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
396Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
397David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
398Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
399Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
400Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
401Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
402Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
403Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
404Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
405Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
406Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
407Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
408Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
409Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
410
411Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
412
413Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
414libraries.
415
416Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
417about several machine instruction sets.
418
419Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
420remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
421contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
422and RDI targets, respectively.
423
424Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
425command-line editing and command history.
426
427Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
428Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
429
430Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
431He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
432symbols.
433
434Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
435H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
436
437NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
438
439Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
440processors.
441
442Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
443
444Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
445
446Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
447
448Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
449watchpoints.
450
451Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
452
453Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
454
455Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
456nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
457
458The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
459support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
460(narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
461compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
462Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
463Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
464provided HP-specific information in this manual.
465
466DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
467Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
468
469Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
470development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
471fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
472Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
473Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
474Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
475Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
476addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
477JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
478Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
479Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
480Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
481Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
482Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
483Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
484
485Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
486Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
487
488Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
489Hat.
490
491Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
492people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
493Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
494Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
495Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
496with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
497
498Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
499unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
500frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
501Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
502libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
503trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
504complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
505Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
506Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
507Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
508Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
509Weigand.
510
511Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
512Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
513who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
514Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
515
516@node Sample Session
517@chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
518
519You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
520However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
521debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
522
523@iftex
524In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
525to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
526@end iftex
527
528@c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
529@c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
530
531One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
532processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
533quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
534definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
535session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
536then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
537same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
538@code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
539procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
540
541@smallexample
542$ @b{cd gnu/m4}
543$ @b{./m4}
544@b{define(foo,0000)}
545
546@b{foo}
5470000
548@b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
549
550@b{bar}
5510000
552@b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
553
554@b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
555@b{baz}
556@b{Ctrl-d}
557m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
558@end smallexample
559
560@noindent
561Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
562
563@smallexample
564$ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
565@c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
566@c FIXME... format to come out better.
567@value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
568 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
569 the conditions.
570There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
571 for details.
572
573@value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
574(@value{GDBP})
575@end smallexample
576
577@noindent
578@value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
579rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
580We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
581that examples fit in this manual.
582
583@smallexample
584(@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
585@end smallexample
586
587@noindent
588We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
589Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
590@code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
591@code{break} command.
592
593@smallexample
594(@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
595Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
596@end smallexample
597
598@noindent
599Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
600control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
601subroutine, the program runs as usual:
602
603@smallexample
604(@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
605Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
606@b{define(foo,0000)}
607
608@b{foo}
6090000
610@end smallexample
611
612@noindent
613To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
614suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
615context where it stops.
616
617@smallexample
618@b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
619
620Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
621 at builtin.c:879
622879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
623@end smallexample
624
625@noindent
626Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
627the next line of the current function.
628
629@smallexample
630(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
631882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
632 : nil,
633@end smallexample
634
635@noindent
636@code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
637by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
638@code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
639subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
640
641@smallexample
642(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
643set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
644 at input.c:530
645530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
646@end smallexample
647
648@noindent
649The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
650suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
651shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
652command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
653in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
654stack frame for each active subroutine.
655
656@smallexample
657(@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
658#0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
659 at input.c:530
660#1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
661 at builtin.c:882
662#2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
663#3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
664 at macro.c:71
665#4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
666#5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
667@end smallexample
668
669@noindent
670We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
671times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
672falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
673
674@smallexample
675(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
6760x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
677(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
6780x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
679def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
680(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
681536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
682 : xstrdup(rq);
683(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
684538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
685@end smallexample
686
687@noindent
688The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
689@code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
690and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
691(@code{print}) to see their values.
692
693@smallexample
694(@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
695$1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
696(@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
697$2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
698@end smallexample
699
700@noindent
701@code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
702To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
703surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
704
705@smallexample
706(@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
707533 xfree(rquote);
708534
709535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
710 : xstrdup (lq);
711536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
712 : xstrdup (rq);
713537
714538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
715539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
716540 @}
717541
718542 void
719@end smallexample
720
721@noindent
722Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
723@code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
724
725@smallexample
726(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
727539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
728(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
729540 @}
730(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
731$3 = 9
732(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
733$4 = 7
734@end smallexample
735
736@noindent
737That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
738@code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
739@code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
740the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
741any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
742assignments.
743
744@smallexample
745(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
746$5 = 7
747(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
748$6 = 9
749@end smallexample
750
751@noindent
752Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
753@code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
754executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
755example that caused trouble initially:
756
757@smallexample
758(@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
759Continuing.
760
761@b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
762
763baz
7640000
765@end smallexample
766
767@noindent
768Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
769problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
770lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
771
772@smallexample
773@b{Ctrl-d}
774Program exited normally.
775@end smallexample
776
777@noindent
778The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
779indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
780session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
781
782@smallexample
783(@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
784@end smallexample
785
786@node Invocation
787@chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
788
789This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
790The essentials are:
791@itemize @bullet
792@item
793type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
794@item
795type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
796@end itemize
797
798@menu
799* Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
800* Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
801* Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
802* Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
803@end menu
804
805@node Invoking GDB
806@section Invoking @value{GDBN}
807
808Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
809@value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
810
811You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
812to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
813
814The command-line options described here are designed
815to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
816options may effectively be unavailable.
817
818The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
819specifying an executable program:
820
821@smallexample
822@value{GDBP} @var{program}
823@end smallexample
824
825@noindent
826You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
827specified:
828
829@smallexample
830@value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
831@end smallexample
832
833You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
834to debug a running process:
835
836@smallexample
837@value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
838@end smallexample
839
840@noindent
841would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
842named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
843
844Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
845complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
846debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
847``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
848will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
849
850You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
851executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
852option processing.
853@smallexample
854@value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
855@end smallexample
856This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
857@code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
858
859You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
860@value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
861
862@smallexample
863@value{GDBP} -silent
864@end smallexample
865
866@noindent
867You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
868options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
869
870@noindent
871Type
872
873@smallexample
874@value{GDBP} -help
875@end smallexample
876
877@noindent
878to display all available options and briefly describe their use
879(@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
880
881All options and command line arguments you give are processed
882in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
883@samp{-x} option is used.
884
885
886@menu
887* File Options:: Choosing files
888* Mode Options:: Choosing modes
889* Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
890@end menu
891
892@node File Options
893@subsection Choosing Files
894
895When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
896specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
897the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
898@samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
899first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
900equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
901second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
902equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
903If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
904first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
905to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
906a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
907prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
908
909If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
910such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
911argument and ignore it.
912
913Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
914following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
915them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
916(If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
917than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
918
919@c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
920@c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
921@c it.
922
923@table @code
924@item -symbols @var{file}
925@itemx -s @var{file}
926@cindex @code{--symbols}
927@cindex @code{-s}
928Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
929
930@item -exec @var{file}
931@itemx -e @var{file}
932@cindex @code{--exec}
933@cindex @code{-e}
934Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
935and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
936
937@item -se @var{file}
938@cindex @code{--se}
939Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
940file.
941
942@item -core @var{file}
943@itemx -c @var{file}
944@cindex @code{--core}
945@cindex @code{-c}
946Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
947
948@item -pid @var{number}
949@itemx -p @var{number}
950@cindex @code{--pid}
951@cindex @code{-p}
952Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
953
954@item -command @var{file}
955@itemx -x @var{file}
956@cindex @code{--command}
957@cindex @code{-x}
958Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}. @xref{Command
959Files,, Command files}.
960
961@item -eval-command @var{command}
962@itemx -ex @var{command}
963@cindex @code{--eval-command}
964@cindex @code{-ex}
965Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
966
967This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
968also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
969
970@smallexample
971@value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
972 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
973@end smallexample
974
975@item -directory @var{directory}
976@itemx -d @var{directory}
977@cindex @code{--directory}
978@cindex @code{-d}
979Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
980
981@item -r
982@itemx -readnow
983@cindex @code{--readnow}
984@cindex @code{-r}
985Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
986the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
987This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
988
989@end table
990
991@node Mode Options
992@subsection Choosing Modes
993
994You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
995batch mode or quiet mode.
996
997@table @code
998@item -nx
999@itemx -n
1000@cindex @code{--nx}
1001@cindex @code{-n}
1002Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1003@value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1004options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1005Files}.
1006
1007@item -quiet
1008@itemx -silent
1009@itemx -q
1010@cindex @code{--quiet}
1011@cindex @code{--silent}
1012@cindex @code{-q}
1013``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1014messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1015
1016@item -batch
1017@cindex @code{--batch}
1018Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1019command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1020initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1021nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1022in the command files.
1023
1024Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1025example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1026make this more useful, the message
1027
1028@smallexample
1029Program exited normally.
1030@end smallexample
1031
1032@noindent
1033(which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1034@value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1035mode.
1036
1037@item -batch-silent
1038@cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1039Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1040@value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1041unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1042for an interactive session.
1043
1044This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1045messages, for example.
1046
1047Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1048writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1049
1050@item -return-child-result
1051@cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1052The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1053process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1054
1055@itemize @bullet
1056@item
1057@value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1058internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1059without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1060@item
1061The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1062@item
1063The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1064the exit code will be -1.
1065@end itemize
1066
1067This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1068when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1069interface.
1070
1071@item -nowindows
1072@itemx -nw
1073@cindex @code{--nowindows}
1074@cindex @code{-nw}
1075``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1076(GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1077interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1078
1079@item -windows
1080@itemx -w
1081@cindex @code{--windows}
1082@cindex @code{-w}
1083If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1084used if possible.
1085
1086@item -cd @var{directory}
1087@cindex @code{--cd}
1088Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1089instead of the current directory.
1090
1091@item -fullname
1092@itemx -f
1093@cindex @code{--fullname}
1094@cindex @code{-f}
1095@sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1096subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1097number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1098displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1099recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1100the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1101and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1102@samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1103frame.
1104
1105@item -epoch
1106@cindex @code{--epoch}
1107The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1108@value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1109routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1110separate window.
1111
1112@item -annotate @var{level}
1113@cindex @code{--annotate}
1114This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1115effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1116(@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1117information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1118expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1119normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1120@sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1121that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1122
1123The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1124(@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1125
1126@item --args
1127@cindex @code{--args}
1128Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1129executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1130This option stops option processing.
1131
1132@item -baud @var{bps}
1133@itemx -b @var{bps}
1134@cindex @code{--baud}
1135@cindex @code{-b}
1136Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1137interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1138
1139@item -l @var{timeout}
1140@cindex @code{-l}
1141Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1142for remote debugging.
1143
1144@item -tty @var{device}
1145@itemx -t @var{device}
1146@cindex @code{--tty}
1147@cindex @code{-t}
1148Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1149@c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1150
1151@c resolve the situation of these eventually
1152@item -tui
1153@cindex @code{--tui}
1154Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1155Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1156source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1157(@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1158Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1159@samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1160Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1161
1162@c @item -xdb
1163@c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1164@c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1165@c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1166@c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1167@c systems.
1168
1169@item -interpreter @var{interp}
1170@cindex @code{--interpreter}
1171Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1172program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1173communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1174@xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1175
1176@samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1177@value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1178The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1179previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1180selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1181@sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1182
1183@item -write
1184@cindex @code{--write}
1185Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1186is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1187(@pxref{Patching}).
1188
1189@item -statistics
1190@cindex @code{--statistics}
1191This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1192memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1193
1194@item -version
1195@cindex @code{--version}
1196This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1197no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1198
1199@end table
1200
1201@node Startup
1202@subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1203@cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1204
1205Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1206
1207@enumerate
1208@item
1209Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1210(@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1211
1212@item
1213@cindex init file
1214Reads the @dfn{init file} (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1215DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1216@code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1217that file.
1218
1219@item
1220Processes command line options and operands.
1221
1222@item
1223Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1224working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1225different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1226init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1227to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1228@value{GDBN}.
1229
1230@item
1231Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1232Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1233
1234@item
1235Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1236@xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1237files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1238@end enumerate
1239
1240Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1241Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1242file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1243complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1244and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1245option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1246
1247@cindex init file name
1248@cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1249@cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1250The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1251The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1252the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1253ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1254@file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1255the file to the standard name.
1256
1257
1258@node Quitting GDB
1259@section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1260@cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1261@cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1262
1263@table @code
1264@kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1265@kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1266@item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1267@itemx q
1268To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1269@code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1270do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1271otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1272error code.
1273@end table
1274
1275@cindex interrupt
1276An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1277terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1278returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1279character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1280until a time when it is safe.
1281
1282If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1283device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1284(@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1285
1286@node Shell Commands
1287@section Shell Commands
1288
1289If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1290debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1291just use the @code{shell} command.
1292
1293@table @code
1294@kindex shell
1295@cindex shell escape
1296@item shell @var{command string}
1297Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1298If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1299shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1300(@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1301@end table
1302
1303The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1304You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1305@value{GDBN}:
1306
1307@table @code
1308@kindex make
1309@cindex calling make
1310@item make @var{make-args}
1311Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1312arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1313@end table
1314
1315@node Logging Output
1316@section Logging Output
1317@cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1318@cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1319
1320You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1321There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1322
1323@table @code
1324@kindex set logging
1325@item set logging on
1326Enable logging.
1327@item set logging off
1328Disable logging.
1329@cindex logging file name
1330@item set logging file @var{file}
1331Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1332@item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1333By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1334you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1335@item set logging redirect [on|off]
1336By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1337Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1338@kindex show logging
1339@item show logging
1340Show the current values of the logging settings.
1341@end table
1342
1343@node Commands
1344@chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1345
1346You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1347name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1348@value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1349key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1350show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1351
1352@menu
1353* Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1354* Completion:: Command completion
1355* Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1356@end menu
1357
1358@node Command Syntax
1359@section Command Syntax
1360
1361A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1362how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1363arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1364command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1365step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1366with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1367
1368@cindex abbreviation
1369@value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1370unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1371documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1372abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1373equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1374names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1375arguments to the @code{help} command.
1376
1377@cindex repeating commands
1378@kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1379A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1380repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1381will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1382repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1383repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1384@ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1385
1386The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1387@key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1388exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1389
1390@value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1391output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1392(@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1393@key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1394repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1395
1396@kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1397@cindex comment
1398Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1399nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1400Files,,Command Files}).
1401
1402@cindex repeating command sequences
1403@kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1404The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1405commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1406then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1407for editing.
1408
1409@node Completion
1410@section Command Completion
1411
1412@cindex completion
1413@cindex word completion
1414@value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1415only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1416are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1417commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1418
1419Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1420of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1421word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1422enter it). For example, if you type
1423
1424@c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1425@c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1426@c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1427@c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1428@smallexample
1429(@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1430@end smallexample
1431
1432@noindent
1433@value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1434the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1435
1436@smallexample
1437(@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1438@end smallexample
1439
1440@noindent
1441You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1442breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1443@samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1444were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1445might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1446to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1447
1448If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1449@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1450characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1451@value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1452example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1453begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1454just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1455function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1456example:
1457
1458@smallexample
1459(@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1460@exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1461make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1462make_abs_section make_function_type
1463make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1464make_cleanup make_reference_type
1465make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1466(@value{GDBP}) b make_
1467@end smallexample
1468
1469@noindent
1470After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1471partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1472command.
1473
1474If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1475can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1476means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1477key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1478one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1479
1480@cindex quotes in commands
1481@cindex completion of quoted strings
1482Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1483parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1484its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1485situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1486@value{GDBN} commands.
1487
1488The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1489name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1490overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1491by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1492may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1493that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1494that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1495word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1496@code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1497@value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1498when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1499
1500@smallexample
1501(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1502bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1503(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1504@end smallexample
1505
1506In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1507quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1508completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1509place:
1510
1511@smallexample
1512(@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1513@exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1514(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1515@end smallexample
1516
1517@noindent
1518In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1519you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1520completion on an overloaded symbol.
1521
1522For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1523Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1524overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1525see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1526
1527@cindex completion of structure field names
1528@cindex structure field name completion
1529@cindex completion of union field names
1530@cindex union field name completion
1531When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1532structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1533confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1534examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1535limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1536left-hand-side:
1537
1538@smallexample
1539(@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1540magic to_delete to_fputs to_put to_rewind
1541to_data to_flush to_isatty to_read to_write
1542@end smallexample
1543
1544@noindent
1545This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1546@code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1547follows:
1548
1549@smallexample
1550struct ui_file
1551@{
1552 int *magic;
1553 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1554 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1555 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1556 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1557 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1558 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1559 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1560 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1561 void *to_data;
1562@}
1563@end smallexample
1564
1565
1566@node Help
1567@section Getting Help
1568@cindex online documentation
1569@kindex help
1570
1571You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1572using the command @code{help}.
1573
1574@table @code
1575@kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1576@item help
1577@itemx h
1578You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1579display a short list of named classes of commands:
1580
1581@smallexample
1582(@value{GDBP}) help
1583List of classes of commands:
1584
1585aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1586breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1587data -- Examining data
1588files -- Specifying and examining files
1589internals -- Maintenance commands
1590obscure -- Obscure features
1591running -- Running the program
1592stack -- Examining the stack
1593status -- Status inquiries
1594support -- Support facilities
1595tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1596 stopping the program
1597user-defined -- User-defined commands
1598
1599Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1600commands in that class.
1601Type "help" followed by command name for full
1602documentation.
1603Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1604(@value{GDBP})
1605@end smallexample
1606@c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1607
1608@item help @var{class}
1609Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1610list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1611help display for the class @code{status}:
1612
1613@smallexample
1614(@value{GDBP}) help status
1615Status inquiries.
1616
1617List of commands:
1618
1619@c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1620@c to fit in smallbook page size.
1621info -- Generic command for showing things
1622 about the program being debugged
1623show -- Generic command for showing things
1624 about the debugger
1625
1626Type "help" followed by command name for full
1627documentation.
1628Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1629(@value{GDBP})
1630@end smallexample
1631
1632@item help @var{command}
1633With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1634short paragraph on how to use that command.
1635
1636@kindex apropos
1637@item apropos @var{args}
1638The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1639commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1640@var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1641
1642@smallexample
1643apropos reload
1644@end smallexample
1645
1646@noindent
1647results in:
1648
1649@smallexample
1650@c @group
1651set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1652 multiple times in one run
1653show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1654 multiple times in one run
1655@c @end group
1656@end smallexample
1657
1658@kindex complete
1659@item complete @var{args}
1660The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1661for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1662command you want completed. For example:
1663
1664@smallexample
1665complete i
1666@end smallexample
1667
1668@noindent results in:
1669
1670@smallexample
1671@group
1672if
1673ignore
1674info
1675inspect
1676@end group
1677@end smallexample
1678
1679@noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1680@end table
1681
1682In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1683and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1684of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1685manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1686under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1687all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1688
1689@c @group
1690@table @code
1691@kindex info
1692@kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1693@item info
1694This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1695program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1696with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1697registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1698You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1699@w{@code{help info}}.
1700
1701@kindex set
1702@item set
1703You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1704@code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1705@code{set prompt $}.
1706
1707@kindex show
1708@item show
1709In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1710@value{GDBN} itself.
1711You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1712related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1713system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1714which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1715
1716@kindex info set
1717To display all the settable parameters and their current
1718values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1719@code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1720@c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1721@c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1722@c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1723@end table
1724@c @end group
1725
1726Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1727exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1728
1729@table @code
1730@kindex show version
1731@cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1732@item show version
1733Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1734information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1735@value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1736version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1737commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1738system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1739variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1740The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1741@value{GDBN}.
1742
1743@kindex show copying
1744@kindex info copying
1745@cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1746@item show copying
1747@itemx info copying
1748Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1749
1750@kindex show warranty
1751@kindex info warranty
1752@item show warranty
1753@itemx info warranty
1754Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1755if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1756
1757@end table
1758
1759@node Running
1760@chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1761
1762When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1763debugging information when you compile it.
1764
1765You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1766of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1767your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1768kill a child process.
1769
1770@menu
1771* Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1772* Starting:: Starting your program
1773* Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1774* Environment:: Your program's environment
1775
1776* Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1777* Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1778* Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1779* Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1780
1781* Inferiors:: Debugging multiple inferiors
1782* Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1783* Processes:: Debugging programs with multiple processes
1784* Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1785@end menu
1786
1787@node Compilation
1788@section Compiling for Debugging
1789
1790In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1791debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1792is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1793variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1794and addresses in the executable code.
1795
1796To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1797the compiler.
1798
1799Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1800optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, many
1801compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1802together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1803executables containing debugging information.
1804
1805@value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1806without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1807recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1808program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1809in pushing your luck.
1810
1811@cindex optimized code, debugging
1812@cindex debugging optimized code
1813When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
1814optimizer is rearranging your code; the debugger shows you what is
1815really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
1816exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
1817variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
1818variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
1819
1820Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
1821@samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
1822doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
1823please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
1824@xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
1825
1826Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1827@w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1828format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1829
1830@value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1831expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1832about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1833the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1834Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1835provides macro information if you specify the options
1836@option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1837debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1838``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1839ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1840@option{-g} alone.
1841
1842@need 2000
1843@node Starting
1844@section Starting your Program
1845@cindex starting
1846@cindex running
1847
1848@table @code
1849@kindex run
1850@kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1851@item run
1852@itemx r
1853Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1854You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1855argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1856@value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1857(@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1858
1859@end table
1860
1861If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1862supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1863that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1864@code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1865like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1866message like this one:
1867
1868@smallexample
1869The "remote" target does not support "run".
1870Try "help target" or "continue".
1871@end smallexample
1872
1873@noindent
1874then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1875first (@pxref{load}).
1876
1877The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1878receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1879information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1880can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1881your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1882divided into four categories:
1883
1884@table @asis
1885@item The @emph{arguments.}
1886Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1887@code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1888is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1889(such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1890the arguments.
1891In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1892@code{SHELL} environment variable.
1893@xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1894
1895@item The @emph{environment.}
1896Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1897use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1898environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1899your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1900
1901@item The @emph{working directory.}
1902Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1903the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1904@xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1905
1906@item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1907Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1908standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1909in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1910set a different device for your program.
1911@xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1912
1913@cindex pipes
1914@emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1915pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1916program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1917wrong program.
1918@end table
1919
1920When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1921immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1922of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1923stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1924or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1925
1926If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1927time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1928table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1929your current breakpoints.
1930
1931@table @code
1932@kindex start
1933@item start
1934@cindex run to main procedure
1935The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1936With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1937other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1938main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1939execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1940procedure, depending on the language used.
1941
1942The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1943breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1944the @samp{run} command.
1945
1946@cindex elaboration phase
1947Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1948executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1949languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1950constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1951@code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1952before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1953will remain to halt execution.
1954
1955Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1956@samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
1957underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
1958reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
1959@samp{start} or @samp{run}.
1960
1961It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
1962these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
1963your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
1964elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
1965elaboration code before running your program.
1966
1967@kindex set exec-wrapper
1968@item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
1969@itemx show exec-wrapper
1970@itemx unset exec-wrapper
1971When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
1972launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
1973with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
1974@var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
1975arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
1976appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
1977your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
1978
1979You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
1980its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
1981this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
1982with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
1983
1984For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
1985the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
1986environment:
1987
1988@smallexample
1989(@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
1990(@value{GDBP}) run
1991@end smallexample
1992
1993This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
1994@sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
1995
1996@kindex set disable-randomization
1997@item set disable-randomization
1998@itemx set disable-randomization on
1999This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2000randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2001is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2002reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2003
2004This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2005behavior using
2006
2007@smallexample
2008(@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2009@end smallexample
2010
2011@item set disable-randomization off
2012Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2013ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2014disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2015@value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2016as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2017disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2018
2019The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2020It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2021cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2022code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2023a code at its expected addresses.
2024
2025Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2026makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2027having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2028library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2029misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2030random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2031startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2032a randomly chosen address.
2033
2034Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2035similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2036a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2037already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2038executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2039
2040Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2041(as long as the randomization is enabled).
2042
2043@item show disable-randomization
2044Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2045the virtual address space of the started program.
2046
2047@end table
2048
2049@node Arguments
2050@section Your Program's Arguments
2051
2052@cindex arguments (to your program)
2053The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2054@code{run} command.
2055They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2056performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2057@code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2058@value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2059the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2060
2061On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2062@value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2063calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2064the program, not by the shell.
2065
2066@code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2067@code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2068
2069@table @code
2070@kindex set args
2071@item set args
2072Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2073@code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2074with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2075using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2076it again without arguments.
2077
2078@kindex show args
2079@item show args
2080Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2081@end table
2082
2083@node Environment
2084@section Your Program's Environment
2085
2086@cindex environment (of your program)
2087The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2088their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2089your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2090path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2091the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2092debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2093environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2094
2095@table @code
2096@kindex path
2097@item path @var{directory}
2098Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2099(the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2100The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2101You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2102system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2103MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2104is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2105
2106You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2107working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2108use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2109@code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2110@var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2111@var{directory} to the search path.
2112@c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2113@c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2114
2115@kindex show paths
2116@item show paths
2117Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2118environment variable).
2119
2120@kindex show environment
2121@item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2122Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2123your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2124print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2125your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2126
2127@kindex set environment
2128@item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2129Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2130changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2131be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2132any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2133parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2134null value.
2135@c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2136@c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2137
2138For example, this command:
2139
2140@smallexample
2141set env USER = foo
2142@end smallexample
2143
2144@noindent
2145tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2146@samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2147are not actually required.)
2148
2149@kindex unset environment
2150@item unset environment @var{varname}
2151Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2152program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2153@code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2154rather than assigning it an empty value.
2155@end table
2156
2157@emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2158the shell indicated
2159by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2160@code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2161that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2162@file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2163your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2164files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2165@file{.profile}.
2166
2167@node Working Directory
2168@section Your Program's Working Directory
2169
2170@cindex working directory (of your program)
2171Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2172working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2173The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2174from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2175working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2176
2177The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2178that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2179Specify Files}.
2180
2181@table @code
2182@kindex cd
2183@cindex change working directory
2184@item cd @var{directory}
2185Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2186
2187@kindex pwd
2188@item pwd
2189Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2190@end table
2191
2192It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2193the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2194during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2195configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2196proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2197current working directory of the debuggee.
2198
2199@node Input/Output
2200@section Your Program's Input and Output
2201
2202@cindex redirection
2203@cindex i/o
2204@cindex terminal
2205By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2206the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2207to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2208modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2209running your program.
2210
2211@table @code
2212@kindex info terminal
2213@item info terminal
2214Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2215program is using.
2216@end table
2217
2218You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2219redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2220
2221@smallexample
2222run > outfile
2223@end smallexample
2224
2225@noindent
2226starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2227
2228@kindex tty
2229@cindex controlling terminal
2230Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2231with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2232argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2233commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2234process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2235
2236@smallexample
2237tty /dev/ttyb
2238@end smallexample
2239
2240@noindent
2241directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2242default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2243that as their controlling terminal.
2244
2245An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2246effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2247terminal.
2248
2249When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2250command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2251for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2252for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2253
2254@cindex inferior tty
2255@cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2256You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2257display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2258program.
2259
2260@table @code
2261@item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2262@kindex set inferior-tty
2263Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2264
2265@item show inferior-tty
2266@kindex show inferior-tty
2267Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2268@end table
2269
2270@node Attach
2271@section Debugging an Already-running Process
2272@kindex attach
2273@cindex attach
2274
2275@table @code
2276@item attach @var{process-id}
2277This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2278outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2279targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2280find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2281or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2282
2283@code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2284executing the command.
2285@end table
2286
2287To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2288which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2289programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2290also have permission to send the process a signal.
2291
2292When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2293the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2294the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2295(@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2296the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2297Specify Files}.
2298
2299The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2300process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2301with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2302you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2303can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2304process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2305attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2306
2307@table @code
2308@kindex detach
2309@item detach
2310When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2311@code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2312the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2313that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2314are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2315@code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2316executing the command.
2317@end table
2318
2319If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2320that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2321By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2322things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2323@code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2324Messages}).
2325
2326@node Kill Process
2327@section Killing the Child Process
2328
2329@table @code
2330@kindex kill
2331@item kill
2332Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2333@end table
2334
2335This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2336running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2337is running.
2338
2339On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2340while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2341@code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2342outside the debugger.
2343
2344The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2345relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2346executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2347next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2348reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2349breakpoint settings).
2350
2351@node Inferiors
2352@section Debugging Multiple Inferiors
2353
2354Some @value{GDBN} targets are able to run multiple processes created
2355from a single executable. This can happen, for instance, with an
2356embedded system reporting back several processes via the remote
2357protocol.
2358
2359@cindex inferior
2360@value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2361object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2362a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2363have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2364may (in future) be retained after a process exits. Each run of an
2365executable creates a new inferior, as does each attachment to an
2366existing process. Inferiors have unique identifiers that are
2367different from process ids, and may optionally be named as well.
2368Usually each inferior will also have its own distinct address space,
2369although some embedded targets may have several inferiors running in
2370different parts of a single space.
2371
2372Each inferior may in turn have multiple threads running in it.
2373
2374To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @code{info inferiors}:
2375
2376@table @code
2377@kindex info inferiors
2378@item info inferiors
2379Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2380
2381@kindex set print inferior-events
2382@cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2383@item set print inferior-events
2384@itemx set print inferior-events on
2385@itemx set print inferior-events off
2386The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2387disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2388inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2389detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2390
2391@kindex show print inferior-events
2392@item show print inferior-events
2393Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2394inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2395@end table
2396
2397@node Threads
2398@section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2399
2400@cindex threads of execution
2401@cindex multiple threads
2402@cindex switching threads
2403In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2404may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2405of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2406the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2407that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2408modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2409registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2410
2411@value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2412programs:
2413
2414@itemize @bullet
2415@item automatic notification of new threads
2416@item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2417@item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2418@item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2419a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2420@item thread-specific breakpoints
2421@item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2422messages on thread start and exit.
2423@end itemize
2424
2425@quotation
2426@emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2427@value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2428If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2429effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2430from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2431like this:
2432
2433@smallexample
2434(@value{GDBP}) info threads
2435(@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2436Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2437see the IDs of currently known threads.
2438@end smallexample
2439@c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2440@c doesn't support threads"?
2441@end quotation
2442
2443@cindex focus of debugging
2444@cindex current thread
2445The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2446threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2447control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2448This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2449program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2450
2451@cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2452@cindex thread identifier (system)
2453@c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2454@c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2455@c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2456Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2457the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2458form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2459whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2460@sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2461
2462@smallexample
2463[New Thread 46912507313328 (LWP 25582)]
2464@end smallexample
2465
2466@noindent
2467when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2468the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2469further qualifier.
2470
2471@c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2472@c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2473@c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2474@c program?
2475@c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2476@c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2477@c threads ab initio?
2478
2479@cindex thread number
2480@cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2481For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2482number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2483
2484@table @code
2485@kindex info threads
2486@item info threads
2487Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2488program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2489
2490@enumerate
2491@item
2492the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2493
2494@item
2495the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2496
2497@item
2498the current stack frame summary for that thread
2499@end enumerate
2500
2501@noindent
2502An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2503indicates the current thread.
2504
2505For example,
2506@end table
2507@c end table here to get a little more width for example
2508
2509@smallexample
2510(@value{GDBP}) info threads
2511 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2512 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2513* 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2514 at threadtest.c:68
2515@end smallexample
2516
2517On HP-UX systems:
2518
2519@cindex debugging multithreaded programs (on HP-UX)
2520@cindex thread identifier (GDB), on HP-UX
2521For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2522number---a small integer assigned in thread-creation order---with each
2523thread in your program.
2524
2525@cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message, on HP-UX
2526@cindex thread identifier (system), on HP-UX
2527@c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2528@c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2529@c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2530Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2531both @value{GDBN}'s thread number and the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2532form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2533whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2534HP-UX, you see
2535
2536@smallexample
2537[New thread 2 (system thread 26594)]
2538@end smallexample
2539
2540@noindent
2541when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread.
2542
2543@table @code
2544@kindex info threads (HP-UX)
2545@item info threads
2546Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2547program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2548
2549@enumerate
2550@item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2551
2552@item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2553
2554@item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2555@end enumerate
2556
2557@noindent
2558An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2559indicates the current thread.
2560
2561For example,
2562@end table
2563@c end table here to get a little more width for example
2564
2565@smallexample
2566(@value{GDBP}) info threads
2567 * 3 system thread 26607 worker (wptr=0x7b09c318 "@@") \@*
2568 at quicksort.c:137
2569 2 system thread 26606 0x7b0030d8 in __ksleep () \@*
2570 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2571 1 system thread 27905 0x7b003498 in _brk () \@*
2572 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2573@end smallexample
2574
2575On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2576Solaris-specific command:
2577
2578@table @code
2579@item maint info sol-threads
2580@kindex maint info sol-threads
2581@cindex thread info (Solaris)
2582Display info on Solaris user threads.
2583@end table
2584
2585@table @code
2586@kindex thread @var{threadno}
2587@item thread @var{threadno}
2588Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2589argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2590shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2591@value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2592you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2593
2594@smallexample
2595@c FIXME!! This example made up; find a @value{GDBN} w/threads and get real one
2596(@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2597[Switching to process 35 thread 23]
25980x34e5 in sigpause ()
2599@end smallexample
2600
2601@noindent
2602As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2603@samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2604threads.
2605
2606@kindex thread apply
2607@cindex apply command to several threads
2608@item thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{command}
2609The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2610@var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2611threads that you want affected with the command argument
2612@var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2613shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2614could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2615command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2616
2617@kindex set print thread-events
2618@cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2619@item set print thread-events
2620@itemx set print thread-events on
2621@itemx set print thread-events off
2622The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2623disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2624started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2625be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2626Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2627
2628@kindex show print thread-events
2629@item show print thread-events
2630Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2631have started and exited.
2632@end table
2633
2634@xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2635more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2636programs with multiple threads.
2637
2638@xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2639watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2640
2641@node Processes
2642@section Debugging Programs with Multiple Processes
2643
2644@cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2645@cindex multiple processes
2646@cindex processes, multiple
2647On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2648programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2649function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2650parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2651set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2652will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2653will cause it to terminate.
2654
2655However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2656which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2657the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2658only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2659so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2660on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2661get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2662@value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2663the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2664the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2665
2666On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2667create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2668Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2669only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2670
2671By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2672the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2673
2674If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2675use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2676
2677@table @code
2678@kindex set follow-fork-mode
2679@item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2680Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2681@code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2682process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2683
2684@table @code
2685@item parent
2686The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2687unimpeded. This is the default.
2688
2689@item child
2690The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2691unimpeded.
2692
2693@end table
2694
2695@kindex show follow-fork-mode
2696@item show follow-fork-mode
2697Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2698@end table
2699
2700@cindex debugging multiple processes
2701On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2702command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2703
2704@table @code
2705@kindex set detach-on-fork
2706@item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2707Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2708retain debugger control over them both.
2709
2710@table @code
2711@item on
2712The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2713@code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2714independently. This is the default.
2715
2716@item off
2717Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2718One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2719@code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2720is held suspended.
2721
2722@end table
2723
2724@kindex show detach-on-fork
2725@item show detach-on-fork
2726Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2727@end table
2728
2729If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then
2730@value{GDBN} will retain control of all forked processes (including
2731nested forks). You can list the forked processes under the control of
2732@value{GDBN} by using the @w{@code{info forks}} command, and switch
2733from one fork to another by using the @w{@code{fork}} command.
2734
2735@table @code
2736@kindex info forks
2737@item info forks
2738Print a list of all forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2739The listing will include a fork id, a process id, and the current
2740position (program counter) of the process.
2741
2742@kindex fork @var{fork-id}
2743@item fork @var{fork-id}
2744Make fork number @var{fork-id} the current process. The argument
2745@var{fork-id} is the internal fork number assigned by @value{GDBN},
2746as shown in the first field of the @samp{info forks} display.
2747
2748@kindex process @var{process-id}
2749@item process @var{process-id}
2750Make process number @var{process-id} the current process. The
2751argument @var{process-id} must be one that is listed in the output of
2752@samp{info forks}.
2753
2754@end table
2755
2756To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2757from it by using the @w{@code{detach fork}} command (allowing it to
2758run independently), or delete (and kill) it using the
2759@w{@code{delete fork}} command.
2760
2761@table @code
2762@kindex detach fork @var{fork-id}
2763@item detach fork @var{fork-id}
2764Detach from the process identified by @value{GDBN} fork number
2765@var{fork-id}, and remove it from the fork list. The process will be
2766allowed to run independently.
2767
2768@kindex delete fork @var{fork-id}
2769@item delete fork @var{fork-id}
2770Kill the process identified by @value{GDBN} fork number @var{fork-id},
2771and remove it from the fork list.
2772
2773@end table
2774
2775If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2776@code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2777breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2778@code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2779the child process's @code{main}.
2780
2781When a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you cannot debug the
2782child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
2783
2784If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
2785call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent process,
2786use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name as its
2787argument.
2788
2789You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
2790a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
2791Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
2792
2793@node Checkpoint/Restart
2794@section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
2795
2796@cindex checkpoint
2797@cindex restart
2798@cindex bookmark
2799@cindex snapshot of a process
2800@cindex rewind program state
2801
2802On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
2803@sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
2804program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
2805later.
2806
2807Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
2808happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
2809includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
2810system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
2811moment when the checkpoint was saved.
2812
2813Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
2814getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
2815a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
2816the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
2817from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
2818start again from there.
2819
2820This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
2821steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
2822
2823To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
2824
2825@table @code
2826@kindex checkpoint
2827@item checkpoint
2828Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
2829The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
2830is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
2831
2832@kindex info checkpoints
2833@item info checkpoints
2834List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
2835session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
2836listed:
2837
2838@table @code
2839@item Checkpoint ID
2840@item Process ID
2841@item Code Address
2842@item Source line, or label
2843@end table
2844
2845@kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2846@item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2847Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
2848@var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
2849etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
2850was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
2851in time when the checkpoint was saved.
2852
2853Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
2854are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
2855only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
2856the debugger.
2857
2858@kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2859@item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2860Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
2861
2862@end table
2863
2864Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
2865of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
2866(OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
2867a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
2868so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
2869opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
2870previously read data can be read again.
2871
2872Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
2873external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
2874from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
2875but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
2876be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
2877been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
2878
2879However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
2880program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
2881again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
2882different execution path this time.
2883
2884@cindex checkpoints and process id
2885Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
2886different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
2887id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
2888and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
2889If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
2890potentially pose a problem.
2891
2892@subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
2893
2894On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
2895is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
2896difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
2897absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
2898absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
2899next.
2900
2901A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
2902Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
2903and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
2904process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
2905your symbols will all stay in the same place.
2906
2907@node Stopping
2908@chapter Stopping and Continuing
2909
2910The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
2911program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
2912trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
2913
2914Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
2915such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
2916@value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
2917change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
2918continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
2919ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
2920explicitly request this information at any time.
2921
2922@table @code
2923@kindex info program
2924@item info program
2925Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
2926running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
2927@end table
2928
2929@menu
2930* Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
2931* Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
2932* Signals:: Signals
2933* Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
2934@end menu
2935
2936@node Breakpoints
2937@section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
2938
2939@cindex breakpoints
2940A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
2941the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
2942control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
2943breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
2944Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
2945should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
2946program.
2947
2948On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
2949the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
2950you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
2951in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
2952(for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
2953call).
2954
2955@cindex watchpoints
2956@cindex data breakpoints
2957@cindex memory tracing
2958@cindex breakpoint on memory address
2959@cindex breakpoint on variable modification
2960A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
2961when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
2962of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
2963combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
2964@dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
2965watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
2966from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
2967enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
2968same commands.
2969
2970You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
2971whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
2972Automatic Display}.
2973
2974@cindex catchpoints
2975@cindex breakpoint on events
2976A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
2977when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
2978exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
2979different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
2980Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
2981other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
2982@code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
2983
2984@cindex breakpoint numbers
2985@cindex numbers for breakpoints
2986@value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
2987catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
2988starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
2989features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
2990breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
2991@dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
2992enable it again.
2993
2994@cindex breakpoint ranges
2995@cindex ranges of breakpoints
2996Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
2997operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
2998@samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
2999hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3000all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3001
3002@menu
3003* Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3004* Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3005* Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3006* Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3007* Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3008* Conditions:: Break conditions
3009* Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3010* Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3011* Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3012@end menu
3013
3014@node Set Breaks
3015@subsection Setting Breakpoints
3016
3017@c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3018@c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3019@c
3020@c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3021
3022@kindex break
3023@kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3024@vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3025@cindex latest breakpoint
3026Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3027@code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3028number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3029Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3030convenience variables.
3031
3032@table @code
3033@item break @var{location}
3034Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3035function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3036(@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3037specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3038before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3039
3040When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3041C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3042@xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3043that situation.
3044
3045@item break
3046When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3047the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3048(@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3049innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3050returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3051@code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3052that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3053@code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3054the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3055inside loops.
3056
3057@value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3058least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3059would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3060breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3061existed when your program stopped.
3062
3063@item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3064Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3065@var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3066value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3067@samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3068above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3069,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3070
3071@kindex tbreak
3072@item tbreak @var{args}
3073Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3074same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3075way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3076program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3077
3078@kindex hbreak
3079@cindex hardware breakpoints
3080@item hbreak @var{args}
3081Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3082@code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3083breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3084have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3085debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3086changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3087provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3088will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3089address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3090breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3091example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3092@value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3093or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3094(@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3095@xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3096For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3097breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3098hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3099
3100@kindex thbreak
3101@item thbreak @var{args}
3102Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3103are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3104the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3105the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3106first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3107command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3108may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3109See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3110
3111@kindex rbreak
3112@cindex regular expression
3113@cindex breakpoints in functions matching a regexp
3114@cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3115@item rbreak @var{regex}
3116Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3117@var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3118matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3119breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3120the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3121them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3122
3123The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3124like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3125shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3126an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3127@code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3128match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3129
3130@cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3131When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3132breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3133classes.
3134
3135@cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3136The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3137@strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3138
3139@smallexample
3140(@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3141@end smallexample
3142
3143@kindex info breakpoints
3144@cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3145@item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3146@itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3147@itemx info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3148Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3149not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3150about the specified breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint). For
3151each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3152
3153@table @emph
3154@item Breakpoint Numbers
3155@item Type
3156Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3157@item Disposition
3158Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3159@item Enabled or Disabled
3160Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3161that are not enabled.
3162@item Address
3163Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3164pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3165contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3166library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3167See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3168have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3169@item What
3170Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3171line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3172the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3173the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3174@end table
3175
3176@noindent
3177If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3178the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3179are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3180specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3181library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3182valid location.
3183
3184@noindent
3185@code{info break} with a breakpoint
3186number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3187convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3188the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3189listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3190
3191@noindent
3192@code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3193has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3194@code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3195hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3196was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3197will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3198@end table
3199
3200@value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3201your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3202the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3203(@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3204
3205@cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3206@cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3207It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3208in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3209
3210@itemize @bullet
3211@item
3212For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3213instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3214
3215@item
3216For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3217correspond to any number of instantiations.
3218
3219@item
3220For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3221several places where that function is inlined.
3222@end itemize
3223
3224In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3225the relevant locations@footnote{
3226As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3227line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3228will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3229info with line numbers for them.}.
3230
3231A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3232table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3233each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3234address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3235addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3236locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3237@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3238
3239For example:
3240
3241@smallexample
3242Num Type Disp Enb Address What
32431 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3244 stop only if i==1
3245 breakpoint already hit 1 time
32461.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
32471.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3248@end smallexample
3249
3250Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3251@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3252@code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3253delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3254entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3255the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3256the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3257the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3258that belong to that breakpoint.
3259
3260@cindex pending breakpoints
3261It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3262Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3263and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3264this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3265any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3266set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3267debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3268symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3269breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3270a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3271is not yet resolved.
3272
3273After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3274@value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3275shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3276pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3277ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3278that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3279
3280This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3281example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3282a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3283a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3284
3285Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3286differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3287enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3288
3289@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3290happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3291address specification to an address:
3292
3293@kindex set breakpoint pending
3294@kindex show breakpoint pending
3295@table @code
3296@item set breakpoint pending auto
3297This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3298location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3299
3300@item set breakpoint pending on
3301This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3302result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3303
3304@item set breakpoint pending off
3305This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3306unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3307not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3308
3309@item show breakpoint pending
3310Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3311@end table
3312
3313The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3314variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3315as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3316
3317@cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3318For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3319software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3320breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3321breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3322breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3323breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3324breakpoints.
3325
3326You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3327
3328@kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3329@kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3330@table @code
3331@item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3332This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3333will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3334breakpoint must be used.
3335
3336@item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3337This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3338type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3339trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3340@end table
3341
3342@value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3343at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3344executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3345code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3346the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3347behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3348target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3349targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3350This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3351
3352@kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3353@kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3354@table @code
3355@item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3356All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3357the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3358removed from the target when it stops.
3359
3360@item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3361Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3362the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3363breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3364removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3365
3366@cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3367@item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3368This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3369in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3370@code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3371controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3372@code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3373@end table
3374
3375@cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3376@cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3377@value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3378special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3379programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3380starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3381You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3382@samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3383
3384
3385@node Set Watchpoints
3386@subsection Setting Watchpoints
3387
3388@cindex setting watchpoints
3389You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3390expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3391this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3392The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3393as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3394
3395@itemize @bullet
3396@item
3397A reference to the value of a single variable.
3398
3399@item
3400An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3401@samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3402address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3403
3404@item
3405An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3406expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3407language (@pxref{Languages}).
3408@end itemize
3409
3410You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3411not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3412@samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3413@value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3414the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3415valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3416pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3417@code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3418the expression changes.
3419
3420@cindex software watchpoints
3421@cindex hardware watchpoints
3422Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3423hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3424program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3425times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3426catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3427culprit.)
3428
3429On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3430x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3431watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3432
3433@table @code
3434@kindex watch
3435@item watch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3436Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3437expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3438changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3439to watch the value of a single variable:
3440
3441@smallexample
3442(@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3443@end smallexample
3444
3445If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3446clause, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3447@var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3448change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3449that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3450with Hardware Watchpoints.
3451
3452@kindex rwatch
3453@item rwatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3454Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3455by the program.
3456
3457@kindex awatch
3458@item awatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3459Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3460or written into by the program.
3461
3462@kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3463@item info watchpoints
3464This command prints a list of watchpoints, breakpoints, and catchpoints;
3465it is the same as @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3466@end table
3467
3468@value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3469watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3470value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3471cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3472executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3473@emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3474
3475@cindex use only software watchpoints
3476You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3477@kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3478zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3479the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3480watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3481@code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3482mechanism of watching expression values.)
3483
3484@table @code
3485@item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3486@kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3487Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3488
3489@item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3490@kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3491Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3492@end table
3493
3494For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3495watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3496hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3497
3498When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3499
3500@smallexample
3501Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3502@end smallexample
3503
3504@noindent
3505if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3506
3507Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3508hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3509value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3510every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3511that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3512hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3513will print a message like this:
3514
3515@smallexample
3516Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3517@end smallexample
3518
3519Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3520data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3521watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3522can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3523cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3524double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3525wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3526into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3527
3528If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3529to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3530Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3531time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3532able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3533warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3534
3535@smallexample
3536Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3537@end smallexample
3538
3539@noindent
3540If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3541
3542Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3543exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3544That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3545expression with separately allocated resources.
3546
3547If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3548any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3549kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3550
3551@value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3552(automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3553they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3554which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3555being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3556and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3557rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3558way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3559@code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3560
3561@cindex watchpoints and threads
3562@cindex threads and watchpoints
3563In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3564watched expression from every thread.
3565
3566@quotation
3567@emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3568have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3569watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3570single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3571change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3572confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3573software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3574when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3575watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3576@end quotation
3577
3578@xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3579
3580@node Set Catchpoints
3581@subsection Setting Catchpoints
3582@cindex catchpoints, setting
3583@cindex exception handlers
3584@cindex event handling
3585
3586You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3587kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3588shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3589
3590@table @code
3591@kindex catch
3592@item catch @var{event}
3593Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3594@table @code
3595@item throw
3596@cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3597The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3598
3599@item catch
3600The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3601
3602@item exception
3603@cindex Ada exception catching
3604@cindex catch Ada exceptions
3605An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3606at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3607the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3608Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3609
3610When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3611name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3612fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3613@value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3614rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3615called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3616the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3617Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3618
3619@item exception unhandled
3620An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3621
3622@item assert
3623A failed Ada assertion.
3624
3625@item exec
3626@cindex break on fork/exec
3627A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3628and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3629
3630@item fork
3631A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3632and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3633
3634@item vfork
3635A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3636and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3637
3638@end table
3639
3640@item tcatch @var{event}
3641Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
3642automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
3643
3644@end table
3645
3646Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
3647
3648There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
3649(@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
3650
3651@itemize @bullet
3652@item
3653If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
3654control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
3655raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
3656returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
3657simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
3658that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
3659you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
3660disabled within interactive calls.
3661
3662@item
3663You cannot raise an exception interactively.
3664
3665@item
3666You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
3667@end itemize
3668
3669@cindex raise exceptions
3670Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
3671if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
3672stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
3673can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
3674breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
3675out where the exception was raised.
3676
3677To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
3678knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
3679raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
3680which has the following ANSI C interface:
3681
3682@smallexample
3683 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
3684 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
3685 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
3686@end smallexample
3687
3688@noindent
3689To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
3690unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
3691(@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
3692
3693With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
3694that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
3695a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
3696breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
3697raised.
3698
3699
3700@node Delete Breaks
3701@subsection Deleting Breakpoints
3702
3703@cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3704@cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3705It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3706catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
3707to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
3708breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
3709
3710With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
3711where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
3712delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
3713their breakpoint numbers.
3714
3715It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
3716automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
3717when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
3718
3719@table @code
3720@kindex clear
3721@item clear
3722Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
3723selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
3724the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
3725breakpoint where your program just stopped.
3726
3727@item clear @var{location}
3728Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
3729@xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
3730most useful ones are listed below:
3731
3732@table @code
3733@item clear @var{function}
3734@itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
3735Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
3736
3737@item clear @var{linenum}
3738@itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
3739Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
3740@var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
3741@end table
3742
3743@cindex delete breakpoints
3744@kindex delete
3745@kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
3746@item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3747Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
3748ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
3749breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
3750confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
3751@end table
3752
3753@node Disabling
3754@subsection Disabling Breakpoints
3755
3756@cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
3757Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
3758prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
3759it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
3760that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
3761
3762You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
3763the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying one
3764or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} or
3765@code{info watch} to print a list of breakpoints, watchpoints, and
3766catchpoints if you do not know which numbers to use.
3767
3768Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
3769affects all of its locations.
3770
3771A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
3772states of enablement:
3773
3774@itemize @bullet
3775@item
3776Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
3777with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
3778@item
3779Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
3780@item
3781Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
3782disabled.
3783@item
3784Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
3785immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
3786set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
3787@end itemize
3788
3789You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
3790watchpoints, and catchpoints:
3791
3792@table @code
3793@kindex disable
3794@kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
3795@item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3796Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
3797listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
3798options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
3799case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
3800@code{disable} as @code{dis}.
3801
3802@kindex enable
3803@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3804Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
3805become effective once again in stopping your program.
3806
3807@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
3808Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
3809of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
3810
3811@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
3812Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
3813deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
3814Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
3815@end table
3816
3817@c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
3818@c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
3819Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
3820,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
3821subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
3822the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
3823breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
3824breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
3825Stepping}.)
3826
3827@node Conditions
3828@subsection Break Conditions
3829@cindex conditional breakpoints
3830@cindex breakpoint conditions
3831
3832@c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
3833@c in particular for a watchpoint?
3834The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
3835specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
3836breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
3837programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
3838a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
3839and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
3840
3841This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
3842situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
3843when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
3844by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
3845@samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
3846
3847Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
3848since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
3849it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
3850and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
3851one.
3852
3853Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
3854your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
3855that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
3856format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
3857unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
3858that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
3859program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
3860breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
3861conditions for the
3862purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
3863(@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
3864
3865Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
3866@samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
3867Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
3868with the @code{condition} command.
3869
3870You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
3871The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
3872@code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
3873catchpoint.
3874
3875@table @code
3876@kindex condition
3877@item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
3878Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
3879watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
3880breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
3881@var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
3882@code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
3883syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
3884referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
3885symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
3886prints an error message:
3887
3888@smallexample
3889No symbol "foo" in current context.
3890@end smallexample
3891
3892@noindent
3893@value{GDBN} does
3894not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
3895command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
3896@code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
3897
3898@item condition @var{bnum}
3899Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
3900an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
3901@end table
3902
3903@cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
3904A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
3905breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
3906useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
3907count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
3908is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
3909therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
3910ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
3911the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
3912value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
3913your program reaches it.
3914
3915@table @code
3916@kindex ignore
3917@item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
3918Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
3919The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
3920execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
3921takes no action.
3922
3923To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
3924a count of zero.
3925
3926When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
3927breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
3928@code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
3929Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
3930
3931If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
3932condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
3933@value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
3934
3935You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
3936as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
3937is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
3938Variables}.
3939@end table
3940
3941Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
3942
3943
3944@node Break Commands
3945@subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
3946
3947@cindex breakpoint commands
3948You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
3949commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
3950example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
3951enable other breakpoints.
3952
3953@table @code
3954@kindex commands
3955@kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
3956@item commands @r{[}@var{bnum}@r{]}
3957@itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
3958@itemx end
3959Specify a list of commands for breakpoint number @var{bnum}. The commands
3960themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
3961@code{end} to terminate the commands.
3962
3963To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
3964follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
3965
3966With no @var{bnum} argument, @code{commands} refers to the last
3967breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most
3968recently encountered).
3969@end table
3970
3971Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
3972disabled within a @var{command-list}.
3973
3974You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
3975use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
3976that resumes execution.
3977
3978Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
3979execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
3980(even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
3981another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
3982ambiguities about which list to execute.
3983
3984@kindex silent
3985If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
3986usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
3987be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
3988then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
3989see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
3990meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
3991
3992The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
3993print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
3994breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
3995
3996For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
3997value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
3998
3999@smallexample
4000break foo if x>0
4001commands
4002silent
4003printf "x is %d\n",x
4004cont
4005end
4006@end smallexample
4007
4008One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4009you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4010of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4011erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4012to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4013so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4014command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4015
4016@smallexample
4017break 403
4018commands
4019silent
4020set x = y + 4
4021cont
4022end
4023@end smallexample
4024
4025@c @ifclear BARETARGET
4026@node Error in Breakpoints
4027@subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4028
4029If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4030watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4031
4032@c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4033@c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4034@smallexample
4035Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4036You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4037@end smallexample
4038
4039@noindent
4040This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4041only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4042watchpoints it needs to insert.
4043
4044When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4045hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4046
4047@node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4048@subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4049@cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4050
4051Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4052which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4053@value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4054with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4055
4056One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4057a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4058bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4059constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4060bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4061honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4062first in the bundle.
4063
4064It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4065instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4066a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4067another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4068breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4069printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4070is hit.
4071
4072A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4073that's been subject to address adjustment:
4074
4075@smallexample
4076warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4077@end smallexample
4078
4079Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4080internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4081verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4082desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4083other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4084E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4085instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4086cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4087
4088@value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4089adjusted breakpoints:
4090
4091@smallexample
4092warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4093to 0x00010410.
4094@end smallexample
4095
4096When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4097action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4098frequently than expected.
4099
4100@node Continuing and Stepping
4101@section Continuing and Stepping
4102
4103@cindex stepping
4104@cindex continuing
4105@cindex resuming execution
4106@dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4107completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4108one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4109line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4110particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4111your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4112it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4113@samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4114
4115@table @code
4116@kindex continue
4117@kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4118@kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4119@item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4120@itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4121@itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4122Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4123any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4124@var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4125ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4126@code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4127
4128The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4129stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4130@code{continue} is ignored.
4131
4132The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4133debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4134purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4135@code{continue}.
4136@end table
4137
4138To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4139(@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4140calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4141Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4142
4143A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4144(@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4145beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4146is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4147and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4148interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4149
4150@table @code
4151@kindex step
4152@kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4153@item step
4154Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4155line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4156abbreviated @code{s}.
4157
4158@quotation
4159@c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4160@c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4161@c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4162@c distinction here.
4163@emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4164within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4165execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4166debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4167is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4168without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4169below.
4170@end quotation
4171
4172The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4173line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4174@code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4175to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4176the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4177called within the line.
4178
4179Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4180number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4181@code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4182on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4183was any debugging information about the routine.
4184
4185@item step @var{count}
4186Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4187breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4188@var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4189
4190@kindex next
4191@kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4192@item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4193Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4194This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4195the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4196control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4197that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4198is abbreviated @code{n}.
4199
4200An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4201
4202
4203@c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4204@c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4205@c
4206@c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4207@c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4208@c function are executed without stopping.
4209
4210The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4211source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4212@code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4213
4214@kindex set step-mode
4215@item set step-mode
4216@cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4217@cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4218@itemx set step-mode on
4219The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4220stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4221information rather than stepping over it.
4222
4223This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4224machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4225want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4226
4227@item set step-mode off
4228Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4229debug information. This is the default.
4230
4231@item show step-mode
4232Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4233source line debug information.
4234
4235@kindex finish
4236@kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4237@item finish
4238Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4239returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4240abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4241
4242Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4243,Returning from a Function}).
4244
4245@kindex until
4246@kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4247@cindex run until specified location
4248@item until
4249@itemx u
4250Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4251current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4252stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4253command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4254automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4255than the address of the jump.
4256
4257This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4258though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4259exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4260simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4261through the next iteration.
4262
4263@code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4264stack frame.
4265
4266@code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4267of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4268example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4269(@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4270@code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4271
4272@smallexample
4273(@value{GDBP}) f
4274#0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4275206 expand_input();
4276(@value{GDBP}) until
4277195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4278@end smallexample
4279
4280This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4281generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4282start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4283written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4284to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4285expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4286statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4287
4288@code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4289instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4290argument.
4291
4292@item until @var{location}
4293@itemx u @var{location}
4294Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4295reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4296the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4297This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4298hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4299location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4300implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4301invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4302line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4303line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4304invocations have returned.
4305
4306@smallexample
430794 int factorial (int value)
430895 @{
430996 if (value > 1) @{
431097 value *= factorial (value - 1);
431198 @}
431299 return (value);
4313100 @}
4314@end smallexample
4315
4316
4317@kindex advance @var{location}
4318@itemx advance @var{location}
4319Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4320required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4321@ref{Specify Location}.
4322Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4323frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4324not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4325have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4326
4327
4328@kindex stepi
4329@kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4330@item stepi
4331@itemx stepi @var{arg}
4332@itemx si
4333Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4334
4335It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4336instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4337instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4338Display,, Automatic Display}.
4339
4340An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4341
4342@need 750
4343@kindex nexti
4344@kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4345@item nexti
4346@itemx nexti @var{arg}
4347@itemx ni
4348Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4349proceed until the function returns.
4350
4351An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4352@end table
4353
4354@node Signals
4355@section Signals
4356@cindex signals
4357
4358A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4359operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4360kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4361signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4362@code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4363memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4364the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4365requested an alarm).
4366
4367@cindex fatal signals
4368Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4369functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4370errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4371program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4372@code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4373fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4374
4375@value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4376program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4377signal.
4378
4379@cindex handling signals
4380Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4381@code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4382(so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4383but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4384You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4385
4386@table @code
4387@kindex info signals
4388@kindex info handle
4389@item info signals
4390@itemx info handle
4391Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4392handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4393the defined types of signals.
4394
4395@item info signals @var{sig}
4396Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4397
4398@code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4399
4400@kindex handle
4401@item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4402Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4403can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4404@samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4405@samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4406known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4407say what change to make.
4408@end table
4409
4410@c @group
4411The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4412Their full names are:
4413
4414@table @code
4415@item nostop
4416@value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4417still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4418
4419@item stop
4420@value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4421the @code{print} keyword as well.
4422
4423@item print
4424@value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4425
4426@item noprint
4427@value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4428implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4429
4430@item pass
4431@itemx noignore
4432@value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4433can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4434and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4435
4436@item nopass
4437@itemx ignore
4438@value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4439@code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4440@end table
4441@c @end group
4442
4443When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4444program until you
4445continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4446effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4447after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4448command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4449program sees that signal when you continue.
4450
4451The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4452non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4453@code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4454erroneous signals.
4455
4456You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4457seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4458or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4459due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4460values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4461execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4462a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4463you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4464Program a Signal}.
4465
4466@node Thread Stops
4467@section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
4468
4469@cindex stopped threads
4470@cindex threads, stopped
4471
4472@cindex continuing threads
4473@cindex threads, continuing
4474
4475@value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
4476(@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
4477are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
4478debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
4479when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
4480or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
4481@value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
4482@dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
4483you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
4484
4485@menu
4486* All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
4487* Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
4488* Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
4489* Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
4490* Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
4491@end menu
4492
4493@node All-Stop Mode
4494@subsection All-Stop Mode
4495
4496@cindex all-stop mode
4497
4498In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
4499@emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
4500allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
4501switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
4502underfoot.
4503
4504Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
4505executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
4506like @code{step} or @code{next}.
4507
4508In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
4509Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
4510system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
4511execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
4512single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
4513statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
4514stops.
4515
4516You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
4517continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
4518thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
4519first thread completes whatever you requested.
4520
4521@cindex automatic thread selection
4522@cindex switching threads automatically
4523@cindex threads, automatic switching
4524Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
4525signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
4526signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
4527message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
4528thread.
4529
4530On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
4531locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
4532
4533@table @code
4534@item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
4535@cindex scheduler locking mode
4536@cindex lock scheduler
4537Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
4538locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
4539current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
4540mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
4541from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
4542the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
4543Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
4544when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
4545function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
4546like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
4547thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
4548the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
4549
4550@item show scheduler-locking
4551Display the current scheduler locking mode.
4552@end table
4553
4554@node Non-Stop Mode
4555@subsection Non-Stop Mode
4556
4557@cindex non-stop mode
4558
4559@c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
4560@c with more details.
4561
4562For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
4563mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
4564the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
4565minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
4566where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
4567respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
4568
4569In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
4570@emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
4571threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
4572execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
4573only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
4574in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
4575ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
4576one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
4577one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
4578independently and simultaneously.
4579
4580To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
4581or attach to your program:
4582
4583@smallexample
4584# Enable the async interface.
4585set target-async 1
4586
4587# If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
4588set pagination off
4589
4590# Finally, turn it on!
4591set non-stop on
4592@end smallexample
4593
4594You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
4595
4596@table @code
4597@kindex set non-stop
4598@item set non-stop on
4599Enable selection of non-stop mode.
4600@item set non-stop off
4601Disable selection of non-stop mode.
4602@kindex show non-stop
4603@item show non-stop
4604Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
4605@end table
4606
4607Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
4608not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
4609In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
4610@value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
4611not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
4612since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
4613non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
4614default.
4615
4616In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
4617by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
4618To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
4619
4620You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
4621(@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
4622while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
4623The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
4624always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
4625
4626Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
4627running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
4628In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
4629but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
4630To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
4631
4632Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
4633
4634In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
4635that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
4636thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
4637command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
4638changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
4639previously current thread.
4640
4641@node Background Execution
4642@subsection Background Execution
4643
4644@cindex foreground execution
4645@cindex background execution
4646@cindex asynchronous execution
4647@cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
4648
4649@value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
4650foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
4651(asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
4652the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
4653another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
4654a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
4655
4656To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
4657the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
4658just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
4659are:
4660
4661@table @code
4662@kindex run&
4663@item run
4664@xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
4665
4666@item attach
4667@kindex attach&
4668@xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
4669
4670@item step
4671@kindex step&
4672@xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
4673
4674@item stepi
4675@kindex stepi&
4676@xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
4677
4678@item next
4679@kindex next&
4680@xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
4681
4682@item nexti
4683@kindex nexti&
4684@xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
4685
4686@item continue
4687@kindex continue&
4688@xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
4689
4690@item finish
4691@kindex finish&
4692@xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
4693
4694@item until
4695@kindex until&
4696@xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
4697
4698@end table
4699
4700Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
4701mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
4702However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
4703the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
4704previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
4705mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
4706
4707You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
4708using the @code{interrupt} command.
4709
4710@table @code
4711@kindex interrupt
4712@item interrupt
4713@itemx interrupt -a
4714
4715Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
4716@code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
4717only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
4718use @code{interrupt -a}.
4719@end table
4720
4721You may need to explicitly enable async mode before you can use background
4722execution commands, with the @code{set target-async 1} command. If the
4723target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error message
4724if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
4725
4726@node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4727@subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4728
4729When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
4730Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
4731breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
4732
4733@table @code
4734@cindex breakpoints and threads
4735@cindex thread breakpoints
4736@kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
4737@item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
4738@itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
4739@var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
4740writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
4741specify some source line.
4742
4743Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
4744to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
4745particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
4746numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
4747column of the @samp{info threads} display.
4748
4749If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
4750breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
4751program.
4752
4753You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
4754well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before the
4755breakpoint condition, like this:
4756
4757@smallexample
4758(@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
4759@end smallexample
4760
4761@end table
4762
4763@node Interrupted System Calls
4764@subsection Interrupted System Calls
4765
4766@cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
4767@cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
4768@cindex premature return from system calls
4769There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
4770multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
4771breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
4772system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
4773consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
4774that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
4775stop execution.
4776
4777To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
4778each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
4779style anyways.
4780
4781For example, do not write code like this:
4782
4783@smallexample
4784 sleep (10);
4785@end smallexample
4786
4787The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
4788at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
4789
4790Instead, write this:
4791
4792@smallexample
4793 int unslept = 10;
4794 while (unslept > 0)
4795 unslept = sleep (unslept);
4796@end smallexample
4797
4798A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
4799conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
4800multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
4801@value{GDBN}.
4802
4803Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
4804monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
4805When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
4806prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
4807
4808
4809@node Reverse Execution
4810@chapter Running programs backward
4811@cindex reverse execution
4812@cindex running programs backward
4813
4814When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
4815you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
4816If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
4817``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
4818
4819A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
4820to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
4821program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
4822revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
4823deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
4824all target environments can support reverse execution.
4825
4826When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
4827have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
4828order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
4829thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
4830the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
4831instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
4832a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
4833should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
4834prior values@footnote{
4835Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
4836memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
4837targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
4838
4839The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
4840requires only that the target do something reasonable when
4841@value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
4842results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
4843@value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
4844assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
4845consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
4846}.
4847
4848If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
4849reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
4850
4851@table @code
4852@kindex reverse-continue
4853@kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
4854@item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4855@itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4856Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
4857in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
4858exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
4859asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
4860
4861@kindex reverse-step
4862@kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
4863@item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4864Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
4865different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
4866
4867Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
4868at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
4869executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
4870debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
4871the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
4872statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
4873
4874Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
4875called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
4876
4877@kindex reverse-stepi
4878@kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
4879@item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4880Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
4881to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
4882counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
4883if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
4884back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
4885
4886@kindex reverse-next
4887@kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
4888@item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4889Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
4890the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
4891calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
4892the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
4893to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
4894just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
4895line of a function back to its return to its caller
4896@footnote{Unles the code is too heavily optimized.}.
4897
4898@kindex reverse-nexti
4899@kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
4900@item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4901Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
4902in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
4903That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
4904another instruction, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
4905in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
4906frame) is reached.
4907
4908@kindex reverse-finish
4909@item reverse-finish
4910Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
4911current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
4912where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
4913function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
4914
4915@kindex set exec-direction
4916@item set exec-direction
4917Set the direction of target execution.
4918@itemx set exec-direction reverse
4919@cindex execute forward or backward in time
4920@value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
4921exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
4922@code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
4923command cannot be used in reverse mode.
4924@item set exec-direction forward
4925@value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
4926This is the default.
4927@end table
4928
4929
4930@node Stack
4931@chapter Examining the Stack
4932
4933When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
4934stopped and how it got there.
4935
4936@cindex call stack
4937Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
4938is generated.
4939That information includes the location of the call in your program,
4940the arguments of the call,
4941and the local variables of the function being called.
4942The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
4943The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
4944stack}.
4945
4946When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
4947stack allow you to see all of this information.
4948
4949@cindex selected frame
4950One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
4951@value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
4952particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
4953your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
4954special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
4955interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
4956
4957When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
4958currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
4959@code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
4960
4961@menu
4962* Frames:: Stack frames
4963* Backtrace:: Backtraces
4964* Selection:: Selecting a frame
4965* Frame Info:: Information on a frame
4966
4967@end menu
4968
4969@node Frames
4970@section Stack Frames
4971
4972@cindex frame, definition
4973@cindex stack frame
4974The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
4975frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
4976with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
4977to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
4978which the function is executing.
4979
4980@cindex initial frame
4981@cindex outermost frame
4982@cindex innermost frame
4983When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
4984function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
4985@dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
4986made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
4987is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
4988the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
4989actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
4990recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
4991
4992@cindex frame pointer
4993Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
4994stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
4995kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
4996address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
4997in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
4998(@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
4999
5000@cindex frame number
5001@value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5002zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5003and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5004they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5005frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5006
5007@c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5008@c underflow problems.
5009@cindex frameless execution
5010Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5011without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5012@smallexample
5013@samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5014@end smallexample
5015generates functions without a frame.)
5016This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5017the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5018with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5019has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5020it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5021correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5022no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5023
5024@table @code
5025@kindex frame@r{, command}
5026@cindex current stack frame
5027@item frame @var{args}
5028The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5029and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5030address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5031@code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5032
5033@kindex select-frame
5034@cindex selecting frame silently
5035@item select-frame
5036The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5037to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5038@code{frame}.
5039@end table
5040
5041@node Backtrace
5042@section Backtraces
5043
5044@cindex traceback
5045@cindex call stack traces
5046A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5047line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5048frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5049stack.
5050
5051@table @code
5052@kindex backtrace
5053@kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5054@item backtrace
5055@itemx bt
5056Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5057frames in the stack.
5058
5059You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5060character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5061
5062@item backtrace @var{n}
5063@itemx bt @var{n}
5064Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5065
5066@item backtrace -@var{n}
5067@itemx bt -@var{n}
5068Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5069
5070@item backtrace full
5071@itemx bt full
5072@itemx bt full @var{n}
5073@itemx bt full -@var{n}
5074Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5075number of frames to print, as described above.
5076@end table
5077
5078@kindex where
5079@kindex info stack
5080The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5081are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5082
5083@cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5084In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5085backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5086several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5087(@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5088apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5089the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5090multi-threaded program.
5091
5092Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5093The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5094print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5095line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5096counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5097line number.
5098
5099Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5100@samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5101
5102@smallexample
5103@group
5104#0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5105 at builtin.c:993
5106#1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600) at macro.c:242
5107#2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5108 at macro.c:71
5109(More stack frames follow...)
5110@end group
5111@end smallexample
5112
5113@noindent
5114The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5115value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5116code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5117
5118@cindex value optimized out, in backtrace
5119@cindex function call arguments, optimized out
5120If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
5121optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
5122never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
5123passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
5124in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
5125arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
5126such a backtrace might look like:
5127
5128@smallexample
5129@group
5130#0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5131 at builtin.c:993
5132#1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<value optimized out>) at macro.c:242
5133#2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<value optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
5134 at macro.c:71
5135(More stack frames follow...)
5136@end group
5137@end smallexample
5138
5139@noindent
5140The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
5141shown as @samp{<value optimized out>}.
5142
5143If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
5144either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
5145you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
5146
5147@cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
5148@cindex program entry point
5149@cindex startup code, and backtrace
5150Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
5151libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
5152@code{main}@footnote{
5153Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
5154environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
5155entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
5156When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
5157it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
5158system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
5159
5160If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
5161in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
5162
5163@table @code
5164@item set backtrace past-main
5165@itemx set backtrace past-main on
5166@kindex set backtrace
5167Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
5168
5169@item set backtrace past-main off
5170Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
5171default.
5172
5173@item show backtrace past-main
5174@kindex show backtrace
5175Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
5176
5177@item set backtrace past-entry
5178@itemx set backtrace past-entry on
5179Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
5180This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
5181and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
5182
5183@item set backtrace past-entry off
5184Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
5185application. This is the default.
5186
5187@item show backtrace past-entry
5188Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
5189
5190@item set backtrace limit @var{n}
5191@itemx set backtrace limit 0
5192@cindex backtrace limit
5193Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
5194unlimited.
5195
5196@item show backtrace limit
5197Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
5198@end table
5199
5200@node Selection
5201@section Selecting a Frame
5202
5203Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
5204whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
5205selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
5206of the stack frame just selected.
5207
5208@table @code
5209@kindex frame@r{, selecting}
5210@kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
5211@item frame @var{n}
5212@itemx f @var{n}
5213Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
5214(currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
5215innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
5216@code{main}.
5217
5218@item frame @var{addr}
5219@itemx f @var{addr}
5220Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
5221chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
5222impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
5223addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
5224switches between them.
5225
5226On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
5227select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
5228
5229On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
5230pointer and a program counter.
5231
5232On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
5233pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
5234
5235@kindex up
5236@item up @var{n}
5237Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5238advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
5239that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
5240
5241@kindex down
5242@kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
5243@item down @var{n}
5244Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5245advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
5246that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
5247abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
5248@end table
5249
5250All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
5251frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
5252arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
5253frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
5254
5255@need 1000
5256For example:
5257
5258@smallexample
5259@group
5260(@value{GDBP}) up
5261#1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
5262 at env.c:10
526310 read_input_file (argv[i]);
5264@end group
5265@end smallexample
5266
5267After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
5268prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
5269You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
5270editing program by typing @code{edit}.
5271@xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
5272for details.
5273
5274@table @code
5275@kindex down-silently
5276@kindex up-silently
5277@item up-silently @var{n}
5278@itemx down-silently @var{n}
5279These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
5280respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
5281causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
5282in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
5283distracting.
5284@end table
5285
5286@node Frame Info
5287@section Information About a Frame
5288
5289There are several other commands to print information about the selected
5290stack frame.
5291
5292@table @code
5293@item frame
5294@itemx f
5295When used without any argument, this command does not change which
5296frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
5297selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
5298argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
5299@xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5300
5301@kindex info frame
5302@kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
5303@item info frame
5304@itemx info f
5305This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
5306including:
5307
5308@itemize @bullet
5309@item
5310the address of the frame
5311@item
5312the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
5313@item
5314the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
5315@item
5316the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
5317@item
5318the address of the frame's arguments
5319@item
5320the address of the frame's local variables
5321@item
5322the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
5323@item
5324which registers were saved in the frame
5325@end itemize
5326
5327@noindent The verbose description is useful when
5328something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
5329the usual conventions.
5330
5331@item info frame @var{addr}
5332@itemx info f @var{addr}
5333Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
5334selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
5335command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
5336architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
5337@xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5338
5339@kindex info args
5340@item info args
5341Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
5342
5343@item info locals
5344@kindex info locals
5345Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
5346line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
5347accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
5348
5349@kindex info catch
5350@cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
5351@cindex exception handlers, how to list
5352@item info catch
5353Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
5354current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
5355exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
5356@code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
5357@xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
5358
5359@end table
5360
5361
5362@node Source
5363@chapter Examining Source Files
5364
5365@value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
5366information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
5367used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
5368the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
5369(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
5370execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
5371source files by explicit command.
5372
5373If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
5374prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
5375@value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
5376
5377@menu
5378* List:: Printing source lines
5379* Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
5380* Edit:: Editing source files
5381* Search:: Searching source files
5382* Source Path:: Specifying source directories
5383* Machine Code:: Source and machine code
5384@end menu
5385
5386@node List
5387@section Printing Source Lines
5388
5389@kindex list
5390@kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
5391To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
5392(abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
5393There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
5394print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
5395
5396Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
5397
5398@table @code
5399@item list @var{linenum}
5400Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
5401current source file.
5402
5403@item list @var{function}
5404Print lines centered around the beginning of function
5405@var{function}.
5406
5407@item list
5408Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
5409@code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
5410printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
5411as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
5412Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
5413
5414@item list -
5415Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5416@end table
5417
5418@cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
5419By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
5420the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
5421
5422@table @code
5423@kindex set listsize
5424@item set listsize @var{count}
5425Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
5426the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
5427
5428@kindex show listsize
5429@item show listsize
5430Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
5431@end table
5432
5433Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
5434so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
5435than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
5436argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
5437each repetition moves up in the source file.
5438
5439In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
5440@dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
5441of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
5442to specify some source line.
5443
5444Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
5445
5446@table @code
5447@item list @var{linespec}
5448Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
5449
5450@item list @var{first},@var{last}
5451Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
5452linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
5453source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
5454the same source file as the first linespec.
5455
5456@item list ,@var{last}
5457Print lines ending with @var{last}.
5458
5459@item list @var{first},
5460Print lines starting with @var{first}.
5461
5462@item list +
5463Print lines just after the lines last printed.
5464
5465@item list -
5466Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5467
5468@item list
5469As described in the preceding table.
5470@end table
5471
5472@node Specify Location
5473@section Specifying a Location
5474@cindex specifying location
5475@cindex linespec
5476
5477Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
5478of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
5479debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
5480for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
5481
5482Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
5483@value{GDBN} understands:
5484
5485@table @code
5486@item @var{linenum}
5487Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
5488
5489@item -@var{offset}
5490@itemx +@var{offset}
5491Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
5492line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
5493printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
5494execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
5495(@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
5496used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
5497this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
5498linespec.
5499
5500@item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
5501Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
5502
5503@item @var{function}
5504Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
5505For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
5506
5507@item @var{filename}:@var{function}
5508Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
5509in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
5510function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
5511functions in different source files.
5512
5513@item *@var{address}
5514Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
5515commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
5516line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
5517breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
5518parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
5519source files.
5520
5521Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
5522language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
5523address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
5524semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
5525that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
5526of @var{address}:
5527
5528@table @code
5529@item @var{expression}
5530Any expression valid in the current working language.
5531
5532@item @var{funcaddr}
5533An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
5534C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
5535simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
5536of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
5537@code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
5538(although the Pascal form also works).
5539
5540This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
5541before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
5542
5543@item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
5544Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
5545file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
5546specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
5547functions with identical names in different source files.
5548@end table
5549
5550@end table
5551
5552
5553@node Edit
5554@section Editing Source Files
5555@cindex editing source files
5556
5557@kindex edit
5558@kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
5559To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
5560The editing program of your choice
5561is invoked with the current line set to
5562the active line in the program.
5563Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
5564want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
5565
5566@table @code
5567@item edit @var{location}
5568Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
5569that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
5570specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
5571of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
5572command most commonly used:
5573
5574@table @code
5575@item edit @var{number}
5576Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
5577
5578@item edit @var{function}
5579Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
5580@end table
5581
5582@end table
5583
5584@subsection Choosing your Editor
5585You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
5586@footnote{
5587The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
5588following command-line syntax:
5589@smallexample
5590ex +@var{number} file
5591@end smallexample
5592The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
5593the file where to start editing.}.
5594By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
5595by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
5596@value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
5597@code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
5598@smallexample
5599EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
5600export EDITOR
5601gdb @dots{}
5602@end smallexample
5603or in the @code{csh} shell,
5604@smallexample
5605setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
5606gdb @dots{}
5607@end smallexample
5608
5609@node Search
5610@section Searching Source Files
5611@cindex searching source files
5612
5613There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
5614regular expression.
5615
5616@table @code
5617@kindex search
5618@kindex forward-search
5619@item forward-search @var{regexp}
5620@itemx search @var{regexp}
5621The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
5622starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
5623@var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
5624synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
5625@code{fo}.
5626
5627@kindex reverse-search
5628@item reverse-search @var{regexp}
5629The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
5630with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
5631for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
5632this command as @code{rev}.
5633@end table
5634
5635@node Source Path
5636@section Specifying Source Directories
5637
5638@cindex source path
5639@cindex directories for source files
5640Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
5641files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
5642the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
5643session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
5644this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
5645it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
5646in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
5647
5648For example, suppose an executable references the file
5649@file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
5650@file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
5651fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
5652fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
5653message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
5654source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
5655Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
5656the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
5657@file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
5658@file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
5659
5660Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
5661names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
5662instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
5663is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
5664@file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
5665that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
5666
5667Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
5668source files.
5669
5670Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
5671any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
5672each line is in the file.
5673
5674@kindex directory
5675@kindex dir
5676When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
5677and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
5678To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
5679
5680The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
5681script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
5682
5683In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
5684that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
5685rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
5686debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
5687directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
5688two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
5689the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
5690In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
5691@var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
5692of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
5693source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
5694name to look up the sources.
5695
5696Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
5697moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
5698@value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
5699@file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
5700@file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
5701of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
5702substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
5703(@pxref{set substitute-path}).
5704
5705To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
5706@var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
5707For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
5708@file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
5709not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
5710is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
5711not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
5712
5713In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
5714command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
5715the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
5716subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
5717subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
5718preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
5719allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
5720command.
5721
5722@code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
5723The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
5724longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
5725the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
5726for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
5727located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
5728method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
5729
5730@table @code
5731@item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
5732@item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
5733Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
5734directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
5735(@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
5736part of absolute file names) or
5737whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
5738path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
5739
5740@kindex cdir
5741@kindex cwd
5742@vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
5743@vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
5744@cindex compilation directory
5745@cindex current directory
5746@cindex working directory
5747@cindex directory, current
5748@cindex directory, compilation
5749You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
5750directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
5751working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
5752tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
5753session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
5754directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
5755
5756@item directory
5757Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
5758
5759@c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
5760@c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
5761
5762@item show directories
5763@kindex show directories
5764Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
5765
5766@anchor{set substitute-path}
5767@item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
5768@kindex set substitute-path
5769Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
5770current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
5771@var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
5772
5773For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
5774@file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
5775
5776@smallexample
5777(@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
5778@end smallexample
5779
5780@noindent
5781will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
5782@samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
5783@file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
5784
5785In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
5786the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
5787defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
5788the substitution.
5789
5790For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
5791
5792@smallexample
5793(@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
5794(@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
5795@end smallexample
5796
5797@noindent
5798@value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
5799@file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
5800use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
5801@file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
5802
5803
5804@item unset substitute-path [path]
5805@kindex unset substitute-path
5806If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
5807for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
5808A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
5809
5810If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
5811
5812@item show substitute-path [path]
5813@kindex show substitute-path
5814If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
5815which would rewrite that path, if any.
5816
5817If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
5818rules.
5819
5820@end table
5821
5822If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
5823interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
5824versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
5825
5826@enumerate
5827@item
5828Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
5829
5830@item
5831Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
5832directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
5833directories in one command.
5834@end enumerate
5835
5836@node Machine Code
5837@section Source and Machine Code
5838@cindex source line and its code address
5839
5840You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
5841addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
5842a range of addresses as machine instructions. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
5843mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
5844line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
5845well as hex.
5846
5847@table @code
5848@kindex info line
5849@item info line @var{linespec}
5850Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
5851source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
5852the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
5853@end table
5854
5855For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
5856the object code for the first line of function
5857@code{m4_changequote}:
5858
5859@c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
5860@c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
5861@smallexample
5862(@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
5863Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
5864@end smallexample
5865
5866@noindent
5867@cindex code address and its source line
5868We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
5869@var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
5870@smallexample
5871(@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
5872Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
5873@end smallexample
5874
5875@cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
5876@cindex @code{x} command, default address
5877@kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
5878After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
5879is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
5880sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
5881,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
5882convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
5883Variables}).
5884
5885@table @code
5886@kindex disassemble
5887@cindex assembly instructions
5888@cindex instructions, assembly
5889@cindex machine instructions
5890@cindex listing machine instructions
5891@item disassemble
5892@itemx disassemble /m
5893This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
5894instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
5895the @code{/m} modifier.
5896The default memory range is the function surrounding the
5897program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
5898command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
5899surrounding this value. Two arguments specify a range of addresses
5900(first inclusive, second exclusive) to dump.
5901@end table
5902
5903The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
5904HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
5905
5906@smallexample
5907(@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4 0x32e4
5908Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
59090x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
59100x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
59110x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
59120x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
59130x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
59140x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
59150x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
59160x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
5917End of assembler dump.
5918@end smallexample
5919
5920Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86:
5921
5922@smallexample
5923(@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
5924Dump of assembler code for function main:
59255 @{
59260x08048330 <main+0>: push %ebp
59270x08048331 <main+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
59280x08048333 <main+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
59290x08048336 <main+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
59300x08048339 <main+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
5931
59326 printf ("Hello.\n");
59330x0804833c <main+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
59340x08048343 <main+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
5935
59367 return 0;
59378 @}
59380x08048348 <main+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
59390x0804834d <main+29>: leave
59400x0804834e <main+30>: ret
5941
5942End of assembler dump.
5943@end smallexample
5944
5945Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
5946mnemonics or other syntax.
5947
5948For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
5949instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
5950libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
5951location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
5952might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
5953
5954@table @code
5955@kindex set disassembly-flavor
5956@cindex Intel disassembly flavor
5957@cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
5958@item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
5959Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
5960program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
5961
5962Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
5963can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
5964The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
5965assemblers for x86-based targets.
5966
5967@kindex show disassembly-flavor
5968@item show disassembly-flavor
5969Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
5970@end table
5971
5972
5973@node Data
5974@chapter Examining Data
5975
5976@cindex printing data
5977@cindex examining data
5978@kindex print
5979@kindex inspect
5980@c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
5981@c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
5982@c different window or something like that.
5983The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
5984command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
5985evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
5986program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
5987Different Languages}).
5988
5989@table @code
5990@item print @var{expr}
5991@itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
5992@var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
5993value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
5994you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
5995@var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
5996Formats}.
5997
5998@item print
5999@itemx print /@var{f}
6000@cindex reprint the last value
6001If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6002@dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6003conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6004@end table
6005
6006A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6007It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6008specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6009
6010If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6011fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6012command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6013Table}.
6014
6015@menu
6016* Expressions:: Expressions
6017* Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6018* Variables:: Program variables
6019* Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6020* Output Formats:: Output formats
6021* Memory:: Examining memory
6022* Auto Display:: Automatic display
6023* Print Settings:: Print settings
6024* Value History:: Value history
6025* Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6026* Registers:: Registers
6027* Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6028* Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
6029* OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
6030* Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
6031* Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
6032* Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
6033* Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
6034 character set than GDB does
6035* Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
6036* Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
6037@end menu
6038
6039@node Expressions
6040@section Expressions
6041
6042@cindex expressions
6043@code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
6044compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
6045by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
6046@value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
6047casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
6048you compiled your program to include this information; see
6049@ref{Compilation}.
6050
6051@cindex arrays in expressions
6052@value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
6053the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
6054you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
6055of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
6056to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
6057is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
6058
6059Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
6060this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
6061Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
6062languages.
6063
6064In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
6065expressions regardless of your programming language.
6066
6067@cindex casts, in expressions
6068Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
6069useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
6070at that address in memory.
6071@c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
6072
6073@value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
6074to programming languages:
6075
6076@table @code
6077@item @@
6078@samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
6079@xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
6080
6081@item ::
6082@samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
6083function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
6084
6085@cindex @{@var{type}@}
6086@cindex type casting memory
6087@cindex memory, viewing as typed object
6088@cindex casts, to view memory
6089@item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
6090Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
6091memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
6092pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
6093a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
6094normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
6095@end table
6096
6097@node Ambiguous Expressions
6098@section Ambiguous Expressions
6099@cindex ambiguous expressions
6100
6101Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
6102some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
6103a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
6104different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
6105involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
6106templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
6107the same function name being defined in different contexts.
6108
6109In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
6110the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
6111can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
6112@kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
6113qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
6114as well.
6115
6116When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
6117has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
6118possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
6119The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
6120aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
6121used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
6122menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
6123choices.
6124
6125For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
6126breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
6127We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
6128
6129@c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
6130@smallexample
6131@group
6132(@value{GDBP}) b String::after
6133[0] cancel
6134[1] all
6135[2] file:String.cc; line number:867
6136[3] file:String.cc; line number:860
6137[4] file:String.cc; line number:875
6138[5] file:String.cc; line number:853
6139[6] file:String.cc; line number:846
6140[7] file:String.cc; line number:735
6141> 2 4 6
6142Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
6143Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
6144Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
6145Multiple breakpoints were set.
6146Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
6147 breakpoints.
6148(@value{GDBP})
6149@end group
6150@end smallexample
6151
6152@table @code
6153@kindex set multiple-symbols
6154@item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
6155@cindex multiple-symbols menu
6156
6157This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
6158is ambiguous.
6159
6160By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
6161the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
6162automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
6163a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
6164inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
6165then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
6166For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
6167in the use of the menu.
6168
6169When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
6170when an ambiguity is detected.
6171
6172Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
6173an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
6174
6175@kindex show multiple-symbols
6176@item show multiple-symbols
6177Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
6178@end table
6179
6180@node Variables
6181@section Program Variables
6182
6183The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
6184in your program.
6185
6186Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
6187(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
6188
6189@itemize @bullet
6190@item
6191global (or file-static)
6192@end itemize
6193
6194@noindent or
6195
6196@itemize @bullet
6197@item
6198visible according to the scope rules of the
6199programming language from the point of execution in that frame
6200@end itemize
6201
6202@noindent This means that in the function
6203
6204@smallexample
6205foo (a)
6206 int a;
6207@{
6208 bar (a);
6209 @{
6210 int b = test ();
6211 bar (b);
6212 @}
6213@}
6214@end smallexample
6215
6216@noindent
6217you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
6218executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
6219examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
6220the block where @code{b} is declared.
6221
6222@cindex variable name conflict
6223There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
6224scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
6225in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
6226function with the same name (in different source files). If that
6227happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
6228you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
6229using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
6230
6231@cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
6232@ifnotinfo
6233@c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
6234@cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
6235@end ifnotinfo
6236@smallexample
6237@var{file}::@var{variable}
6238@var{function}::@var{variable}
6239@end smallexample
6240
6241@noindent
6242Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
6243static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
6244make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
6245to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
6246
6247@smallexample
6248(@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
6249@end smallexample
6250
6251@cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
6252This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
6253use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
6254scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
6255@c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
6256@c conflict?? --mew
6257
6258@cindex wrong values
6259@cindex variable values, wrong
6260@cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
6261@cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
6262@quotation
6263@emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
6264wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
6265scope, and just before exit.
6266@end quotation
6267You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
6268This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
6269set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
6270stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
6271values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
6272also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
6273after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
6274variable definitions may be gone.
6275
6276This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
6277To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
6278when compiling.
6279
6280@cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
6281Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
6282unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
6283opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
6284offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
6285might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
6286happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
6287
6288@smallexample
6289No symbol "foo" in current context.
6290@end smallexample
6291
6292To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
6293different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
6294formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
6295usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
6296produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
6297COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
6298an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
6299for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
6300Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
6301@xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
6302that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
6303
6304If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
6305@value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
6306by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
6307type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
6308
6309Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
6310signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
6311printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
6312@code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
6313defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
6314For program code
6315
6316@smallexample
6317char var0[] = "A";
6318signed char var1[] = "A";
6319@end smallexample
6320
6321You get during debugging
6322@smallexample
6323(gdb) print var0
6324$1 = "A"
6325(gdb) print var1
6326$2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
6327@end smallexample
6328
6329@node Arrays
6330@section Artificial Arrays
6331
6332@cindex artificial array
6333@cindex arrays
6334@kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
6335It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
6336same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
6337dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
6338program.
6339
6340You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
6341@dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
6342operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
6343and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
6344of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
6345the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
6346argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
6347following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
6348example. If a program says
6349
6350@smallexample
6351int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
6352@end smallexample
6353
6354@noindent
6355you can print the contents of @code{array} with
6356
6357@smallexample
6358p *array@@len
6359@end smallexample
6360
6361The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
6362with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
6363subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
6364Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
6365(@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
6366
6367Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
6368This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
6369The value need not be in memory:
6370@smallexample
6371(@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
6372$1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6373@end smallexample
6374
6375As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
6376@samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
6377the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
6378@smallexample
6379(@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
6380$2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6381@end smallexample
6382
6383Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
6384moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
6385actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
6386of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
6387to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6388Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
6389interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
6390instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
6391structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
6392in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
6393
6394@smallexample
6395set $i = 0
6396p dtab[$i++]->fv
6397@key{RET}
6398@key{RET}
6399@dots{}
6400@end smallexample
6401
6402@node Output Formats
6403@section Output Formats
6404
6405@cindex formatted output
6406@cindex output formats
6407By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
6408this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
6409in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
6410at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
6411these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
6412
6413The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
6414already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
6415@code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
6416letters supported are:
6417
6418@table @code
6419@item x
6420Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
6421hexadecimal.
6422
6423@item d
6424Print as integer in signed decimal.
6425
6426@item u
6427Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
6428
6429@item o
6430Print as integer in octal.
6431
6432@item t
6433Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
6434@footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
6435used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
6436see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
6437
6438@item a
6439@cindex unknown address, locating
6440@cindex locate address
6441Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
6442the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
6443where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
6444
6445@smallexample
6446(@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
6447$3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
6448@end smallexample
6449
6450@noindent
6451The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
6452@xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
6453
6454@item c
6455Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
6456prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
6457character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
6458for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
6459
6460Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
6461@w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
6462constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
6463data.
6464
6465@item f
6466Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
6467using typical floating point syntax.
6468
6469@item s
6470@cindex printing strings
6471@cindex printing byte arrays
6472Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
6473data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
6474are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
6475natural types.
6476
6477Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
6478@code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
6479strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
6480array.
6481@end table
6482
6483For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
6484
6485@smallexample
6486p/x $pc
6487@end smallexample
6488
6489@noindent
6490Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
6491names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
6492
6493To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
6494you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
6495expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
6496
6497@node Memory
6498@section Examining Memory
6499
6500You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
6501any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
6502
6503@cindex examining memory
6504@table @code
6505@kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
6506@item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
6507@itemx x @var{addr}
6508@itemx x
6509Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
6510@end table
6511
6512@var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
6513much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
6514expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
6515If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
6516Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
6517
6518@table @r
6519@item @var{n}, the repeat count
6520The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
6521how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
6522@c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
6523@c 4.1.2.
6524
6525@item @var{f}, the display format
6526The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
6527(@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
6528@samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
6529The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
6530each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
6531
6532@item @var{u}, the unit size
6533The unit size is any of
6534
6535@table @code
6536@item b
6537Bytes.
6538@item h
6539Halfwords (two bytes).
6540@item w
6541Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
6542@item g
6543Giant words (eight bytes).
6544@end table
6545
6546Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
6547default unit the next time you use @code{x}. (For the @samp{s} and
6548@samp{i} formats, the unit size is ignored and is normally not written.)
6549
6550@item @var{addr}, starting display address
6551@var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
6552memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
6553it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
6554@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
6555@var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
6556other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
6557the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
6558starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
6559a value from memory).
6560@end table
6561
6562For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
6563(@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
6564starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
6565words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
6566@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
6567
6568Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
6569letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
6570unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
6571specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
6572(However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
6573
6574Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
6575and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
6576@samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
6577including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
6578the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
6579slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
6580follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
6581@code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
6582instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
6583
6584All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
6585easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
6586you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
6587instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
6588with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
6589the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
6590for successive uses of @code{x}.
6591
6592@cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
6593The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
6594in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
6595would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
6596subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
6597@code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
6598examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
6599@code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
6600the convenience variable @code{$__}.
6601
6602If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
6603are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
6604address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
6605
6606@cindex remote memory comparison
6607@cindex verify remote memory image
6608When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
6609(@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
6610remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
6611the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
6612situations.
6613
6614@table @code
6615@kindex compare-sections
6616@item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
6617Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
6618executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
6619the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
6620arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
6621availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
6622remote request.
6623@end table
6624
6625@node Auto Display
6626@section Automatic Display
6627@cindex automatic display
6628@cindex display of expressions
6629
6630If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
6631(to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
6632display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
6633Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
6634to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
6635The automatic display looks like this:
6636
6637@smallexample
66382: foo = 38
66393: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
6640@end smallexample
6641
6642@noindent
6643This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
6644displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
6645specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
6646whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
6647specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
6648or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
6649
6650@table @code
6651@kindex display
6652@item display @var{expr}
6653Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
6654each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
6655
6656@code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
6657
6658@item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
6659For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
6660count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
6661arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
6662@xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
6663
6664@item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
6665For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
6666number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
6667be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
6668doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6669@end table
6670
6671For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
6672instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
6673is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
6674
6675@table @code
6676@kindex delete display
6677@kindex undisplay
6678@item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
6679@itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6680Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
6681
6682@code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
6683(Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
6684
6685@kindex disable display
6686@item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6687Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
6688item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
6689enabled again later.
6690
6691@kindex enable display
6692@item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6693Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
6694again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
6695
6696@item display
6697Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
6698done when your program stops.
6699
6700@kindex info display
6701@item info display
6702Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
6703automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
6704values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
6705It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
6706because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
6707@end table
6708
6709@cindex display disabled out of scope
6710If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
6711sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
6712expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
6713variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
6714@code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
6715@code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
6716continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
6717there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
6718automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
6719is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
6720
6721@node Print Settings
6722@section Print Settings
6723
6724@cindex format options
6725@cindex print settings
6726@value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
6727and symbols are printed.
6728
6729@noindent
6730These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
6731
6732@table @code
6733@kindex set print
6734@item set print address
6735@itemx set print address on
6736@cindex print/don't print memory addresses
6737@value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
6738traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
6739even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
6740is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
6741@code{set print address on}:
6742
6743@smallexample
6744@group
6745(@value{GDBP}) f
6746#0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
6747 at input.c:530
6748530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
6749@end group
6750@end smallexample
6751
6752@item set print address off
6753Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
6754this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
6755
6756@smallexample
6757@group
6758(@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
6759(@value{GDBP}) f
6760#0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
6761530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
6762@end group
6763@end smallexample
6764
6765You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
6766dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
6767@code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
6768all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
6769
6770@kindex show print
6771@item show print address
6772Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
6773@end table
6774
6775When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
6776closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
6777identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
6778source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
6779@code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
6780you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
6781it prints a symbolic address:
6782
6783@table @code
6784@item set print symbol-filename on
6785@cindex source file and line of a symbol
6786@cindex symbol, source file and line
6787Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
6788symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
6789
6790@item set print symbol-filename off
6791Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
6792default.
6793
6794@item show print symbol-filename
6795Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
6796line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
6797@end table
6798
6799Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
6800numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
6801number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
6802
6803Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
6804printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
6805
6806@table @code
6807@item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
6808@cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
6809Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
6810offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
6811@var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
6812to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
6813
6814@item show print max-symbolic-offset
6815Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
6816symbolic address.
6817@end table
6818
6819@cindex wild pointer, interpreting
6820@cindex pointer, finding referent
6821If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
6822@samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
6823and source file location of the variable where it points, using
6824@samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
6825For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
6826at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
6827
6828@smallexample
6829(@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
6830(@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
6831$4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
6832@end smallexample
6833
6834@quotation
6835@emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
6836does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
6837the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
6838@end quotation
6839
6840Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
6841
6842@table @code
6843@item set print array
6844@itemx set print array on
6845@cindex pretty print arrays
6846Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
6847but uses more space. The default is off.
6848
6849@item set print array off
6850Return to compressed format for arrays.
6851
6852@item show print array
6853Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
6854arrays.
6855
6856@cindex print array indexes
6857@item set print array-indexes
6858@itemx set print array-indexes on
6859Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
6860convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
6861index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
6862
6863@item set print array-indexes off
6864Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
6865
6866@item show print array-indexes
6867Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
6868arrays.
6869
6870@item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
6871@cindex number of array elements to print
6872@cindex limit on number of printed array elements
6873Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
6874If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
6875printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
6876This limit also applies to the display of strings.
6877When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
6878Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
6879
6880@item show print elements
6881Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
6882If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
6883
6884@item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
6885@cindex printing frame argument values
6886@cindex print all frame argument values
6887@cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
6888@cindex do not print frame argument values
6889This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
6890when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
6891values are:
6892
6893@table @code
6894@item all
6895The values of all arguments are printed. This is the default.
6896
6897@item scalars
6898Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
6899complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
6900by @code{@dots{}}. Here is an example where only scalar arguments are shown:
6901
6902@smallexample
6903#1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
6904 at frame-args.c:23
6905@end smallexample
6906
6907@item none
6908None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
6909is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
6910
6911@smallexample
6912#1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
6913 at frame-args.c:23
6914@end smallexample
6915@end table
6916
6917By default, all argument values are always printed. But this command
6918can be useful in several cases. For instance, it can be used to reduce
6919the amount of information printed in each frame, making the backtrace
6920more readable. Also, this command can be used to improve performance
6921when displaying Ada frames, because the computation of large arguments
6922can sometimes be CPU-intensive, especiallly in large applications.
6923Setting @code{print frame-arguments} to @code{scalars} or @code{none}
6924avoids this computation, thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
6925
6926@item show print frame-arguments
6927Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
6928
6929@item set print repeats
6930@cindex repeated array elements
6931Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
6932elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
6933array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
6934@code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
6935identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
6936themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
6937be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
6938
6939@item show print repeats
6940Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
6941elements.
6942
6943@item set print null-stop
6944@cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
6945Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
6946@sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
6947contain only short strings.
6948The default is off.
6949
6950@item show print null-stop
6951Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
6952@sc{null} character.
6953
6954@item set print pretty on
6955@cindex print structures in indented form
6956@cindex indentation in structure display
6957Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
6958per line, like this:
6959
6960@smallexample
6961@group
6962$1 = @{
6963 next = 0x0,
6964 flags = @{
6965 sweet = 1,
6966 sour = 1
6967 @},
6968 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
6969@}
6970@end group
6971@end smallexample
6972
6973@item set print pretty off
6974Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
6975
6976@smallexample
6977@group
6978$1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
6979meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
6980@end group
6981@end smallexample
6982
6983@noindent
6984This is the default format.
6985
6986@item show print pretty
6987Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
6988
6989@item set print sevenbit-strings on
6990@cindex eight-bit characters in strings
6991@cindex octal escapes in strings
6992Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
6993@value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
6994character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
6995best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
6996high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
6997
6998@item set print sevenbit-strings off
6999Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
7000international character sets, and is the default.
7001
7002@item show print sevenbit-strings
7003Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
7004
7005@item set print union on
7006@cindex unions in structures, printing
7007Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
7008and other unions. This is the default setting.
7009
7010@item set print union off
7011Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
7012structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
7013instead.
7014
7015@item show print union
7016Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
7017structures and other unions.
7018
7019For example, given the declarations
7020
7021@smallexample
7022typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
7023typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
7024typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
7025 Bug_forms;
7026
7027struct thing @{
7028 Species it;
7029 union @{
7030 Tree_forms tree;
7031 Bug_forms bug;
7032 @} form;
7033@};
7034
7035struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
7036@end smallexample
7037
7038@noindent
7039with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
7040
7041@smallexample
7042$1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
7043@end smallexample
7044
7045@noindent
7046and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
7047
7048@smallexample
7049$1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
7050@end smallexample
7051
7052@noindent
7053@code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
7054and in Pascal.
7055@end table
7056
7057@need 1000
7058@noindent
7059These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
7060
7061@table @code
7062@cindex demangling C@t{++} names
7063@item set print demangle
7064@itemx set print demangle on
7065Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
7066(``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
7067linkage. The default is on.
7068
7069@item show print demangle
7070Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
7071
7072@item set print asm-demangle
7073@itemx set print asm-demangle on
7074Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
7075in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
7076The default is off.
7077
7078@item show print asm-demangle
7079Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
7080or demangled form.
7081
7082@cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
7083@cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
7084@kindex set demangle-style
7085@item set demangle-style @var{style}
7086Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
7087represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
7088
7089@table @code
7090@item auto
7091Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
7092
7093@item gnu
7094Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
7095This is the default.
7096
7097@item hp
7098Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
7099
7100@item lucid
7101Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
7102
7103@item arm
7104Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
7105@strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
7106debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
7107require further enhancement to permit that.
7108
7109@end table
7110If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
7111
7112@item show demangle-style
7113Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
7114
7115@item set print object
7116@itemx set print object on
7117@cindex derived type of an object, printing
7118@cindex display derived types
7119When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
7120(derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
7121the virtual function table.
7122
7123@item set print object off
7124Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
7125virtual function table. This is the default setting.
7126
7127@item show print object
7128Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
7129
7130@item set print static-members
7131@itemx set print static-members on
7132@cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
7133Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
7134
7135@item set print static-members off
7136Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
7137
7138@item show print static-members
7139Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
7140
7141@item set print pascal_static-members
7142@itemx set print pascal_static-members on
7143@cindex static members of Pascal objects
7144@cindex Pascal objects, static members display
7145Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
7146
7147@item set print pascal_static-members off
7148Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
7149
7150@item show print pascal_static-members
7151Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
7152
7153@c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
7154@item set print vtbl
7155@itemx set print vtbl on
7156@cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
7157@cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
7158@cindex VTBL display
7159Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
7160(The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
7161ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
7162
7163@item set print vtbl off
7164Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
7165
7166@item show print vtbl
7167Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
7168@end table
7169
7170@node Value History
7171@section Value History
7172
7173@cindex value history
7174@cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
7175Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
7176@dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
7177Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
7178(for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
7179When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
7180since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
7181symbol table.
7182
7183@cindex @code{$}
7184@cindex @code{$$}
7185@cindex history number
7186The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
7187refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
7188@code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
7189printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
7190history number.
7191
7192To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
7193history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
7194remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
7195the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
7196@code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
7197is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
7198@code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
7199
7200For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
7201want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
7202
7203@smallexample
7204p *$
7205@end smallexample
7206
7207If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
7208to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
7209
7210@smallexample
7211p *$.next
7212@end smallexample
7213
7214@noindent
7215You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
7216command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
7217
7218Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
7219@code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
7220
7221@smallexample
7222print x
7223set x=5
7224@end smallexample
7225
7226@noindent
7227then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
7228remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
7229
7230@table @code
7231@kindex show values
7232@item show values
7233Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
7234This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
7235values} does not change the history.
7236
7237@item show values @var{n}
7238Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
7239
7240@item show values +
7241Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
7242values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
7243@end table
7244
7245Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
7246same effect as @samp{show values +}.
7247
7248@node Convenience Vars
7249@section Convenience Variables
7250
7251@cindex convenience variables
7252@cindex user-defined variables
7253@value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
7254@value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
7255exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
7256setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
7257of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
7258
7259Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
7260@samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
7261the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7262(Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
7263by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
7264
7265You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
7266expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
7267For example:
7268
7269@smallexample
7270set $foo = *object_ptr
7271@end smallexample
7272
7273@noindent
7274would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
7275@code{object_ptr}.
7276
7277Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
7278value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
7279value with another assignment at any time.
7280
7281Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
7282variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
7283that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
7284variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
7285
7286@table @code
7287@kindex show convenience
7288@cindex show all user variables
7289@item show convenience
7290Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
7291Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
7292
7293@kindex init-if-undefined
7294@cindex convenience variables, initializing
7295@item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
7296Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
7297for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
7298to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
7299convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
7300override default values used in a command script.
7301
7302If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
7303any side-effects do not occur.
7304@end table
7305
7306One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
7307incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
7308a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
7309
7310@smallexample
7311set $i = 0
7312print bar[$i++]->contents
7313@end smallexample
7314
7315@noindent
7316Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
7317
7318Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
7319values likely to be useful.
7320
7321@table @code
7322@vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
7323@item $_
7324The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
7325the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
7326commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
7327set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
7328and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
7329except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
7330to the type of @code{$__}.
7331
7332@vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
7333@item $__
7334The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
7335to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
7336to match the format in which the data was printed.
7337
7338@item $_exitcode
7339@vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
7340The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
7341the program being debugged terminates.
7342@end table
7343
7344On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
7345begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
7346name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
7347
7348@node Registers
7349@section Registers
7350
7351@cindex registers
7352You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
7353with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
7354for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
7355your machine.
7356
7357@table @code
7358@kindex info registers
7359@item info registers
7360Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
7361and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7362
7363@kindex info all-registers
7364@cindex floating point registers
7365@item info all-registers
7366Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
7367and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7368
7369@item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
7370Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
7371As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
7372the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
7373the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
7374@end table
7375
7376@cindex stack pointer register
7377@cindex program counter register
7378@cindex process status register
7379@cindex frame pointer register
7380@cindex standard registers
7381@value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
7382expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
7383architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
7384@code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
7385the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
7386pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
7387register that contains the processor status. For example,
7388you could print the program counter in hex with
7389
7390@smallexample
7391p/x $pc
7392@end smallexample
7393
7394@noindent
7395or print the instruction to be executed next with
7396
7397@smallexample
7398x/i $pc
7399@end smallexample
7400
7401@noindent
7402or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
7403one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
7404memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
7405stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
7406stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
7407regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
7408see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
7409
7410@smallexample
7411set $sp += 4
7412@end smallexample
7413
7414Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
7415your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
7416so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
7417shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
7418registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
7419can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
7420is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
7421
7422@value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
7423integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
7424special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
7425registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
7426to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
7427(although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
7428@samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
7429
7430Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
7431means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
7432the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
7433sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
7434coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
7435programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
7436cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
7437that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
7438prints the data in both formats.
7439
7440@cindex SSE registers (x86)
7441@cindex MMX registers (x86)
7442Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
7443in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
7444have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
7445together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
7446registers in @code{struct} notation:
7447
7448@smallexample
7449(@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
7450$1 = @{
7451 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
7452 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
7453 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
7454 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
7455 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
7456 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
7457 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
7458@}
7459@end smallexample
7460
7461@noindent
7462To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
7463view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
7464value to a @code{struct} member:
7465
7466@smallexample
7467 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
7468@end smallexample
7469
7470Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
7471(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
7472value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
7473were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
7474true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
7475frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
7476
7477However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
7478code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
7479@value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
7480frame makes no difference.
7481
7482@node Floating Point Hardware
7483@section Floating Point Hardware
7484@cindex floating point
7485
7486Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
7487you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
7488
7489@table @code
7490@kindex info float
7491@item info float
7492Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
7493point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
7494floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
7495the ARM and x86 machines.
7496@end table
7497
7498@node Vector Unit
7499@section Vector Unit
7500@cindex vector unit
7501
7502Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
7503more information about the status of the vector unit.
7504
7505@table @code
7506@kindex info vector
7507@item info vector
7508Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
7509layout vary depending on the hardware.
7510@end table
7511
7512@node OS Information
7513@section Operating System Auxiliary Information
7514@cindex OS information
7515
7516@value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
7517you debug your program.
7518
7519@cindex @code{ptrace} system call
7520@cindex @code{struct user} contents
7521When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
7522machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
7523system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
7524called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
7525command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
7526structure.
7527
7528@table @code
7529@item info udot
7530@kindex info udot
7531Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
7532kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
7533contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
7534the @code{examine} command.
7535@end table
7536
7537@cindex auxiliary vector
7538@cindex vector, auxiliary
7539Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
7540startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
7541specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
7542binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
7543hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
7544identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
7545Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
7546@value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
7547targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
7548support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
7549@ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
7550
7551@table @code
7552@kindex info auxv
7553@item info auxv
7554Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
7555live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
7556numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
7557tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
7558pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
7559most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
7560an unrecognized tag.
7561@end table
7562
7563On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
7564and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
7565this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
7566@samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
7567
7568@table @code
7569@kindex info os processes
7570@item info os processes
7571Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
7572@value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
7573the command corresponding to the process.
7574@end table
7575
7576@node Memory Region Attributes
7577@section Memory Region Attributes
7578@cindex memory region attributes
7579
7580@dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
7581required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
7582attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
7583accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
7584target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
7585fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
7586user can override the fetched regions.
7587
7588Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
7589memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
7590accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
7591been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
7592all memory.
7593
7594When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
7595to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
7596
7597@table @code
7598@kindex mem
7599@item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
7600Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
7601attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
7602monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
7603case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
7604(0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
7605
7606@item mem auto
7607Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
7608regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
7609
7610@kindex delete mem
7611@item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7612Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
7613monitored by @value{GDBN}.
7614
7615@kindex disable mem
7616@item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7617Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7618A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
7619It may be enabled again later.
7620
7621@kindex enable mem
7622@item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7623Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7624
7625@kindex info mem
7626@item info mem
7627Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
7628for each region:
7629
7630@table @emph
7631@item Memory Region Number
7632@item Enabled or Disabled.
7633Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
7634Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
7635
7636@item Lo Address
7637The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
7638
7639@item Hi Address
7640The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
7641
7642@item Attributes
7643The list of attributes set for this memory region.
7644@end table
7645@end table
7646
7647
7648@subsection Attributes
7649
7650@subsubsection Memory Access Mode
7651The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
7652write accesses to a memory region.
7653
7654While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
7655memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
7656etc.@: from accessing memory.
7657
7658@table @code
7659@item ro
7660Memory is read only.
7661@item wo
7662Memory is write only.
7663@item rw
7664Memory is read/write. This is the default.
7665@end table
7666
7667@subsubsection Memory Access Size
7668The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
7669accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
7670require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
7671specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
7672
7673@table @code
7674@item 8
7675Use 8 bit memory accesses.
7676@item 16
7677Use 16 bit memory accesses.
7678@item 32
7679Use 32 bit memory accesses.
7680@item 64
7681Use 64 bit memory accesses.
7682@end table
7683
7684@c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
7685@c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
7686@c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
7687@c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
7688@c
7689@c @table @code
7690@c @item hwbreak
7691@c Always use hardware breakpoints
7692@c @item swbreak (default)
7693@c @end table
7694
7695@subsubsection Data Cache
7696The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
7697memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
7698protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
7699does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
7700registers.
7701
7702@table @code
7703@item cache
7704Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
7705@item nocache
7706Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
7707@end table
7708
7709@subsection Memory Access Checking
7710@value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
7711not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
7712regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
7713better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
7714
7715@table @code
7716@kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
7717@item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
7718If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
7719explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
7720to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
7721memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
7722treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
7723The default value is @code{on}.
7724@kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
7725@item show mem inaccessible-by-default
7726Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
7727@end table
7728
7729
7730@c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
7731@c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
7732@c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
7733@c
7734@c @table @code
7735@c @item verify
7736@c @item noverify (default)
7737@c @end table
7738
7739@node Dump/Restore Files
7740@section Copy Between Memory and a File
7741@cindex dump/restore files
7742@cindex append data to a file
7743@cindex dump data to a file
7744@cindex restore data from a file
7745
7746You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
7747@code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
7748@code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
7749@code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
7750memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
7751Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
7752files.
7753
7754@table @code
7755
7756@kindex dump
7757@item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
7758@itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
7759Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
7760or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
7761
7762The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
7763@table @code
7764@item binary
7765Raw binary form.
7766@item ihex
7767Intel hex format.
7768@item srec
7769Motorola S-record format.
7770@item tekhex
7771Tektronix Hex format.
7772@end table
7773
7774@value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
7775@sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
7776@var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
7777form.
7778
7779@kindex append
7780@item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
7781@itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
7782Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
7783or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
7784(@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
7785
7786@kindex restore
7787@item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
7788Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
7789@code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
7790file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
7791must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
7792
7793If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
7794contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
7795they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
7796a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
7797from that location.
7798
7799If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
7800file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
7801These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
7802the @var{bias} argument is applied.
7803
7804@end table
7805
7806@node Core File Generation
7807@section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
7808@cindex dump core from inferior
7809
7810A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
7811image of a running process and its process status (register values
7812etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
7813crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
7814automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
7815the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
7816the post-mortem debugging mode.
7817
7818Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
7819are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
7820@value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
7821
7822@table @code
7823@kindex gcore
7824@kindex generate-core-file
7825@item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
7826@itemx gcore [@var{file}]
7827Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
7828@var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
7829specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
7830@var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
7831
7832Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
7833this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
7834@end table
7835
7836@node Character Sets
7837@section Character Sets
7838@cindex character sets
7839@cindex charset
7840@cindex translating between character sets
7841@cindex host character set
7842@cindex target character set
7843
7844If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
7845represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
7846@value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
7847you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
7848character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
7849@dfn{target character set}.
7850
7851For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
7852uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
7853remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
7854running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
7855then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
7856@sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
7857target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
7858@sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
7859character and string literals in expressions.
7860
7861@value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
7862the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
7863target-charset} command, described below.
7864
7865Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
7866support:
7867
7868@table @code
7869@item set target-charset @var{charset}
7870@kindex set target-charset
7871Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. We list the
7872character set names @value{GDBN} recognizes below, but if you type
7873@code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} will
7874list the target character sets it supports.
7875@end table
7876
7877@table @code
7878@item set host-charset @var{charset}
7879@kindex set host-charset
7880Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
7881
7882By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
7883system it is running on; you can override that default using the
7884@code{set host-charset} command.
7885
7886@value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
7887set. We list the character set names @value{GDBN} recognizes below, and
7888indicate which can be host character sets, but if you type
7889@code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} will
7890list the host character sets it supports.
7891
7892@item set charset @var{charset}
7893@kindex set charset
7894Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
7895above, if you type @code{set charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
7896@value{GDBN} will list the name of the character sets that can be used
7897for both host and target.
7898
7899
7900@item show charset
7901@kindex show charset
7902Show the names of the current host and target charsets.
7903
7904@itemx show host-charset
7905@kindex show host-charset
7906Show the name of the current host charset.
7907
7908@itemx show target-charset
7909@kindex show target-charset
7910Show the name of the current target charset.
7911
7912@end table
7913
7914@value{GDBN} currently includes support for the following character
7915sets:
7916
7917@table @code
7918
7919@item ASCII
7920@cindex ASCII character set
7921Seven-bit U.S. @sc{ascii}. @value{GDBN} can use this as its host
7922character set.
7923
7924@item ISO-8859-1
7925@cindex ISO 8859-1 character set
7926@cindex ISO Latin 1 character set
7927The ISO Latin 1 character set. This extends @sc{ascii} with accented
7928characters needed for French, German, and Spanish. @value{GDBN} can use
7929this as its host character set.
7930
7931@item EBCDIC-US
7932@itemx IBM1047
7933@cindex EBCDIC character set
7934@cindex IBM1047 character set
7935Variants of the @sc{ebcdic} character set, used on some of IBM's
7936mainframe operating systems. (@sc{gnu}/Linux on the S/390 uses U.S. @sc{ascii}.)
7937@value{GDBN} cannot use these as its host character set.
7938
7939@end table
7940
7941Note that these are all single-byte character sets. More work inside
7942@value{GDBN} is needed to support multi-byte or variable-width character
7943encodings, like the UTF-8 and UCS-2 encodings of Unicode.
7944
7945Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
7946Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
7947@file{charset-test.c}:
7948
7949@smallexample
7950#include <stdio.h>
7951
7952char ascii_hello[]
7953 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
7954 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
7955char ibm1047_hello[]
7956 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
7957 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
7958
7959main ()
7960@{
7961 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
7962@}
7963@end smallexample
7964
7965In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
7966containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
7967encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
7968
7969We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
7970
7971@smallexample
7972$ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
7973$ gdb -nw charset-test
7974GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
7975Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
7976@dots{}
7977(@value{GDBP})
7978@end smallexample
7979
7980We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
7981@value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
7982strings:
7983
7984@smallexample
7985(@value{GDBP}) show charset
7986The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
7987(@value{GDBP})
7988@end smallexample
7989
7990For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
7991initial character set:
7992@smallexample
7993(@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
7994(@value{GDBP}) show charset
7995The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
7996(@value{GDBP})
7997@end smallexample
7998
7999Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
8000host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
8001characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
8002them properly. Since our current target character set is also
8003@sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
8004
8005@smallexample
8006(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8007$1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
8008(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8009$2 = 72 'H'
8010(@value{GDBP})
8011@end smallexample
8012
8013@value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
8014literals you use in expressions:
8015
8016@smallexample
8017(@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8018$3 = 43 '+'
8019(@value{GDBP})
8020@end smallexample
8021
8022The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
8023character.
8024
8025@value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
8026target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
8027character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
8028
8029@smallexample
8030(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8031$4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
8032(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8033$5 = 200 '\310'
8034(@value{GDBP})
8035@end smallexample
8036
8037If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
8038@value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
8039
8040@smallexample
8041(@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8042ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
8043(@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8044@end smallexample
8045
8046We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
8047program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
8048@value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
8049target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
8050@sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
8051
8052@smallexample
8053(@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
8054(@value{GDBP}) show charset
8055The current host character set is `ASCII'.
8056The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
8057(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8058$6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
8059(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8060$7 = 72 '\110'
8061(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8062$8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
8063(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8064$9 = 200 'H'
8065(@value{GDBP})
8066@end smallexample
8067
8068As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
8069string literals you use in expressions:
8070
8071@smallexample
8072(@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8073$10 = 78 '+'
8074(@value{GDBP})
8075@end smallexample
8076
8077The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
8078character.
8079
8080@node Caching Remote Data
8081@section Caching Data of Remote Targets
8082@cindex caching data of remote targets
8083
8084@value{GDBN} can cache data exchanged between the debugger and a
8085remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
8086performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
8087bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately,
8088@value{GDBN} does not currently know anything about volatile
8089registers, and thus data caching will produce incorrect results when
8090volatile registers are in use.
8091
8092@table @code
8093@kindex set remotecache
8094@item set remotecache on
8095@itemx set remotecache off
8096Set caching state for remote targets. When @code{ON}, use data
8097caching. By default, this option is @code{OFF}.
8098
8099@kindex show remotecache
8100@item show remotecache
8101Show the current state of data caching for remote targets.
8102
8103@kindex info dcache
8104@item info dcache
8105Print the information about the data cache performance. The
8106information displayed includes: the dcache width and depth; and for
8107each cache line, how many times it was referenced, and its data and
8108state (invalid, dirty, valid). This command is useful for debugging
8109the data cache operation.
8110@end table
8111
8112@node Searching Memory
8113@section Search Memory
8114@cindex searching memory
8115
8116Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
8117@code{find} command.
8118
8119@table @code
8120@kindex find
8121@item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8122@itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8123Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
8124etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
8125@var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
8126@end table
8127
8128@var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
8129They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
8130
8131@table @r
8132@item @var{s}, search query size
8133The size of each search query value.
8134
8135@table @code
8136@item b
8137bytes
8138@item h
8139halfwords (two bytes)
8140@item w
8141words (four bytes)
8142@item g
8143giant words (eight bytes)
8144@end table
8145
8146All values are interpreted in the current language.
8147This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
8148then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
8149
8150If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
8151value's type in the current language.
8152This is useful when one wants to specify the search
8153pattern as a mixture of types.
8154Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
8155a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
8156which is typically four bytes.
8157
8158@item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
8159The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
8160@end table
8161
8162You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
8163 (@code{"}).
8164The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
8165regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
8166
8167The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
8168number of matches found.
8169
8170The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
8171@samp{$_}.
8172A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
8173
8174For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
8175
8176@smallexample
8177void
8178hello ()
8179@{
8180 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
8181 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
8182 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
8183 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
8184 printf ("%s\n", hello);
8185@}
8186@end smallexample
8187
8188@noindent
8189you get during debugging:
8190
8191@smallexample
8192(gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
81930x804956d <hello.1620+6>
81941 pattern found
8195(gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
81960x8049567 <hello.1620>
81970x804956d <hello.1620+6>
81982 patterns found
8199(gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
82000x8049567 <hello.1620>
82011 pattern found
8202(gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
82030x8049560 <mixed.1625>
82041 pattern found
8205(gdb) print $numfound
8206$1 = 1
8207(gdb) print $_
8208$2 = (void *) 0x8049560
8209@end smallexample
8210
8211@node Macros
8212@chapter C Preprocessor Macros
8213
8214Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
8215``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
8216@value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
8217the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
8218where it was defined.
8219
8220You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
8221with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
8222include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
8223with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
8224
8225A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
8226and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
8227points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
8228no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
8229uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
8230@value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
8231see @ref{List}.
8232
8233Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
8234macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
8235the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
8236
8237@table @code
8238
8239@kindex macro expand
8240@cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
8241@cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
8242@cindex expanding preprocessor macros
8243@item macro expand @var{expression}
8244@itemx macro exp @var{expression}
8245Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
8246@var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
8247not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
8248it can be any string of tokens.
8249
8250@kindex macro exp1
8251@item macro expand-once @var{expression}
8252@itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
8253@cindex expand macro once
8254@i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
8255expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
8256@var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
8257left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
8258particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
8259expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
8260parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
8261can be any string of tokens.
8262
8263@kindex info macro
8264@cindex macro definition, showing
8265@cindex definition, showing a macro's
8266@item info macro @var{macro}
8267Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
8268source location where that definition was established.
8269
8270@kindex macro define
8271@cindex user-defined macros
8272@cindex defining macros interactively
8273@cindex macros, user-defined
8274@item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
8275@itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
8276Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
8277invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
8278@var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
8279``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
8280defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
8281@var{arglist}.
8282
8283A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
8284expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
8285@code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
8286all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
8287as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
8288
8289@kindex macro undef
8290@item macro undef @var{macro}
8291Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
8292This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
8293define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
8294in the program being debugged.
8295
8296@kindex macro list
8297@item macro list
8298List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
8299@end table
8300
8301@cindex macros, example of debugging with
8302Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
8303show our source files:
8304
8305@smallexample
8306$ cat sample.c
8307#include <stdio.h>
8308#include "sample.h"
8309
8310#define M 42
8311#define ADD(x) (M + x)
8312
8313main ()
8314@{
8315#define N 28
8316 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8317#undef N
8318 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8319#define N 1729
8320 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8321@}
8322$ cat sample.h
8323#define Q <
8324$
8325@end smallexample
8326
8327Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
8328We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
8329compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
8330information.
8331
8332@smallexample
8333$ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
8334$
8335@end smallexample
8336
8337Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
8338
8339@smallexample
8340$ gdb -nw sample
8341GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
8342Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8343GDB is free software, @dots{}
8344(@value{GDBP})
8345@end smallexample
8346
8347We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
8348program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
8349to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
8350
8351@smallexample
8352(@value{GDBP}) list main
83533
83544 #define M 42
83555 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
83566
83577 main ()
83588 @{
83599 #define N 28
836010 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
836111 #undef N
836212 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8363(@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
8364Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
8365#define ADD(x) (M + x)
8366(@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
8367Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
8368 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
8369#define Q <
8370(@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
8371expands to: (42 + 1)
8372(@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
8373expands to: once (M + 1)
8374(@value{GDBP})
8375@end smallexample
8376
8377In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
8378the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
8379@code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
8380which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
8381
8382Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
8383force at the source line of the current stack frame:
8384
8385@smallexample
8386(@value{GDBP}) break main
8387Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
8388(@value{GDBP}) run
8389Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
8390
8391Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
839210 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8393(@value{GDBP})
8394@end smallexample
8395
8396At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
8397
8398@smallexample
8399(@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8400Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
8401#define N 28
8402(@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8403expands to: 28 < 42
8404(@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8405$1 = 1
8406(@value{GDBP})
8407@end smallexample
8408
8409As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
8410give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
8411thereof) in force at each point:
8412
8413@smallexample
8414(@value{GDBP}) next
8415Hello, world!
841612 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8417(@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8418The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
8419at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
8420(@value{GDBP}) next
8421We're so creative.
842214 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8423(@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8424Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
8425#define N 1729
8426(@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8427expands to: 1729 < 42
8428(@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8429$2 = 0
8430(@value{GDBP})
8431@end smallexample
8432
8433
8434@node Tracepoints
8435@chapter Tracepoints
8436@c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
8437@c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
8438
8439@cindex tracepoints
8440In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
8441the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
8442anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
8443depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
8444might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
8445fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
8446to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
8447
8448Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
8449specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
8450arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
8451Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
8452those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
8453expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
8454for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
8455a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
8456in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
8457values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
8458unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
8459
8460The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
8461targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
8462how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
8463remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
8464support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
8465packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
8466Packets}.
8467
8468This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
8469
8470@menu
8471* Set Tracepoints::
8472* Analyze Collected Data::
8473* Tracepoint Variables::
8474@end menu
8475
8476@node Set Tracepoints
8477@section Commands to Set Tracepoints
8478
8479Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
8480tracepoints can be set. Like a breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), a
8481tracepoint has a number assigned to it by @value{GDBN}. Like with
8482breakpoints, tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from
8483one. Many of the commands associated with tracepoints take the
8484tracepoint number as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to
8485work on.
8486
8487For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
8488of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
8489it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
8490local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
8491commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
8492tracepoint was hit.
8493
8494This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
8495conditions and actions.
8496
8497@menu
8498* Create and Delete Tracepoints::
8499* Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
8500* Tracepoint Passcounts::
8501* Tracepoint Actions::
8502* Listing Tracepoints::
8503* Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
8504@end menu
8505
8506@node Create and Delete Tracepoints
8507@subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
8508
8509@table @code
8510@cindex set tracepoint
8511@kindex trace
8512@item trace
8513The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
8514Its argument can be a source line, a function name, or an address in
8515the target program. @xref{Set Breaks}. The @code{trace} command
8516defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the target program where the
8517debugger will briefly stop, collect some data, and then allow the
8518program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or changing its commands
8519doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart} command; thus, you
8520cannot change the tracepoint attributes once a trace experiment is
8521running.
8522
8523Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
8524
8525@smallexample
8526(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
8527
8528(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
8529
8530(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
8531
8532(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
8533
8534(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
8535@end smallexample
8536
8537@noindent
8538You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
8539
8540@vindex $tpnum
8541@cindex last tracepoint number
8542@cindex recent tracepoint number
8543@cindex tracepoint number
8544The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
8545of the most recently set tracepoint.
8546
8547@kindex delete tracepoint
8548@cindex tracepoint deletion
8549@item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8550Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
8551default is to delete all tracepoints.
8552
8553Examples:
8554
8555@smallexample
8556(@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
8557
8558(@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
8559@end smallexample
8560
8561@noindent
8562You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
8563@end table
8564
8565@node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
8566@subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
8567
8568@table @code
8569@kindex disable tracepoint
8570@item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8571Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
8572@var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
8573the next trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
8574a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
8575
8576@kindex enable tracepoint
8577@item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8578Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. The enabled
8579tracepoints will become effective the next time a trace experiment is
8580run.
8581@end table
8582
8583@node Tracepoint Passcounts
8584@subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
8585
8586@table @code
8587@kindex passcount
8588@cindex tracepoint pass count
8589@item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
8590Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
8591automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
8592@var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
8593the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
8594@var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
8595passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
8596given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
8597user.
8598
8599Examples:
8600
8601@smallexample
8602(@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
8603@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
8604
8605(@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
8606@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
8607(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
8608(@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
8609(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
8610(@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
8611(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
8612(@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
8613@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
8614@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
8615@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
8616@end smallexample
8617@end table
8618
8619@node Tracepoint Actions
8620@subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
8621
8622@table @code
8623@kindex actions
8624@cindex tracepoint actions
8625@item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8626This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
8627tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
8628specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
8629recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
8630@code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
8631actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
8632terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
8633far, the only defined actions are @code{collect} and
8634@code{while-stepping}.
8635
8636@cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
8637To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
8638and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
8639
8640@smallexample
8641(@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
8642
8643(@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
8644
8645(@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
8646@end smallexample
8647
8648In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
8649commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
8650hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
8651following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
8652followed by the list of things to be collected while stepping. The
8653@code{while-stepping} command is terminated by its own separate
8654@code{end} command. Lastly, the action list is terminated by an
8655@code{end} command.
8656
8657@smallexample
8658(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
8659(@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8660Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
8661> collect bar,baz
8662> collect $regs
8663> while-stepping 12
8664 > collect $fp, $sp
8665 > end
8666end
8667@end smallexample
8668
8669@kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
8670@item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
8671Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
8672This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
8673In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
8674special arguments are supported:
8675
8676@table @code
8677@item $regs
8678collect all registers
8679
8680@item $args
8681collect all function arguments
8682
8683@item $locals
8684collect all local variables.
8685@end table
8686
8687You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
8688with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
8689arguments separated by commas: the effect is the same.
8690
8691The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
8692particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
8693
8694@kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
8695@item while-stepping @var{n}
8696Perform @var{n} single-step traces after the tracepoint, collecting
8697new data at each step. The @code{while-stepping} command is
8698followed by the list of what to collect while stepping (followed by
8699its own @code{end} command):
8700
8701@smallexample
8702> while-stepping 12
8703 > collect $regs, myglobal
8704 > end
8705>
8706@end smallexample
8707
8708@noindent
8709You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
8710@code{stepping}.
8711@end table
8712
8713@node Listing Tracepoints
8714@subsection Listing Tracepoints
8715
8716@table @code
8717@kindex info tracepoints
8718@kindex info tp
8719@cindex information about tracepoints
8720@item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8721Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't specify
8722a tracepoint number, displays information about all the tracepoints
8723defined so far. For each tracepoint, the following information is
8724shown:
8725
8726@itemize @bullet
8727@item
8728its number
8729@item
8730whether it is enabled or disabled
8731@item
8732its address
8733@item
8734its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
8735@item
8736its step count as given by the @code{while-stepping @var{n}} command
8737@item
8738where in the source files is the tracepoint set
8739@item
8740its action list as given by the @code{actions} command
8741@end itemize
8742
8743@smallexample
8744(@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
8745Num Enb Address PassC StepC What
87461 y 0x002117c4 0 0 <gdb_asm>
87472 y 0x0020dc64 0 0 in g_test at g_test.c:1375
87483 y 0x0020b1f4 0 0 in get_data at ../foo.c:41
8749(@value{GDBP})
8750@end smallexample
8751
8752@noindent
8753This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
8754@end table
8755
8756@node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
8757@subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
8758
8759@table @code
8760@kindex tstart
8761@cindex start a new trace experiment
8762@cindex collected data discarded
8763@item tstart
8764This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
8765begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
8766the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
8767experiment.
8768
8769@kindex tstop
8770@cindex stop a running trace experiment
8771@item tstop
8772This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
8773stops collecting data.
8774
8775@strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
8776automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
8777(@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
8778
8779@kindex tstatus
8780@cindex status of trace data collection
8781@cindex trace experiment, status of
8782@item tstatus
8783This command displays the status of the current trace data
8784collection.
8785@end table
8786
8787Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
8788
8789@smallexample
8790(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
8791(@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8792Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
8793> collect $regs,$locals,$args
8794> while-stepping 11
8795 > collect $regs
8796 > end
8797> end
8798(@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
8799 [time passes @dots{}]
8800(@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
8801@end smallexample
8802
8803
8804@node Analyze Collected Data
8805@section Using the Collected Data
8806
8807After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
8808for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
8809collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
8810snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
8811consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
8812examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
8813specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
8814snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
8815registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
8816rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
8817debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
8818(@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
8819behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
8820when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
8821the buffer will fail.
8822
8823@menu
8824* tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
8825* tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
8826* save-tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
8827@end menu
8828
8829@node tfind
8830@subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
8831
8832@kindex tfind
8833@cindex select trace snapshot
8834@cindex find trace snapshot
8835The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
8836@code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
8837counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
8838snapshot is selected.
8839
8840Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
8841
8842@table @code
8843@item tfind start
8844Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
8845@code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
8846
8847@item tfind none
8848Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
8849
8850@item tfind end
8851Same as @samp{tfind none}.
8852
8853@item tfind
8854No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
8855
8856@item tfind -
8857Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
8858retracing earlier steps.
8859
8860@item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
8861Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
8862proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
8863argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
8864for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
8865
8866@item tfind pc @var{addr}
8867Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
8868program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
8869snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
8870snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
8871
8872@item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
8873Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
8874addresses.
8875
8876@item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
8877Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
8878@var{addr2}. @c FIXME: Is the range inclusive or exclusive?
8879
8880@item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
8881Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
8882the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
8883that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
8884trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
8885next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
8886@code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
8887stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
8888@end table
8889
8890The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
8891designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
8892instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
8893snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
8894trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
8895simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
8896snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
8897@key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
8898The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
8899for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
8900no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
8901(PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
8902no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
8903tracepoint as the current one.
8904
8905In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
8906these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
8907scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
8908you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
8909registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
8910
8911@smallexample
8912(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
8913(@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
8914> printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
8915 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
8916> tfind
8917> end
8918
8919Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
8920Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
8921Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
8922Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
8923Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
8924Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
8925Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
8926Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
8927Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
8928Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
8929Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
8930@end smallexample
8931
8932Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
8933the buffer:
8934
8935@smallexample
8936(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
8937(@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
8938> printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
8939> tfind line
8940> end
8941
8942Frame 0, X = 1
8943Frame 7, X = 2
8944Frame 13, X = 255
8945@end smallexample
8946
8947@node tdump
8948@subsection @code{tdump}
8949@kindex tdump
8950@cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
8951@cindex tracepoint data, display
8952
8953This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
8954the current trace snapshot.
8955
8956@smallexample
8957(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
8958(@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8959Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
8960> collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
8961> end
8962
8963(@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
8964
8965(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
8966#0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
8967at gdb_test.c:444
8968444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
8969
8970(@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
8971Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
8972d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
8973d1 0x18 24
8974d2 0x80 128
8975d3 0x33 51
8976d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
8977d5 0x22 34
8978d6 0xe0 224
8979d7 0x380035 3670069
8980a0 0x19e24a 1696330
8981a1 0x3000668 50333288
8982a2 0x100 256
8983a3 0x322000 3284992
8984a4 0x3000698 50333336
8985a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
8986fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
8987sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
8988ps 0x0 0
8989pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
8990fpcontrol 0x0 0
8991fpstatus 0x0 0
8992fpiaddr 0x0 0
8993p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
8994p1 = (void *) 0x11
8995p2 = (void *) 0x22
8996p3 = (void *) 0x33
8997p4 = (void *) 0x44
8998p5 = (void *) 0x55
8999p6 = (void *) 0x66
9000gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
9001
9002(@value{GDBP})
9003@end smallexample
9004
9005@node save-tracepoints
9006@subsection @code{save-tracepoints @var{filename}}
9007@kindex save-tracepoints
9008@cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
9009
9010This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
9011their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
9012suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
9013tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
9014Files}).
9015
9016@node Tracepoint Variables
9017@section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
9018@cindex tracepoint variables
9019@cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
9020
9021@table @code
9022@vindex $trace_frame
9023@item (int) $trace_frame
9024The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
9025snapshot is selected.
9026
9027@vindex $tracepoint
9028@item (int) $tracepoint
9029The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
9030
9031@vindex $trace_line
9032@item (int) $trace_line
9033The line number for the current trace snapshot.
9034
9035@vindex $trace_file
9036@item (char []) $trace_file
9037The source file for the current trace snapshot.
9038
9039@vindex $trace_func
9040@item (char []) $trace_func
9041The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
9042@end table
9043
9044Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
9045use @code{output} instead.
9046
9047Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
9048stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
9049data.
9050
9051@smallexample
9052(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9053
9054(@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
9055> output $trace_file
9056> printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
9057> tfind
9058> end
9059@end smallexample
9060
9061@node Overlays
9062@chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
9063@cindex overlays
9064
9065If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
9066memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
9067problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
9068use overlays.
9069
9070@menu
9071* How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
9072* Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
9073* Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
9074 mapped by asking the inferior.
9075* Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
9076@end menu
9077
9078@node How Overlays Work
9079@section How Overlays Work
9080@cindex mapped overlays
9081@cindex unmapped overlays
9082@cindex load address, overlay's
9083@cindex mapped address
9084@cindex overlay area
9085
9086Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
9087kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
9088other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
9089management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
9090adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
9091
9092One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
9093independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
9094@dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
9095their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
9096instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
9097largest overlay as well.
9098
9099Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
9100overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
9101for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
9102there.
9103
9104@c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
9105@c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
9106@c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
9107
9108@smallexample
9109@group
9110 Data Instruction Larger
9111Address Space Address Space Address Space
9112+-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
9113| | | | | |
9114+-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
9115| program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
9116| variables | | program | | +-----------+
9117| and heap | | | | | |
9118+-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
9119| | +-----------+ | | | load address
9120+-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
9121 | | | | | |
9122 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
9123 address | | | | | |
9124 | overlay | <-' | | |
9125 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
9126 | | <---. | | load address
9127 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
9128 | | | |
9129 +-----------+ | |
9130 +-----------+
9131 | |
9132 +-----------+
9133
9134 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
9135@end group
9136@end smallexample
9137
9138The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
9139and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
9140its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
9141Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
9142may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
9143data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
9144program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
9145program and the overlay area.
9146
9147An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
9148@dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
9149instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
9150in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
9151is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
9152the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
9153called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
9154
9155Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
9156program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
9157global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
9158
9159@itemize @bullet
9160
9161@item
9162Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
9163must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
9164return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
9165overlay, and your program will probably crash.
9166
9167@item
9168If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
9169will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
9170your program's performance.
9171
9172@item
9173The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
9174overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
9175mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
9176and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
9177You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
9178addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
9179ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
9180
9181@item
9182The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
9183to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
9184instruction and data spaces.
9185
9186@end itemize
9187
9188The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
9189improved in many ways:
9190
9191@itemize @bullet
9192
9193@item
9194If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
9195hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
9196contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
9197This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
9198area in the usual way.
9199
9200@item
9201If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
9202overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
9203
9204@item
9205You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
9206general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
9207code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
9208return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
9209the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
9210must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
9211different data overlay into the same mapped area.
9212
9213@end itemize
9214
9215
9216@node Overlay Commands
9217@section Overlay Commands
9218
9219To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
9220correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
9221virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
9222mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
9223@value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
9224variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
9225
9226@value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
9227you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
9228
9229@table @code
9230@item overlay off
9231@kindex overlay
9232Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
9233disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
9234always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
9235overlay support is disabled.
9236
9237@item overlay manual
9238@cindex manual overlay debugging
9239Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9240relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
9241using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
9242commands described below.
9243
9244@item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
9245@itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
9246@cindex map an overlay
9247Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
9248be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
9249overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
9250functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
9251that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
9252@var{overlay} are now unmapped.
9253
9254@item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
9255@itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
9256@cindex unmap an overlay
9257Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
9258must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
9259When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
9260overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
9261
9262@item overlay auto
9263Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9264consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
9265to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
9266Overlay Debugging}.
9267
9268@item overlay load-target
9269@itemx overlay load
9270@cindex reloading the overlay table
9271Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
9272re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
9273stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
9274overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
9275useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
9276
9277@item overlay list-overlays
9278@itemx overlay list
9279@cindex listing mapped overlays
9280Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
9281addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
9282
9283@end table
9284
9285Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
9286of the function the address falls in:
9287
9288@smallexample
9289(@value{GDBP}) print main
9290$3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
9291@end smallexample
9292@noindent
9293When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
9294unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
9295asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
9296unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
9297
9298@smallexample
9299(@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9300No sections are mapped.
9301(@value{GDBP}) print foo
9302$5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
9303@end smallexample
9304@noindent
9305When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
9306name normally:
9307
9308@smallexample
9309(@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9310Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
9311 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
9312(@value{GDBP}) print foo
9313$6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
9314@end smallexample
9315
9316When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
9317address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
9318overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
9319@code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
9320code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
9321
9322@itemize @bullet
9323@item
9324@cindex breakpoints in overlays
9325@cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
9326You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
9327@value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
9328@item
9329@value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
9330unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
9331overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
9332you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
9333breakpoints properly.
9334@end itemize
9335
9336
9337@node Automatic Overlay Debugging
9338@section Automatic Overlay Debugging
9339@cindex automatic overlay debugging
9340
9341@value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
9342are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
9343inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
9344@code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
9345looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
9346current state of the overlays.
9347
9348Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
9349@value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
9350
9351@table @asis
9352
9353@item @code{_ovly_table}:
9354This variable must be an array of the following structures:
9355
9356@smallexample
9357struct
9358@{
9359 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
9360 unsigned long vma;
9361
9362 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
9363 unsigned long size;
9364
9365 /* The overlay's load address. */
9366 unsigned long lma;
9367
9368 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
9369 zero otherwise. */
9370 unsigned long mapped;
9371@}
9372@end smallexample
9373
9374@item @code{_novlys}:
9375This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
9376number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
9377
9378@end table
9379
9380To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
9381looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
9382@code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
9383executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
9384the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
9385currently mapped.
9386
9387In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
9388@code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
9389will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
9390calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
9391will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
9392are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
9393in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
9394overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
9395are not being executed.
9396
9397@node Overlay Sample Program
9398@section Overlay Sample Program
9399@cindex overlay example program
9400
9401When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
9402at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
9403addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
9404Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
9405since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
9406architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
9407portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
9408
9409However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
9410program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
9411suite. The program consists of the following files from
9412@file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
9413
9414@table @file
9415@item overlays.c
9416The main program file.
9417@item ovlymgr.c
9418A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
9419@item foo.c
9420@itemx bar.c
9421@itemx baz.c
9422@itemx grbx.c
9423Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
9424@item d10v.ld
9425@itemx m32r.ld
9426Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
9427and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
9428@end table
9429
9430You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
9431cross-compiler like this:
9432
9433@smallexample
9434$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
9435$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
9436$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
9437$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
9438$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
9439$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
9440$ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
9441 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
9442@end smallexample
9443
9444The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
9445you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
9446target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
9447
9448
9449@node Languages
9450@chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
9451@cindex languages
9452
9453Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
9454rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
9455dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
9456Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
9457represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
9458@samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
9459
9460@cindex working language
9461Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
9462allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
9463native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
9464consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
9465language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
9466language}.
9467
9468@menu
9469* Setting:: Switching between source languages
9470* Show:: Displaying the language
9471* Checks:: Type and range checks
9472* Supported Languages:: Supported languages
9473* Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
9474@end menu
9475
9476@node Setting
9477@section Switching Between Source Languages
9478
9479There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
9480set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
9481@code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
9482defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
9483used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
9484are printed, etc.
9485
9486In addition to the working language, every source file that
9487@value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
9488file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
9489source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
9490language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
9491controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
9492show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
9493set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
9494set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
9495Displaying the Language}.
9496
9497This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
9498as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
9499another language. In that case, make the
9500program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
9501@value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
9502program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
9503
9504@menu
9505* Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
9506* Manually:: Setting the working language manually
9507* Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
9508@end menu
9509
9510@node Filenames
9511@subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
9512
9513If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
9514@value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
9515
9516@table @file
9517@item .ada
9518@itemx .ads
9519@itemx .adb
9520@itemx .a
9521Ada source file.
9522
9523@item .c
9524C source file
9525
9526@item .C
9527@itemx .cc
9528@itemx .cp
9529@itemx .cpp
9530@itemx .cxx
9531@itemx .c++
9532C@t{++} source file
9533
9534@item .m
9535Objective-C source file
9536
9537@item .f
9538@itemx .F
9539Fortran source file
9540
9541@item .mod
9542Modula-2 source file
9543
9544@item .s
9545@itemx .S
9546Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
9547@value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
9548@end table
9549
9550In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
9551extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
9552
9553@node Manually
9554@subsection Setting the Working Language
9555
9556If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
9557expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
9558your program.
9559
9560@kindex set language
9561If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
9562command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
9563a language, such as
9564@code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
9565For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
9566
9567Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
9568language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
9569to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
9570source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
9571languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
9572source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
9573command such as:
9574
9575@smallexample
9576print a = b + c
9577@end smallexample
9578
9579@noindent
9580might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
9581@code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
9582printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
9583@code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
9584
9585@node Automatically
9586@subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
9587
9588To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
9589@samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
9590then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
9591frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
9592working language to the language recorded for the function in that
9593frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
9594or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
9595does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
9596not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
9597
9598This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
9599entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
9600written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
9601a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
9602case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
9603
9604@node Show
9605@section Displaying the Language
9606
9607The following commands help you find out which language is the
9608working language, and also what language source files were written in.
9609
9610@table @code
9611@item show language
9612@kindex show language
9613Display the current working language. This is the
9614language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
9615build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
9616
9617@item info frame
9618@kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
9619Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
9620working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
9621@xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
9622information listed here.
9623
9624@item info source
9625@kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
9626Display the source language of this source file.
9627@xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
9628information listed here.
9629@end table
9630
9631In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
9632not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
9633with a language explicitly:
9634
9635@table @code
9636@item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
9637@kindex set extension-language
9638Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
9639assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
9640
9641@item info extensions
9642@kindex info extensions
9643List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
9644@end table
9645
9646@node Checks
9647@section Type and Range Checking
9648
9649@quotation
9650@emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
9651checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
9652section documents the intended facilities.
9653@end quotation
9654@c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
9655
9656Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
9657errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
9658checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
9659sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
9660these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
9661by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
9662errors when your program is running.
9663
9664@value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
9665Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
9666it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
9667evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
9668working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
9669automatically based on your program's source language.
9670@xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
9671settings of supported languages.
9672
9673@menu
9674* Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
9675* Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
9676@end menu
9677
9678@cindex type checking
9679@cindex checks, type
9680@node Type Checking
9681@subsection An Overview of Type Checking
9682
9683Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
9684arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
9685otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
9686errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
9687
9688@smallexample
96891 + 2 @result{} 3
9690@exdent but
9691@error{} 1 + 2.3
9692@end smallexample
9693
9694The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
9695type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
9696
9697For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
9698@value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
9699to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
9700or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
9701but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
9702these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
9703also issues a warning.
9704
9705Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
9706related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
9707For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
9708a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
9709with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
9710the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
9711
9712Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
9713instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
9714operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
9715represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
9716operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
9717details on specific languages.
9718
9719@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
9720
9721@kindex set check type
9722@kindex show check type
9723@table @code
9724@item set check type auto
9725Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
9726@xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
9727each language.
9728
9729@item set check type on
9730@itemx set check type off
9731Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
9732current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
9733match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
9734evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
9735message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
9736
9737@item set check type warn
9738Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
9739evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
9740be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
9741numbers and structures.
9742
9743@item show type
9744Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
9745is setting it automatically.
9746@end table
9747
9748@cindex range checking
9749@cindex checks, range
9750@node Range Checking
9751@subsection An Overview of Range Checking
9752
9753In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
9754bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
9755checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
9756computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
9757not exceed the bounds of the array.
9758
9759For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
9760@value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
9761always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
9762warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
9763
9764A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
9765array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
9766of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
9767error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
9768result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
9769the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
9770
9771@smallexample
9772@var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
9773@end smallexample
9774
9775This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
9776specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
9777Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
9778
9779@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
9780
9781@kindex set check range
9782@kindex show check range
9783@table @code
9784@item set check range auto
9785Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
9786@xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
9787each language.
9788
9789@item set check range on
9790@itemx set check range off
9791Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
9792current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
9793match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
9794then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
9795
9796@item set check range warn
9797Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
9798but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
9799expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
9800memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
9801systems).
9802
9803@item show range
9804Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
9805being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
9806@end table
9807
9808@node Supported Languages
9809@section Supported Languages
9810
9811@value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, Pascal,
9812assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
9813@c This is false ...
9814Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
9815language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
9816and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
9817,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
9818language.
9819
9820The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
9821supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
9822tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
9823@value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
9824formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
9825books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
9826language reference or tutorial.
9827
9828@menu
9829* C:: C and C@t{++}
9830* Objective-C:: Objective-C
9831* Fortran:: Fortran
9832* Pascal:: Pascal
9833* Modula-2:: Modula-2
9834* Ada:: Ada
9835@end menu
9836
9837@node C
9838@subsection C and C@t{++}
9839
9840@cindex C and C@t{++}
9841@cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
9842
9843Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
9844to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
9845together.
9846
9847@cindex C@t{++}
9848@cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
9849@cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
9850The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
9851compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
9852effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
9853C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
9854compiler (@code{aCC}).
9855
9856For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
9857format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
9858format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
9859command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
9860@xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
9861gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
9862
9863@menu
9864* C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
9865* C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
9866* C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
9867* C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
9868* C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
9869* Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
9870* Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
9871* Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
9872@end menu
9873
9874@node C Operators
9875@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
9876
9877@cindex C and C@t{++} operators
9878
9879Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
9880@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
9881often defined on groups of types.
9882
9883For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
9884
9885@itemize @bullet
9886
9887@item
9888@emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
9889specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
9890
9891@item
9892@emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
9893@code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
9894
9895@item
9896@emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
9897
9898@item
9899@emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
9900
9901@end itemize
9902
9903@noindent
9904The following operators are supported. They are listed here
9905in order of increasing precedence:
9906
9907@table @code
9908@item ,
9909The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
9910are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
9911expression being the last expression evaluated.
9912
9913@item =
9914Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
9915assigned. Defined on scalar types.
9916
9917@item @var{op}=
9918Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
9919and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
9920@w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
9921@var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
9922@code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
9923
9924@item ?:
9925The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
9926of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
9927integral type.
9928
9929@item ||
9930Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
9931
9932@item &&
9933Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
9934
9935@item |
9936Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
9937
9938@item ^
9939Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
9940
9941@item &
9942Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
9943
9944@item ==@r{, }!=
9945Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
9946expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
9947
9948@item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
9949Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
9950Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
9951and non-zero for true.
9952
9953@item <<@r{, }>>
9954left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
9955
9956@item @@
9957The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
9958
9959@item +@r{, }-
9960Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
9961pointer types.
9962
9963@item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
9964Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
9965defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
9966integral types.
9967
9968@item ++@r{, }--
9969Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
9970operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
9971when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
9972operation takes place.
9973
9974@item *
9975Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
9976@code{++}.
9977
9978@item &
9979Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
9980
9981For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
9982allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
9983to examine the address
9984where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
9985stored.
9986
9987@item -
9988Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
9989precedence as @code{++}.
9990
9991@item !
9992Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
9993@code{++}.
9994
9995@item ~
9996Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
9997@code{++}.
9998
9999
10000@item .@r{, }->
10001Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
10002@value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
10003pointer based on the stored type information.
10004Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
10005
10006@item .*@r{, }->*
10007Dereferences of pointers to members.
10008
10009@item []
10010Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
10011@code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
10012
10013@item ()
10014Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
10015
10016@item ::
10017C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
10018and @code{class} types.
10019
10020@item ::
10021Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
10022(@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
10023above.
10024@end table
10025
10026If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
10027attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
10028predefined meaning.
10029
10030@node C Constants
10031@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
10032
10033@cindex C and C@t{++} constants
10034
10035@value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
10036following ways:
10037
10038@itemize @bullet
10039@item
10040Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
10041specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
10042by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
10043@samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
10044@code{long} value.
10045
10046@item
10047Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
10048point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
10049exponent. An exponent is of the form:
10050@samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
10051sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
10052A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
10053@samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
10054the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
10055a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
10056constant.
10057
10058@item
10059Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
10060integral equivalents.
10061
10062@item
10063Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
10064(@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
10065(usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
10066be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
10067the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
10068of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
10069@samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
10070@samp{\n} for newline.
10071
10072@item
10073String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
10074double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
10075above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
10076a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
10077characters.
10078
10079@item
10080Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
10081to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
10082
10083@item
10084Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
10085and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
10086integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
10087and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
10088@end itemize
10089
10090@node C Plus Plus Expressions
10091@subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
10092
10093@cindex expressions in C@t{++}
10094@value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
10095
10096@cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
10097@cindex C@t{++} compilers
10098@cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
10099@cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
10100@quotation
10101@emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
10102proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
10103works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
10104@value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
10105@option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
10106stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
10107stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
10108specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
10109are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
10110C@t{++} code.
10111@end quotation
10112
10113@enumerate
10114
10115@cindex member functions
10116@item
10117Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
10118
10119@smallexample
10120count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
10121@end smallexample
10122
10123@vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
10124@cindex namespace in C@t{++}
10125@item
10126While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
10127expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
10128that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
10129pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
10130
10131@cindex call overloaded functions
10132@cindex overloaded functions, calling
10133@cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
10134@item
10135You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
10136call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
10137perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
10138calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
10139in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
10140default arguments.
10141
10142It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
10143promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
10144class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
10145functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
10146number of function arguments.
10147
10148Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
10149@code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
10150,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
10151
10152You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
10153explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
10154@smallexample
10155p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
10156@end smallexample
10157
10158The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
10159see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
10160
10161@cindex reference declarations
10162@item
10163@value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
10164them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
10165dereferenced.
10166
10167In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
10168reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
10169avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
10170The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
10171you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
10172
10173@item
10174@value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
10175expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
10176one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
10177necessary, for example in an expression like
10178@samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
10179resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
10180debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
10181@end enumerate
10182
10183In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
10184calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
10185objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
10186invoking user-defined operators.
10187
10188@node C Defaults
10189@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
10190
10191@cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
10192
10193If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
10194both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
10195C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
10196selects the working language.
10197
10198If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
10199recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
10200@file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
10201these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
10202@xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
10203for further details.
10204
10205@c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
10206@c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
10207@c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
10208
10209@node C Checks
10210@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
10211
10212@cindex C and C@t{++} checks
10213
10214By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
10215is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
10216considers two variables type equivalent if:
10217
10218@itemize @bullet
10219@item
10220The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
10221enumerated tag.
10222
10223@item
10224The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
10225declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
10226
10227@ignore
10228@c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
10229@c FIXME--beers?
10230@item
10231The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
10232declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
10233compilers.)
10234@end ignore
10235@end itemize
10236
10237Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
10238indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
10239that is not itself an array.
10240
10241@node Debugging C
10242@subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
10243
10244The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
10245the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
10246inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
10247appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
10248
10249The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
10250with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
10251,Expressions}.
10252
10253@node Debugging C Plus Plus
10254@subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
10255
10256@cindex commands for C@t{++}
10257
10258Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
10259designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
10260
10261@table @code
10262@cindex break in overloaded functions
10263@item @r{breakpoint menus}
10264When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
10265@value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
10266locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
10267@xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
10268
10269@cindex overloading in C@t{++}
10270@item rbreak @var{regex}
10271Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
10272breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
10273classes.
10274@xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
10275
10276@cindex C@t{++} exception handling
10277@item catch throw
10278@itemx catch catch
10279Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
10280Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
10281
10282@cindex inheritance
10283@item ptype @var{typename}
10284Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
10285@var{typename}.
10286@xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
10287
10288@cindex C@t{++} symbol display
10289@item set print demangle
10290@itemx show print demangle
10291@itemx set print asm-demangle
10292@itemx show print asm-demangle
10293Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
10294displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
10295@xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10296
10297@item set print object
10298@itemx show print object
10299Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
10300@xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10301
10302@item set print vtbl
10303@itemx show print vtbl
10304Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
10305@xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10306(The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10307ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10308
10309@kindex set overload-resolution
10310@cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
10311@item set overload-resolution on
10312Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
10313is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
10314and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
10315using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
10316Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
10317If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
10318
10319@item set overload-resolution off
10320Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
10321overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10322chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
10323symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
10324overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10325searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
10326argument types.
10327
10328@kindex show overload-resolution
10329@item show overload-resolution
10330Show the current setting of overload resolution.
10331
10332@item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
10333You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
10334the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
10335@code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
10336also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
10337available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
10338@xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
10339@end table
10340
10341@node Decimal Floating Point
10342@subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
10343@cindex decimal floating point format
10344
10345@value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
10346decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
10347@code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
10348specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
10349
10350There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
10351Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
10352PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
10353target.
10354
10355Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
10356to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
10357(using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
10358
10359In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
10360point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
10361underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
10362
10363In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
10364to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers. See
10365@ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
10366
10367@node Objective-C
10368@subsection Objective-C
10369
10370@cindex Objective-C
10371This section provides information about some commands and command
10372options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
10373@ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
10374few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
10375
10376@menu
10377* Method Names in Commands::
10378* The Print Command with Objective-C::
10379@end menu
10380
10381@node Method Names in Commands
10382@subsubsection Method Names in Commands
10383
10384The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
10385names as line specifications:
10386
10387@kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
10388@kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
10389@kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
10390@kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
10391@kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
10392@itemize
10393@item @code{clear}
10394@item @code{break}
10395@item @code{info line}
10396@item @code{jump}
10397@item @code{list}
10398@end itemize
10399
10400A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
10401
10402@smallexample
10403-[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
10404@end smallexample
10405
10406where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
10407plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
10408name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
10409brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
10410source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
10411instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
10412debugged, enter:
10413
10414@smallexample
10415break -[Fruit create]
10416@end smallexample
10417
10418To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
10419enter:
10420
10421@smallexample
10422list +[NSText initialize]
10423@end smallexample
10424
10425In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
10426required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
10427sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
10428is also possible to specify just a method name:
10429
10430@smallexample
10431break create
10432@end smallexample
10433
10434You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
10435your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
10436you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
10437method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
10438none apply.
10439
10440As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
10441@code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
10442
10443@smallexample
10444clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
10445@end smallexample
10446
10447@node The Print Command with Objective-C
10448@subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
10449@cindex Objective-C, print objects
10450@kindex print-object
10451@kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
10452
10453The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
10454
10455@smallexample
10456print -[@var{object} hash]
10457@end smallexample
10458
10459@cindex print an Objective-C object description
10460@cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
10461@noindent
10462will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
10463and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
10464@code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
10465the description of an object. However, this command may only work
10466with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
10467function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
10468
10469@node Fortran
10470@subsection Fortran
10471@cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
10472
10473@value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
10474currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
10475
10476@cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
10477Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
10478among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
10479functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
10480will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
10481underscore.
10482
10483@menu
10484* Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
10485* Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
10486* Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
10487@end menu
10488
10489@node Fortran Operators
10490@subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
10491
10492@cindex Fortran operators and expressions
10493
10494Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10495@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
10496arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
10497
10498@table @code
10499@item **
10500The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
10501of the second one.
10502
10503@item :
10504The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
10505represent a section of array.
10506
10507@item %
10508The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
10509types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
10510this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
10511union type.
10512@end table
10513
10514@node Fortran Defaults
10515@subsubsection Fortran Defaults
10516
10517@cindex Fortran Defaults
10518
10519Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
10520default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
10521change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
10522@ref{Symbols}, for the details.
10523
10524@node Special Fortran Commands
10525@subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
10526
10527@cindex Special Fortran commands
10528
10529@value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
10530such as displaying common blocks.
10531
10532@table @code
10533@cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
10534@kindex info common
10535@item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
10536This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
10537block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
10538all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
10539printed.
10540@end table
10541
10542@node Pascal
10543@subsection Pascal
10544
10545@cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
10546Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
10547nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
10548entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
10549syntax.
10550
10551The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
10552controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
10553@xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
10554
10555@node Modula-2
10556@subsection Modula-2
10557
10558@cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
10559
10560The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
10561output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
10562developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
10563attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
10564to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
10565table.
10566
10567@cindex expressions in Modula-2
10568@menu
10569* M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
10570* Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
10571* M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
10572* M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
10573* M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
10574* Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
10575* M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
10576* M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
10577* GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
10578@end menu
10579
10580@node M2 Operators
10581@subsubsection Operators
10582@cindex Modula-2 operators
10583
10584Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10585@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
10586often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
10587following definitions hold:
10588
10589@itemize @bullet
10590
10591@item
10592@emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
10593their subranges.
10594
10595@item
10596@emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
10597
10598@item
10599@emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
10600
10601@item
10602@emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
10603@var{type}}.
10604
10605@item
10606@emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
10607
10608@item
10609@emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
10610
10611@item
10612@emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
10613@end itemize
10614
10615@noindent
10616The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
10617increasing precedence:
10618
10619@table @code
10620@item ,
10621Function argument or array index separator.
10622
10623@item :=
10624Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
10625@var{value}.
10626
10627@item <@r{, }>
10628Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
10629types.
10630
10631@item <=@r{, }>=
10632Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
10633on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
10634set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
10635
10636@item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
10637Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
10638Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
10639available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
10640comment character.
10641
10642@item IN
10643Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
10644Same precedence as @code{<}.
10645
10646@item OR
10647Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
10648
10649@item AND@r{, }&
10650Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
10651
10652@item @@
10653The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
10654
10655@item +@r{, }-
10656Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
10657and difference on set types.
10658
10659@item *
10660Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
10661on set types.
10662
10663@item /
10664Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
10665types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
10666
10667@item DIV@r{, }MOD
10668Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
10669precedence as @code{*}.
10670
10671@item -
10672Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
10673
10674@item ^
10675Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
10676
10677@item NOT
10678Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
10679@code{^}.
10680
10681@item .
10682@code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
10683precedence as @code{^}.
10684
10685@item []
10686Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
10687
10688@item ()
10689Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
10690as @code{^}.
10691
10692@item ::@r{, }.
10693@value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
10694@end table
10695
10696@quotation
10697@emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
10698treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
10699@code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
10700@code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
10701@end quotation
10702
10703
10704@node Built-In Func/Proc
10705@subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
10706@cindex Modula-2 built-ins
10707
10708Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
10709In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
10710
10711@table @var
10712
10713@item a
10714represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
10715
10716@item c
10717represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
10718
10719@item i
10720represents a variable or constant of integral type.
10721
10722@item m
10723represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
10724same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
10725be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
10726
10727@item n
10728represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
10729
10730@item r
10731represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
10732
10733@item t
10734represents a type.
10735
10736@item v
10737represents a variable.
10738
10739@item x
10740represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
10741explanation of the function for details.
10742@end table
10743
10744All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
10745
10746@table @code
10747@item ABS(@var{n})
10748Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
10749
10750@item CAP(@var{c})
10751If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
10752equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
10753
10754@item CHR(@var{i})
10755Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
10756
10757@item DEC(@var{v})
10758Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
10759
10760@item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
10761Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
10762new value.
10763
10764@item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
10765Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
10766set.
10767
10768@item FLOAT(@var{i})
10769Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
10770
10771@item HIGH(@var{a})
10772Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
10773
10774@item INC(@var{v})
10775Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
10776
10777@item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
10778Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
10779new value.
10780
10781@item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
10782Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
10783there. Returns the new set.
10784
10785@item MAX(@var{t})
10786Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
10787
10788@item MIN(@var{t})
10789Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
10790
10791@item ODD(@var{i})
10792Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
10793
10794@item ORD(@var{x})
10795Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
10796value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
10797@sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
10798integral, character and enumerated types.
10799
10800@item SIZE(@var{x})
10801Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
10802
10803@item TRUNC(@var{r})
10804Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
10805
10806@item TSIZE(@var{x})
10807Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
10808
10809@item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
10810Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
10811@end table
10812
10813@quotation
10814@emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
10815@value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
10816an error.
10817@end quotation
10818
10819@cindex Modula-2 constants
10820@node M2 Constants
10821@subsubsection Constants
10822
10823@value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
10824ways:
10825
10826@itemize @bullet
10827
10828@item
10829Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
10830expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
10831rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
10832trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
10833
10834@item
10835Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
10836decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
10837then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
10838@samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
10839digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
10840digits.
10841
10842@item
10843Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
10844like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
10845also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
10846followed by a @samp{C}.
10847
10848@item
10849String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
10850pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
10851Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
10852Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
10853sequences.
10854
10855@item
10856Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
10857
10858@item
10859Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
10860@code{FALSE}.
10861
10862@item
10863Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
10864
10865@item
10866Set constants are not yet supported.
10867@end itemize
10868
10869@node M2 Types
10870@subsubsection Modula-2 Types
10871@cindex Modula-2 types
10872
10873Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
10874syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
10875types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
10876print the contents of variables declared using these type.
10877This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
10878sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
10879
10880The first example contains the following section of code:
10881
10882@smallexample
10883VAR
10884 s: SET OF CHAR ;
10885 r: [20..40] ;
10886@end smallexample
10887
10888@noindent
10889and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
10890@code{r} and @code{s}.
10891
10892@smallexample
10893(@value{GDBP}) print s
10894@{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
10895(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10896SET OF CHAR
10897(@value{GDBP}) print r
1089821
10899(@value{GDBP}) ptype r
10900[20..40]
10901@end smallexample
10902
10903@noindent
10904Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
10905
10906@smallexample
10907VAR
10908 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
10909@end smallexample
10910
10911@noindent
10912then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
10913
10914@smallexample
10915(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10916type = SET ['A'..'Z']
10917@end smallexample
10918
10919@noindent
10920Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
10921expressions using the debugger.
10922
10923The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
10924and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
10925
10926@smallexample
10927VAR
10928 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
10929@end smallexample
10930
10931@smallexample
10932(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10933ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
10934@end smallexample
10935
10936Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
10937is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
10938arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
10939above.
10940
10941Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
10942
10943@smallexample
10944TYPE
10945 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
10946 t = [blue..yellow] ;
10947VAR
10948 s: t ;
10949BEGIN
10950 s := blue ;
10951@end smallexample
10952
10953@noindent
10954The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
10955and value of a variable.
10956
10957@smallexample
10958(@value{GDBP}) print s
10959$1 = blue
10960(@value{GDBP}) ptype t
10961type = [blue..yellow]
10962@end smallexample
10963
10964@noindent
10965In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
10966displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
10967their @code{C} counterparts.
10968
10969@smallexample
10970VAR
10971 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
10972BEGIN
10973 s[1] := 1 ;
10974@end smallexample
10975
10976@smallexample
10977(@value{GDBP}) print s
10978$1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
10979(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10980type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
10981@end smallexample
10982
10983The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
10984pointer types as shown in this example:
10985
10986@smallexample
10987VAR
10988 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
10989BEGIN
10990 NEW(s) ;
10991 s^[1] := 1 ;
10992@end smallexample
10993
10994@noindent
10995and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
10996
10997@smallexample
10998(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10999type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
11000@end smallexample
11001
11002@value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
11003Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
11004types:
11005
11006@smallexample
11007TYPE
11008 foo = RECORD
11009 f1: CARDINAL ;
11010 f2: CHAR ;
11011 f3: myarray ;
11012 END ;
11013
11014 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
11015 myrange = [-2..2] ;
11016VAR
11017 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
11018@end smallexample
11019
11020@noindent
11021and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
11022below.
11023
11024@smallexample
11025(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11026type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
11027 f1 : CARDINAL;
11028 f2 : CHAR;
11029 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
11030END
11031@end smallexample
11032
11033@node M2 Defaults
11034@subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
11035@cindex Modula-2 defaults
11036
11037If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
11038both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
11039Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
11040selected the working language.
11041
11042If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
11043code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
11044working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
11045Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
11046
11047@node Deviations
11048@subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
11049@cindex Modula-2, deviations from
11050
11051A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
11052This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
11053
11054@itemize @bullet
11055@item
11056Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
11057integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
11058debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
11059pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
11060through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
11061returned a pointer.)
11062
11063@item
11064C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
11065non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
11066escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
11067printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
11068
11069@item
11070The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
11071argument.
11072
11073@item
11074All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
11075@end itemize
11076
11077@node M2 Checks
11078@subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
11079@cindex Modula-2 checks
11080
11081@quotation
11082@emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
11083range checking.
11084@end quotation
11085@c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
11086
11087@value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
11088
11089@itemize @bullet
11090@item
11091They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
11092@var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
11093
11094@item
11095They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
11096@sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
11097@end itemize
11098
11099As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
11100whose types are not equivalent is an error.
11101
11102Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
11103index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
11104
11105@node M2 Scope
11106@subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
11107@cindex scope
11108@cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
11109@cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
11110@ifinfo
11111@vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
11112@c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
11113@end ifinfo
11114@ifnotinfo
11115@vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
11116@end ifnotinfo
11117
11118There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
11119(@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
11120similar syntax:
11121
11122@smallexample
11123
11124@var{module} . @var{id}
11125@var{scope} :: @var{id}
11126@end smallexample
11127
11128@noindent
11129where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
11130@var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
11131identifier within your program, except another module.
11132
11133Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
11134specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
11135found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
11136enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
11137
11138Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
11139the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
11140definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
11141an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
11142module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
11143@var{module}.
11144
11145@node GDB/M2
11146@subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
11147
11148Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
11149Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
11150specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
11151@samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
11152apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
11153analogue in Modula-2.
11154
11155The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
11156with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
11157intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
11158created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
11159address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
11160@samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
11161
11162@cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
11163In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
11164interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
11165
11166@node Ada
11167@subsection Ada
11168@cindex Ada
11169
11170The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
11171output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
11172Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
11173attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
11174to be difficult.
11175
11176
11177@cindex expressions in Ada
11178@menu
11179* Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
11180 and semantics supported by Ada mode
11181 in @value{GDBN}.
11182* Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
11183* Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
11184* Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
11185* Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
11186* Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
11187* Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
11188@end menu
11189
11190@node Ada Mode Intro
11191@subsubsection Introduction
11192@cindex Ada mode, general
11193
11194The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
11195syntax, with some extensions.
11196The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
11197
11198@itemize @bullet
11199@item
11200That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
11201arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
11202leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
11203program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
11204
11205@item
11206That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
11207are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11208
11209@item
11210That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11211@end itemize
11212
11213Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
11214user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
11215according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
11216names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
11217ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
11218
11219The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
11220As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
11221was translated from an Ada source file.
11222
11223While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
11224mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
11225(@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
11226middle (to allow based literals).
11227
11228The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
11229the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
11230actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
11231the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
11232procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
11233functions to procedures elsewhere.
11234
11235@node Omissions from Ada
11236@subsubsection Omissions from Ada
11237@cindex Ada, omissions from
11238
11239Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
11240
11241@itemize @bullet
11242@item
11243Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
11244
11245@itemize @minus
11246@item
11247@t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
11248 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
11249
11250@item
11251@t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
11252
11253@item
11254@t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
11255
11256@item
11257@t{'Tag}.
11258
11259@item
11260@t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
11261operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
11262
11263@item
11264@t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
11265@t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
11266
11267@item
11268@t{'Address}.
11269@end itemize
11270
11271@item
11272The names in
11273@code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
11274concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
11275not currently available.
11276
11277@item
11278Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
11279equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
11280for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
11281They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
11282types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
11283(in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
11284zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
11285indeterminate values.
11286
11287@item
11288The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
11289@code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
11290are not implemented.
11291
11292@item
11293@cindex array aggregates (Ada)
11294@cindex record aggregates (Ada)
11295@cindex aggregates (Ada)
11296There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
11297permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
11298
11299@smallexample
11300(@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
11301(@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
11302(@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
11303(@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
11304(@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
11305(@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
11306@end smallexample
11307
11308Changing a
11309discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
11310undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
11311However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
11312them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
11313aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
11314declared to have a type such as:
11315
11316@smallexample
11317type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
11318 Id : Integer;
11319 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
11320end record;
11321@end smallexample
11322
11323you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
11324assignments:
11325
11326@smallexample
11327(@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
11328(@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
11329@end smallexample
11330
11331As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
11332rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
11333components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
11334component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
11335original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
11336indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
11337redundant component associations, although which component values are
11338assigned in such cases is not defined.
11339
11340@item
11341Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
11342
11343@item
11344The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
11345than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
11346which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
11347looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
11348function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
11349the proper resolution.
11350
11351@item
11352The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
11353
11354@item
11355Entry calls are not implemented.
11356
11357@item
11358Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
11359formats are not supported.
11360
11361@item
11362It is not possible to slice a packed array.
11363
11364@item
11365The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
11366are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
11367context.
11368Should your program
11369redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
11370you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
11371@end itemize
11372
11373@node Additions to Ada
11374@subsubsection Additions to Ada
11375@cindex Ada, deviations from
11376
11377As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
11378extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
11379
11380@itemize @bullet
11381@item
11382If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
11383a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
11384then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
11385@var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
11386Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
11387in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
11388Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
11389which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
11390
11391@item
11392@code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
11393appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
11394you must typically surround it in single quotes.
11395
11396@item
11397The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
11398@var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
11399
11400@item
11401A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
11402(@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
11403@end itemize
11404
11405In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
11406additions specific to Ada:
11407
11408@itemize @bullet
11409@item
11410The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
11411its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
11412
11413@smallexample
11414(@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
11415(@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
11416@end smallexample
11417
11418@item
11419The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
11420the value of its right-hand operand.
11421This allows, for example,
11422complex conditional breaks:
11423
11424@smallexample
11425(@value{GDBP}) break f
11426(@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
11427@end smallexample
11428
11429@item
11430Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
11431characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
11432which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
11433@samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
11434(single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
11435sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
11436in strings. For example,
11437@smallexample
11438 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
11439@end smallexample
11440@noindent
11441contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
11442after each period.
11443
11444@item
11445The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
11446@t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
11447to write
11448
11449@smallexample
11450(@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
11451@end smallexample
11452
11453@item
11454When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
11455array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
11456For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
11457of 3 might print as
11458
11459@smallexample
11460(3 => 10, 17, 1)
11461@end smallexample
11462
11463@noindent
11464That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
11465clause.
11466
11467@item
11468You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
11469multi-character subsequence of
11470their names (an exact match gets preference).
11471For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
11472in place of @t{a'length}.
11473
11474@item
11475@cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
11476Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
11477to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
11478some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
11479For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
11480enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
11481For example,
11482@smallexample
11483(@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
11484@end smallexample
11485
11486@item
11487Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
11488access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
11489specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
11490selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
11491object.
11492
11493@end itemize
11494
11495@node Stopping Before Main Program
11496@subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
11497
11498@cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
11499It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
11500before reaching the main procedure.
11501As defined in the Ada Reference
11502Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
11503@code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
11504elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
11505@code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
11506
11507@node Ada Tasks
11508@subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
11509@cindex Ada, tasking
11510
11511Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
11512@value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
11513
11514@table @code
11515@kindex info tasks
11516@item info tasks
11517This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
11518
11519
11520@smallexample
11521@iftex
11522@leftskip=0.5cm
11523@end iftex
11524(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11525 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11526 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11527 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
11528 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
11529* 4 80ae800 3 15 Running c
11530
11531@end smallexample
11532
11533@noindent
11534In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
11535task currently being inspected.
11536
11537@table @asis
11538@item ID
11539Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
11540
11541@item TID
11542The Ada task ID.
11543
11544@item P-ID
11545The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
11546
11547@item Pri
11548The base priority of the task.
11549
11550@item State
11551Current state of the task.
11552
11553@table @code
11554@item Unactivated
11555The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
11556executing.
11557
11558@item Running
11559The task currently running.
11560
11561@item Runnable
11562The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
11563for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
11564
11565@item Terminated
11566The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
11567that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
11568terminated themselves.
11569
11570@item Child Activation Wait
11571The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
11572
11573@item Accept Statement
11574The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
11575
11576@item Waiting on entry call
11577The task is waiting on an entry call.
11578
11579@item Async Select Wait
11580The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
11581select statement.
11582
11583@item Delay Sleep
11584The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
11585alternative open.
11586
11587@item Child Termination Wait
11588The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
11589waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
11590waiting on a terminate Phase.
11591
11592@item Wait Child in Term Alt
11593The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
11594finish terminating.
11595
11596@item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
11597The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
11598@end table
11599
11600@item Name
11601Name of the task in the program.
11602
11603@end table
11604
11605@kindex info task @var{taskno}
11606@item info task @var{taskno}
11607This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
11608the following example:
11609@smallexample
11610@iftex
11611@leftskip=0.5cm
11612@end iftex
11613(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11614 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11615 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11616* 2 807c468 1 15 Running task_1
11617(@value{GDBP}) info task 2
11618Ada Task: 0x807c468
11619Name: task_1
11620Thread: 0x807f378
11621Parent: 1 (main_task)
11622Base Priority: 15
11623State: Runnable
11624@end smallexample
11625
11626@item task
11627@kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
11628@cindex current Ada task ID
11629This command prints the ID of the current task.
11630
11631@smallexample
11632@iftex
11633@leftskip=0.5cm
11634@end iftex
11635(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11636 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11637 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11638* 2 807c458 1 15 Running t
11639(@value{GDBP}) task
11640[Current task is 2]
11641@end smallexample
11642
11643@item task @var{taskno}
11644@cindex Ada task switching
11645This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
11646command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
11647from the current task to the given task.
11648
11649@smallexample
11650@iftex
11651@leftskip=0.5cm
11652@end iftex
11653(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11654 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11655 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11656* 2 807c458 1 15 Running t
11657(@value{GDBP}) task 1
11658[Switching to task 1]
11659#0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
11660(@value{GDBP}) bt
11661#0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
11662#1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
11663#2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
11664#3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
11665#4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
11666@end smallexample
11667
11668@end table
11669
11670@node Ada Tasks and Core Files
11671@subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
11672@cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
11673
11674When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
11675tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
11676the platform being used.
11677For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
11678switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
11679as usual.
11680
11681On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
11682memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
11683a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
11684privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
11685Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
11686file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
11687
11688@node Ada Glitches
11689@subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
11690@cindex Ada, problems
11691
11692Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
11693we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
11694@value{GDBN},
11695some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
11696and the GNU Ada compiler.
11697
11698@itemize @bullet
11699@item
11700Currently, the debugger
11701has insufficient information to determine whether certain pointers represent
11702pointers to objects or the objects themselves.
11703Thus, the user may have to tack an extra @code{.all} after an expression
11704to get it printed properly.
11705
11706@item
11707Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
11708storage are invisible to the debugger.
11709
11710@item
11711Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
11712argument lists are treated as positional).
11713
11714@item
11715Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
11716
11717@item
11718Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
11719floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
11720the host machine.
11721
11722@item
11723The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
11724the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
11725this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
11726look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
11727symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
11728defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
11729local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
11730GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
11731you can usually resolve the confusion
11732by qualifying the problematic names with package
11733@code{Standard} explicitly.
11734@end itemize
11735
11736@node Unsupported Languages
11737@section Unsupported Languages
11738
11739@cindex unsupported languages
11740@cindex minimal language
11741In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
11742@value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
11743It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
11744of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
11745This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
11746an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
11747
11748If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
11749select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
11750language.
11751
11752@node Symbols
11753@chapter Examining the Symbol Table
11754
11755The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
11756symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
11757program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
11758does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
11759program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
11760(@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
11761file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
11762
11763@cindex symbol names
11764@cindex names of symbols
11765@cindex quoting names
11766Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
11767characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
11768most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
11769source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
11770are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
11771ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
11772@samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
11773@samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
11774
11775@smallexample
11776p 'foo.c'::x
11777@end smallexample
11778
11779@noindent
11780looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
11781
11782@table @code
11783@cindex case-insensitive symbol names
11784@cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
11785@kindex set case-sensitive
11786@item set case-sensitive on
11787@itemx set case-sensitive off
11788@itemx set case-sensitive auto
11789Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
11790with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
11791Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
11792case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
11793case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
11794you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
11795suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
11796matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
11797case-insensitive matches.
11798
11799@kindex show case-sensitive
11800@item show case-sensitive
11801This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
11802lookups.
11803
11804@kindex info address
11805@cindex address of a symbol
11806@item info address @var{symbol}
11807Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
11808variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
11809local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
11810is always stored.
11811
11812Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
11813at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
11814the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
11815
11816@kindex info symbol
11817@cindex symbol from address
11818@cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
11819@item info symbol @var{addr}
11820Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
11821If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
11822nearest symbol and an offset from it:
11823
11824@smallexample
11825(@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
11826_initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
11827@end smallexample
11828
11829@noindent
11830This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
11831it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
11832
11833For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
11834library containing the symbol is also printed:
11835
11836@smallexample
11837(@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
11838_start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
11839(@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
11840__read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
11841@end smallexample
11842
11843@kindex whatis
11844@item whatis [@var{arg}]
11845Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
11846a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
11847last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
11848not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
11849assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
11850@var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
11851for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
11852@samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
11853@samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
11854@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
11855
11856@kindex ptype
11857@item ptype [@var{arg}]
11858@code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
11859detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
11860@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
11861
11862For example, for this variable declaration:
11863
11864@smallexample
11865struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
11866@end smallexample
11867
11868@noindent
11869the two commands give this output:
11870
11871@smallexample
11872@group
11873(@value{GDBP}) whatis v
11874type = struct complex
11875(@value{GDBP}) ptype v
11876type = struct complex @{
11877 double real;
11878 double imag;
11879@}
11880@end group
11881@end smallexample
11882
11883@noindent
11884As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
11885the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
11886
11887@cindex incomplete type
11888Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
11889of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
11890program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
11891the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
11892given these declarations:
11893
11894@smallexample
11895 struct foo;
11896 struct foo *fooptr;
11897@end smallexample
11898
11899@noindent
11900but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
11901
11902@smallexample
11903 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
11904 $1 = <incomplete type>
11905@end smallexample
11906
11907@noindent
11908``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
11909completely specified.
11910
11911@kindex info types
11912@item info types @var{regexp}
11913@itemx info types
11914Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
11915expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
11916no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
11917complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
11918types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
11919@samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
11920name is @code{value}.
11921
11922This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
11923@code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
11924lists all source files where a type is defined.
11925
11926@kindex info scope
11927@cindex local variables
11928@item info scope @var{location}
11929List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
11930accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
11931an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
11932to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
11933details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
11934
11935@smallexample
11936(@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
11937Scope for command_line_handler:
11938Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
11939Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
11940Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
11941Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
11942Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
11943Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
11944Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
11945@end smallexample
11946
11947@noindent
11948This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
11949during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
11950collect}.
11951
11952@kindex info source
11953@item info source
11954Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
11955the function containing the current point of execution:
11956@itemize @bullet
11957@item
11958the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
11959@item
11960the directory it was compiled in,
11961@item
11962its length, in lines,
11963@item
11964which programming language it is written in,
11965@item
11966whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
11967if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
11968@item
11969whether the debugging information includes information about
11970preprocessor macros.
11971@end itemize
11972
11973
11974@kindex info sources
11975@item info sources
11976Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
11977debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
11978have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
11979
11980@kindex info functions
11981@item info functions
11982Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
11983
11984@item info functions @var{regexp}
11985Print the names and data types of all defined functions
11986whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
11987Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
11988include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
11989start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
11990that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
11991@samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
11992
11993@kindex info variables
11994@item info variables
11995Print the names and data types of all variables that are declared
11996outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
11997
11998@item info variables @var{regexp}
11999Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
12000variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
12001@var{regexp}.
12002
12003@kindex info classes
12004@cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
12005@item info classes
12006@itemx info classes @var{regexp}
12007Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
12008(with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
12009expression.
12010
12011@kindex info selectors
12012@item info selectors
12013@itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
12014Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
12015(with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
12016expression.
12017
12018@ignore
12019This was never implemented.
12020@kindex info methods
12021@item info methods
12022@itemx info methods @var{regexp}
12023The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
12024methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
12025specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
12026C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
12027from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
12028@code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
12029which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
12030@end ignore
12031
12032@cindex reloading symbols
12033Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
12034be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
12035in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
12036running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
12037@value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
12038
12039@table @code
12040@kindex set symbol-reloading
12041@item set symbol-reloading on
12042Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
12043object file with a particular name is seen again.
12044
12045@item set symbol-reloading off
12046Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
12047same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
12048running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
12049should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
12050may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
12051several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
12052name.
12053
12054@kindex show symbol-reloading
12055@item show symbol-reloading
12056Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
12057@end table
12058
12059@cindex opaque data types
12060@kindex set opaque-type-resolution
12061@item set opaque-type-resolution on
12062Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
12063declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
12064@code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
12065source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
12066another source file. The default is on.
12067
12068A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
12069the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
12070
12071@item set opaque-type-resolution off
12072Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
12073is printed as follows:
12074@smallexample
12075@{<no data fields>@}
12076@end smallexample
12077
12078@kindex show opaque-type-resolution
12079@item show opaque-type-resolution
12080Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
12081
12082@kindex set print symbol-loading
12083@cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
12084@item set print symbol-loading
12085@itemx set print symbol-loading on
12086@itemx set print symbol-loading off
12087The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to enable or
12088disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
12089By default, these messages will be printed, and normally this is what
12090you want. Disabling these messages is useful when debugging applications
12091with lots of shared libraries where the quantity of output can be more
12092annoying than useful.
12093
12094@kindex show print symbol-loading
12095@item show print symbol-loading
12096Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
12097
12098@kindex maint print symbols
12099@cindex symbol dump
12100@kindex maint print psymbols
12101@cindex partial symbol dump
12102@item maint print symbols @var{filename}
12103@itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
12104@itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
12105Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
12106These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
12107symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
12108symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
12109collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
12110only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
12111command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
12112use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
12113symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
12114files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
12115@samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
12116required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
12117@xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
12118@value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
12119
12120@kindex maint info symtabs
12121@kindex maint info psymtabs
12122@cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
12123@cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12124@cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12125@cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12126@item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
12127@itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
12128
12129List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
12130structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
12131given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
12132copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
12133structure in more detail. For example:
12134
12135@smallexample
12136(@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
12137@{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
12138 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
12139 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
12140 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
12141 readin no
12142 fullname (null)
12143 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
12144 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
12145 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
12146 dependencies (none)
12147 @}
12148@}
12149(@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
12150(@value{GDBP})
12151@end smallexample
12152@noindent
12153We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
12154the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
12155and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
12156If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
12157read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
12158
12159@smallexample
12160(@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
12161Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
12162line 1574.
12163(@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
12164@{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
12165 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
12166 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
12167 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
12168 dirname (null)
12169 fullname (null)
12170 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
12171 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
12172 debugformat DWARF 2
12173 @}
12174@}
12175(@value{GDBP})
12176@end smallexample
12177@end table
12178
12179
12180@node Altering
12181@chapter Altering Execution
12182
12183Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
12184find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
12185correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
12186experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
12187program.
12188
12189For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
12190locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
12191address, or even return prematurely from a function.
12192
12193@menu
12194* Assignment:: Assignment to variables
12195* Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
12196* Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
12197* Returning:: Returning from a function
12198* Calling:: Calling your program's functions
12199* Patching:: Patching your program
12200@end menu
12201
12202@node Assignment
12203@section Assignment to Variables
12204
12205@cindex assignment
12206@cindex setting variables
12207To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
12208@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
12209
12210@smallexample
12211print x=4
12212@end smallexample
12213
12214@noindent
12215stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
12216value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
12217@xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
12218information on operators in supported languages.
12219
12220@kindex set variable
12221@cindex variables, setting
12222If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
12223@code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
12224really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
12225not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
12226,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
12227
12228If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
12229appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
12230variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
12231to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
12232program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
12233a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
12234command @code{set width}:
12235
12236@smallexample
12237(@value{GDBP}) whatis width
12238type = double
12239(@value{GDBP}) p width
12240$4 = 13
12241(@value{GDBP}) set width=47
12242Invalid syntax in expression.
12243@end smallexample
12244
12245@noindent
12246The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
12247order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
12248
12249@smallexample
12250(@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
12251@end smallexample
12252
12253Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
12254with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
12255@code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
12256your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
12257to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
12258the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
12259
12260@smallexample
12261@group
12262(@value{GDBP}) whatis g
12263type = double
12264(@value{GDBP}) p g
12265$1 = 1
12266(@value{GDBP}) set g=4
12267(@value{GDBP}) p g
12268$2 = 1
12269(@value{GDBP}) r
12270The program being debugged has been started already.
12271Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
12272Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
12273"/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
12274 Invalid bfd target.
12275(@value{GDBP}) show g
12276The current BFD target is "=4".
12277@end group
12278@end smallexample
12279
12280@noindent
12281The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
12282@code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
12283@code{g}, use
12284
12285@smallexample
12286(@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
12287@end smallexample
12288
12289@value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
12290freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
12291and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
12292same length or shorter.
12293@comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
12294@comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
12295
12296To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
12297construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
12298(@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
12299to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
12300and representation in memory), and
12301
12302@smallexample
12303set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
12304@end smallexample
12305
12306@noindent
12307stores the value 4 into that memory location.
12308
12309@node Jumping
12310@section Continuing at a Different Address
12311
12312Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
12313it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
12314an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
12315
12316@table @code
12317@kindex jump
12318@item jump @var{linespec}
12319@itemx jump @var{location}
12320Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
12321@var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
12322breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
12323different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
12324practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
12325@code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
12326
12327The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
12328the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
12329register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
12330a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
12331be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
12332of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
12333confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
12334executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
12335well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
12336@end table
12337
12338@c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
12339On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
12340command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
12341difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
12342changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
12343example,
12344
12345@smallexample
12346set $pc = 0x485
12347@end smallexample
12348
12349@noindent
12350makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
12351address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
12352@xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
12353
12354The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
12355up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
12356that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
12357detail.
12358
12359@c @group
12360@node Signaling
12361@section Giving your Program a Signal
12362@cindex deliver a signal to a program
12363
12364@table @code
12365@kindex signal
12366@item signal @var{signal}
12367Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
12368signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
12369signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
12370SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
12371
12372Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
12373giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
12374a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
12375@code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
12376signal.
12377
12378@code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
12379after executing the command.
12380@end table
12381@c @end group
12382
12383Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
12384@code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
12385causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
12386the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
12387passes the signal directly to your program.
12388
12389
12390@node Returning
12391@section Returning from a Function
12392
12393@table @code
12394@cindex returning from a function
12395@kindex return
12396@item return
12397@itemx return @var{expression}
12398You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
12399command. If you give an
12400@var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
12401value.
12402@end table
12403
12404When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
12405(and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
12406discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
12407be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
12408
12409This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
12410Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
12411innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
12412specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
12413of functions.
12414
12415The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
12416program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
12417returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
12418and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
12419selected stack frame returns naturally.
12420
12421@node Calling
12422@section Calling Program Functions
12423
12424@table @code
12425@cindex calling functions
12426@cindex inferior functions, calling
12427@item print @var{expr}
12428Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
12429@var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
12430debugged.
12431
12432@kindex call
12433@item call @var{expr}
12434Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
12435returned values.
12436
12437You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
12438execute a function from your program that does not return anything
12439(a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
12440with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
12441print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
12442value history.
12443@end table
12444
12445It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
12446@code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
12447the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
12448in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
12449
12450@table @code
12451@item set unwindonsignal
12452@kindex set unwindonsignal
12453@cindex unwind stack in called functions
12454@cindex call dummy stack unwinding
12455Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
12456that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
12457@value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
12458the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
12459default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
12460received.
12461
12462@item show unwindonsignal
12463@kindex show unwindonsignal
12464Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
12465@value{GDBN}.
12466@end table
12467
12468@cindex weak alias functions
12469Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
12470for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
12471the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
12472which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
12473As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
12474even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
12475function instead.
12476
12477@node Patching
12478@section Patching Programs
12479
12480@cindex patching binaries
12481@cindex writing into executables
12482@cindex writing into corefiles
12483
12484By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
12485executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
12486alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
12487patching your program's binary.
12488
12489If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
12490explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
12491want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
12492repairs.
12493
12494@table @code
12495@kindex set write
12496@item set write on
12497@itemx set write off
12498If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
12499core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
12500off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
12501
12502If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
12503@code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
12504write}, for your new setting to take effect.
12505
12506@item show write
12507@kindex show write
12508Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
12509as well as reading.
12510@end table
12511
12512@node GDB Files
12513@chapter @value{GDBN} Files
12514
12515@value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
12516both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
12517program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
12518@value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
12519
12520@menu
12521* Files:: Commands to specify files
12522* Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
12523* Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
12524@end menu
12525
12526@node Files
12527@section Commands to Specify Files
12528
12529@cindex symbol table
12530@cindex core dump file
12531
12532You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
12533way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
12534@value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
12535Out of @value{GDBN}}).
12536
12537Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
12538@value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
12539specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
12540via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
12541Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
12542new files are useful.
12543
12544@table @code
12545@cindex executable file
12546@kindex file
12547@item file @var{filename}
12548Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
12549symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
12550executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
12551directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
12552@value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
12553directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
12554to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
12555and your program, using the @code{path} command.
12556
12557@cindex unlinked object files
12558@cindex patching object files
12559You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
12560the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
12561file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
12562if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
12563@kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
12564that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
12565case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
12566the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
12567
12568@item file
12569@code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
12570has on both executable file and the symbol table.
12571
12572@kindex exec-file
12573@item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
12574Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
12575in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
12576if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
12577discard information on the executable file.
12578
12579@kindex symbol-file
12580@item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
12581Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
12582searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
12583table and program to run from the same file.
12584
12585@code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
12586program's symbol table.
12587
12588The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
12589some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
12590contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
12591which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
12592@value{GDBN}.
12593
12594@code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
12595executing it once.
12596
12597When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
12598understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
12599generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
12600other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
12601Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
12602using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
12603optimized code.
12604
12605For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
12606using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
12607symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
12608quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
12609details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
12610
12611The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
12612start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
12613occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
12614file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
12615pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
12616Warnings and Messages}.)
12617
12618We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
12619symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
12620symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
12621still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
12622in stabs format.
12623
12624@kindex readnow
12625@cindex reading symbols immediately
12626@cindex symbols, reading immediately
12627@item symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12628@itemx file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12629You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
12630tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
12631load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
12632entire symbol table available.
12633
12634@c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
12635@c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
12636@c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
12637@c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
12638@c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
12639@c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
12640@c files.
12641
12642@kindex core-file
12643@item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
12644@itemx core
12645Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
12646of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
12647address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
12648executable file itself for other parts.
12649
12650@code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
12651to be used.
12652
12653Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
12654under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
12655wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
12656the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
12657(@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
12658
12659@kindex add-symbol-file
12660@cindex dynamic linking
12661@item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
12662@itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12663@itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
12664The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
12665information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
12666when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
12667into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
12668address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
12669this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
12670of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
12671section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
12672@var{address} as an expression.
12673
12674The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
12675originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
12676@code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
12677thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
12678instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
12679
12680@cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
12681@cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
12682@cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
12683@cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
12684@cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
12685Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
12686executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
12687relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
12688information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
12689
12690@itemize @bullet
12691@item
12692the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
12693that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
12694@item
12695every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
12696been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
12697@item
12698you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
12699provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
12700@end itemize
12701
12702@noindent
12703Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
12704relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
12705typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
12706important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
12707procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
12708assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
12709general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
12710relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
12711as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
12712way.
12713
12714@code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
12715
12716@kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
12717@cindex @code{syscall DSO}
12718@cindex load symbols from memory
12719@item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
12720Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
12721object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
12722For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
12723process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
12724some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
12725evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
12726For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
12727@code{exec-file} commands in advance.
12728
12729@kindex add-shared-symbol-files
12730@kindex assf
12731@item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
12732@itemx assf @var{library-file}
12733The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
12734in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
12735alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
12736@value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
12737@value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
12738@code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
12739library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
12740@code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
12741
12742@kindex section
12743@item section @var{section} @var{addr}
12744The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
12745@var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
12746exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
12747@code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
12748itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
12749@code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
12750their addresses.
12751
12752@kindex info files
12753@kindex info target
12754@item info files
12755@itemx info target
12756@code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
12757current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
12758including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
12759use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
12760command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
12761current ones.
12762
12763@kindex maint info sections
12764@item maint info sections
12765Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
12766is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
12767displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
12768offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
12769@code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
12770may be arbitrarily combined):
12771
12772@table @code
12773@item ALLOBJ
12774Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
12775@item @var{sections}
12776Display info only for named @var{sections}.
12777@item @var{section-flags}
12778Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
12779The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
12780@table @code
12781@item ALLOC
12782Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
12783Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
12784@item LOAD
12785Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
12786Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
12787@item RELOC
12788Section needs to be relocated before loading.
12789@item READONLY
12790Section cannot be modified by the child process.
12791@item CODE
12792Section contains executable code only.
12793@item DATA
12794Section contains data only (no executable code).
12795@item ROM
12796Section will reside in ROM.
12797@item CONSTRUCTOR
12798Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
12799@item HAS_CONTENTS
12800Section is not empty.
12801@item NEVER_LOAD
12802An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
12803@item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
12804A notification to the linker that the section contains
12805COFF shared library information.
12806@item IS_COMMON
12807Section contains common symbols.
12808@end table
12809@end table
12810@kindex set trust-readonly-sections
12811@cindex read-only sections
12812@item set trust-readonly-sections on
12813Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
12814really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
12815In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
12816out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
12817For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
12818enhancement to debugging performance.
12819
12820The default is off.
12821
12822@item set trust-readonly-sections off
12823Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
12824the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
12825and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
12826
12827@item show trust-readonly-sections
12828Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
12829@end table
12830
12831All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
12832as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
12833name and remembers it that way.
12834
12835@cindex shared libraries
12836@anchor{Shared Libraries}
12837@value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
12838and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
12839
12840On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
12841shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
12842
12843@value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
12844when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
12845(Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
12846references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
12847debugging a core file).
12848
12849On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
12850automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
12851
12852@c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
12853@c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
12854@c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
12855
12856There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
12857symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
12858particularly large or there are many of them.
12859
12860To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
12861commands:
12862
12863@table @code
12864@kindex set auto-solib-add
12865@item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
12866If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
12867will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
12868attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
12869informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
12870is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
12871@code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
12872
12873@cindex memory used for symbol tables
12874If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
12875takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
12876memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
12877symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
12878auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
12879library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
12880@var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
12881the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
12882
12883@kindex show auto-solib-add
12884@item show auto-solib-add
12885Display the current autoloading mode.
12886@end table
12887
12888@cindex load shared library
12889To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
12890command:
12891
12892@table @code
12893@kindex info sharedlibrary
12894@kindex info share
12895@item info share
12896@itemx info sharedlibrary
12897Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded.
12898
12899@kindex sharedlibrary
12900@kindex share
12901@item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
12902@itemx share @var{regex}
12903Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
12904Unix regular expression.
12905As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
12906required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
12907@var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
12908loaded.
12909
12910@item nosharedlibrary
12911@kindex nosharedlibrary
12912@cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
12913Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
12914that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
12915libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
12916discarded.
12917@end table
12918
12919Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
12920when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
12921stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
12922
12923@table @code
12924@item set stop-on-solib-events
12925@kindex set stop-on-solib-events
12926This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
12927when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
12928The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
12929shared library.
12930
12931@item show stop-on-solib-events
12932@kindex show stop-on-solib-events
12933Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
12934library events happen.
12935@end table
12936
12937Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
12938configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
12939this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
12940on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
12941libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
12942provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
12943copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
12944not.
12945
12946@cindex where to look for shared libraries
12947For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
12948libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
12949may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
12950to specify the search directories for target libraries.
12951
12952@table @code
12953@cindex prefix for shared library file names
12954@cindex system root, alternate
12955@kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
12956@kindex set sysroot
12957@item set sysroot @var{path}
12958Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
12959absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
12960runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
12961target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
12962libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
12963the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
12964under @var{path}.
12965
12966If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
12967retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
12968supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
12969command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
12970The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
12971(if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
12972@footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
12973that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
12974variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
12975
12976The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
12977sysroot}.
12978
12979@cindex default system root
12980@cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
12981You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
12982@samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
12983@value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
12984@samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
12985automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
12986location.
12987
12988@kindex show sysroot
12989@item show sysroot
12990Display the current shared library prefix.
12991
12992@kindex set solib-search-path
12993@item set solib-search-path @var{path}
12994If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
12995directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
12996is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
12997path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
12998use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
12999@samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
13000finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
13001it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
13002of shared library symbols.
13003
13004@kindex show solib-search-path
13005@item show solib-search-path
13006Display the current shared library search path.
13007@end table
13008
13009
13010@node Separate Debug Files
13011@section Debugging Information in Separate Files
13012@cindex separate debugging information files
13013@cindex debugging information in separate files
13014@cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
13015@cindex debugging information directory, global
13016@cindex global debugging information directory
13017@cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
13018@cindex @file{.build-id} directory
13019
13020@value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
13021file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
13022@value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
13023Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
13024than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
13025information for their executables in separate files, which users can
13026install only when they need to debug a problem.
13027
13028@value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
13029file:
13030
13031@itemize @bullet
13032@item
13033The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
13034the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
13035usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
13036name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
13037(e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
13038debug link specifies a CRC32 checksum for the debug file, which
13039@value{GDBN} uses to validate that the executable and the debug file
13040came from the same build.
13041
13042@item
13043The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
13044also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
13045only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
13046for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
13047this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
13048command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
13049The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
13050explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
13051below.
13052@end itemize
13053
13054Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
13055uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
13056
13057@itemize @bullet
13058@item
13059For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
13060the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
13061directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
13062directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
13063directories of the executable's absolute file name.
13064
13065@item
13066For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
13067@file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
13068named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
13069first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
13070are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
13071hex characters, not 10.)
13072@end itemize
13073
13074So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
13075@file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
13076file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
13077@code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
13078@file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
13079debug information files, in the indicated order:
13080
13081@itemize @minus
13082@item
13083@file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
13084@item
13085@file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
13086@item
13087@file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
13088@item
13089@file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
13090@end itemize
13091
13092You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
13093name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
13094
13095@table @code
13096
13097@kindex set debug-file-directory
13098@item set debug-file-directory @var{directory}
13099Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
13100information files to @var{directory}.
13101
13102@kindex show debug-file-directory
13103@item show debug-file-directory
13104Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
13105information files.
13106
13107@end table
13108
13109@cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
13110@cindex debug link sections
13111A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
13112@code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
13113
13114@itemize
13115@item
13116A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
13117a zero byte,
13118@item
13119zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
13120boundary within the section, and
13121@item
13122a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
13123executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
13124information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
13125zero as the @var{crc} argument.
13126@end itemize
13127
13128Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
13129contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
13130described above.
13131
13132@cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
13133@cindex build ID sections
13134The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
13135ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
13136often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
13137It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
13138the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
13139algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
13140content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
13141value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
13142stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
13143
13144The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
13145executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
13146debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
13147should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
13148but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
13149in an ordinary executable.
13150
13151The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
13152@samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
13153the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
13154following commands:
13155
13156@smallexample
13157@kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
13158@kbd{strip -g foo}
13159@end smallexample
13160
13161@noindent
13162These commands remove the debugging
13163information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
13164@file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
13165two files:
13166
13167@itemize @bullet
13168@item
13169The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
13170behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
13171
13172@smallexample
13173@kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
13174@end smallexample
13175
13176Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
13177a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
13178foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
13179the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
13180
13181@item
13182Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
13183the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
13184compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
13185utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
13186@end itemize
13187
13188@noindent
13189
13190Since there are many different ways to compute CRC's for the debug
13191link (different polynomials, reversals, byte ordering, etc.), the
13192simplest way to describe the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}
13193sections is to give the complete code for a function that computes it:
13194
13195@kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
13196@smallexample
13197unsigned long
13198gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
13199 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
13200@{
13201 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
13202 @{
13203 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
13204 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
13205 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
13206 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
13207 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
13208 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
13209 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
13210 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
13211 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
13212 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
13213 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
13214 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
13215 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
13216 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
13217 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
13218 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
13219 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
13220 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
13221 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
13222 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
13223 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
13224 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
13225 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
13226 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
13227 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
13228 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
13229 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
13230 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
13231 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
13232 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
13233 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
13234 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
13235 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
13236 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
13237 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
13238 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
13239 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
13240 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
13241 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
13242 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
13243 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
13244 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
13245 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
13246 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
13247 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
13248 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
13249 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
13250 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
13251 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
13252 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
13253 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
13254 0x2d02ef8d
13255 @};
13256 unsigned char *end;
13257
13258 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
13259 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
13260 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
13261 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
13262@}
13263@end smallexample
13264
13265@noindent
13266This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
13267
13268
13269@node Symbol Errors
13270@section Errors Reading Symbol Files
13271
13272While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
13273such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
13274output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
13275they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
13276debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
13277about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
13278only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
13279times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
13280to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
13281complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
13282Messages}).
13283
13284The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
13285
13286@table @code
13287@item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
13288
13289The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
13290(such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
13291error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
13292in its outer scope blocks.
13293
13294@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
13295the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
13296may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
13297function.
13298
13299@item block at @var{address} out of order
13300
13301The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
13302order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
13303do so.
13304
13305@value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
13306locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
13307can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
13308@code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
13309Messages}.)
13310
13311@item bad block start address patched
13312
13313The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
13314smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
13315to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
13316
13317@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
13318starting on the previous source line.
13319
13320@item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
13321
13322@cindex foo
13323Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
13324larger than the size of the string table.
13325
13326@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
13327name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
13328with this name.
13329
13330@item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
13331
13332The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
13333not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
13334uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
13335
13336@value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
13337This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
13338are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
13339debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
13340on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
13341and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
13342
13343@item stub type has NULL name
13344
13345@value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
13346
13347@item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
13348The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
13349information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
13350it.
13351
13352@item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
13353
13354@value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
13355
13356@end table
13357
13358@node Targets
13359@chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
13360
13361@cindex debugging target
13362A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
13363
13364Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
13365in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
13366you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
13367flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
13368host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
13369realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
13370command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
13371(@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
13372
13373@cindex target architecture
13374It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
13375architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
13376one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
13377command.
13378
13379@table @code
13380@kindex set architecture
13381@kindex show architecture
13382@item set architecture @var{arch}
13383This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
13384value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
13385supported architectures.
13386
13387@item show architecture
13388Show the current target architecture.
13389
13390@item set processor
13391@itemx processor
13392@kindex set processor
13393@kindex show processor
13394These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
13395and @code{show architecture}.
13396@end table
13397
13398@menu
13399* Active Targets:: Active targets
13400* Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
13401* Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
13402@end menu
13403
13404@node Active Targets
13405@section Active Targets
13406
13407@cindex stacking targets
13408@cindex active targets
13409@cindex multiple targets
13410
13411There are three classes of targets: processes, core files, and
13412executable files. @value{GDBN} can work concurrently on up to three
13413active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for example)
13414start a process and inspect its activity without abandoning your work on
13415a core file.
13416
13417For example, if you execute @samp{gdb a.out}, then the executable file
13418@code{a.out} is the only active target. If you designate a core file as
13419well---presumably from a prior run that crashed and coredumped---then
13420@value{GDBN} has two active targets and uses them in tandem, looking
13421first in the corefile target, then in the executable file, to satisfy
13422requests for memory addresses. (Typically, these two classes of target
13423are complementary, since core files contain only a program's
13424read-write memory---variables and so on---plus machine status, while
13425executable files contain only the program text and initialized data.)
13426
13427When you type @code{run}, your executable file becomes an active process
13428target as well. When a process target is active, all @value{GDBN}
13429commands requesting memory addresses refer to that target; addresses in
13430an active core file or executable file target are obscured while the
13431process target is active.
13432
13433Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new
13434core file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify
13435Files}). To specify as a target a process that is already running, use
13436the @code{attach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
13437Process}).
13438
13439@node Target Commands
13440@section Commands for Managing Targets
13441
13442@table @code
13443@item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
13444Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
13445process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
13446facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
13447protocol of the target machine.
13448
13449Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
13450typically include things like device names or host names to connect
13451with, process numbers, and baud rates.
13452
13453The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
13454after executing the command.
13455
13456@kindex help target
13457@item help target
13458Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
13459currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
13460(@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
13461
13462@item help target @var{name}
13463Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
13464select it.
13465
13466@kindex set gnutarget
13467@item set gnutarget @var{args}
13468@value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
13469knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
13470a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
13471with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
13472with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
13473
13474@quotation
13475@emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
13476you must know the actual BFD name.
13477@end quotation
13478
13479@noindent
13480@xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
13481
13482@kindex show gnutarget
13483@item show gnutarget
13484Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
13485@code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
13486@value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
13487and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
13488@end table
13489
13490@cindex common targets
13491Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
13492configuration):
13493
13494@table @code
13495@kindex target
13496@item target exec @var{program}
13497@cindex executable file target
13498An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
13499@samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
13500
13501@item target core @var{filename}
13502@cindex core dump file target
13503A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
13504@samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
13505
13506@item target remote @var{medium}
13507@cindex remote target
13508A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
13509connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
13510protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
13511
13512For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
13513machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
13514
13515@smallexample
13516target remote /dev/ttya
13517@end smallexample
13518
13519@code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
13520useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
13521system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
13522clobbered by the download.
13523
13524@item target sim
13525@cindex built-in simulator target
13526Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
13527In general,
13528@smallexample
13529 target sim
13530 load
13531 run
13532@end smallexample
13533@noindent
13534works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
13535drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
13536provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
13537see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
13538Processors}.
13539
13540@end table
13541
13542Some configurations may include these targets as well:
13543
13544@table @code
13545
13546@item target nrom @var{dev}
13547@cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
13548NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
13549
13550@end table
13551
13552Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
13553your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
13554
13555Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
13556you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
13557various aspects of this process.
13558
13559@table @code
13560
13561@item set hash
13562@kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
13563@cindex hash mark while downloading
13564This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
13565downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
13566displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
13567monitor.
13568
13569@item show hash
13570@kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
13571Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
13572
13573@item set debug monitor
13574@kindex set debug monitor
13575@cindex display remote monitor communications
13576Enable or disable display of communications messages between
13577@value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
13578
13579@item show debug monitor
13580@kindex show debug monitor
13581Show the current status of displaying communications between
13582@value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
13583@end table
13584
13585@table @code
13586
13587@kindex load @var{filename}
13588@item load @var{filename}
13589@anchor{load}
13590Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
13591@value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
13592is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
13593on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
13594@code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
13595the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
13596
13597If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
13598execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
13599target is @dots{}}''
13600
13601The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
13602For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
13603link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
13604specifies a fixed address.
13605@c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
13606
13607Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
13608load programs into flash memory.
13609
13610@code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
13611@end table
13612
13613@node Byte Order
13614@section Choosing Target Byte Order
13615
13616@cindex choosing target byte order
13617@cindex target byte order
13618
13619Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
13620offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
13621orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
13622designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
13623which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
13624@value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
13625
13626@table @code
13627@kindex set endian
13628@item set endian big
13629Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
13630
13631@item set endian little
13632Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
13633
13634@item set endian auto
13635Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
13636executable.
13637
13638@item show endian
13639Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
13640
13641@end table
13642
13643Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
13644data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
13645target system.
13646
13647
13648@node Remote Debugging
13649@chapter Debugging Remote Programs
13650@cindex remote debugging
13651
13652If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
13653@value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
13654For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
13655or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
13656powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
13657
13658Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
13659to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
13660@value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
13661but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
13662write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
13663communicate with @value{GDBN}.
13664
13665Other remote targets may be available in your
13666configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
13667
13668@menu
13669* Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
13670* File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
13671* Server:: Using the gdbserver program
13672* Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
13673* Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
13674@end menu
13675
13676@node Connecting
13677@section Connecting to a Remote Target
13678
13679On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
13680your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
13681Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
13682program as the first argument.
13683
13684@cindex @code{target remote}
13685@value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
13686over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
13687each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
13688program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
13689@code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
13690Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
13691
13692@table @code
13693
13694@item target remote @var{serial-device}
13695@cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
13696Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
13697to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
13698
13699@smallexample
13700target remote /dev/ttyb
13701@end smallexample
13702
13703If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
13704@w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
13705(@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
13706@code{target} command.
13707
13708@item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
13709@itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
13710@cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
13711Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
13712The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
13713address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
13714the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
13715it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
13716target.
13717
13718For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
13719@code{manyfarms}:
13720
13721@smallexample
13722target remote manyfarms:2828
13723@end smallexample
13724
13725If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
13726debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
13727same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
13728port 1234 on your local machine:
13729
13730@smallexample
13731target remote :1234
13732@end smallexample
13733@noindent
13734
13735Note that the colon is still required here.
13736
13737@item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
13738@cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
13739Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
13740connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
13741
13742@smallexample
13743target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
13744@end smallexample
13745
13746When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
13747keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
13748can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
13749cause havoc with your debugging session.
13750
13751@item target remote | @var{command}
13752@cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
13753Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
13754pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
13755by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
13756protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
13757standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
13758that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
13759using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
13760
13761If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
13762@value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
13763program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
13764
13765@end table
13766
13767Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
13768commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
13769running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
13770need to use @kbd{run}.
13771
13772@cindex interrupting remote programs
13773@cindex remote programs, interrupting
13774Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
13775interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
13776program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
13777and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
13778interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
13779
13780@smallexample
13781Interrupted while waiting for the program.
13782Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
13783@end smallexample
13784
13785If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
13786(If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
13787remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
13788goes back to waiting.
13789
13790@table @code
13791@kindex detach (remote)
13792@item detach
13793When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
13794@code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
13795Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
13796will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
13797command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
13798
13799@kindex disconnect
13800@item disconnect
13801The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
13802the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
13803(this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
13804the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
13805another target.
13806
13807@cindex send command to remote monitor
13808@cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
13809@cindex add new commands for external monitor
13810@kindex monitor
13811@item monitor @var{cmd}
13812This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
13813remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
13814sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
13815can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
13816and implement.
13817@end table
13818
13819@node File Transfer
13820@section Sending files to a remote system
13821@cindex remote target, file transfer
13822@cindex file transfer
13823@cindex sending files to remote systems
13824
13825Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
13826connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
13827for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
13828running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
13829e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
13830the only way to upload or download files.
13831
13832Not all remote targets support these commands.
13833
13834@table @code
13835@kindex remote put
13836@item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
13837Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
13838@value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
13839
13840@kindex remote get
13841@item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
13842Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
13843on the host system.
13844
13845@kindex remote delete
13846@item remote delete @var{targetfile}
13847Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
13848
13849@end table
13850
13851@node Server
13852@section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
13853
13854@kindex gdbserver
13855@cindex remote connection without stubs
13856@code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
13857allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
13858@code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
13859
13860@code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
13861because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
13862that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
13863@code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
13864@value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
13865because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
13866also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
13867started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
13868Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
13869the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
13870do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
13871by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
13872choice for debugging.
13873
13874@value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
13875or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
13876protocol.
13877
13878@quotation
13879@emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
13880Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
13881@value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
13882target system with the same privileges as the user running
13883@code{gdbserver}.
13884@end quotation
13885
13886@subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
13887@cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
13888
13889Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
13890program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
13891@code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
13892strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
13893system does all the symbol handling.
13894
13895To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
13896the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
13897syntax is:
13898
13899@smallexample
13900target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
13901@end smallexample
13902
13903@var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
13904hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
13905@samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
13906@file{/dev/com1}:
13907
13908@smallexample
13909target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
13910@end smallexample
13911
13912@code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
13913with it.
13914
13915To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
13916
13917@smallexample
13918target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
13919@end smallexample
13920
13921The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
13922specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
13923TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
13924expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
13925(Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
13926you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
13927TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
13928reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
13929conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
13930and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
13931@code{target remote} command.
13932
13933@subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
13934
13935On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
13936This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
13937
13938@smallexample
13939target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
13940@end smallexample
13941
13942@var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
13943to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
13944
13945@pindex pidof
13946@cindex attach to a program by name
13947You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
13948@code{pidof} utility:
13949
13950@smallexample
13951target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
13952@end smallexample
13953
13954In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
13955has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
13956@code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
13957
13958@subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
13959@cindex gdbserver, multiple processes
13960@cindex multiple processes with gdbserver
13961
13962When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
13963@code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
13964program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
13965and @code{gdbserver} exits.
13966
13967If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
13968enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
13969detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
13970though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
13971commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
13972The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
13973remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
13974arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
13975redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
13976
13977To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
13978or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
13979Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
13980the program you want to debug.
13981
13982@code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit in multi-process mode.
13983You can terminate it by using @code{monitor exit}
13984(@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
13985
13986@subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
13987
13988The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
13989status information about the debugging process. The
13990@option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
13991remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
13992@code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
13993
13994The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
13995for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
13996wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
13997@kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
13998
13999@code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
14000command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
14001program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
14002runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
14003
14004You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
14005its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
14006this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
14007with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
14008
14009For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
14010the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
14011environment:
14012
14013@smallexample
14014$ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
14015@end smallexample
14016
14017@subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
14018
14019Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
14020
14021First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
14022your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
14023@code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
14024was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
14025
14026The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
14027and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
14028system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
14029are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
14030during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
14031files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
14032programs.
14033
14034Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
14035For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
14036the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
14037text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
14038@samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
14039command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
14040already on the target.
14041
14042@subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
14043@cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
14044@anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
14045
14046During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
14047@code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
14048Here are the available commands.
14049
14050@table @code
14051@item monitor help
14052List the available monitor commands.
14053
14054@item monitor set debug 0
14055@itemx monitor set debug 1
14056Disable or enable general debugging messages.
14057
14058@item monitor set remote-debug 0
14059@itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
14060Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
14061protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
14062
14063@item monitor exit
14064Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
14065@code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
14066detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
14067Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
14068of a multi-process mode debug session.
14069
14070@end table
14071
14072@node Remote Configuration
14073@section Remote Configuration
14074
14075@kindex set remote
14076@kindex show remote
14077This section documents the configuration options available when
14078debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
14079extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
14080system-call-allowed}.
14081
14082@table @code
14083@item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
14084@cindex address size for remote targets
14085@cindex bits in remote address
14086Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
14087number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
14088that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
14089default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
14090
14091@item show remoteaddresssize
14092Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
14093
14094@item set remotebaud @var{n}
14095@cindex baud rate for remote targets
14096Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
14097value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
14098remote targets.
14099
14100@item show remotebaud
14101Show the current speed of the remote connection.
14102
14103@item set remotebreak
14104@cindex interrupt remote programs
14105@cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
14106@anchor{set remotebreak}
14107If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
14108when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
14109on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
14110character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
14111expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
14112
14113@item show remotebreak
14114Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
14115interrupt the remote program.
14116
14117@item set remoteflow on
14118@itemx set remoteflow off
14119@kindex set remoteflow
14120Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
14121on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
14122
14123@item show remoteflow
14124@kindex show remoteflow
14125Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
14126
14127@item set remotelogbase @var{base}
14128Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
14129communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
14130@code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
14131@code{ascii}.
14132
14133@item show remotelogbase
14134Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
14135protocol.
14136
14137@item set remotelogfile @var{file}
14138@cindex record serial communications on file
14139Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
14140default is not to record at all.
14141
14142@item show remotelogfile.
14143Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
14144serial communications.
14145
14146@item set remotetimeout @var{num}
14147@cindex timeout for serial communications
14148@cindex remote timeout
14149Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
14150@var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
14151
14152@item show remotetimeout
14153Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
14154responses.
14155
14156@cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
14157@cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
14158@anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
14159@anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
14160@item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
14161@itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
14162Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
14163watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
14164
14165@item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
14166@itemx show remote exec-file
14167@anchor{set remote exec-file}
14168@cindex executable file, for remote target
14169Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
14170extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
14171target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
14172filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
14173
14174@kindex set tcp
14175@kindex show tcp
14176@item set tcp auto-retry on
14177@cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
14178Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
14179debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
14180condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
14181before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
14182enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
14183to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
14184@code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
14185
14186@item set tcp auto-retry off
14187Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
14188
14189@item show tcp auto-retry
14190Show the current auto-retry setting.
14191
14192@item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
14193@cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
14194@cindex timeout, for remote target connection
14195Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
14196@var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
14197(enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
14198that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
14199value.
14200
14201@item show tcp connect-timeout
14202Show the current connection timeout setting.
14203@end table
14204
14205@cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
14206The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
14207your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
14208can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
14209packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
14210packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
14211or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
14212all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
14213see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
14214
14215During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
14216If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
14217in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
14218@value{GDBN} developers.
14219
14220For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
14221packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
14222are:
14223
14224@multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
14225@item Command Name
14226@tab Remote Packet
14227@tab Related Features
14228
14229@item @code{fetch-register}
14230@tab @code{p}
14231@tab @code{info registers}
14232
14233@item @code{set-register}
14234@tab @code{P}
14235@tab @code{set}
14236
14237@item @code{binary-download}
14238@tab @code{X}
14239@tab @code{load}, @code{set}
14240
14241@item @code{read-aux-vector}
14242@tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
14243@tab @code{info auxv}
14244
14245@item @code{symbol-lookup}
14246@tab @code{qSymbol}
14247@tab Detecting multiple threads
14248
14249@item @code{attach}
14250@tab @code{vAttach}
14251@tab @code{attach}
14252
14253@item @code{verbose-resume}
14254@tab @code{vCont}
14255@tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
14256
14257@item @code{run}
14258@tab @code{vRun}
14259@tab @code{run}
14260
14261@item @code{software-breakpoint}
14262@tab @code{Z0}
14263@tab @code{break}
14264
14265@item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
14266@tab @code{Z1}
14267@tab @code{hbreak}
14268
14269@item @code{write-watchpoint}
14270@tab @code{Z2}
14271@tab @code{watch}
14272
14273@item @code{read-watchpoint}
14274@tab @code{Z3}
14275@tab @code{rwatch}
14276
14277@item @code{access-watchpoint}
14278@tab @code{Z4}
14279@tab @code{awatch}
14280
14281@item @code{target-features}
14282@tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
14283@tab @code{set architecture}
14284
14285@item @code{library-info}
14286@tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
14287@tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
14288
14289@item @code{memory-map}
14290@tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
14291@tab @code{info mem}
14292
14293@item @code{read-spu-object}
14294@tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
14295@tab @code{info spu}
14296
14297@item @code{write-spu-object}
14298@tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
14299@tab @code{info spu}
14300
14301@item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
14302@tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
14303@tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
14304
14305@item @code{search-memory}
14306@tab @code{qSearch:memory}
14307@tab @code{find}
14308
14309@item @code{supported-packets}
14310@tab @code{qSupported}
14311@tab Remote communications parameters
14312
14313@item @code{pass-signals}
14314@tab @code{QPassSignals}
14315@tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
14316
14317@item @code{hostio-close-packet}
14318@tab @code{vFile:close}
14319@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14320
14321@item @code{hostio-open-packet}
14322@tab @code{vFile:open}
14323@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14324
14325@item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
14326@tab @code{vFile:pread}
14327@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14328
14329@item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
14330@tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
14331@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14332
14333@item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
14334@tab @code{vFile:unlink}
14335@tab @code{remote delete}
14336
14337@item @code{noack-packet}
14338@tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
14339@tab Packet acknowledgment
14340
14341@item @code{osdata}
14342@tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
14343@tab @code{info os}
14344@end multitable
14345
14346@node Remote Stub
14347@section Implementing a Remote Stub
14348
14349@cindex debugging stub, example
14350@cindex remote stub, example
14351@cindex stub example, remote debugging
14352The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
14353communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
14354@value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
14355these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
14356implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
14357with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
14358organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
14359
14360@cindex remote serial debugging, overview
14361To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
14362@dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
14363prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
14364program, you need:
14365
14366@enumerate
14367@item
14368A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
14369have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
14370your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
14371
14372@item
14373A C subroutine library to support your program's
14374subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
14375
14376@item
14377A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
14378download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
14379manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
14380documentation.
14381@end enumerate
14382
14383The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
14384communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
14385machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
14386
14387@table @emph
14388@item On the host,
14389@value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
14390else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
14391(@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
14392
14393@item On the target,
14394you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
14395implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
14396subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
14397
14398On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
14399@code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
14400@xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
14401@end table
14402
14403The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
14404machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
14405@sc{sparc} boards.
14406
14407@cindex remote serial stub list
14408These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
14409
14410@table @code
14411
14412@item i386-stub.c
14413@cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
14414@cindex Intel
14415@cindex i386
14416For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
14417
14418@item m68k-stub.c
14419@cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
14420@cindex Motorola 680x0
14421@cindex m680x0
14422For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
14423
14424@item sh-stub.c
14425@cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
14426@cindex Renesas
14427@cindex SH
14428For Renesas SH architectures.
14429
14430@item sparc-stub.c
14431@cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
14432@cindex Sparc
14433For @sc{sparc} architectures.
14434
14435@item sparcl-stub.c
14436@cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
14437@cindex Fujitsu
14438@cindex SparcLite
14439For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
14440
14441@end table
14442
14443The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
14444recently added stubs.
14445
14446@menu
14447* Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
14448* Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
14449* Debug Session:: Putting it all together
14450@end menu
14451
14452@node Stub Contents
14453@subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
14454
14455@cindex remote serial stub
14456The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
14457subroutines:
14458
14459@table @code
14460@item set_debug_traps
14461@findex set_debug_traps
14462@cindex remote serial stub, initialization
14463This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
14464program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
14465beginning of your program.
14466
14467@item handle_exception
14468@findex handle_exception
14469@cindex remote serial stub, main routine
14470This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
14471explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
14472run when a trap is triggered.
14473
14474@code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
14475execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
14476with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
14477protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
14478representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
14479information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
14480retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
14481execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
14482@code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
14483machine.
14484
14485@item breakpoint
14486@cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
14487Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
14488breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
14489way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
14490machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
14491pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
14492@code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
14493simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
14494again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
14495your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
14496@value{GDBN} session gets control.
14497
14498Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
14499to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
14500start of your debugging session.
14501@end table
14502
14503@node Bootstrapping
14504@subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
14505
14506@cindex remote stub, support routines
14507The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
14508chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
14509debugging target machine.
14510
14511First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
14512serial port.
14513
14514@table @code
14515@item int getDebugChar()
14516@findex getDebugChar
14517Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
14518It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
14519different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
14520
14521@item void putDebugChar(int)
14522@findex putDebugChar
14523Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
14524It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
14525different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
14526@end table
14527
14528@cindex control C, and remote debugging
14529@cindex interrupting remote targets
14530If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
14531running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
14532for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
14533character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
14534remote system to stop.
14535
14536Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
14537probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
14538is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
14539@value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
14540
14541Other routines you need to supply are:
14542
14543@table @code
14544@item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
14545@findex exceptionHandler
14546Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
14547handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
14548way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
14549are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
14550containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
14551@var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
14552its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
14553might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
14554exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
14555@var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
14556and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
14557you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
14558should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
14559
14560For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
14561gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
14562should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
14563@sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
14564help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
14565
14566@item void flush_i_cache()
14567@findex flush_i_cache
14568On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
14569instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
14570instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
14571
14572On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
14573function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
14574@end table
14575
14576@noindent
14577You must also make sure this library routine is available:
14578
14579@table @code
14580@item void *memset(void *, int, int)
14581@findex memset
14582This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
14583memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
14584@code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
14585either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
14586@end table
14587
14588If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
14589library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
14590but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
14591subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
14592
14593
14594@node Debug Session
14595@subsection Putting it All Together
14596
14597@cindex remote serial debugging summary
14598In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
14599steps.
14600
14601@enumerate
14602@item
14603Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
14604(@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
14605@display
14606@code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
14607@code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
14608@end display
14609
14610@item
14611Insert these lines near the top of your program:
14612
14613@smallexample
14614set_debug_traps();
14615breakpoint();
14616@end smallexample
14617
14618@item
14619For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
14620@code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
14621
14622@smallexample
14623void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
14624@end smallexample
14625
14626@noindent
14627but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
14628function in your program, that function is called when
14629@code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
14630error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
14631one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
14632
14633@item
14634Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
14635your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
14636
14637@item
14638Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
14639the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
14640
14641@item
14642@c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
14643@c document that. FIXME.
14644Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
14645whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
14646
14647@item
14648Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
14649(@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
14650
14651@end enumerate
14652
14653@node Configurations
14654@chapter Configuration-Specific Information
14655
14656While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
14657cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
14658describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
14659
14660There are three major categories of configurations: native
14661configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
14662operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
14663different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
14664are quite different from each other.
14665
14666@menu
14667* Native::
14668* Embedded OS::
14669* Embedded Processors::
14670* Architectures::
14671@end menu
14672
14673@node Native
14674@section Native
14675
14676This section describes details specific to particular native
14677configurations.
14678
14679@menu
14680* HP-UX:: HP-UX
14681* BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
14682* SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
14683* DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
14684* Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
14685* Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
14686* Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
14687* Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
14688@end menu
14689
14690@node HP-UX
14691@subsection HP-UX
14692
14693On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
14694begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
14695name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
14696
14697
14698@node BSD libkvm Interface
14699@subsection BSD libkvm Interface
14700
14701@cindex libkvm
14702@cindex kernel memory image
14703@cindex kernel crash dump
14704
14705BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
14706interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
14707memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
14708uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
14709dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
14710special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
14711the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
14712@code{kvm} target:
14713
14714@smallexample
14715(@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
14716@end smallexample
14717
14718For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
14719argument:
14720
14721@smallexample
14722(@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
14723@end smallexample
14724
14725Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
14726available:
14727
14728@table @code
14729@kindex kvm
14730@item kvm pcb
14731Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
14732
14733@item kvm proc
14734Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
14735modern FreeBSD systems.
14736@end table
14737
14738@node SVR4 Process Information
14739@subsection SVR4 Process Information
14740@cindex /proc
14741@cindex examine process image
14742@cindex process info via @file{/proc}
14743
14744Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
14745@samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
14746process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
14747for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
14748proc} is available to report information about the process running
14749your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
14750proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
14751This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
14752Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
14753
14754@table @code
14755@kindex info proc
14756@cindex process ID
14757@item info proc
14758@itemx info proc @var{process-id}
14759Summarize available information about any running process. If a
14760process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
14761that process; otherwise display information about the program being
14762debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
14763line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
14764executable file's absolute file name.
14765
14766On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
14767@samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
14768within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
14769a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
14770needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
14771a process ID rather than a thread ID).
14772
14773@item info proc mappings
14774@cindex memory address space mappings
14775Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
14776information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
14777rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
14778includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
14779memory access rights to that range.
14780
14781@item info proc stat
14782@itemx info proc status
14783@cindex process detailed status information
14784These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
14785the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
14786how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
14787the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
14788consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
14789value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
14790(type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
14791
14792@item info proc all
14793Show all the information about the process described under all of the
14794above @code{info proc} subcommands.
14795
14796@ignore
14797@comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
14798@comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
14799@comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
14800@kindex info proc times
14801@item info proc times
14802Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
14803its children.
14804
14805@kindex info proc id
14806@item info proc id
14807Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
14808the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
14809@end ignore
14810
14811@item set procfs-trace
14812@kindex set procfs-trace
14813@cindex @code{procfs} API calls
14814This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
14815
14816@item show procfs-trace
14817@kindex show procfs-trace
14818Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
14819
14820@item set procfs-file @var{file}
14821@kindex set procfs-file
14822Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
14823@var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
14824contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
14825standard output.
14826
14827@item show procfs-file
14828@kindex show procfs-file
14829Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
14830
14831@item proc-trace-entry
14832@itemx proc-trace-exit
14833@itemx proc-untrace-entry
14834@itemx proc-untrace-exit
14835@kindex proc-trace-entry
14836@kindex proc-trace-exit
14837@kindex proc-untrace-entry
14838@kindex proc-untrace-exit
14839These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
14840from the @code{syscall} interface.
14841
14842@item info pidlist
14843@kindex info pidlist
14844@cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
14845For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
14846processes and all the threads within each process.
14847
14848@item info meminfo
14849@kindex info meminfo
14850@cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
14851For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
14852@end table
14853
14854@node DJGPP Native
14855@subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
14856@cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
14857@cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
14858@cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
14859
14860@cindex DPMI
14861@sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
14862MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
14863that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
14864top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
14865
14866@value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
14867defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
14868subsection describes those commands.
14869
14870@table @code
14871@kindex info dos
14872@item info dos
14873This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
14874information about the target system and important OS structures.
14875
14876@kindex sysinfo
14877@cindex MS-DOS system info
14878@cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
14879@item info dos sysinfo
14880This command displays assorted information about the underlying
14881platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
14882DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
14883
14884@cindex GDT
14885@cindex LDT
14886@cindex IDT
14887@cindex segment descriptor tables
14888@cindex descriptor tables display
14889@item info dos gdt
14890@itemx info dos ldt
14891@itemx info dos idt
14892These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
14893and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
14894tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
14895that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
14896descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
14897descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
14898rights.
14899
14900A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
14901segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
14902allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
14903conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
14904additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
14905
14906@cindex garbled pointers
14907These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
14908Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
14909displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
14910display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
14911example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
14912debugged program's data segment:
14913
14914@smallexample
14915@exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
14916@exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
14917@end smallexample
14918
14919@noindent
14920This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
14921the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
14922
14923@cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
14924@item info dos pde
14925@itemx info dos pte
14926These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
14927Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
14928data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
14929into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
14930page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
14931may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
14932Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
14933that is currently in use.
14934
14935Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
14936Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
14937the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
14938@kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
14939Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
14940means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
14941the specified entry in the Page Directory.
14942
14943@cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
14944These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
14945Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
14946controller.
14947
14948These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
14949
14950@cindex physical address from linear address
14951@item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
14952This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
14953address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
14954already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
14955because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
14956segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
14957the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
14958
14959@smallexample
14960@exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
14961@exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
14962@exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
14963@end smallexample
14964
14965@noindent
14966This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
14967whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
14968attributes of that page.
14969
14970Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
14971since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
14972address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
14973be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
14974declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
14975@code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
14976
14977Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
14978transfer buffer:
14979
14980@smallexample
14981@exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
14982@exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
14983@exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
14984@end smallexample
14985
14986@noindent
14987(The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
149883rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
14989clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
14990memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
14991linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
14992
14993This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
14994@end table
14995
14996@cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
14997In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
14998debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
14999to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
15000
15001@table @code
15002@kindex set com1base
15003@kindex set com1irq
15004@kindex set com2base
15005@kindex set com2irq
15006@kindex set com3base
15007@kindex set com3irq
15008@kindex set com4base
15009@kindex set com4irq
15010@item set com1base @var{addr}
15011This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
15012port.
15013
15014@item set com1irq @var{irq}
15015This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
15016for the @file{COM1} serial port.
15017
15018There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
15019etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
15020other 3 COM ports.
15021
15022@kindex show com1base
15023@kindex show com1irq
15024@kindex show com2base
15025@kindex show com2irq
15026@kindex show com3base
15027@kindex show com3irq
15028@kindex show com4base
15029@kindex show com4irq
15030The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
15031display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
15032lines used by the COM ports.
15033
15034@item info serial
15035@kindex info serial
15036@cindex DOS serial port status
15037This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
15038port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
15039IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
15040counts of various errors encountered so far.
15041@end table
15042
15043
15044@node Cygwin Native
15045@subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
15046@cindex MS Windows debugging
15047@cindex native Cygwin debugging
15048@cindex Cygwin-specific commands
15049
15050@value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
15051DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information. There are various
15052additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in this section.
15053Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is described in
15054@ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
15055
15056@table @code
15057@kindex info w32
15058@item info w32
15059This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
15060information about the target system and important OS structures.
15061
15062@item info w32 selector
15063This command displays information returned by
15064the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
15065It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
15066a long value to give the information about this given selector.
15067Without argument, this command displays information
15068about the six segment registers.
15069
15070@kindex info dll
15071@item info dll
15072This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
15073
15074@kindex dll-symbols
15075@item dll-symbols
15076This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
15077add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
15078
15079@kindex set cygwin-exceptions
15080@cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
15081@cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
15082@item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
15083If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
15084happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
15085@value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
15086exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
15087``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
15088Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
15089@value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
15090
15091@kindex show cygwin-exceptions
15092@item show cygwin-exceptions
15093Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
15094inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
15095
15096@kindex set new-console
15097@item set new-console @var{mode}
15098If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
15099be started in a new console on next start.
15100If @var{mode} is @code{off}i, the debuggee will
15101be started in the same console as the debugger.
15102
15103@kindex show new-console
15104@item show new-console
15105Displays whether a new console is used
15106when the debuggee is started.
15107
15108@kindex set new-group
15109@item set new-group @var{mode}
15110This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
15111start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
15112This affects the way the Windows OS handles
15113@samp{Ctrl-C}.
15114
15115@kindex show new-group
15116@item show new-group
15117Displays current value of new-group boolean.
15118
15119@kindex set debugevents
15120@item set debugevents
15121This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
15122to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
15123signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
15124unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
15125Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
15126
15127@kindex set debugexec
15128@item set debugexec
15129This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
15130(such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
15131
15132@kindex set debugexceptions
15133@item set debugexceptions
15134This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
15135debuggee seen by the debugger.
15136
15137@kindex set debugmemory
15138@item set debugmemory
15139This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
15140and writes by the debugger.
15141
15142@kindex set shell
15143@item set shell
15144This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
15145via a shell or directly (default value is on).
15146
15147@kindex show shell
15148@item show shell
15149Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
15150
15151@end table
15152
15153@menu
15154* Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
15155@end menu
15156
15157@node Non-debug DLL Symbols
15158@subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
15159@cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
15160@cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
15161
15162Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
15163not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
15164@file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
15165symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
15166information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
15167describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
15168``minimal symbols''.
15169
15170Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
15171will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
15172start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
15173program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
15174@value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
15175see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
15176@code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
15177explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
15178cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
15179which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
15180
15181@subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
15182
15183In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
15184tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
15185DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
15186also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
15187sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
15188(particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
15189necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
15190contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
15191exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
15192
15193Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
15194though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
15195symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
15196some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
15197@code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
15198(@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
15199
15200@smallexample
15201(@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
15202All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
15203
15204Non-debugging symbols:
152050x77e885f4 CreateFileA
152060x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
15207@end smallexample
15208
15209@smallexample
15210(@value{GDBP}) info function !
15211All functions matching regular expression "!":
15212
15213Non-debugging symbols:
152140x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
152150x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
152160x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
15217[etc...]
15218@end smallexample
15219
15220@subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
15221
15222Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
15223type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
15224refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
15225contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
15226contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
15227means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
15228a function within a DLL without a running program.
15229
15230Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
15231automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
15232variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
15233type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
15234problem:
15235
15236@smallexample
15237(@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
15238$1 = 268572168
15239@end smallexample
15240
15241@smallexample
15242(@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
152430x10021610: "\230y\""
15244@end smallexample
15245
15246And two possible solutions:
15247
15248@smallexample
15249(@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
15250$2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
15251@end smallexample
15252
15253@smallexample
15254(@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
152550x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
15256(@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
152570x10021608: 0x0022fd98
15258(@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
152590x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
15260@end smallexample
15261
15262Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
15263starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
15264examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
15265function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
15266to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
15267
15268@smallexample
15269(@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
15270Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
15271@end smallexample
15272
15273The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
15274break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
15275safe.
15276
15277@node Hurd Native
15278@subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
15279@cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
15280
15281This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
15282@sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
15283
15284@table @code
15285@item set signals
15286@itemx set sigs
15287@kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
15288@kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
15289This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
15290@value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
15291affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
15292@code{signals}.
15293
15294@item show signals
15295@itemx show sigs
15296@kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
15297@kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
15298Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
15299
15300@item set signal-thread
15301@itemx set sigthread
15302@kindex set signal-thread
15303@kindex set sigthread
15304This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
15305thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
15306process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
15307signal-thread}.
15308
15309@item show signal-thread
15310@itemx show sigthread
15311@kindex show signal-thread
15312@kindex show sigthread
15313These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
15314delivered a signal.
15315
15316@item set stopped
15317@kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
15318This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
15319as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
15320continued by delivering a signal to it.
15321
15322@item show stopped
15323@kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
15324This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
15325stopped.
15326
15327@item set exceptions
15328@kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
15329Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
15330When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
15331single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
15332trapping on.
15333
15334@item show exceptions
15335@kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
15336Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
15337
15338@item set task pause
15339@kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
15340@cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15341@cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15342This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
15343Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
15344whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
15345effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
15346to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
15347thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
15348
15349@item show task pause
15350@kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
15351Show the current state of task suspension.
15352
15353@item set task detach-suspend-count
15354@cindex task suspend count
15355@cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15356This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
15357@value{GDBN} detaches from it.
15358
15359@item show task detach-suspend-count
15360Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
15361
15362@item set task exception-port
15363@itemx set task excp
15364@cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15365This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
15366forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
15367rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
15368
15369@item set noninvasive
15370@cindex noninvasive task options
15371This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
15372invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
15373is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
15374@code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
15375
15376@item info send-rights
15377@itemx info receive-rights
15378@itemx info port-rights
15379@itemx info port-sets
15380@itemx info dead-names
15381@itemx info ports
15382@itemx info psets
15383@cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15384@cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15385@cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15386@cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15387@cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15388These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
15389receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
15390There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
15391port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
15392
15393@item set thread pause
15394@kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
15395@cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15396@cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15397This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
15398control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
15399thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
15400off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
15401Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
15402control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
15403task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
15404only the current thread.
15405
15406@item show thread pause
15407@kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
15408This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
15409
15410@item set thread run
15411This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
15412
15413@item show thread run
15414Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
15415
15416@item set thread detach-suspend-count
15417@cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15418@cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15419This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
15420thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
15421found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
15422takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
15423
15424@item show thread detach-suspend-count
15425Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
15426detaching.
15427
15428@item set thread exception-port
15429@itemx set thread excp
15430Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
15431overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
15432@code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
15433
15434@item set thread takeover-suspend-count
15435Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
15436value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
15437changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
15438
15439@item set thread default
15440@itemx show thread default
15441@cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15442Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
15443default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
15444thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
15445variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
15446threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
15447the non-default commands.
15448@end table
15449
15450
15451@node Neutrino
15452@subsection QNX Neutrino
15453@cindex QNX Neutrino
15454
15455@value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
15456Neutrino target:
15457
15458@table @code
15459@item set debug nto-debug
15460@kindex set debug nto-debug
15461When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
15462Neutrino support.
15463
15464@item show debug nto-debug
15465@kindex show debug nto-debug
15466Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
15467@end table
15468
15469@node Darwin
15470@subsection Darwin
15471@cindex Darwin
15472
15473@value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
15474
15475@table @code
15476@item set debug darwin @var{num}
15477@kindex set debug darwin
15478When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
15479the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
15480
15481@item show debug darwin
15482@kindex show debug darwin
15483Show the current state of Darwin messages.
15484
15485@item set debug mach-o @var{num}
15486@kindex set debug mach-o
15487When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
15488@value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
15489file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
15490values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
15491problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
15492usage.
15493
15494@item show debug mach-o
15495@kindex show debug mach-o
15496Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
15497
15498@item set mach-exceptions on
15499@itemx set mach-exceptions off
15500@kindex set mach-exceptions
15501On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
15502mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
15503Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
15504better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
15505
15506@item show mach-exceptions
15507@kindex show mach-exceptions
15508Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
15509@end table
15510
15511
15512@node Embedded OS
15513@section Embedded Operating Systems
15514
15515This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
15516embedded operating systems that are available for several different
15517architectures.
15518
15519@menu
15520* VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
15521@end menu
15522
15523@value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
15524various real-time operating systems.
15525
15526@node VxWorks
15527@subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
15528
15529@cindex VxWorks
15530
15531@table @code
15532
15533@kindex target vxworks
15534@item target vxworks @var{machinename}
15535A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
15536is the target system's machine name or IP address.
15537
15538@end table
15539
15540On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
15541current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
15542
15543@value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
15544VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
15545the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
15546both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
15547@code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
15548installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
15549@value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
15550
15551@table @code
15552@item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
15553@kindex vxworks-timeout
15554All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
15555This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
15556seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
15557your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
15558of a thin network line.
15559@end table
15560
15561The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
15562this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
15563procedures.
15564
15565@findex INCLUDE_RDB
15566To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
15567to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
15568library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
15569VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
15570kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
15571source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
15572information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
15573manual.
15574@c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
15575
15576Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
15577your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
15578run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
15579@code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
15580
15581@value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
15582
15583@smallexample
15584(vxgdb)
15585@end smallexample
15586
15587@menu
15588* VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
15589* VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
15590* VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
15591@end menu
15592
15593@node VxWorks Connection
15594@subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
15595
15596The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
15597network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
15598
15599@smallexample
15600(vxgdb) target vxworks tt
15601@end smallexample
15602
15603@need 750
15604@value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
15605
15606@smallexample
15607Attaching remote machine across net...
15608Connected to tt.
15609@end smallexample
15610
15611@need 1000
15612@value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
15613loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
15614these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
15615path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
15616to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
15617
15618@smallexample
15619prog.o: No such file or directory.
15620@end smallexample
15621
15622When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
15623the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
15624command again.
15625
15626@node VxWorks Download
15627@subsubsection VxWorks Download
15628
15629@cindex download to VxWorks
15630If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
15631object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
15632@code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
15633incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
15634command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
15635to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
15636table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
15637the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
15638filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
15639Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
15640to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
15641the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
15642@file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
15643and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
15644program, type this on VxWorks:
15645
15646@smallexample
15647-> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
15648@end smallexample
15649
15650@noindent
15651Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
15652
15653@smallexample
15654(vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
15655(vxgdb) load prog.o
15656@end smallexample
15657
15658@value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
15659
15660@smallexample
15661Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
15662@end smallexample
15663
15664You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
15665after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
15666this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
15667auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
15668history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
15669debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
15670table.)
15671
15672@node VxWorks Attach
15673@subsubsection Running Tasks
15674
15675@cindex running VxWorks tasks
15676You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
15677follows:
15678
15679@smallexample
15680(vxgdb) attach @var{task}
15681@end smallexample
15682
15683@noindent
15684where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
15685or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
15686the time of attachment.
15687
15688@node Embedded Processors
15689@section Embedded Processors
15690
15691This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
15692configurations.
15693
15694@cindex send command to simulator
15695Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
15696allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
15697
15698@table @code
15699@item sim @var{command}
15700@kindex sim@r{, a command}
15701Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
15702documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
15703acceptable commands.
15704@end table
15705
15706
15707@menu
15708* ARM:: ARM RDI
15709* M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
15710* M68K:: Motorola M68K
15711* MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
15712* OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
15713* PA:: HP PA Embedded
15714* PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
15715* Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
15716* Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
15717* Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
15718* AVR:: Atmel AVR
15719* CRIS:: CRIS
15720* Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
15721@end menu
15722
15723@node ARM
15724@subsection ARM
15725@cindex ARM RDI
15726
15727@table @code
15728@kindex target rdi
15729@item target rdi @var{dev}
15730ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
15731use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
15732monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
15733
15734@kindex target rdp
15735@item target rdp @var{dev}
15736ARM Demon monitor.
15737
15738@end table
15739
15740@value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
15741
15742@table @code
15743@item set arm disassembler
15744@kindex set arm
15745This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
15746@code{"std"} style is the standard style.
15747
15748@item show arm disassembler
15749@kindex show arm
15750Show the current disassembly style.
15751
15752@item set arm apcs32
15753@cindex ARM 32-bit mode
15754This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
15755
15756@item show arm apcs32
15757Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
15758
15759@item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
15760This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
15761argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
15762
15763@table @code
15764@item auto
15765Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
15766@item softfpa
15767Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
15768processors.
15769@item fpa
15770GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
15771@item softvfp
15772Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
15773@item vfp
15774VFP co-processor.
15775@end table
15776
15777@item show arm fpu
15778Show the current type of the FPU.
15779
15780@item set arm abi
15781This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
15782
15783@item show arm abi
15784Show the currently used ABI.
15785
15786@item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
15787@value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
15788whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
15789@value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
15790available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
15791use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
15792register).
15793
15794@item show arm fallback-mode
15795Show the current fallback instruction mode.
15796
15797@item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
15798This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
15799instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
15800causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
15801of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
15802
15803@item show arm force-mode
15804Show the current forced instruction mode.
15805
15806@item set debug arm
15807Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
15808target support subsystem.
15809
15810@item show debug arm
15811Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
15812@end table
15813
15814The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
15815using the RDI interface:
15816
15817@table @code
15818@item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15819@kindex rdilogfile
15820@cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
15821Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
15822With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
15823no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
15824@file{rdi.log}.
15825
15826@item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
15827@kindex rdilogenable
15828Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
15829enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
15830no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
15831ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
15832are logged to a file.
15833
15834@item set rdiromatzero
15835@kindex set rdiromatzero
15836@cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
15837Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
15838vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
15839(the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
15840effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
15841
15842@item show rdiromatzero
15843@kindex show rdiromatzero
15844Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
15845
15846@item set rdiheartbeat
15847@kindex set rdiheartbeat
15848@cindex RDI heartbeat
15849Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
15850turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
15851well as the Angel monitor.
15852
15853@item show rdiheartbeat
15854@kindex show rdiheartbeat
15855Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
15856@end table
15857
15858
15859@node M32R/D
15860@subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
15861
15862@table @code
15863@kindex target m32r
15864@item target m32r @var{dev}
15865Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
15866
15867@kindex target m32rsdi
15868@item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
15869Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
15870@end table
15871
15872The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
15873
15874@table @code
15875@item set download-path @var{path}
15876@kindex set download-path
15877@cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
15878Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
15879
15880@item show download-path
15881@kindex show download-path
15882Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
15883
15884@item set board-address @var{addr}
15885@kindex set board-address
15886@cindex M32-EVA target board address
15887Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
15888
15889@item show board-address
15890@kindex show board-address
15891Show the current IP address of the target board.
15892
15893@item set server-address @var{addr}
15894@kindex set server-address
15895@cindex download server address (M32R)
15896Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
15897host machine.
15898
15899@item show server-address
15900@kindex show server-address
15901Display the IP address of the download server.
15902
15903@item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15904@kindex upload@r{, M32R}
15905Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
15906upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
15907executable file is uploaded.
15908
15909@item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15910@kindex tload@r{, M32R}
15911Test the @code{upload} command.
15912@end table
15913
15914The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
15915
15916@table @code
15917@item sdireset
15918@kindex sdireset
15919@cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
15920This command resets the SDI connection.
15921
15922@item sdistatus
15923@kindex sdistatus
15924This command shows the SDI connection status.
15925
15926@item debug_chaos
15927@kindex debug_chaos
15928@cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
15929Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
15930
15931@item use_debug_dma
15932@kindex use_debug_dma
15933Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
15934
15935@item use_mon_code
15936@kindex use_mon_code
15937Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
15938
15939@item use_ib_break
15940@kindex use_ib_break
15941Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
15942
15943@item use_dbt_break
15944@kindex use_dbt_break
15945Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
15946@end table
15947
15948@node M68K
15949@subsection M68k
15950
15951The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
15952target command for the following ROM monitor.
15953
15954@table @code
15955
15956@kindex target dbug
15957@item target dbug @var{dev}
15958dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
15959
15960@end table
15961
15962@node MIPS Embedded
15963@subsection MIPS Embedded
15964
15965@cindex MIPS boards
15966@value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
15967MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
15968you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
15969
15970@need 1000
15971Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
15972
15973@table @code
15974@item target mips @var{port}
15975@kindex target mips @var{port}
15976To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
15977name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
15978command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
15979the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
15980been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
15981download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
15982
15983For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
15984port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
15985debugger:
15986
15987@smallexample
15988host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
15989@value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
15990(@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
15991(@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
15992(@value{GDBP}) run
15993@end smallexample
15994
15995@item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
15996On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
15997connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
15998concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
15999@samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
16000
16001@item target pmon @var{port}
16002@kindex target pmon @var{port}
16003PMON ROM monitor.
16004
16005@item target ddb @var{port}
16006@kindex target ddb @var{port}
16007NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
16008
16009@item target lsi @var{port}
16010@kindex target lsi @var{port}
16011LSI variant of PMON.
16012
16013@kindex target r3900
16014@item target r3900 @var{dev}
16015Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
16016
16017@kindex target array
16018@item target array @var{dev}
16019Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
16020
16021@end table
16022
16023
16024@noindent
16025@value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
16026
16027@table @code
16028@item set mipsfpu double
16029@itemx set mipsfpu single
16030@itemx set mipsfpu none
16031@itemx set mipsfpu auto
16032@itemx show mipsfpu
16033@kindex set mipsfpu
16034@kindex show mipsfpu
16035@cindex MIPS remote floating point
16036@cindex floating point, MIPS remote
16037If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
16038coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
16039need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
16040file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
16041functions which return floating point values. It also allows
16042@value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
16043functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
16044with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
16045processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
16046double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
16047@samp{set mipsfpu double}.
16048
16049In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
16050floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
16051and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
16052
16053As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
16054@samp{show mipsfpu}.
16055
16056@item set timeout @var{seconds}
16057@itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
16058@itemx show timeout
16059@itemx show retransmit-timeout
16060@cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
16061@cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
16062@kindex set timeout
16063@kindex show timeout
16064@kindex set retransmit-timeout
16065@kindex show retransmit-timeout
16066You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
16067remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
16068default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
16069waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
16070retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
16071You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
16072retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
16073@value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
16074
16075The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
16076is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
16077forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
16078to run before stopping.
16079
16080@item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
16081@kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
16082@cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
16083Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
16084it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
16085characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
16086
16087@item show syn-garbage-limit
16088@kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
16089Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
16090trying to synchronize with the remote system.
16091
16092@item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
16093@kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
16094@cindex remote monitor prompt
16095Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
16096remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
16097@table @asis
16098@item pmon target
16099@samp{PMON}
16100@item ddb target
16101@samp{NEC010}
16102@item lsi target
16103@samp{PMON>}
16104@end table
16105
16106@item show monitor-prompt
16107@kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
16108Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
16109remote monitor.
16110
16111@item set monitor-warnings
16112@kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
16113Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
16114has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
16115display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
16116PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
16117
16118@item show monitor-warnings
16119@kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
16120Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
16121
16122@item pmon @var{command}
16123@kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
16124@cindex send PMON command
16125This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
16126monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
16127@end table
16128
16129@node OpenRISC 1000
16130@subsection OpenRISC 1000
16131@cindex OpenRISC 1000
16132
16133@cindex or1k boards
16134See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
16135about platform and commands.
16136
16137@table @code
16138
16139@kindex target jtag
16140@item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
16141
16142Connects to remote JTAG server.
16143JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
16144connected via parallel port to the board.
16145
16146Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
16147
16148@kindex or1ksim
16149@item or1ksim @var{command}
16150If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
16151Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
16152
16153@kindex info or1k spr
16154@item info or1k spr
16155Displays spr groups.
16156
16157@item info or1k spr @var{group}
16158@itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
16159Displays register names in selected group.
16160
16161@item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
16162@itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
16163@itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
16164@itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
16165Shows information about specified spr register.
16166
16167@kindex spr
16168@item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
16169@itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
16170@itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
16171@itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
16172Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
16173@end table
16174
16175Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
16176It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
16177program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
16178triggers can be set using:
16179@table @code
16180@item $LEA/$LDATA
16181Load effective address/data
16182@item $SEA/$SDATA
16183Store effective address/data
16184@item $AEA/$ADATA
16185Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
16186@item $FETCH
16187Fetch data
16188@end table
16189
16190When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
16191@code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
16192
16193@code{htrace} commands:
16194@cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
16195@table @code
16196@kindex hwatch
16197@item hwatch @var{conditional}
16198Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
16199or Data. For example:
16200
16201@code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
16202
16203@code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
16204
16205@kindex htrace
16206@item htrace info
16207Display information about current HW trace configuration.
16208
16209@item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
16210Set starting criteria for HW trace.
16211
16212@item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
16213Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
16214
16215@item htrace stop @var{conditional}
16216Set HW trace stopping criteria.
16217
16218@item htrace record [@var{data}]*
16219Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
16220triggered.
16221
16222@item htrace enable
16223@itemx htrace disable
16224Enables/disables the HW trace.
16225
16226@item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
16227Clears currently recorded trace data.
16228
16229If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
16230will be written there.
16231
16232@item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
16233Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
16234
16235@item htrace mode continuous
16236Set continuous trace mode.
16237
16238@item htrace mode suspend
16239Set suspend trace mode.
16240
16241@end table
16242
16243@node PowerPC Embedded
16244@subsection PowerPC Embedded
16245
16246@value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
16247
16248@table @code
16249@kindex set powerpc
16250@item set powerpc soft-float
16251@itemx show powerpc soft-float
16252Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
16253convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
16254on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
16255
16256@item set powerpc vector-abi
16257@itemx show powerpc vector-abi
16258Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
16259arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
16260@samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
16261@samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
16262registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
16263based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
16264
16265@kindex target dink32
16266@item target dink32 @var{dev}
16267DINK32 ROM monitor.
16268
16269@kindex target ppcbug
16270@item target ppcbug @var{dev}
16271@kindex target ppcbug1
16272@item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
16273PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
16274
16275@kindex target sds
16276@item target sds @var{dev}
16277SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
16278@end table
16279
16280@cindex SDS protocol
16281The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
16282by @value{GDBN}:
16283
16284@table @code
16285@item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
16286@kindex set sdstimeout
16287Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
16288default is 2 seconds.
16289
16290@item show sdstimeout
16291@kindex show sdstimeout
16292Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
16293
16294@item sds @var{command}
16295@kindex sds@r{, a command}
16296Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
16297@end table
16298
16299
16300@node PA
16301@subsection HP PA Embedded
16302
16303@table @code
16304
16305@kindex target op50n
16306@item target op50n @var{dev}
16307OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
16308
16309@kindex target w89k
16310@item target w89k @var{dev}
16311W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
16312
16313@end table
16314
16315@node Sparclet
16316@subsection Tsqware Sparclet
16317
16318@cindex Sparclet
16319
16320@value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
16321Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
16322@value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
16323both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
16324@code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
16325
16326@table @code
16327@item remotetimeout @var{args}
16328@kindex remotetimeout
16329@value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
16330This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
16331seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
16332@end table
16333
16334@cindex compiling, on Sparclet
16335When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
16336information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
16337load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
16338@samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
16339
16340@smallexample
16341sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
16342@end smallexample
16343
16344You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
16345
16346@smallexample
16347sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
16348@end smallexample
16349
16350@cindex running, on Sparclet
16351Once you have set
16352your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
16353run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
16354(or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
16355
16356@value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
16357
16358@smallexample
16359(gdbslet)
16360@end smallexample
16361
16362@menu
16363* Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
16364* Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
16365* Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
16366* Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
16367@end menu
16368
16369@node Sparclet File
16370@subsubsection Setting File to Debug
16371
16372The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
16373
16374@smallexample
16375(gdbslet) file prog
16376@end smallexample
16377
16378@need 1000
16379@value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
16380@value{GDBN} locates
16381the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
16382path.
16383If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
16384files will be searched as well.
16385@value{GDBN} locates
16386the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
16387path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
16388If it fails
16389to find a file, it displays a message such as:
16390
16391@smallexample
16392prog: No such file or directory.
16393@end smallexample
16394
16395When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
16396the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
16397@code{target} command again.
16398
16399@node Sparclet Connection
16400@subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
16401
16402The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
16403To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
16404
16405@smallexample
16406(gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
16407Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
16408main () at ../prog.c:3
16409@end smallexample
16410
16411@need 750
16412@value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
16413
16414@smallexample
16415Connected to ttya.
16416@end smallexample
16417
16418@node Sparclet Download
16419@subsubsection Sparclet Download
16420
16421@cindex download to Sparclet
16422Once connected to the Sparclet target,
16423you can use the @value{GDBN}
16424@code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
16425The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
16426command.
16427Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
16428address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
16429offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
16430of each of the file's sections.
16431For instance, if the program
16432@file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
16433and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
16434
16435@smallexample
16436(gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
16437Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
16438@end smallexample
16439
16440If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
16441to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
16442to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
16443
16444@node Sparclet Execution
16445@subsubsection Running and Debugging
16446
16447@cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
16448You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
16449commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
16450manual for the list of commands.
16451
16452@smallexample
16453(gdbslet) b main
16454Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
16455(gdbslet) run
16456Starting program: prog
16457Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
164583 char *symarg = 0;
16459(gdbslet) step
164604 char *execarg = "hello!";
16461(gdbslet)
16462@end smallexample
16463
16464@node Sparclite
16465@subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
16466
16467@table @code
16468
16469@kindex target sparclite
16470@item target sparclite @var{dev}
16471Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
16472You must use an additional command to debug the program.
16473For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
16474remote protocol.
16475
16476@end table
16477
16478@node Z8000
16479@subsection Zilog Z8000
16480
16481@cindex Z8000
16482@cindex simulator, Z8000
16483@cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
16484
16485When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
16486a Z8000 simulator.
16487
16488For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
16489unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
16490segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
16491appropriate by inspecting the object code.
16492
16493@table @code
16494@item target sim @var{args}
16495@kindex sim
16496@kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
16497Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
16498options, specify them via @var{args}.
16499@end table
16500
16501@noindent
16502After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
16503CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
16504@code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
16505to run your program, and so on.
16506
16507As well as making available all the usual machine registers
16508(@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
16509additional items of information as specially named registers:
16510
16511@table @code
16512
16513@item cycles
16514Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
16515
16516@item insts
16517Counts instructions run in the simulator.
16518
16519@item time
16520Execution time in 60ths of a second.
16521
16522@end table
16523
16524You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
16525conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
16526conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
16527simulated clock ticks.
16528
16529@node AVR
16530@subsection Atmel AVR
16531@cindex AVR
16532
16533When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
16534following AVR-specific commands:
16535
16536@table @code
16537@item info io_registers
16538@kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
16539@cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
16540This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
16541each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
16542@end table
16543
16544@node CRIS
16545@subsection CRIS
16546@cindex CRIS
16547
16548When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
16549following CRIS-specific commands:
16550
16551@table @code
16552@item set cris-version @var{ver}
16553@cindex CRIS version
16554Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
16555The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
16556case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
16557
16558@item show cris-version
16559Show the current CRIS version.
16560
16561@item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
16562@cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
16563Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
16564Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
16565@code{R59}.
16566
16567@item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
16568Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
16569
16570@item set cris-mode @var{mode}
16571@cindex CRIS mode
16572Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
16573debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
16574@samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
16575
16576@item show cris-mode
16577Show the current CRIS mode.
16578@end table
16579
16580@node Super-H
16581@subsection Renesas Super-H
16582@cindex Super-H
16583
16584For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
16585commands:
16586
16587@table @code
16588@item regs
16589@kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
16590Show the values of all Super-H registers.
16591
16592@item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
16593@kindex set sh calling-convention
16594Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
16595Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
16596With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
16597convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
16598that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
16599is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
16600is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
16601regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
16602default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
16603does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
16604
16605@item show sh calling-convention
16606@kindex show sh calling-convention
16607Show the current calling convention setting.
16608
16609@end table
16610
16611
16612@node Architectures
16613@section Architectures
16614
16615This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
16616all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
16617
16618@menu
16619* i386::
16620* A29K::
16621* Alpha::
16622* MIPS::
16623* HPPA:: HP PA architecture
16624* SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
16625* PowerPC::
16626@end menu
16627
16628@node i386
16629@subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
16630
16631@table @code
16632@item set struct-convention @var{mode}
16633@kindex set struct-convention
16634@cindex struct return convention
16635@cindex struct/union returned in registers
16636Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
16637@code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
16638@var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
16639default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
16640are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
16641@code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
16642be returned in a register.
16643
16644@item show struct-convention
16645@kindex show struct-convention
16646Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
16647from functions.
16648@end table
16649
16650@node A29K
16651@subsection A29K
16652
16653@table @code
16654
16655@kindex set rstack_high_address
16656@cindex AMD 29K register stack
16657@cindex register stack, AMD29K
16658@item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
16659On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
16660@dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
16661extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
16662stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
16663memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
16664this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
16665the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
16666address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
16667hexadecimal.
16668
16669@kindex show rstack_high_address
16670@item show rstack_high_address
16671Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
16672processors.
16673
16674@end table
16675
16676@node Alpha
16677@subsection Alpha
16678
16679See the following section.
16680
16681@node MIPS
16682@subsection MIPS
16683
16684@cindex stack on Alpha
16685@cindex stack on MIPS
16686@cindex Alpha stack
16687@cindex MIPS stack
16688Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
16689sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
16690find the beginning of a function.
16691
16692@cindex response time, MIPS debugging
16693To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
16694@value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
16695you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
16696commands:
16697
16698@table @code
16699@cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
16700@item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
16701Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
16702search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
16703default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
16704larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
16705and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
16706this command when debugging a stripped executable.
16707
16708@item show heuristic-fence-post
16709Display the current limit.
16710@end table
16711
16712@noindent
16713These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
16714for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
16715
16716Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
16717programs:
16718
16719@table @code
16720@item set mips abi @var{arg}
16721@kindex set mips abi
16722@cindex set ABI for MIPS
16723Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
16724values of @var{arg} are:
16725
16726@table @samp
16727@item auto
16728The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
16729default).
16730@item o32
16731@item o64
16732@item n32
16733@item n64
16734@item eabi32
16735@item eabi64
16736@item auto
16737@end table
16738
16739@item show mips abi
16740@kindex show mips abi
16741Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
16742
16743@item set mipsfpu
16744@itemx show mipsfpu
16745@xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
16746
16747@item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
16748@kindex set mips mask-address
16749@cindex MIPS addresses, masking
16750This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
16751MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
16752@samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
16753setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
16754
16755@item show mips mask-address
16756@kindex show mips mask-address
16757Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
16758not.
16759
16760@item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16761@kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16762This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
16763transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
16764that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
16765and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
16766
16767@item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16768@kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16769Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
16770
16771@item set debug mips
16772@kindex set debug mips
16773This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
16774target code in @value{GDBN}.
16775
16776@item show debug mips
16777@kindex show debug mips
16778Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
16779@end table
16780
16781
16782@node HPPA
16783@subsection HPPA
16784@cindex HPPA support
16785
16786When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
16787following special commands:
16788
16789@table @code
16790@item set debug hppa
16791@kindex set debug hppa
16792This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
16793messages are to be displayed.
16794
16795@item show debug hppa
16796Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
16797
16798@item maint print unwind @var{address}
16799@kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
16800This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
16801given @var{address}.
16802
16803@end table
16804
16805
16806@node SPU
16807@subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
16808@cindex Cell Broadband Engine
16809@cindex SPU
16810
16811When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
16812it provides the following special commands:
16813
16814@table @code
16815@item info spu event
16816@kindex info spu
16817Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
16818and pending event status.
16819
16820@item info spu signal
16821Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
16822signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
16823notification channels.
16824
16825@item info spu mailbox
16826Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
16827in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
16828SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
16829
16830@item info spu dma
16831Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
16832DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
16833and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
16834
16835@item info spu proxydma
16836Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
16837Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
16838and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
16839
16840@end table
16841
16842@node PowerPC
16843@subsection PowerPC
16844@cindex PowerPC architecture
16845
16846When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
16847pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
16848numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
16849in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
16850@code{f0} or @code{f2}.
16851
16852The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
16853by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
16854@code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
16855
16856For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
16857wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
16858
16859
16860@node Controlling GDB
16861@chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
16862
16863You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
16864@code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
16865data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
16866described here.
16867
16868@menu
16869* Prompt:: Prompt
16870* Editing:: Command editing
16871* Command History:: Command history
16872* Screen Size:: Screen size
16873* Numbers:: Numbers
16874* ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
16875* Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
16876* Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
16877@end menu
16878
16879@node Prompt
16880@section Prompt
16881
16882@cindex prompt
16883
16884@value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
16885called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
16886can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
16887instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
16888the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
16889which one you are talking to.
16890
16891@emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
16892prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
16893or a prompt that does not.
16894
16895@table @code
16896@kindex set prompt
16897@item set prompt @var{newprompt}
16898Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
16899
16900@kindex show prompt
16901@item show prompt
16902Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
16903@end table
16904
16905@node Editing
16906@section Command Editing
16907@cindex readline
16908@cindex command line editing
16909
16910@value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
16911@sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
16912command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
16913or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
16914substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
16915debugging sessions.
16916
16917You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
16918command @code{set}.
16919
16920@table @code
16921@kindex set editing
16922@cindex editing
16923@item set editing
16924@itemx set editing on
16925Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
16926
16927@item set editing off
16928Disable command line editing.
16929
16930@kindex show editing
16931@item show editing
16932Show whether command line editing is enabled.
16933@end table
16934
16935@xref{Command Line Editing}, for more details about the Readline
16936interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
16937encouraged to read that chapter.
16938
16939@node Command History
16940@section Command History
16941@cindex command history
16942
16943@value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
16944debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
16945happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
16946history facility.
16947
16948@value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
16949package, to provide the history facility. @xref{Using History
16950Interactively}, for the detailed description of the History library.
16951
16952To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
16953the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
16954(@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
16955means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
16956affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
16957pressed on a line by itself.
16958
16959@cindex @code{server}, command prefix
16960The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
16961history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
16962use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
16963
16964Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
16965history.
16966
16967@table @code
16968@cindex history substitution
16969@cindex history file
16970@kindex set history filename
16971@cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
16972@item set history filename @var{fname}
16973Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
16974This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
16975list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
16976exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
16977the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
16978to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
16979@file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
16980is not set.
16981
16982@cindex save command history
16983@kindex set history save
16984@item set history save
16985@itemx set history save on
16986Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
16987@code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
16988
16989@item set history save off
16990Stop recording command history in a file.
16991
16992@cindex history size
16993@kindex set history size
16994@cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
16995@item set history size @var{size}
16996Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
16997This defaults to the value of the environment variable
16998@code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
16999@end table
17000
17001History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
17002@xref{Event Designators}, for more details.
17003
17004@cindex history expansion, turn on/off
17005Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
17006is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
17007@code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
17008follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
17009a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
17010history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
17011@kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
17012
17013The commands to control history expansion are:
17014
17015@table @code
17016@item set history expansion on
17017@itemx set history expansion
17018@kindex set history expansion
17019Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
17020
17021@item set history expansion off
17022Disable history expansion.
17023
17024@c @group
17025@kindex show history
17026@item show history
17027@itemx show history filename
17028@itemx show history save
17029@itemx show history size
17030@itemx show history expansion
17031These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
17032@code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
17033@c @end group
17034@end table
17035
17036@table @code
17037@kindex show commands
17038@cindex show last commands
17039@cindex display command history
17040@item show commands
17041Display the last ten commands in the command history.
17042
17043@item show commands @var{n}
17044Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
17045
17046@item show commands +
17047Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
17048@end table
17049
17050@node Screen Size
17051@section Screen Size
17052@cindex size of screen
17053@cindex pauses in output
17054
17055Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
17056information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
17057@value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
17058output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
17059to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
17060determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
17061printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
17062rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
17063
17064Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
17065driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
17066together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
17067@code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
17068you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
17069width} commands:
17070
17071@table @code
17072@kindex set height
17073@kindex set width
17074@kindex show width
17075@kindex show height
17076@item set height @var{lpp}
17077@itemx show height
17078@itemx set width @var{cpl}
17079@itemx show width
17080These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
17081a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
17082commands display the current settings.
17083
17084If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
17085output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
17086file or to an editor buffer.
17087
17088Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
17089from wrapping its output.
17090
17091@item set pagination on
17092@itemx set pagination off
17093@kindex set pagination
17094Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
17095pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}.
17096
17097@item show pagination
17098@kindex show pagination
17099Show the current pagination mode.
17100@end table
17101
17102@node Numbers
17103@section Numbers
17104@cindex number representation
17105@cindex entering numbers
17106
17107You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
17108@value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
17109@samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
17110begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
17111@samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
1711210; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
17113format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
17114both input and output with the commands described below.
17115
17116@table @code
17117@kindex set input-radix
17118@item set input-radix @var{base}
17119Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
17120for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
17121specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
17122example, any of
17123
17124@smallexample
17125set input-radix 012
17126set input-radix 10.
17127set input-radix 0xa
17128@end smallexample
17129
17130@noindent
17131sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
17132leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
17133@samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
17134interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
17135@samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
17136change the radix.
17137
17138@kindex set output-radix
17139@item set output-radix @var{base}
17140Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
17141for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
17142specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
17143
17144@kindex show input-radix
17145@item show input-radix
17146Display the current default base for numeric input.
17147
17148@kindex show output-radix
17149@item show output-radix
17150Display the current default base for numeric display.
17151
17152@item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
17153@itemx show radix
17154@kindex set radix
17155@kindex show radix
17156These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
17157of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
17158the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
17159default value of 10.
17160
17161@end table
17162
17163@node ABI
17164@section Configuring the Current ABI
17165
17166@value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
17167application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
17168conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
17169current ABI.
17170
17171@cindex OS ABI
17172@kindex set osabi
17173@kindex show osabi
17174
17175One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
17176system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
17177@value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
17178but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
17179One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
17180an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
17181not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
17182platform provides.
17183
17184@table @code
17185@item show osabi
17186Show the OS ABI currently in use.
17187
17188@item set osabi
17189With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
17190
17191@item set osabi @var{abi}
17192Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
17193@end table
17194
17195@cindex float promotion
17196
17197Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
17198function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
17199(i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
17200according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
17201(i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
17202@code{double} and then passed.
17203
17204Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
17205a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
17206as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
17207
17208@table @code
17209@kindex set coerce-float-to-double
17210@item set coerce-float-to-double
17211@itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
17212Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
17213to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
17214
17215@item set coerce-float-to-double off
17216Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
17217functions.
17218
17219@kindex show coerce-float-to-double
17220@item show coerce-float-to-double
17221Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
17222@end table
17223
17224@kindex set cp-abi
17225@kindex show cp-abi
17226@value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
17227objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
17228used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
17229programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
17230multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
17231program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
17232Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
17233before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
17234``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
17235use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
17236``auto''.
17237
17238@table @code
17239@item show cp-abi
17240Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
17241
17242@item set cp-abi
17243With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
17244
17245@item set cp-abi @var{abi}
17246@itemx set cp-abi auto
17247Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
17248@end table
17249
17250@node Messages/Warnings
17251@section Optional Warnings and Messages
17252
17253@cindex verbose operation
17254@cindex optional warnings
17255By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
17256running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
17257command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
17258internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
17259
17260Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
17261which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
17262see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
17263
17264@table @code
17265@kindex set verbose
17266@item set verbose on
17267Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
17268
17269@item set verbose off
17270Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
17271
17272@kindex show verbose
17273@item show verbose
17274Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
17275@end table
17276
17277By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
17278object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
17279find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
17280Symbol Files}).
17281
17282@table @code
17283
17284@kindex set complaints
17285@item set complaints @var{limit}
17286Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
17287unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
17288@var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
17289to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
17290
17291@kindex show complaints
17292@item show complaints
17293Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
17294
17295@end table
17296
17297By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
17298lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
17299you try to run a program which is already running:
17300
17301@smallexample
17302(@value{GDBP}) run
17303The program being debugged has been started already.
17304Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
17305@end smallexample
17306
17307If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
17308commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
17309
17310@table @code
17311
17312@kindex set confirm
17313@cindex flinching
17314@cindex confirmation
17315@cindex stupid questions
17316@item set confirm off
17317Disables confirmation requests.
17318
17319@item set confirm on
17320Enables confirmation requests (the default).
17321
17322@kindex show confirm
17323@item show confirm
17324Displays state of confirmation requests.
17325
17326@end table
17327
17328@cindex command tracing
17329If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
17330useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
17331printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
17332quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
17333
17334@table @code
17335@kindex set trace-commands
17336@cindex command scripts, debugging
17337@item set trace-commands on
17338Enable command tracing.
17339@item set trace-commands off
17340Disable command tracing.
17341@item show trace-commands
17342Display the current state of command tracing.
17343@end table
17344
17345@node Debugging Output
17346@section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
17347@cindex optional debugging messages
17348
17349@value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
17350various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
17351interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
17352section documents those commands.
17353
17354@table @code
17355@kindex set exec-done-display
17356@item set exec-done-display
17357Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
17358completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
17359asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
17360@kindex show exec-done-display
17361@item show exec-done-display
17362Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
17363notification.
17364@kindex set debug
17365@cindex gdbarch debugging info
17366@cindex architecture debugging info
17367@item set debug arch
17368Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
17369@kindex show debug
17370@item show debug arch
17371Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
17372@item set debug aix-thread
17373@cindex AIX threads
17374Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
17375module.
17376@item show debug aix-thread
17377Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
17378@item set debug dwarf2-die
17379@cindex DWARF2 DIEs
17380Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
17381The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
17382A value of zero turns off the display.
17383@item show debug dwarf2-die
17384Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
17385@item set debug displaced
17386@cindex displaced stepping debugging info
17387Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
17388displaced stepping support. The default is off.
17389@item show debug displaced
17390Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
17391related to displaced stepping.
17392@item set debug event
17393@cindex event debugging info
17394Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
17395default is off.
17396@item show debug event
17397Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
17398info.
17399@item set debug expression
17400@cindex expression debugging info
17401Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
17402expression parsing. The default is off.
17403@item show debug expression
17404Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
17405@value{GDBN} expression parsing.
17406@item set debug frame
17407@cindex frame debugging info
17408Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
17409default is off.
17410@item show debug frame
17411Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
17412info.
17413@item set debug infrun
17414@cindex inferior debugging info
17415Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
17416The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
17417for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
17418@item show debug infrun
17419Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
17420@item set debug lin-lwp
17421@cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
17422@cindex Linux lightweight processes
17423Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
17424@item show debug lin-lwp
17425Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
17426@item set debug lin-lwp-async
17427@cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP async debug messages
17428@cindex Linux lightweight processes
17429Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP async debug support.
17430@item show debug lin-lwp-async
17431Show the current state of Linux LWP async debugging messages.
17432@item set debug observer
17433@cindex observer debugging info
17434Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
17435includes info such as the notification of observable events.
17436@item show debug observer
17437Displays the current state of observer debugging.
17438@item set debug overload
17439@cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
17440Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
17441info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
17442is off.
17443@item show debug overload
17444Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
17445debugging info.
17446@cindex packets, reporting on stdout
17447@cindex serial connections, debugging
17448@cindex debug remote protocol
17449@cindex remote protocol debugging
17450@cindex display remote packets
17451@item set debug remote
17452Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
17453the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
17454@value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
17455@item show debug remote
17456Displays the state of display of remote packets.
17457@item set debug serial
17458Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
17459default is off.
17460@item show debug serial
17461Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
17462info.
17463@item set debug solib-frv
17464@cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
17465Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
17466@item show debug solib-frv
17467Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
17468messages.
17469@item set debug target
17470@cindex target debugging info
17471Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
17472includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
17473default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
17474value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
17475until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
17476@item show debug target
17477Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
17478info.
17479@item set debug timestamp
17480@cindex timestampping debugging info
17481Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
17482When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
17483message.
17484@item show debug timestamp
17485Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
17486debugging info.
17487@item set debugvarobj
17488@cindex variable object debugging info
17489Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
17490info. The default is off.
17491@item show debugvarobj
17492Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
17493debugging info.
17494@item set debug xml
17495@cindex XML parser debugging
17496Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
17497@item show debug xml
17498Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
17499@end table
17500
17501@node Extending GDB
17502@chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
17503@cindex extending GDB
17504
17505@value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
17506on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
17507Python scripting language.
17508
17509@menu
17510* Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
17511* Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
17512@end menu
17513
17514@node Sequences
17515@section Canned Sequences of Commands
17516
17517Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
17518Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
17519commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
17520files.
17521
17522@menu
17523* Define:: How to define your own commands
17524* Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
17525* Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
17526* Output:: Commands for controlled output
17527@end menu
17528
17529@node Define
17530@subsection User-defined Commands
17531
17532@cindex user-defined command
17533@cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
17534A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
17535which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
17536@code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
17537separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
17538via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
17539
17540@smallexample
17541define adder
17542 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
17543end
17544@end smallexample
17545
17546@noindent
17547To execute the command use:
17548
17549@smallexample
17550adder 1 2 3
17551@end smallexample
17552
17553@noindent
17554This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
17555its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
17556reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
17557functions calls.
17558
17559@cindex argument count in user-defined commands
17560@cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
17561In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
17562been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
17563
17564@smallexample
17565define adder
17566 if $argc == 2
17567 print $arg0 + $arg1
17568 end
17569 if $argc == 3
17570 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
17571 end
17572end
17573@end smallexample
17574
17575@table @code
17576
17577@kindex define
17578@item define @var{commandname}
17579Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
17580by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
17581@var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
17582numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
17583prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
17584a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
17585
17586The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
17587which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
17588commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
17589
17590@kindex document
17591@kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
17592@item document @var{commandname}
17593Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
17594accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
17595defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
17596reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
17597After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
17598@var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
17599
17600You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
17601documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
17602does not change the documentation.
17603
17604@kindex dont-repeat
17605@cindex don't repeat command
17606@item dont-repeat
17607Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
17608command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
17609(@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
17610
17611@kindex help user-defined
17612@item help user-defined
17613List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
17614(if any) for each.
17615
17616@kindex show user
17617@item show user
17618@itemx show user @var{commandname}
17619Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
17620not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
17621definitions for all user-defined commands.
17622
17623@cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
17624@kindex show max-user-call-depth
17625@kindex set max-user-call-depth
17626@item show max-user-call-depth
17627@itemx set max-user-call-depth
17628The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
17629levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
17630infinite recursion and aborts the command.
17631@end table
17632
17633In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
17634use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
17635
17636When user-defined commands are executed, the
17637commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
17638stops execution of the user-defined command.
17639
17640If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
17641without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
17642commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
17643messages when used in a user-defined command.
17644
17645@node Hooks
17646@subsection User-defined Command Hooks
17647@cindex command hooks
17648@cindex hooks, for commands
17649@cindex hooks, pre-command
17650
17651@kindex hook
17652You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
17653command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
17654command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
17655before that command.
17656
17657@cindex hooks, post-command
17658@kindex hookpost
17659A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
17660Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
17661@samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
17662that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
17663pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
17664
17665It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
17666occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
17667
17668@c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
17669@c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
17670
17671@kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
17672In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
17673(@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
17674execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
17675displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
17676
17677For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
17678single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
17679you could define:
17680
17681@smallexample
17682define hook-stop
17683handle SIGALRM nopass
17684end
17685
17686define hook-run
17687handle SIGALRM pass
17688end
17689
17690define hook-continue
17691handle SIGALRM pass
17692end
17693@end smallexample
17694
17695As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
17696command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
17697you could define:
17698
17699@smallexample
17700define hook-echo
17701echo <<<---
17702end
17703
17704define hookpost-echo
17705echo --->>>\n
17706end
17707
17708(@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
17709<<<---Hello World--->>>
17710(@value{GDBP})
17711
17712@end smallexample
17713
17714You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
17715not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
17716name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
17717@c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
17718@c or not?
17719You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
17720@code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
17721@samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
17722
17723If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
17724@value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
17725(before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
17726
17727If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
17728get a warning from the @code{define} command.
17729
17730@node Command Files
17731@subsection Command Files
17732
17733@cindex command files
17734@cindex scripting commands
17735A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
17736@value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
17737also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
17738does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
17739terminal.
17740
17741You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
17742command:
17743
17744@table @code
17745@kindex source
17746@cindex execute commands from a file
17747@item source [@code{-v}] @var{filename}
17748Execute the command file @var{filename}.
17749@end table
17750
17751The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
17752unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
17753@emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
17754printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
17755execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
17756
17757@value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename} in the current directory and then
17758on the search path (specified with the @samp{directory} command).
17759
17760If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
17761each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
17762@var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
17763
17764Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
17765without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
17766normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
17767when called from command files.
17768
17769@value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
17770mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
17771standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
17772not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
17773the next command.
17774
17775@smallexample
17776gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
17777@end smallexample
17778
17779(The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
17780will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
17781would be directed to @file{log}.
17782
17783Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
17784commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
17785complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
17786variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
17787built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
17788deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
17789complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
17790conditionally, etc.
17791
17792@table @code
17793@kindex if
17794@kindex else
17795@item if
17796@itemx else
17797This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
17798commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
17799expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
17800are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
17801There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
17802of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
17803end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
17804
17805@kindex while
17806@item while
17807This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
17808@code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
17809to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
17810line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
17811@dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
17812executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
17813
17814@kindex loop_break
17815@item loop_break
17816This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
17817Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
17818line.
17819
17820@kindex loop_continue
17821@item loop_continue
17822This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
17823in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
17824branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
17825the controlling expression.
17826
17827@kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
17828@item end
17829Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
17830@code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
17831@end table
17832
17833
17834@node Output
17835@subsection Commands for Controlled Output
17836
17837During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
17838@value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
17839explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
17840describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
17841want.
17842
17843@table @code
17844@kindex echo
17845@item echo @var{text}
17846@c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
17847@c because it is not in ANSI.
17848Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
17849@var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
17850newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
17851In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
17852by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
17853string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
17854trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
17855To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
17856@samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
17857
17858A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
17859the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
17860
17861@smallexample
17862echo This is some text\n\
17863which is continued\n\
17864onto several lines.\n
17865@end smallexample
17866
17867produces the same output as
17868
17869@smallexample
17870echo This is some text\n
17871echo which is continued\n
17872echo onto several lines.\n
17873@end smallexample
17874
17875@kindex output
17876@item output @var{expression}
17877Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
17878newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
17879value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
17880on expressions.
17881
17882@item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
17883Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
17884the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
17885Formats}, for more information.
17886
17887@kindex printf
17888@item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
17889Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
17890the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
17891@var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
17892which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
17893specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
17894executing the code below:
17895
17896@smallexample
17897printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
17898@end smallexample
17899
17900As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
17901are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
17902by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
17903evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
17904style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
17905printed.
17906
17907For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
17908
17909@smallexample
17910printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
17911@end smallexample
17912
17913@code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
17914specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
17915character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
17916
17917@itemize @bullet
17918@item
17919The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
17920
17921@item
17922The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
17923width.
17924
17925@item
17926The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
17927@code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
17928
17929@item
17930The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
17931supported.
17932
17933@item
17934The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
17935
17936@item
17937The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
17938@end itemize
17939
17940@noindent
17941Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
17942underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
17943the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
17944supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
17945
17946As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
17947sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
17948@samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
17949single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
17950supported.
17951
17952Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
17953(@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
17954together with a floating point specifier.
17955letters:
17956
17957@itemize @bullet
17958@item
17959@samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
17960
17961@item
17962@samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
17963
17964@item
17965@samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
17966@end itemize
17967
17968If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
17969support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
17970such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
17971
17972In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
17973available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
17974
17975Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
17976@smallexample
17977printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
17978@end smallexample
17979
17980@end table
17981
17982@node Python
17983@section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
17984@cindex python scripting
17985@cindex scripting with python
17986
17987You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
17988Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
17989@value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
17990
17991@menu
17992* Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
17993* Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
17994@end menu
17995
17996@node Python Commands
17997@subsection Python Commands
17998@cindex python commands
17999@cindex commands to access python
18000
18001@value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
18002and one related setting:
18003
18004@table @code
18005@kindex python
18006@item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
18007The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
18008
18009If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
18010argument as a Python command. For example:
18011
18012@smallexample
18013(@value{GDBP}) python print 23
1801423
18015@end smallexample
18016
18017If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
18018multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
18019script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
18020@code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
18021containing @code{end}. For example:
18022
18023@smallexample
18024(@value{GDBP}) python
18025Type python script
18026End with a line saying just "end".
18027>print 23
18028>end
1802923
18030@end smallexample
18031
18032@kindex maint set python print-stack
18033@item maint set python print-stack
18034By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
18035in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
18036python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
18037printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
18038disabled.
18039@end table
18040
18041@node Python API
18042@subsection Python API
18043@cindex python api
18044@cindex programming in python
18045
18046@cindex python stdout
18047@cindex python pagination
18048At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
18049@code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
18050A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
18051output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
18052situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
18053
18054@menu
18055* Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
18056* Exception Handling::
18057* Values From Inferior::
18058@end menu
18059
18060@node Basic Python
18061@subsubsection Basic Python
18062
18063@cindex python functions
18064@cindex python module
18065@cindex gdb module
18066@value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
18067methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
18068@value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
18069use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
18070
18071@findex gdb.execute
18072@defun execute command
18073Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
18074If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
18075translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
18076If no exceptions occur, this function returns @code{None}.
18077@end defun
18078
18079@findex gdb.get_parameter
18080@defun get_parameter parameter
18081Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
18082string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
18083spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
18084@samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
18085
18086If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
18087@code{RuntimeError}. Otherwise, the parameter's value is converted to
18088a Python value of the appropriate type, and returned.
18089@end defun
18090
18091@findex gdb.write
18092@defun write string
18093Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream.
18094Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
18095call this function.
18096@end defun
18097
18098@findex gdb.flush
18099@defun flush
18100Flush @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream. Flushing
18101@code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically call this
18102function.
18103@end defun
18104
18105@node Exception Handling
18106@subsubsection Exception Handling
18107@cindex python exceptions
18108@cindex exceptions, python
18109
18110When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
18111uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
18112@value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
18113@code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
18114terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
18115exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
18116backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
18117
18118@smallexample
18119(@value{GDBP}) python print foo
18120Traceback (most recent call last):
18121 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
18122NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
18123@end smallexample
18124
18125@value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by Python
18126code are converted to Python @code{RuntimeError} exceptions. User
18127interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
18128prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt}
18129exception. If you catch these exceptions in your Python code, your
18130exception handler will see @code{RuntimeError} or
18131@code{KeyboardInterrupt} as the exception type, the @value{GDBN} error
18132message as its value, and the Python call stack backtrace at the
18133Python statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
18134traceback.
18135
18136@node Values From Inferior
18137@subsubsection Values From Inferior
18138@cindex values from inferior, with Python
18139@cindex python, working with values from inferior
18140
18141@cindex @code{gdb.Value}
18142@value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
18143an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
18144for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
18145fetching values when necessary.
18146
18147Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
18148Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
18149an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
18150
18151@smallexample
18152bar = some_val + 2
18153@end smallexample
18154
18155@noindent
18156As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
18157whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
18158
18159Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
18160be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
18161@code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
18162can access its @code{foo} element with:
18163
18164@smallexample
18165bar = some_val['foo']
18166@end smallexample
18167
18168Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
18169
18170For pointer data types, @code{gdb.Value} provides a method for
18171dereferencing the pointer to obtain the object it points to.
18172
18173@defmethod Value dereference
18174This method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object whose contents is
18175the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if @code{foo} is
18176a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
18177
18178@smallexample
18179int *foo;
18180@end smallexample
18181
18182@noindent
18183then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
18184@code{foo} points to like this:
18185
18186@smallexample
18187bar = foo.dereference ()
18188@end smallexample
18189
18190The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
18191value pointed to by @code{foo}.
18192@end defmethod
18193
18194@node Interpreters
18195@chapter Command Interpreters
18196@cindex command interpreters
18197
18198@value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
18199infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
18200between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
18201
18202@value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
18203interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
18204and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
18205describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
18206
18207By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
18208However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
18209interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
18210startup options. Defined interpreters include:
18211
18212@table @code
18213@item console
18214@cindex console interpreter
18215The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
18216used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
18217@value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
18218
18219@item mi
18220@cindex mi interpreter
18221The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
18222by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
18223or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
18224Interface}.
18225
18226@item mi2
18227@cindex mi2 interpreter
18228The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
18229
18230@item mi1
18231@cindex mi1 interpreter
18232The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
18233
18234@end table
18235
18236@cindex invoke another interpreter
18237The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
18238switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
18239precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
18240enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
18241@value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
18242the IDE inoperable!
18243
18244@kindex interpreter-exec
18245Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
18246commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
18247command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
18248@code{interpreter-exec} command:
18249
18250@smallexample
18251interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
18252@end smallexample
18253
18254@sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
18255@value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
18256
18257@node TUI
18258@chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
18259@cindex TUI
18260@cindex Text User Interface
18261
18262@menu
18263* TUI Overview:: TUI overview
18264* TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
18265* TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
18266* TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
18267* TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
18268@end menu
18269
18270The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
18271interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
18272file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
18273commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
18274on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
18275is available.
18276
18277@pindex @value{GDBTUI}
18278The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
18279either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
18280You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
18281using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
18282@xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
18283
18284@node TUI Overview
18285@section TUI Overview
18286
18287In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
18288
18289@table @emph
18290@item command
18291This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
18292prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
18293managed using readline.
18294
18295@item source
18296The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
18297line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
18298
18299@item assembly
18300The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
18301
18302@item register
18303This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
18304when their values change.
18305@end table
18306
18307The source and assembly windows show the current program position
18308by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
18309Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
18310indicates the breakpoint type:
18311
18312@table @code
18313@item B
18314Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
18315
18316@item b
18317Breakpoint which was never hit.
18318
18319@item H
18320Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
18321
18322@item h
18323Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
18324@end table
18325
18326The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
18327
18328@table @code
18329@item +
18330Breakpoint is enabled.
18331
18332@item -
18333Breakpoint is disabled.
18334@end table
18335
18336The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
18337thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
18338changes.
18339
18340These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
18341window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
18342layouts:
18343
18344@itemize @bullet
18345@item
18346source only,
18347
18348@item
18349assembly only,
18350
18351@item
18352source and assembly,
18353
18354@item
18355source and registers, or
18356
18357@item
18358assembly and registers.
18359@end itemize
18360
18361A status line above the command window shows the following information:
18362
18363@table @emph
18364@item target
18365Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
18366(@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
18367
18368@item process
18369Gives the current process or thread number.
18370When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
18371
18372@item function
18373Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
18374The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
18375When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
18376the string @code{??} is displayed.
18377
18378@item line
18379Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
18380When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
18381
18382@item pc
18383Indicates the current program counter address.
18384@end table
18385
18386@node TUI Keys
18387@section TUI Key Bindings
18388@cindex TUI key bindings
18389
18390The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
18391(@pxref{Command Line Editing}). The following key bindings
18392are installed for both TUI mode and the @value{GDBN} standard mode.
18393
18394@table @kbd
18395@kindex C-x C-a
18396@item C-x C-a
18397@kindex C-x a
18398@itemx C-x a
18399@kindex C-x A
18400@itemx C-x A
18401Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
18402the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
18403its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
18404the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
18405The screen is then refreshed.
18406
18407@kindex C-x 1
18408@item C-x 1
18409Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
18410either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
18411is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
18412
18413Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
18414
18415@kindex C-x 2
18416@item C-x 2
18417Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
18418layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
18419When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
18420previous layout and the new one.
18421
18422Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
18423
18424@kindex C-x o
18425@item C-x o
18426Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
18427(like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
18428gives the focus to the next TUI window.
18429
18430Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
18431
18432@kindex C-x s
18433@item C-x s
18434Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
18435keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
18436@end table
18437
18438The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
18439
18440@table @asis
18441@kindex PgUp
18442@item @key{PgUp}
18443Scroll the active window one page up.
18444
18445@kindex PgDn
18446@item @key{PgDn}
18447Scroll the active window one page down.
18448
18449@kindex Up
18450@item @key{Up}
18451Scroll the active window one line up.
18452
18453@kindex Down
18454@item @key{Down}
18455Scroll the active window one line down.
18456
18457@kindex Left
18458@item @key{Left}
18459Scroll the active window one column left.
18460
18461@kindex Right
18462@item @key{Right}
18463Scroll the active window one column right.
18464
18465@kindex C-L
18466@item @kbd{C-L}
18467Refresh the screen.
18468@end table
18469
18470Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
18471are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
18472window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
18473other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
18474and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
18475
18476@node TUI Single Key Mode
18477@section TUI Single Key Mode
18478@cindex TUI single key mode
18479
18480The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
18481frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
18482switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
18483
18484@table @kbd
18485@kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18486@item c
18487continue
18488
18489@kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18490@item d
18491down
18492
18493@kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18494@item f
18495finish
18496
18497@kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18498@item n
18499next
18500
18501@kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18502@item q
18503exit the SingleKey mode.
18504
18505@kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18506@item r
18507run
18508
18509@kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18510@item s
18511step
18512
18513@kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18514@item u
18515up
18516
18517@kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18518@item v
18519info locals
18520
18521@kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18522@item w
18523where
18524@end table
18525
18526Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
18527The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
18528it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
18529with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
18530SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
18531this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
18532
18533
18534@node TUI Commands
18535@section TUI-specific Commands
18536@cindex TUI commands
18537
18538The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
18539These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
18540the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
18541of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
18542
18543@table @code
18544@item info win
18545@kindex info win
18546List and give the size of all displayed windows.
18547
18548@item layout next
18549@kindex layout
18550Display the next layout.
18551
18552@item layout prev
18553Display the previous layout.
18554
18555@item layout src
18556Display the source window only.
18557
18558@item layout asm
18559Display the assembly window only.
18560
18561@item layout split
18562Display the source and assembly window.
18563
18564@item layout regs
18565Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
18566
18567@item focus next
18568@kindex focus
18569Make the next window active for scrolling.
18570
18571@item focus prev
18572Make the previous window active for scrolling.
18573
18574@item focus src
18575Make the source window active for scrolling.
18576
18577@item focus asm
18578Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
18579
18580@item focus regs
18581Make the register window active for scrolling.
18582
18583@item focus cmd
18584Make the command window active for scrolling.
18585
18586@item refresh
18587@kindex refresh
18588Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
18589
18590@item tui reg float
18591@kindex tui reg
18592Show the floating point registers in the register window.
18593
18594@item tui reg general
18595Show the general registers in the register window.
18596
18597@item tui reg next
18598Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
18599their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
18600following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
18601@code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
18602
18603@item tui reg system
18604Show the system registers in the register window.
18605
18606@item update
18607@kindex update
18608Update the source window and the current execution point.
18609
18610@item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
18611@itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
18612@kindex winheight
18613Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
18614lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
18615decrease it.
18616
18617@item tabset @var{nchars}
18618@kindex tabset
18619Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
18620@end table
18621
18622@node TUI Configuration
18623@section TUI Configuration Variables
18624@cindex TUI configuration variables
18625
18626Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
18627
18628@table @code
18629@item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
18630@kindex set tui border-kind
18631Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
18632The possible values are the following:
18633@table @code
18634@item space
18635Use a space character to draw the border.
18636
18637@item ascii
18638Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
18639
18640@item acs
18641Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
18642drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
18643@end table
18644
18645@item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
18646@kindex set tui border-mode
18647@itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
18648@kindex set tui active-border-mode
18649Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
18650or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
18651@table @code
18652@item normal
18653Use normal attributes to display the border.
18654
18655@item standout
18656Use standout mode.
18657
18658@item reverse
18659Use reverse video mode.
18660
18661@item half
18662Use half bright mode.
18663
18664@item half-standout
18665Use half bright and standout mode.
18666
18667@item bold
18668Use extra bright or bold mode.
18669
18670@item bold-standout
18671Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
18672@end table
18673@end table
18674
18675@node Emacs
18676@chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
18677
18678@cindex Emacs
18679@cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
18680A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
18681edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
18682@value{GDBN}.
18683
18684To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
18685executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
18686@value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
18687created Emacs buffer.
18688@c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
18689
18690Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
18691things:
18692
18693@itemize @bullet
18694@item
18695All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
18696the GUD buffer.
18697
18698This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
18699and output done by the program you are debugging.
18700
18701This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
18702commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
18703in this way.
18704
18705All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
18706with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
18707way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
18708stop.
18709
18710@item
18711@value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
18712
18713Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
18714source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
18715left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
18716source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
18717and the source.
18718
18719Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
18720usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
18721@end itemize
18722
18723We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
18724a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
18725that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
18726@xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
18727
18728If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
18729gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
18730your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
18731sets your current working directory to to the directory associated
18732with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
18733program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
18734some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
18735@value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
18736buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
18737
18738The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
18739line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
18740that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
18741,Commands to Specify Files}.
18742
18743By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
18744need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
18745keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
18746customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
18747one you want.
18748
18749In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
18750addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
18751
18752@table @kbd
18753@item C-h m
18754Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
18755
18756@item C-c C-s
18757Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
18758update the display window to show the current file and location.
18759
18760@item C-c C-n
18761Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
18762calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
18763to show the current file and location.
18764
18765@item C-c C-i
18766Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
18767display window accordingly.
18768
18769@item C-c C-f
18770Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
18771@code{finish} command.
18772
18773@item C-c C-r
18774Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
18775command.
18776
18777@item C-c <
18778Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
18779(@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
18780like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
18781
18782@item C-c >
18783Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
18784@value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
18785@end table
18786
18787In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
18788tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
18789
18790In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
18791separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
18792Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
18793become the current frame and display the associated source in the
18794source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
18795selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
18796speedbar displays watch expressions.
18797
18798If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
18799it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
18800request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
18801the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
18802frame.
18803
18804The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
18805which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
18806the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
18807communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
18808delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
18809to correspond properly with the code.
18810
18811A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
18812given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
18813Emacs Manual}).
18814
18815@c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
18816@c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
18817@ignore
18818@kindex Emacs Epoch environment
18819@kindex Epoch
18820@kindex inspect
18821
18822Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
18823called the @code{epoch}
18824environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
18825@code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
18826each value is printed in its own window.
18827@end ignore
18828
18829
18830@node GDB/MI
18831@chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
18832
18833@unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
18834
18835@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
18836@sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
18837@value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
18838@option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
18839is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
18840use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
18841
18842This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
18843in the form of a reference manual.
18844
18845Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
18846features described below are incomplete and subject to change
18847(@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
18848
18849@unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
18850
18851@cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
18852This chapter uses the following notation:
18853
18854@itemize @bullet
18855@item
18856@code{|} separates two alternatives.
18857
18858@item
18859@code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
18860it may or may not be given.
18861
18862@item
18863@code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
18864may repeat zero or more times.
18865
18866@item
18867@code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
18868may repeat one or more times.
18869
18870@item
18871@code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
18872@end itemize
18873
18874@ignore
18875@heading Dependencies
18876@end ignore
18877
18878@menu
18879* GDB/MI General Design::
18880* GDB/MI Command Syntax::
18881* GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
18882* GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
18883* GDB/MI Output Records::
18884* GDB/MI Simple Examples::
18885* GDB/MI Command Description Format::
18886* GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
18887* GDB/MI Program Context::
18888* GDB/MI Thread Commands::
18889* GDB/MI Program Execution::
18890* GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
18891* GDB/MI Variable Objects::
18892* GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
18893* GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
18894* GDB/MI Symbol Query::
18895* GDB/MI File Commands::
18896@ignore
18897* GDB/MI Kod Commands::
18898* GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
18899* GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
18900@end ignore
18901* GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
18902* GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
18903* GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
18904@end menu
18905
18906@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
18907@node GDB/MI General Design
18908@section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
18909@cindex GDB/MI General Design
18910
18911Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
18912parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
18913and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
18914indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
18915For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
18916requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
18917response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
18918Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
18919target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
18920a command and reported as part of that command response.
18921
18922The important examples of notifications are:
18923@itemize @bullet
18924
18925@item
18926Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
18927target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
18928be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
18929commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
18930different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
18931happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
18932command itself was successfully executed.
18933
18934@item
18935Console output, and status notifications. Console output
18936notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
18937diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
18938report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
18939this information in command response would mean no output is produced
18940until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
18941
18942@item
18943General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
18944the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
18945a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
18946be included in command response, using notification allows for more
18947orthogonal frontend design.
18948
18949@end itemize
18950
18951There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
18952@value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
18953the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
18954processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
18955we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
18956the user interface.
18957
18958@subsection Context management
18959
18960In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
18961done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
18962Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
18963be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
18964and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
18965because a command line user would not want to specify that information
18966explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
18967@value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
18968to what thread and frame are the current ones.
18969
18970In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
18971useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
18972itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
18973each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
18974want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
18975increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
18976frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
18977should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
18978make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
18979@samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
18980for thread and frame to operate on.
18981
18982Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
18983a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
18984operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
18985current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
18986it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
18987another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
18988the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
18989one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
18990change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
18991No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
18992
18993Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
18994frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
18995right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
18996simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
18997before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
18998to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
18999if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
19000thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
19001optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
19002sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
19003selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
19004change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
19005problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
19006all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
19007right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
19008@samp{--frame} options.
19009
19010@subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
19011
19012On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
19013even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
19014command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
19015specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
19016@code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
19017either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
19018frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
19019find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
19020@code{-list-target-features} command.
19021
19022Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
19023many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
19024running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
19025when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
19026it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
19027are running.
19028
19029When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
19030target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
19031some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
19032stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
19033modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
19034that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
19035@code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
19036context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
19037stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
19038@samp{--thread} option).
19039
19040Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
19041highly target dependent. However, the two commands
19042@code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
19043to find the state of a thread, will always work.
19044
19045@subsection Thread groups
19046@value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
19047On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
19048hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
19049processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
19050mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
19051
19052The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
19053target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
19054accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
19055thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
19056neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
19057current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
19058that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
19059into processes.
19060
19061To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
19062hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
19063@dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
19064thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
19065and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
19066command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
19067thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
19068debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
19069to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
19070the members of specific thread group.
19071
19072To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
19073wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
19074introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
19075@value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
19076@code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
19077groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
19078In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
19079after attaching to that thread group.
19080
19081@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19082@node GDB/MI Command Syntax
19083@section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
19084
19085@menu
19086* GDB/MI Input Syntax::
19087* GDB/MI Output Syntax::
19088@end menu
19089
19090@node GDB/MI Input Syntax
19091@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
19092
19093@cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
19094@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
19095@table @code
19096@item @var{command} @expansion{}
19097@code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
19098
19099@item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
19100@code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
19101@var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
19102
19103@item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
19104@code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
19105@code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
19106
19107@item @var{token} @expansion{}
19108"any sequence of digits"
19109
19110@item @var{option} @expansion{}
19111@code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
19112
19113@item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
19114@code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
19115
19116@item @var{operation} @expansion{}
19117@emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
19118
19119@item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
19120@emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
19121"-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
19122
19123@item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
19124@code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
19125
19126@item @var{nl} @expansion{}
19127@code{CR | CR-LF}
19128@end table
19129
19130@noindent
19131Notes:
19132
19133@itemize @bullet
19134@item
19135The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
19136output is described below.
19137
19138@item
19139The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
19140finishes.
19141
19142@item
19143Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
19144list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
19145followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
19146parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
19147@samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
19148@end itemize
19149
19150Pragmatics:
19151
19152@itemize @bullet
19153@item
19154We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
19155
19156@item
19157We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
19158@end itemize
19159
19160@node GDB/MI Output Syntax
19161@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
19162
19163@cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
19164@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
19165The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
19166followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
19167is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
19168terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
19169
19170If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
19171corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
19172@var{token}.
19173
19174@table @code
19175@item @var{output} @expansion{}
19176@code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
19177
19178@item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
19179@code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
19180
19181@item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
19182@code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
19183
19184@item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
19185@code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
19186
19187@item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
19188@code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
19189
19190@item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
19191@code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
19192
19193@item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
19194@code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
19195
19196@item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
19197@code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
19198
19199@item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
19200@code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
19201
19202@item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
19203@code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
19204depending on the needs---this is still in development).
19205
19206@item @var{result} @expansion{}
19207@code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
19208
19209@item @var{variable} @expansion{}
19210@code{ @var{string} }
19211
19212@item @var{value} @expansion{}
19213@code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
19214
19215@item @var{const} @expansion{}
19216@code{@var{c-string}}
19217
19218@item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
19219@code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
19220
19221@item @var{list} @expansion{}
19222@code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
19223@var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
19224
19225@item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
19226@code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
19227
19228@item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
19229@code{"~" @var{c-string}}
19230
19231@item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
19232@code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
19233
19234@item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
19235@code{"&" @var{c-string}}
19236
19237@item @var{nl} @expansion{}
19238@code{CR | CR-LF}
19239
19240@item @var{token} @expansion{}
19241@emph{any sequence of digits}.
19242@end table
19243
19244@noindent
19245Notes:
19246
19247@itemize @bullet
19248@item
19249All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
19250
19251@item
19252The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
19253for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
19254may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
19255output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
19256all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
19257target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
19258prior command.
19259
19260@item
19261@cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19262@var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
19263progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
19264prefixed by @samp{+}.
19265
19266@item
19267@cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19268@var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
19269(stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
19270@samp{*}.
19271
19272@item
19273@cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19274@var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
19275client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
19276output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
19277
19278@item
19279@cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19280@var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
19281console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
19282output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
19283
19284@item
19285@cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19286@var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
19287All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
19288
19289@item
19290@cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19291@var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
19292instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
19293the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
19294
19295@item
19296@cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19297New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
19298@var{values}.
19299
19300
19301@end itemize
19302
19303@xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
19304details about the various output records.
19305
19306@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19307@node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
19308@section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
19309
19310@cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
19311@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
19312
19313For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
19314but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
19315that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
19316command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
19317@code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
19318@samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
19319
19320This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
19321recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
19322(@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
19323
19324@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19325@node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
19326@section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
19327@cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
19328
19329The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
19330program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
19331
19332Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
19333by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
19334to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
19335section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
19336might change.
19337
19338Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
19339for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
19340list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
19341parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
19342
19343@itemize @bullet
19344@item
19345New MI commands may be added.
19346
19347@item
19348New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
19349
19350@item
19351The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
19352@code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
19353
19354@c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
19355@c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
19356
19357@c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
19358@c resolve inconsistencies.
19359@end itemize
19360
19361If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
19362will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
19363output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
19364@value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
19365responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
19366
19367@c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
19368@c version?
19369
19370The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
19371end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
19372follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
19373@email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
19374@cindex mailing lists
19375
19376@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19377@node GDB/MI Output Records
19378@section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
19379
19380@menu
19381* GDB/MI Result Records::
19382* GDB/MI Stream Records::
19383* GDB/MI Async Records::
19384* GDB/MI Frame Information::
19385@end menu
19386
19387@node GDB/MI Result Records
19388@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
19389
19390@cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
19391@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
19392In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
19393@sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
19394
19395@table @code
19396@findex ^done
19397@item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
19398The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
19399values.
19400
19401@item "^running"
19402@findex ^running
19403@c Is this one correct? Should it be an out-of-band notification?
19404The asynchronous operation was successfully started. The target is
19405running.
19406
19407@item "^connected"
19408@findex ^connected
19409@value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
19410
19411@item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
19412@findex ^error
19413The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
19414error message.
19415
19416@item "^exit"
19417@findex ^exit
19418@value{GDBN} has terminated.
19419
19420@end table
19421
19422@node GDB/MI Stream Records
19423@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
19424
19425@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
19426@cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
19427@value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
19428target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
19429funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
19430
19431Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
19432identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
19433Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
19434@code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
19435line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
19436
19437@table @code
19438@item "~" @var{string-output}
19439The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
19440CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
19441
19442@item "@@" @var{string-output}
19443The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
19444target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
19445asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
19446
19447@item "&" @var{string-output}
19448The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
19449internals.
19450@end table
19451
19452@node GDB/MI Async Records
19453@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
19454
19455@cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
19456@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
19457@dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
19458additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
19459consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
19460target activity (e.g., target stopped).
19461
19462The following is the list of possible async records:
19463
19464@table @code
19465
19466@item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
19467The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
19468specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
19469are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
19470running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
19471The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
19472only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
19473several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
19474all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
19475be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
19476
19477@item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}"
19478The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
19479following values:
19480
19481@table @code
19482@item breakpoint-hit
19483A breakpoint was reached.
19484@item watchpoint-trigger
19485A watchpoint was triggered.
19486@item read-watchpoint-trigger
19487A read watchpoint was triggered.
19488@item access-watchpoint-trigger
19489An access watchpoint was triggered.
19490@item function-finished
19491An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
19492@item location-reached
19493An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
19494@item watchpoint-scope
19495A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
19496@item end-stepping-range
19497An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
19498similar CLI command was accomplished.
19499@item exited-signalled
19500The inferior exited because of a signal.
19501@item exited
19502The inferior exited.
19503@item exited-normally
19504The inferior exited normally.
19505@item signal-received
19506A signal was received by the inferior.
19507@end table
19508
19509The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
19510-- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
19511mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
19512stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
19513If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
19514value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
19515field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
19516always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
19517several threads in the list.
19518
19519@item =thread-group-created,id="@var{id}"
19520@itemx =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"
19521A thread thread group either was attached to, or has exited/detached
19522from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
19523thread group.
19524
19525@item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
19526@itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
19527A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
19528contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
19529field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
19530
19531@item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
19532Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
19533command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
19534command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
19535to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
19536invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
19537@code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
19538
19539We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
19540highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
19541that thread.
19542
19543@end table
19544
19545@node GDB/MI Frame Information
19546@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
19547
19548Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
19549frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
19550fields:
19551
19552@table @code
19553@item level
19554The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
19555zero. This field is always present.
19556
19557@item func
19558The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
19559be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
19560
19561@item addr
19562The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
19563
19564@item file
19565The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
19566address. This field may be absent.
19567
19568@item line
19569The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
19570may be absent.
19571
19572@item from
19573The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
19574corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
19575
19576@end table
19577
19578
19579@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19580@node GDB/MI Simple Examples
19581@section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
19582@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
19583
19584This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
19585the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
19586following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
19587the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
19588
19589Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
19590readability, they don't appear in the real output.
19591
19592@subheading Setting a Breakpoint
19593
19594Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
19595information of the breakpoint.
19596
19597@smallexample
19598-> -break-insert main
19599<- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
19600 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
19601 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
19602<- (gdb)
19603@end smallexample
19604
19605@subheading Program Execution
19606
19607Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
19608reason that execution stopped.
19609
19610@smallexample
19611-> -exec-run
19612<- ^running
19613<- (gdb)
19614<- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
19615 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
19616 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
19617 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
19618<- (gdb)
19619-> -exec-continue
19620<- ^running
19621<- (gdb)
19622<- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
19623<- (gdb)
19624@end smallexample
19625
19626@subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
19627
19628Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
19629
19630@smallexample
19631-> (gdb)
19632<- -gdb-exit
19633<- ^exit
19634@end smallexample
19635
19636@subheading A Bad Command
19637
19638Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
19639
19640@smallexample
19641-> -rubbish
19642<- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
19643<- (gdb)
19644@end smallexample
19645
19646
19647@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19648@node GDB/MI Command Description Format
19649@section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
19650
19651The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
19652commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
19653
19654@subheading Motivation
19655
19656The motivation for this collection of commands.
19657
19658@subheading Introduction
19659
19660A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
19661
19662@subheading Commands
19663
19664For each command in the block, the following is described:
19665
19666@subsubheading Synopsis
19667
19668@smallexample
19669 -command @var{args}@dots{}
19670@end smallexample
19671
19672@subsubheading Result
19673
19674@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19675
19676The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
19677
19678@subsubheading Example
19679
19680Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
19681not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
19682
19683
19684@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19685@node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
19686@section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
19687
19688@cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
19689@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
19690This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
19691breakpoints.
19692
19693@subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
19694@findex -break-after
19695
19696@subsubheading Synopsis
19697
19698@smallexample
19699 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
19700@end smallexample
19701
19702The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
19703hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
19704the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
19705@samp{-break-list} command below.
19706
19707@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19708
19709The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
19710
19711@subsubheading Example
19712
19713@smallexample
19714(gdb)
19715-break-insert main
19716^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
19717enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
19718fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
19719(gdb)
19720-break-after 1 3
19721~
19722^done
19723(gdb)
19724-break-list
19725^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19726hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19727@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19728@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19729@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19730@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19731@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19732body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19733addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19734line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
19735(gdb)
19736@end smallexample
19737
19738@ignore
19739@subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
19740@findex -break-catch
19741
19742@subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
19743@findex -break-commands
19744@end ignore
19745
19746
19747@subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
19748@findex -break-condition
19749
19750@subsubheading Synopsis
19751
19752@smallexample
19753 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
19754@end smallexample
19755
19756Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
19757@var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
19758@samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
19759command below).
19760
19761@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19762
19763The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
19764
19765@subsubheading Example
19766
19767@smallexample
19768(gdb)
19769-break-condition 1 1
19770^done
19771(gdb)
19772-break-list
19773^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19774hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19775@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19776@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19777@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19778@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19779@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19780body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19781addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19782line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
19783(gdb)
19784@end smallexample
19785
19786@subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
19787@findex -break-delete
19788
19789@subsubheading Synopsis
19790
19791@smallexample
19792 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
19793@end smallexample
19794
19795Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
19796list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
19797
19798@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19799
19800The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
19801
19802@subsubheading Example
19803
19804@smallexample
19805(gdb)
19806-break-delete 1
19807^done
19808(gdb)
19809-break-list
19810^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
19811hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19812@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19813@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19814@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19815@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19816@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19817body=[]@}
19818(gdb)
19819@end smallexample
19820
19821@subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
19822@findex -break-disable
19823
19824@subsubheading Synopsis
19825
19826@smallexample
19827 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
19828@end smallexample
19829
19830Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
19831break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
19832
19833@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19834
19835The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
19836
19837@subsubheading Example
19838
19839@smallexample
19840(gdb)
19841-break-disable 2
19842^done
19843(gdb)
19844-break-list
19845^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19846hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19847@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19848@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19849@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19850@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19851@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19852body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
19853addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19854line="5",times="0"@}]@}
19855(gdb)
19856@end smallexample
19857
19858@subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
19859@findex -break-enable
19860
19861@subsubheading Synopsis
19862
19863@smallexample
19864 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
19865@end smallexample
19866
19867Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
19868
19869@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19870
19871The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
19872
19873@subsubheading Example
19874
19875@smallexample
19876(gdb)
19877-break-enable 2
19878^done
19879(gdb)
19880-break-list
19881^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19882hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19883@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19884@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19885@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19886@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19887@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19888body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19889addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19890line="5",times="0"@}]@}
19891(gdb)
19892@end smallexample
19893
19894@subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
19895@findex -break-info
19896
19897@subsubheading Synopsis
19898
19899@smallexample
19900 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
19901@end smallexample
19902
19903@c REDUNDANT???
19904Get information about a single breakpoint.
19905
19906@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19907
19908The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
19909
19910@subsubheading Example
19911N.A.
19912
19913@subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
19914@findex -break-insert
19915
19916@subsubheading Synopsis
19917
19918@smallexample
19919 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ]
19920 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
19921 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
19922@end smallexample
19923
19924@noindent
19925If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
19926
19927@itemize @bullet
19928@item function
19929@c @item +offset
19930@c @item -offset
19931@c @item linenum
19932@item filename:linenum
19933@item filename:function
19934@item *address
19935@end itemize
19936
19937The possible optional parameters of this command are:
19938
19939@table @samp
19940@item -t
19941Insert a temporary breakpoint.
19942@item -h
19943Insert a hardware breakpoint.
19944@item -c @var{condition}
19945Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
19946@item -i @var{ignore-count}
19947Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
19948@item -f
19949If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
19950refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
19951breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
19952an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
19953cannot be parsed.
19954@end table
19955
19956@subsubheading Result
19957
19958The result is in the form:
19959
19960@smallexample
19961^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
19962enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
19963fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
19964times="@var{times}"@}
19965@end smallexample
19966
19967@noindent
19968where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
19969@var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
19970inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
19971this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
19972and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
19973(always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
19974which use the same output).
19975
19976Note: this format is open to change.
19977@c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
19978
19979@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19980
19981The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
19982@samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
19983
19984@subsubheading Example
19985
19986@smallexample
19987(gdb)
19988-break-insert main
19989^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
19990fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
19991(gdb)
19992-break-insert -t foo
19993^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
19994fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
19995(gdb)
19996-break-list
19997^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
19998hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19999@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20000@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20001@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20002@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20003@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20004body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20005addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
20006fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
20007bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
20008addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
20009fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
20010(gdb)
20011-break-insert -r foo.*
20012~int foo(int, int);
20013^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
20014"fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
20015(gdb)
20016@end smallexample
20017
20018@subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
20019@findex -break-list
20020
20021@subsubheading Synopsis
20022
20023@smallexample
20024 -break-list
20025@end smallexample
20026
20027Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
20028
20029@table @samp
20030@item Number
20031number of the breakpoint
20032@item Type
20033type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
20034@item Disposition
20035should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
20036or @samp{nokeep}
20037@item Enabled
20038is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
20039@item Address
20040memory location at which the breakpoint is set
20041@item What
20042logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
20043name, line number
20044@item Times
20045number of times the breakpoint has been hit
20046@end table
20047
20048If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
20049@code{body} field is an empty list.
20050
20051@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20052
20053The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
20054
20055@subsubheading Example
20056
20057@smallexample
20058(gdb)
20059-break-list
20060^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
20061hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20062@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20063@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20064@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20065@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20066@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20067body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20068addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
20069bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20070addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
20071line="13",times="0"@}]@}
20072(gdb)
20073@end smallexample
20074
20075Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
20076
20077@smallexample
20078(gdb)
20079-break-list
20080^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
20081hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20082@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20083@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20084@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20085@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20086@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20087body=[]@}
20088(gdb)
20089@end smallexample
20090
20091@subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
20092@findex -break-watch
20093
20094@subsubheading Synopsis
20095
20096@smallexample
20097 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
20098@end smallexample
20099
20100Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
20101@dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
20102read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
20103option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
20104trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
20105either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
20106i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
20107@xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
20108
20109Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
20110breakpoints inserted.
20111
20112@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20113
20114The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
20115@samp{rwatch}.
20116
20117@subsubheading Example
20118
20119Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
20120
20121@smallexample
20122(gdb)
20123-break-watch x
20124^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
20125(gdb)
20126-exec-continue
20127^running
20128(gdb)
20129*stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
20130value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
20131frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
20132fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
20133(gdb)
20134@end smallexample
20135
20136Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
20137the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
20138for the watchpoint going out of scope.
20139
20140@smallexample
20141(gdb)
20142-break-watch C
20143^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
20144(gdb)
20145-exec-continue
20146^running
20147(gdb)
20148*stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
20149wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
20150frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
20151file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20152fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
20153(gdb)
20154-exec-continue
20155^running
20156(gdb)
20157*stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
20158frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
20159value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
20160file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20161fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
20162(gdb)
20163@end smallexample
20164
20165Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
20166execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
20167deleted.
20168
20169@smallexample
20170(gdb)
20171-break-watch C
20172^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
20173(gdb)
20174-break-list
20175^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
20176hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20177@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20178@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20179@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20180@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20181@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20182body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20183addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
20184file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20185fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
20186bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
20187enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
20188(gdb)
20189-exec-continue
20190^running
20191(gdb)
20192*stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
20193value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
20194frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
20195file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20196fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
20197(gdb)
20198-break-list
20199^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
20200hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20201@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20202@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20203@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20204@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20205@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20206body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20207addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
20208file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20209fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
20210bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
20211enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
20212(gdb)
20213-exec-continue
20214^running
20215^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
20216frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
20217value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
20218file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20219fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
20220(gdb)
20221-break-list
20222^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
20223hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20224@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20225@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20226@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20227@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20228@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20229body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20230addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
20231file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20232fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
20233times="1"@}]@}
20234(gdb)
20235@end smallexample
20236
20237@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20238@node GDB/MI Program Context
20239@section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
20240
20241@subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
20242@findex -exec-arguments
20243
20244
20245@subsubheading Synopsis
20246
20247@smallexample
20248 -exec-arguments @var{args}
20249@end smallexample
20250
20251Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
20252@samp{-exec-run}.
20253
20254@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20255
20256The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
20257
20258@subsubheading Example
20259
20260@smallexample
20261(gdb)
20262-exec-arguments -v word
20263^done
20264(gdb)
20265@end smallexample
20266
20267
20268@subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
20269@findex -exec-show-arguments
20270
20271@subsubheading Synopsis
20272
20273@smallexample
20274 -exec-show-arguments
20275@end smallexample
20276
20277Print the arguments of the program.
20278
20279@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20280
20281The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
20282
20283@subsubheading Example
20284N.A.
20285
20286
20287@subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
20288@findex -environment-cd
20289
20290@subsubheading Synopsis
20291
20292@smallexample
20293 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
20294@end smallexample
20295
20296Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
20297
20298@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20299
20300The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
20301
20302@subsubheading Example
20303
20304@smallexample
20305(gdb)
20306-environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
20307^done
20308(gdb)
20309@end smallexample
20310
20311
20312@subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
20313@findex -environment-directory
20314
20315@subsubheading Synopsis
20316
20317@smallexample
20318 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
20319@end smallexample
20320
20321Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
20322If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
20323search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
20324@samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
20325occurs as normal.
20326Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
20327multiple directories in a single command
20328results in the directories added to the beginning of the
20329search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
20330If blanks are needed as
20331part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
20332the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
20333by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
20334character must not be used
20335in any directory name.
20336If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
20337
20338@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20339
20340The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
20341
20342@subsubheading Example
20343
20344@smallexample
20345(gdb)
20346-environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
20347^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
20348(gdb)
20349-environment-directory ""
20350^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
20351(gdb)
20352-environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
20353^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
20354(gdb)
20355-environment-directory -r
20356^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
20357(gdb)
20358@end smallexample
20359
20360
20361@subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
20362@findex -environment-path
20363
20364@subsubheading Synopsis
20365
20366@smallexample
20367 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
20368@end smallexample
20369
20370Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
20371If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
20372search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
20373supplied in addition to the
20374@samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
20375occurs as normal.
20376Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
20377multiple directories in a single command
20378results in the directories added to the beginning of the
20379search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
20380If blanks are needed as
20381part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
20382the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
20383by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
20384character must not be used
20385in any directory name.
20386If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
20387
20388
20389@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20390
20391The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
20392
20393@subsubheading Example
20394
20395@smallexample
20396(gdb)
20397-environment-path
20398^done,path="/usr/bin"
20399(gdb)
20400-environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
20401^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
20402(gdb)
20403-environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
20404^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
20405(gdb)
20406@end smallexample
20407
20408
20409@subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
20410@findex -environment-pwd
20411
20412@subsubheading Synopsis
20413
20414@smallexample
20415 -environment-pwd
20416@end smallexample
20417
20418Show the current working directory.
20419
20420@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20421
20422The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
20423
20424@subsubheading Example
20425
20426@smallexample
20427(gdb)
20428-environment-pwd
20429^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
20430(gdb)
20431@end smallexample
20432
20433@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20434@node GDB/MI Thread Commands
20435@section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
20436
20437
20438@subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
20439@findex -thread-info
20440
20441@subsubheading Synopsis
20442
20443@smallexample
20444 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
20445@end smallexample
20446
20447Reports information about either a specific thread, if
20448the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
20449threads. When printing information about all threads,
20450also reports the current thread.
20451
20452@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20453
20454The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
20455about all threads.
20456
20457@subsubheading Example
20458
20459@smallexample
20460-thread-info
20461^done,threads=[
20462@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
20463 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
20464@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
20465 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
20466 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}],
20467current-thread-id="1"
20468(gdb)
20469@end smallexample
20470
20471The @samp{state} field may have the following values:
20472
20473@table @code
20474@item stopped
20475The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
20476threads.
20477
20478@item running
20479The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
20480threads.
20481
20482@end table
20483
20484@subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
20485@findex -thread-list-ids
20486
20487@subsubheading Synopsis
20488
20489@smallexample
20490 -thread-list-ids
20491@end smallexample
20492
20493Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
20494end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
20495
20496This command is retained for historical reasons, the
20497@code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
20498
20499@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20500
20501Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
20502
20503@subsubheading Example
20504
20505No threads present, besides the main process:
20506
20507@smallexample
20508(gdb)
20509-thread-list-ids
20510^done,thread-ids=@{@},number-of-threads="0"
20511(gdb)
20512@end smallexample
20513
20514
20515Several threads:
20516
20517@smallexample
20518(gdb)
20519-thread-list-ids
20520^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
20521number-of-threads="3"
20522(gdb)
20523@end smallexample
20524
20525
20526@subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
20527@findex -thread-select
20528
20529@subsubheading Synopsis
20530
20531@smallexample
20532 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
20533@end smallexample
20534
20535Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
20536current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
20537
20538This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
20539@samp{--thread} option to each command.
20540
20541@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20542
20543The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
20544
20545@subsubheading Example
20546
20547@smallexample
20548(gdb)
20549-exec-next
20550^running
20551(gdb)
20552*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
20553file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
20554(gdb)
20555-thread-list-ids
20556^done,
20557thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
20558number-of-threads="3"
20559(gdb)
20560-thread-select 3
20561^done,new-thread-id="3",
20562frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
20563args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
20564@{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
20565(gdb)
20566@end smallexample
20567
20568@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20569@node GDB/MI Program Execution
20570@section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
20571
20572These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
20573record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
20574asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
20575other cases.
20576
20577@subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
20578@findex -exec-continue
20579
20580@subsubheading Synopsis
20581
20582@smallexample
20583 -exec-continue [--all|--thread-group N]
20584@end smallexample
20585
20586Resumes the execution of the inferior program until a breakpoint is
20587encountered, or until the inferior exits. In all-stop mode
20588(@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads,
20589depending on the value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. In
20590non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), if the @samp{--all} is not
20591specified, only the thread specified with the @samp{--thread} option
20592(or current thread, if no @samp{--thread} is provided) is resumed. If
20593@samp{--all} is specified, all threads will be resumed. The
20594@samp{--all} option is ignored in all-stop mode. If the
20595@samp{--thread-group} options is specified, then all threads in that
20596thread group are resumed.
20597
20598@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20599
20600The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
20601
20602@subsubheading Example
20603
20604@smallexample
20605-exec-continue
20606^running
20607(gdb)
20608@@Hello world
20609*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
20610func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
20611line="13"@}
20612(gdb)
20613@end smallexample
20614
20615
20616@subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
20617@findex -exec-finish
20618
20619@subsubheading Synopsis
20620
20621@smallexample
20622 -exec-finish
20623@end smallexample
20624
20625Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
20626function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
20627
20628@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20629
20630The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
20631
20632@subsubheading Example
20633
20634Function returning @code{void}.
20635
20636@smallexample
20637-exec-finish
20638^running
20639(gdb)
20640@@hello from foo
20641*stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
20642file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
20643(gdb)
20644@end smallexample
20645
20646Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
20647@value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
20648value itself.
20649
20650@smallexample
20651-exec-finish
20652^running
20653(gdb)
20654*stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
20655args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
20656file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20657gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
20658(gdb)
20659@end smallexample
20660
20661
20662@subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
20663@findex -exec-interrupt
20664
20665@subsubheading Synopsis
20666
20667@smallexample
20668 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
20669@end smallexample
20670
20671Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
20672associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
20673that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
20674appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
20675interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
20676
20677Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
20678asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
20679@samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
20680reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
20681
20682In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
20683All threads will be interrupted if the @samp{--all} option is
20684specified. If the @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, all
20685threads in that group will be interrupted.
20686
20687@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20688
20689The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
20690
20691@subsubheading Example
20692
20693@smallexample
20694(gdb)
20695111-exec-continue
20696111^running
20697
20698(gdb)
20699222-exec-interrupt
20700222^done
20701(gdb)
20702111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
20703frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
20704fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
20705(gdb)
20706
20707(gdb)
20708-exec-interrupt
20709^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
20710(gdb)
20711@end smallexample
20712
20713
20714@subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
20715@findex -exec-next
20716
20717@subsubheading Synopsis
20718
20719@smallexample
20720 -exec-next
20721@end smallexample
20722
20723Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
20724of the next source line is reached.
20725
20726@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20727
20728The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
20729
20730@subsubheading Example
20731
20732@smallexample
20733-exec-next
20734^running
20735(gdb)
20736*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
20737(gdb)
20738@end smallexample
20739
20740
20741@subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
20742@findex -exec-next-instruction
20743
20744@subsubheading Synopsis
20745
20746@smallexample
20747 -exec-next-instruction
20748@end smallexample
20749
20750Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
20751call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
20752instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
20753printed as well.
20754
20755@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20756
20757The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
20758
20759@subsubheading Example
20760
20761@smallexample
20762(gdb)
20763-exec-next-instruction
20764^running
20765
20766(gdb)
20767*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20768addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
20769(gdb)
20770@end smallexample
20771
20772
20773@subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
20774@findex -exec-return
20775
20776@subsubheading Synopsis
20777
20778@smallexample
20779 -exec-return
20780@end smallexample
20781
20782Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
20783Displays the new current frame.
20784
20785@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20786
20787The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
20788
20789@subsubheading Example
20790
20791@smallexample
20792(gdb)
20793200-break-insert callee4
20794200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
20795file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
20796(gdb)
20797000-exec-run
20798000^running
20799(gdb)
20800000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
20801frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
20802file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20803fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
20804(gdb)
20805205-break-delete
20806205^done
20807(gdb)
20808111-exec-return
20809111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
20810args=[@{name="strarg",
20811value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
20812file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20813fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
20814(gdb)
20815@end smallexample
20816
20817
20818@subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
20819@findex -exec-run
20820
20821@subsubheading Synopsis
20822
20823@smallexample
20824 -exec-run
20825@end smallexample
20826
20827Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
20828executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
20829exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
20830the program has exited exceptionally.
20831
20832@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20833
20834The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
20835
20836@subsubheading Examples
20837
20838@smallexample
20839(gdb)
20840-break-insert main
20841^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
20842(gdb)
20843-exec-run
20844^running
20845(gdb)
20846*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
20847frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
20848fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
20849(gdb)
20850@end smallexample
20851
20852@noindent
20853Program exited normally:
20854
20855@smallexample
20856(gdb)
20857-exec-run
20858^running
20859(gdb)
20860x = 55
20861*stopped,reason="exited-normally"
20862(gdb)
20863@end smallexample
20864
20865@noindent
20866Program exited exceptionally:
20867
20868@smallexample
20869(gdb)
20870-exec-run
20871^running
20872(gdb)
20873x = 55
20874*stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
20875(gdb)
20876@end smallexample
20877
20878Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
20879@code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
20880
20881@smallexample
20882(gdb)
20883*stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
20884signal-meaning="Interrupt"
20885@end smallexample
20886
20887
20888@c @subheading -exec-signal
20889
20890
20891@subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
20892@findex -exec-step
20893
20894@subsubheading Synopsis
20895
20896@smallexample
20897 -exec-step
20898@end smallexample
20899
20900Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
20901of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
20902function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
20903function.
20904
20905@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20906
20907The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
20908
20909@subsubheading Example
20910
20911Stepping into a function:
20912
20913@smallexample
20914-exec-step
20915^running
20916(gdb)
20917*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20918frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
20919@{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
20920fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
20921(gdb)
20922@end smallexample
20923
20924Regular stepping:
20925
20926@smallexample
20927-exec-step
20928^running
20929(gdb)
20930*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
20931(gdb)
20932@end smallexample
20933
20934
20935@subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
20936@findex -exec-step-instruction
20937
20938@subsubheading Synopsis
20939
20940@smallexample
20941 -exec-step-instruction
20942@end smallexample
20943
20944Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. The
20945output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on whether
20946we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the former
20947case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed as
20948well.
20949
20950@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20951
20952The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
20953
20954@subsubheading Example
20955
20956@smallexample
20957(gdb)
20958-exec-step-instruction
20959^running
20960
20961(gdb)
20962*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20963frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
20964fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
20965(gdb)
20966-exec-step-instruction
20967^running
20968
20969(gdb)
20970*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20971frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
20972fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
20973(gdb)
20974@end smallexample
20975
20976
20977@subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
20978@findex -exec-until
20979
20980@subsubheading Synopsis
20981
20982@smallexample
20983 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
20984@end smallexample
20985
20986Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
20987argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
20988until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
20989reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
20990
20991@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20992
20993The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
20994
20995@subsubheading Example
20996
20997@smallexample
20998(gdb)
20999-exec-until recursive2.c:6
21000^running
21001(gdb)
21002x = 55
21003*stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
21004file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
21005(gdb)
21006@end smallexample
21007
21008@ignore
21009@subheading -file-clear
21010Is this going away????
21011@end ignore
21012
21013@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21014@node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
21015@section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
21016
21017
21018@subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
21019@findex -stack-info-frame
21020
21021@subsubheading Synopsis
21022
21023@smallexample
21024 -stack-info-frame
21025@end smallexample
21026
21027Get info on the selected frame.
21028
21029@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21030
21031The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
21032(without arguments).
21033
21034@subsubheading Example
21035
21036@smallexample
21037(gdb)
21038-stack-info-frame
21039^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
21040file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21041fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
21042(gdb)
21043@end smallexample
21044
21045@subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
21046@findex -stack-info-depth
21047
21048@subsubheading Synopsis
21049
21050@smallexample
21051 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
21052@end smallexample
21053
21054Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
21055is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
21056
21057@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21058
21059There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
21060
21061@subsubheading Example
21062
21063For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
21064
21065@smallexample
21066(gdb)
21067-stack-info-depth
21068^done,depth="12"
21069(gdb)
21070-stack-info-depth 4
21071^done,depth="4"
21072(gdb)
21073-stack-info-depth 12
21074^done,depth="12"
21075(gdb)
21076-stack-info-depth 11
21077^done,depth="11"
21078(gdb)
21079-stack-info-depth 13
21080^done,depth="12"
21081(gdb)
21082@end smallexample
21083
21084@subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
21085@findex -stack-list-arguments
21086
21087@subsubheading Synopsis
21088
21089@smallexample
21090 -stack-list-arguments @var{show-values}
21091 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
21092@end smallexample
21093
21094Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
21095and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
21096@var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
21097call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
21098at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
21099larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
21100@var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
21101which case only existing frames will be returned.
21102
21103The @var{show-values} argument must have a value of 0 or 1. A value of
211040 means that only the names of the arguments are listed, a value of 1
21105means that both names and values of the arguments are printed.
21106
21107@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21108
21109@value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
21110@samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
21111functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
21112
21113@subsubheading Example
21114
21115@smallexample
21116(gdb)
21117-stack-list-frames
21118^done,
21119stack=[
21120frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
21121file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21122fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
21123frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
21124file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21125fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
21126frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
21127file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21128fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
21129frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
21130file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21131fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
21132frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
21133file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21134fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
21135(gdb)
21136-stack-list-arguments 0
21137^done,
21138stack-args=[
21139frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
21140frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
21141frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
21142frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
21143frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
21144(gdb)
21145-stack-list-arguments 1
21146^done,
21147stack-args=[
21148frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
21149frame=@{level="1",
21150 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
21151frame=@{level="2",args=[
21152@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
21153@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
21154@{frame=@{level="3",args=[
21155@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
21156@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
21157@{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
21158frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
21159(gdb)
21160-stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
21161^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
21162(gdb)
21163-stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
21164^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
21165args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
21166@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
21167(gdb)
21168@end smallexample
21169
21170@c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
21171
21172
21173@subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
21174@findex -stack-list-frames
21175
21176@subsubheading Synopsis
21177
21178@smallexample
21179 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
21180@end smallexample
21181
21182List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
21183following info:
21184
21185@table @samp
21186@item @var{level}
21187The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
21188@item @var{addr}
21189The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
21190@item @var{func}
21191Function name.
21192@item @var{file}
21193File name of the source file where the function lives.
21194@item @var{line}
21195Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
21196@end table
21197
21198If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
21199whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
21200levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
21201are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
21202an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
21203frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
21204actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
21205
21206@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21207
21208The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
21209
21210@subsubheading Example
21211
21212Full stack backtrace:
21213
21214@smallexample
21215(gdb)
21216-stack-list-frames
21217^done,stack=
21218[frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
21219 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
21220frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21221 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21222frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21223 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21224frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21225 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21226frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21227 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21228frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21229 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21230frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21231 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21232frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21233 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21234frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21235 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21236frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21237 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21238frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21239 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21240frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
21241 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
21242(gdb)
21243@end smallexample
21244
21245Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
21246
21247@smallexample
21248(gdb)
21249-stack-list-frames 3 5
21250^done,stack=
21251[frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21252 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21253frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21254 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21255frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21256 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
21257(gdb)
21258@end smallexample
21259
21260Show a single frame:
21261
21262@smallexample
21263(gdb)
21264-stack-list-frames 3 3
21265^done,stack=
21266[frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21267 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
21268(gdb)
21269@end smallexample
21270
21271
21272@subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
21273@findex -stack-list-locals
21274
21275@subsubheading Synopsis
21276
21277@smallexample
21278 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
21279@end smallexample
21280
21281Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
21282@var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
21283the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
21284values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
21285type and value for simple data types and the name and type for arrays,
21286structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
21287display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
21288other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
21289more detail.
21290
21291@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21292
21293@samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
21294
21295@subsubheading Example
21296
21297@smallexample
21298(gdb)
21299-stack-list-locals 0
21300^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
21301(gdb)
21302-stack-list-locals --all-values
21303^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
21304 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
21305-stack-list-locals --simple-values
21306^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
21307 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
21308(gdb)
21309@end smallexample
21310
21311
21312@subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
21313@findex -stack-select-frame
21314
21315@subsubheading Synopsis
21316
21317@smallexample
21318 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
21319@end smallexample
21320
21321Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
21322the stack.
21323
21324This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
21325option to every command.
21326
21327@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21328
21329The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
21330@samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
21331
21332@subsubheading Example
21333
21334@smallexample
21335(gdb)
21336-stack-select-frame 2
21337^done
21338(gdb)
21339@end smallexample
21340
21341@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21342@node GDB/MI Variable Objects
21343@section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
21344
21345@ignore
21346
21347@subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
21348
21349For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
21350expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
21351used by @code{Insight}.
21352
21353The two main reasons for that are:
21354
21355@enumerate 1
21356@item
21357It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
21358
21359@item
21360It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
21361now).
21362@end enumerate
21363
21364The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
21365slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
21366describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
21367hints about their use.
21368
21369@emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
21370expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
21371least, the following operations:
21372
21373@itemize @bullet
21374@item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
21375@item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
21376@item @code{-stack-list-locals}
21377@item @code{-stack-select-frame}
21378@end itemize
21379
21380@end ignore
21381
21382@subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
21383
21384@cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
21385
21386Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
21387changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
21388work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
21389simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
21390is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
21391frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
21392expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
21393expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
21394variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
21395operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
21396object, or to change display format.
21397
21398Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
21399that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
21400a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
21401element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
21402children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
21403leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
21404objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
21405is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
21406child will be created.
21407
21408For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
21409string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
21410obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
21411that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
21412contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
21413
21414A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
21415the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
21416variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
21417operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
21418be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
21419objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
21420real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
21421variables that frontend has created.
21422
21423The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
21424might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
21425and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
21426relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
21427to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
21428visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
21429called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
21430implicitly updated.
21431
21432Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
21433fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
21434object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
21435variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
21436variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
21437expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
21438frame. Consider this example:
21439
21440@smallexample
21441void do_work(...)
21442@{
21443 struct work_state state;
21444
21445 if (...)
21446 do_work(...);
21447@}
21448@end smallexample
21449
21450If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
21451this function, and we enter the recursive call, the the variable
21452object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
21453@code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
21454object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
21455
21456If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
21457refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
21458thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
21459variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
21460thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
21461and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
21462
21463The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
21464access this functionality:
21465
21466@multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
21467@item @strong{Operation}
21468@tab @strong{Description}
21469
21470@item @code{-var-create}
21471@tab create a variable object
21472@item @code{-var-delete}
21473@tab delete the variable object and/or its children
21474@item @code{-var-set-format}
21475@tab set the display format of this variable
21476@item @code{-var-show-format}
21477@tab show the display format of this variable
21478@item @code{-var-info-num-children}
21479@tab tells how many children this object has
21480@item @code{-var-list-children}
21481@tab return a list of the object's children
21482@item @code{-var-info-type}
21483@tab show the type of this variable object
21484@item @code{-var-info-expression}
21485@tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
21486@item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
21487@tab print full expression that this variable object represents
21488@item @code{-var-show-attributes}
21489@tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
21490@item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
21491@tab get the value of this variable
21492@item @code{-var-assign}
21493@tab set the value of this variable
21494@item @code{-var-update}
21495@tab update the variable and its children
21496@item @code{-var-set-frozen}
21497@tab set frozeness attribute
21498@end multitable
21499
21500In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
21501how it can be used.
21502
21503@subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
21504
21505@subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
21506@findex -var-create
21507
21508@subsubheading Synopsis
21509
21510@smallexample
21511 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
21512 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
21513@end smallexample
21514
21515This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
21516a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
21517register.
21518
21519The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
21520referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
21521system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
21522unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
21523The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
21524
21525The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
21526specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
21527frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
21528object must be created.
21529
21530@var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
21531begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
21532
21533@itemize @bullet
21534@item
21535@samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
21536
21537@item
21538@samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
21539
21540@item
21541@samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
21542@end itemize
21543
21544@subsubheading Result
21545
21546This operation returns the name, number of children and the type of the
21547object created. Type is returned as a string as the ones generated by
21548the @value{GDBN} CLI. If a fixed variable object is bound to a
21549specific thread, the thread is is also printed:
21550
21551@smallexample
21552 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}"
21553@end smallexample
21554
21555
21556@subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
21557@findex -var-delete
21558
21559@subsubheading Synopsis
21560
21561@smallexample
21562 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
21563@end smallexample
21564
21565Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
21566With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
21567
21568Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
21569
21570
21571@subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
21572@findex -var-set-format
21573
21574@subsubheading Synopsis
21575
21576@smallexample
21577 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
21578@end smallexample
21579
21580Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
21581@var{format-spec}.
21582
21583@anchor{-var-set-format}
21584The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
21585
21586@smallexample
21587 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
21588 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
21589@end smallexample
21590
21591The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
21592based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
21593for pointers, etc.).
21594
21595For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
21596variable itself, and the children are not affected.
21597
21598@subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
21599@findex -var-show-format
21600
21601@subsubheading Synopsis
21602
21603@smallexample
21604 -var-show-format @var{name}
21605@end smallexample
21606
21607Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
21608
21609@smallexample
21610 @var{format} @expansion{}
21611 @var{format-spec}
21612@end smallexample
21613
21614
21615@subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
21616@findex -var-info-num-children
21617
21618@subsubheading Synopsis
21619
21620@smallexample
21621 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
21622@end smallexample
21623
21624Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
21625
21626@smallexample
21627 numchild=@var{n}
21628@end smallexample
21629
21630
21631@subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
21632@findex -var-list-children
21633
21634@subsubheading Synopsis
21635
21636@smallexample
21637 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name}
21638@end smallexample
21639@anchor{-var-list-children}
21640
21641Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
21642create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
21643a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value for of 0 or
21644@code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
21645@var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
21646values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
21647value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
21648and unions.
21649
21650@subsubheading Example
21651
21652@smallexample
21653(gdb)
21654 -var-list-children n
21655 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[@{name=@var{name},
21656 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
21657(gdb)
21658 -var-list-children --all-values n
21659 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[@{name=@var{name},
21660 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
21661@end smallexample
21662
21663
21664@subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
21665@findex -var-info-type
21666
21667@subsubheading Synopsis
21668
21669@smallexample
21670 -var-info-type @var{name}
21671@end smallexample
21672
21673Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
21674returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
21675@value{GDBN} CLI:
21676
21677@smallexample
21678 type=@var{typename}
21679@end smallexample
21680
21681
21682@subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
21683@findex -var-info-expression
21684
21685@subsubheading Synopsis
21686
21687@smallexample
21688 -var-info-expression @var{name}
21689@end smallexample
21690
21691Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
21692variable object in user interface. The string is generally
21693not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
21694
21695For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
21696@code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
21697
21698@smallexample
21699(gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
21700^done,lang="C",exp="1"
21701@end smallexample
21702
21703@noindent
21704Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
21705
21706Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
21707includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
21708is of limited use.
21709
21710@subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
21711@findex -var-info-path-expression
21712
21713@subsubheading Synopsis
21714
21715@smallexample
21716 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
21717@end smallexample
21718
21719Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
21720context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
21721Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
21722result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
21723the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
21724watchpoint from a variable object.
21725
21726For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
21727@code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
21728@code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
21729@code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
21730@code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
21731@smallexample
21732(gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
21733^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
21734@end smallexample
21735
21736@subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
21737@findex -var-show-attributes
21738
21739@subsubheading Synopsis
21740
21741@smallexample
21742 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
21743@end smallexample
21744
21745List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
21746
21747@smallexample
21748 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
21749@end smallexample
21750
21751@noindent
21752where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
21753
21754@subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
21755@findex -var-evaluate-expression
21756
21757@subsubheading Synopsis
21758
21759@smallexample
21760 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
21761@end smallexample
21762
21763Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
21764object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
21765can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
21766this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
21767(@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
21768the current display format will be used. The current display format
21769can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
21770
21771@smallexample
21772 value=@var{value}
21773@end smallexample
21774
21775Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
21776before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
21777
21778@subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
21779@findex -var-assign
21780
21781@subsubheading Synopsis
21782
21783@smallexample
21784 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
21785@end smallexample
21786
21787Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
21788by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
21789value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
21790subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
21791
21792@subsubheading Example
21793
21794@smallexample
21795(gdb)
21796-var-assign var1 3
21797^done,value="3"
21798(gdb)
21799-var-update *
21800^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
21801(gdb)
21802@end smallexample
21803
21804@subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
21805@findex -var-update
21806
21807@subsubheading Synopsis
21808
21809@smallexample
21810 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
21811@end smallexample
21812
21813Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
21814@var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
21815list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
21816be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
21817@code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
21818@code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
21819object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
21820for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
21821@var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
21822names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
21823as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
21824recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
21825number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
21826
21827With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
21828currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
21829diagnostic.
21830
21831@subsubheading Example
21832
21833@smallexample
21834(gdb)
21835-var-assign var1 3
21836^done,value="3"
21837(gdb)
21838-var-update --all-values var1
21839^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
21840type_changed="false"@}]
21841(gdb)
21842@end smallexample
21843
21844@anchor{-var-update}
21845The field in_scope may take three values:
21846
21847@table @code
21848@item "true"
21849The variable object's current value is valid.
21850
21851@item "false"
21852The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
21853hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
21854scope.
21855
21856@item "invalid"
21857The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
21858This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
21859either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
21860command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
21861objects.
21862@end table
21863
21864In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
21865be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
21866
21867@subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
21868@findex -var-set-frozen
21869@anchor{-var-set-frozen}
21870
21871@subsubheading Synopsis
21872
21873@smallexample
21874 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
21875@end smallexample
21876
21877Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
21878@var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
21879frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
21880frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
21881implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
21882a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
21883@code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
21884values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
21885implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
21886Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
21887@code{-var-update} does.
21888
21889@subsubheading Example
21890
21891@smallexample
21892(gdb)
21893-var-set-frozen V 1
21894^done
21895(gdb)
21896@end smallexample
21897
21898
21899@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21900@node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
21901@section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
21902
21903@cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
21904@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
21905This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
21906examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
21907
21908@c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
21909@c @subheading -data-assign
21910@c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
21911@c @subsubheading GDB Command
21912@c set variable
21913@c @subsubheading Example
21914@c N.A.
21915
21916@subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
21917@findex -data-disassemble
21918
21919@subsubheading Synopsis
21920
21921@smallexample
21922 -data-disassemble
21923 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
21924 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
21925 -- @var{mode}
21926@end smallexample
21927
21928@noindent
21929Where:
21930
21931@table @samp
21932@item @var{start-addr}
21933is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
21934@item @var{end-addr}
21935is the end address
21936@item @var{filename}
21937is the name of the file to disassemble
21938@item @var{linenum}
21939is the line number to disassemble around
21940@item @var{lines}
21941is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
21942the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
21943specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
21944@var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
21945@var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
21946displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
21947@var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
21948are displayed.
21949@item @var{mode}
21950is either 0 (meaning only disassembly) or 1 (meaning mixed source and
21951disassembly).
21952@end table
21953
21954@subsubheading Result
21955
21956The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
21957
21958@itemize @bullet
21959@item Address
21960@item Func-name
21961@item Offset
21962@item Instruction
21963@end itemize
21964
21965Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
21966directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
21967
21968@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21969
21970There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
21971
21972@subsubheading Example
21973
21974Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
21975
21976@smallexample
21977(gdb)
21978-data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
21979^done,
21980asm_insns=[
21981@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
21982inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
21983@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
21984inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
21985@{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
21986inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
21987@{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
21988inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
21989@{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
21990inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
21991(gdb)
21992@end smallexample
21993
21994Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
21995@code{main}.
21996
21997@smallexample
21998-data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
21999^done,asm_insns=[
22000@{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
22001inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
22002@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
22003inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
22004@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
22005inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
22006[@dots{}]
22007@{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
22008@{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
22009(gdb)
22010@end smallexample
22011
22012Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
22013
22014@smallexample
22015(gdb)
22016-data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
22017^done,asm_insns=[
22018@{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
22019inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
22020@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
22021inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
22022@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
22023inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
22024(gdb)
22025@end smallexample
22026
22027Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
22028
22029@smallexample
22030(gdb)
22031-data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
22032^done,asm_insns=[
22033src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
22034file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
22035 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
22036@{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
22037inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
22038src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
22039file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
22040 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
22041@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
22042inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
22043@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
22044inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
22045(gdb)
22046@end smallexample
22047
22048
22049@subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
22050@findex -data-evaluate-expression
22051
22052@subsubheading Synopsis
22053
22054@smallexample
22055 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
22056@end smallexample
22057
22058Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
22059inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
22060If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
22061
22062@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22063
22064The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
22065@samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
22066@samp{gdb_eval} command.
22067
22068@subsubheading Example
22069
22070In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
22071@dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
22072Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
22073output.
22074
22075@smallexample
22076211-data-evaluate-expression A
22077211^done,value="1"
22078(gdb)
22079311-data-evaluate-expression &A
22080311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
22081(gdb)
22082411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
22083411^done,value="4"
22084(gdb)
22085511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
22086511^done,value="4"
22087(gdb)
22088@end smallexample
22089
22090
22091@subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
22092@findex -data-list-changed-registers
22093
22094@subsubheading Synopsis
22095
22096@smallexample
22097 -data-list-changed-registers
22098@end smallexample
22099
22100Display a list of the registers that have changed.
22101
22102@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22103
22104@value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
22105has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
22106
22107@subsubheading Example
22108
22109On a PPC MBX board:
22110
22111@smallexample
22112(gdb)
22113-exec-continue
22114^running
22115
22116(gdb)
22117*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
22118func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
22119line="5"@}
22120(gdb)
22121-data-list-changed-registers
22122^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
22123"10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
22124"24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
22125(gdb)
22126@end smallexample
22127
22128
22129@subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
22130@findex -data-list-register-names
22131
22132@subsubheading Synopsis
22133
22134@smallexample
22135 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
22136@end smallexample
22137
22138Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
22139are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
22140integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
22141names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
22142consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
22143include empty register names.
22144
22145@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22146
22147@value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
22148@samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
22149corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
22150
22151@subsubheading Example
22152
22153For the PPC MBX board:
22154@smallexample
22155(gdb)
22156-data-list-register-names
22157^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
22158"r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
22159"r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
22160"r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
22161"f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
22162"f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
22163"", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
22164(gdb)
22165-data-list-register-names 1 2 3
22166^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
22167(gdb)
22168@end smallexample
22169
22170@subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
22171@findex -data-list-register-values
22172
22173@subsubheading Synopsis
22174
22175@smallexample
22176 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
22177@end smallexample
22178
22179Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
22180which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
22181list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
22182numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
22183
22184Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
22185
22186@table @code
22187@item x
22188Hexadecimal
22189@item o
22190Octal
22191@item t
22192Binary
22193@item d
22194Decimal
22195@item r
22196Raw
22197@item N
22198Natural
22199@end table
22200
22201@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22202
22203The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
22204all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
22205
22206@subsubheading Example
22207
22208For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
22209don't appear in the actual output):
22210
22211@smallexample
22212(gdb)
22213-data-list-register-values r 64 65
22214^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
22215@{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
22216(gdb)
22217-data-list-register-values x
22218^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
22219@{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
22220@{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
22221@{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
22222@{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
22223@{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
22224@{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
22225@{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
22226@{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
22227@{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
22228@{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
22229@{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
22230@{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
22231@{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
22232@{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
22233@{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
22234@{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
22235@{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
22236@{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
22237@{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
22238@{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
22239@{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
22240@{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
22241@{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
22242@{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
22243@{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
22244@{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
22245@{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
22246@{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
22247@{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
22248@{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
22249@{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
22250@{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
22251@{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
22252@{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
22253@{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
22254(gdb)
22255@end smallexample
22256
22257
22258@subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
22259@findex -data-read-memory
22260
22261@subsubheading Synopsis
22262
22263@smallexample
22264 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
22265 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
22266 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
22267@end smallexample
22268
22269@noindent
22270where:
22271
22272@table @samp
22273@item @var{address}
22274An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
22275read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
22276quoted using the C convention.
22277
22278@item @var{word-format}
22279The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
22280same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
22281,Output Formats}).
22282
22283@item @var{word-size}
22284The size of each memory word in bytes.
22285
22286@item @var{nr-rows}
22287The number of rows in the output table.
22288
22289@item @var{nr-cols}
22290The number of columns in the output table.
22291
22292@item @var{aschar}
22293If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
22294value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
22295member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
22296characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
22297
22298@item @var{byte-offset}
22299An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
22300@end table
22301
22302This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
22303@var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
22304@code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
22305(returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
22306of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
22307using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
22308in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
22309@samp{addr}.
22310
22311The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
22312@samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
22313@samp{prev-page}.
22314
22315@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22316
22317The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
22318@samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
22319
22320@subsubheading Example
22321
22322Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
22323@code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
22324word. Display each word in hex.
22325
22326@smallexample
22327(gdb)
223289-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
223299^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
22330next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
22331prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
22332@{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
22333@{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
22334@{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
22335(gdb)
22336@end smallexample
22337
22338Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
22339display as a single word formatted in decimal.
22340
22341@smallexample
22342(gdb)
223435-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
223445^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
22345next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
22346next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
22347@{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
22348(gdb)
22349@end smallexample
22350
22351Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
22352as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
22353used as the non-printable character.
22354
22355@smallexample
22356(gdb)
223574-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
223584^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
22359next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
22360next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
22361@{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22362@{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22363@{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22364@{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22365@{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
22366@{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
22367@{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
22368@{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
22369(gdb)
22370@end smallexample
22371
22372@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22373@node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
22374@section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
22375
22376The tracepoint commands are not yet implemented.
22377
22378@c @subheading -trace-actions
22379
22380@c @subheading -trace-delete
22381
22382@c @subheading -trace-disable
22383
22384@c @subheading -trace-dump
22385
22386@c @subheading -trace-enable
22387
22388@c @subheading -trace-exists
22389
22390@c @subheading -trace-find
22391
22392@c @subheading -trace-frame-number
22393
22394@c @subheading -trace-info
22395
22396@c @subheading -trace-insert
22397
22398@c @subheading -trace-list
22399
22400@c @subheading -trace-pass-count
22401
22402@c @subheading -trace-save
22403
22404@c @subheading -trace-start
22405
22406@c @subheading -trace-stop
22407
22408
22409@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22410@node GDB/MI Symbol Query
22411@section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
22412
22413
22414@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
22415@findex -symbol-info-address
22416
22417@subsubheading Synopsis
22418
22419@smallexample
22420 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
22421@end smallexample
22422
22423Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
22424
22425@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22426
22427The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
22428
22429@subsubheading Example
22430N.A.
22431
22432
22433@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
22434@findex -symbol-info-file
22435
22436@subsubheading Synopsis
22437
22438@smallexample
22439 -symbol-info-file
22440@end smallexample
22441
22442Show the file for the symbol.
22443
22444@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22445
22446There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
22447@samp{gdb_find_file}.
22448
22449@subsubheading Example
22450N.A.
22451
22452
22453@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
22454@findex -symbol-info-function
22455
22456@subsubheading Synopsis
22457
22458@smallexample
22459 -symbol-info-function
22460@end smallexample
22461
22462Show which function the symbol lives in.
22463
22464@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22465
22466@samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
22467
22468@subsubheading Example
22469N.A.
22470
22471
22472@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
22473@findex -symbol-info-line
22474
22475@subsubheading Synopsis
22476
22477@smallexample
22478 -symbol-info-line
22479@end smallexample
22480
22481Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
22482
22483@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22484
22485The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
22486@code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
22487
22488@subsubheading Example
22489N.A.
22490
22491
22492@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
22493@findex -symbol-info-symbol
22494
22495@subsubheading Synopsis
22496
22497@smallexample
22498 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
22499@end smallexample
22500
22501Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
22502
22503@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22504
22505The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
22506
22507@subsubheading Example
22508N.A.
22509
22510
22511@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
22512@findex -symbol-list-functions
22513
22514@subsubheading Synopsis
22515
22516@smallexample
22517 -symbol-list-functions
22518@end smallexample
22519
22520List the functions in the executable.
22521
22522@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22523
22524@samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
22525@samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
22526
22527@subsubheading Example
22528N.A.
22529
22530
22531@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
22532@findex -symbol-list-lines
22533
22534@subsubheading Synopsis
22535
22536@smallexample
22537 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
22538@end smallexample
22539
22540Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
22541addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
22542ascending PC order.
22543
22544@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22545
22546There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
22547
22548@subsubheading Example
22549@smallexample
22550(gdb)
22551-symbol-list-lines basics.c
22552^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
22553(gdb)
22554@end smallexample
22555
22556
22557@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
22558@findex -symbol-list-types
22559
22560@subsubheading Synopsis
22561
22562@smallexample
22563 -symbol-list-types
22564@end smallexample
22565
22566List all the type names.
22567
22568@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22569
22570The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
22571@samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
22572
22573@subsubheading Example
22574N.A.
22575
22576
22577@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
22578@findex -symbol-list-variables
22579
22580@subsubheading Synopsis
22581
22582@smallexample
22583 -symbol-list-variables
22584@end smallexample
22585
22586List all the global and static variable names.
22587
22588@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22589
22590@samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
22591
22592@subsubheading Example
22593N.A.
22594
22595
22596@subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
22597@findex -symbol-locate
22598
22599@subsubheading Synopsis
22600
22601@smallexample
22602 -symbol-locate
22603@end smallexample
22604
22605@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22606
22607@samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
22608
22609@subsubheading Example
22610N.A.
22611
22612
22613@subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
22614@findex -symbol-type
22615
22616@subsubheading Synopsis
22617
22618@smallexample
22619 -symbol-type @var{variable}
22620@end smallexample
22621
22622Show type of @var{variable}.
22623
22624@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22625
22626The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
22627@samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
22628
22629@subsubheading Example
22630N.A.
22631
22632
22633@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22634@node GDB/MI File Commands
22635@section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
22636
22637This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
22638and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
22639
22640@subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
22641@findex -file-exec-and-symbols
22642
22643@subsubheading Synopsis
22644
22645@smallexample
22646 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
22647@end smallexample
22648
22649Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
22650which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
22651command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
22652are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
22653error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
22654notification.
22655
22656@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22657
22658The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
22659
22660@subsubheading Example
22661
22662@smallexample
22663(gdb)
22664-file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
22665^done
22666(gdb)
22667@end smallexample
22668
22669
22670@subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
22671@findex -file-exec-file
22672
22673@subsubheading Synopsis
22674
22675@smallexample
22676 -file-exec-file @var{file}
22677@end smallexample
22678
22679Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
22680@samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
22681from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
22682about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
22683notification.
22684
22685@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22686
22687The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
22688
22689@subsubheading Example
22690
22691@smallexample
22692(gdb)
22693-file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
22694^done
22695(gdb)
22696@end smallexample
22697
22698
22699@subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
22700@findex -file-list-exec-sections
22701
22702@subsubheading Synopsis
22703
22704@smallexample
22705 -file-list-exec-sections
22706@end smallexample
22707
22708List the sections of the current executable file.
22709
22710@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22711
22712The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
22713information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
22714@samp{gdb_load_info}.
22715
22716@subsubheading Example
22717N.A.
22718
22719
22720@subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
22721@findex -file-list-exec-source-file
22722
22723@subsubheading Synopsis
22724
22725@smallexample
22726 -file-list-exec-source-file
22727@end smallexample
22728
22729List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
22730to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
22731information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
22732whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
22733
22734@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22735
22736The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
22737
22738@subsubheading Example
22739
22740@smallexample
22741(gdb)
22742123-file-list-exec-source-file
22743123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
22744(gdb)
22745@end smallexample
22746
22747
22748@subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
22749@findex -file-list-exec-source-files
22750
22751@subsubheading Synopsis
22752
22753@smallexample
22754 -file-list-exec-source-files
22755@end smallexample
22756
22757List the source files for the current executable.
22758
22759It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
22760the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
22761
22762@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22763
22764The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
22765@code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
22766
22767@subsubheading Example
22768@smallexample
22769(gdb)
22770-file-list-exec-source-files
22771^done,files=[
22772@{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
22773@{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
22774@{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
22775(gdb)
22776@end smallexample
22777
22778@subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
22779@findex -file-list-shared-libraries
22780
22781@subsubheading Synopsis
22782
22783@smallexample
22784 -file-list-shared-libraries
22785@end smallexample
22786
22787List the shared libraries in the program.
22788
22789@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22790
22791The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
22792
22793@subsubheading Example
22794N.A.
22795
22796
22797@subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
22798@findex -file-list-symbol-files
22799
22800@subsubheading Synopsis
22801
22802@smallexample
22803 -file-list-symbol-files
22804@end smallexample
22805
22806List symbol files.
22807
22808@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22809
22810The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
22811
22812@subsubheading Example
22813N.A.
22814
22815
22816@subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
22817@findex -file-symbol-file
22818
22819@subsubheading Synopsis
22820
22821@smallexample
22822 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
22823@end smallexample
22824
22825Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
22826used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
22827produced, except for a completion notification.
22828
22829@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22830
22831The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
22832
22833@subsubheading Example
22834
22835@smallexample
22836(gdb)
22837-file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
22838^done
22839(gdb)
22840@end smallexample
22841
22842@ignore
22843@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22844@node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
22845@section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
22846
22847The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
22848
22849@c @subheading -overlay-auto
22850
22851@c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
22852
22853@c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
22854
22855@c @subheading -overlay-map
22856
22857@c @subheading -overlay-off
22858
22859@c @subheading -overlay-on
22860
22861@c @subheading -overlay-unmap
22862
22863@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22864@node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
22865@section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
22866
22867Signal handling commands are not implemented.
22868
22869@c @subheading -signal-handle
22870
22871@c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
22872
22873@c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
22874@end ignore
22875
22876
22877@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22878@node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
22879@section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
22880
22881
22882@subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
22883@findex -target-attach
22884
22885@subsubheading Synopsis
22886
22887@smallexample
22888 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
22889@end smallexample
22890
22891Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
22892@value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
22893group, the id previously returned by
22894@samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
22895
22896@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22897
22898The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
22899
22900@subsubheading Example
22901@smallexample
22902(gdb)
22903-target-attach 34
22904=thread-created,id="1"
22905*stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
22906^done
22907(gdb)
22908@end smallexample
22909
22910@subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
22911@findex -target-compare-sections
22912
22913@subsubheading Synopsis
22914
22915@smallexample
22916 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
22917@end smallexample
22918
22919Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
22920Without the argument, all sections are compared.
22921
22922@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22923
22924The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
22925
22926@subsubheading Example
22927N.A.
22928
22929
22930@subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
22931@findex -target-detach
22932
22933@subsubheading Synopsis
22934
22935@smallexample
22936 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
22937@end smallexample
22938
22939Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
22940If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
22941the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
22942
22943@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22944
22945The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
22946
22947@subsubheading Example
22948
22949@smallexample
22950(gdb)
22951-target-detach
22952^done
22953(gdb)
22954@end smallexample
22955
22956
22957@subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
22958@findex -target-disconnect
22959
22960@subsubheading Synopsis
22961
22962@smallexample
22963 -target-disconnect
22964@end smallexample
22965
22966Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
22967generally not resumed.
22968
22969@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22970
22971The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
22972
22973@subsubheading Example
22974
22975@smallexample
22976(gdb)
22977-target-disconnect
22978^done
22979(gdb)
22980@end smallexample
22981
22982
22983@subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
22984@findex -target-download
22985
22986@subsubheading Synopsis
22987
22988@smallexample
22989 -target-download
22990@end smallexample
22991
22992Loads the executable onto the remote target.
22993It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
22994
22995@table @samp
22996@item section
22997The name of the section.
22998@item section-sent
22999The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
23000@item section-size
23001The size of the section.
23002@item total-sent
23003The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
23004@item total-size
23005The size of the overall executable to download.
23006@end table
23007
23008@noindent
23009Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
23010@sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
23011
23012In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
23013downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
23014
23015@table @samp
23016@item section
23017The name of the section.
23018@item section-size
23019The size of the section.
23020@item total-size
23021The size of the overall executable to download.
23022@end table
23023
23024@noindent
23025At the end, a summary is printed.
23026
23027@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23028
23029The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
23030
23031@subsubheading Example
23032
23033Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
23034have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
23035
23036@smallexample
23037(gdb)
23038-target-download
23039+download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
23040+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
23041total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
23042+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
23043total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
23044+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
23045total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
23046+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
23047total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
23048+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
23049total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
23050+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
23051total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
23052+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
23053total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
23054+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
23055total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
23056+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
23057total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
23058+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
23059total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
23060+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
23061total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
23062+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
23063total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
23064+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
23065total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
23066+download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
23067+download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
23068+download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
23069+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
23070total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
23071+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
23072total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
23073+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
23074total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
23075+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
23076total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
23077+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
23078total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
23079+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
23080total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
23081^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
23082write-rate="429"
23083(gdb)
23084@end smallexample
23085
23086
23087@subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
23088@findex -target-exec-status
23089
23090@subsubheading Synopsis
23091
23092@smallexample
23093 -target-exec-status
23094@end smallexample
23095
23096Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
23097not, for instance).
23098
23099@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23100
23101There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
23102
23103@subsubheading Example
23104N.A.
23105
23106
23107@subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
23108@findex -target-list-available-targets
23109
23110@subsubheading Synopsis
23111
23112@smallexample
23113 -target-list-available-targets
23114@end smallexample
23115
23116List the possible targets to connect to.
23117
23118@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23119
23120The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
23121
23122@subsubheading Example
23123N.A.
23124
23125
23126@subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
23127@findex -target-list-current-targets
23128
23129@subsubheading Synopsis
23130
23131@smallexample
23132 -target-list-current-targets
23133@end smallexample
23134
23135Describe the current target.
23136
23137@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23138
23139The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
23140other things).
23141
23142@subsubheading Example
23143N.A.
23144
23145
23146@subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
23147@findex -target-list-parameters
23148
23149@subsubheading Synopsis
23150
23151@smallexample
23152 -target-list-parameters
23153@end smallexample
23154
23155@c ????
23156
23157@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23158
23159No equivalent.
23160
23161@subsubheading Example
23162N.A.
23163
23164
23165@subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
23166@findex -target-select
23167
23168@subsubheading Synopsis
23169
23170@smallexample
23171 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
23172@end smallexample
23173
23174Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
23175
23176@table @samp
23177@item @var{type}
23178The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
23179@item @var{parameters}
23180Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
23181Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
23182@end table
23183
23184The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
23185which the target program is, in the following form:
23186
23187@smallexample
23188^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
23189 args=[@var{arg list}]
23190@end smallexample
23191
23192@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23193
23194The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
23195
23196@subsubheading Example
23197
23198@smallexample
23199(gdb)
23200-target-select remote /dev/ttya
23201^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
23202(gdb)
23203@end smallexample
23204
23205@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23206@node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
23207@section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
23208
23209
23210@subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
23211@findex -target-file-put
23212
23213@subsubheading Synopsis
23214
23215@smallexample
23216 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
23217@end smallexample
23218
23219Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
23220@value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
23221
23222@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23223
23224The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
23225
23226@subsubheading Example
23227
23228@smallexample
23229(gdb)
23230-target-file-put localfile remotefile
23231^done
23232(gdb)
23233@end smallexample
23234
23235
23236@subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
23237@findex -target-file-get
23238
23239@subsubheading Synopsis
23240
23241@smallexample
23242 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
23243@end smallexample
23244
23245Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
23246on the host system.
23247
23248@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23249
23250The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
23251
23252@subsubheading Example
23253
23254@smallexample
23255(gdb)
23256-target-file-get remotefile localfile
23257^done
23258(gdb)
23259@end smallexample
23260
23261
23262@subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
23263@findex -target-file-delete
23264
23265@subsubheading Synopsis
23266
23267@smallexample
23268 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
23269@end smallexample
23270
23271Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
23272
23273@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23274
23275The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
23276
23277@subsubheading Example
23278
23279@smallexample
23280(gdb)
23281-target-file-delete remotefile
23282^done
23283(gdb)
23284@end smallexample
23285
23286
23287@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23288@node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
23289@section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
23290
23291@c @subheading -gdb-complete
23292
23293@subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
23294@findex -gdb-exit
23295
23296@subsubheading Synopsis
23297
23298@smallexample
23299 -gdb-exit
23300@end smallexample
23301
23302Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
23303
23304@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23305
23306Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
23307
23308@subsubheading Example
23309
23310@smallexample
23311(gdb)
23312-gdb-exit
23313^exit
23314@end smallexample
23315
23316
23317@subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
23318@findex -exec-abort
23319
23320@subsubheading Synopsis
23321
23322@smallexample
23323 -exec-abort
23324@end smallexample
23325
23326Kill the inferior running program.
23327
23328@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23329
23330The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
23331
23332@subsubheading Example
23333N.A.
23334
23335
23336@subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
23337@findex -gdb-set
23338
23339@subsubheading Synopsis
23340
23341@smallexample
23342 -gdb-set
23343@end smallexample
23344
23345Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
23346@c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
23347
23348@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23349
23350The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
23351
23352@subsubheading Example
23353
23354@smallexample
23355(gdb)
23356-gdb-set $foo=3
23357^done
23358(gdb)
23359@end smallexample
23360
23361
23362@subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
23363@findex -gdb-show
23364
23365@subsubheading Synopsis
23366
23367@smallexample
23368 -gdb-show
23369@end smallexample
23370
23371Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
23372
23373@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23374
23375The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
23376
23377@subsubheading Example
23378
23379@smallexample
23380(gdb)
23381-gdb-show annotate
23382^done,value="0"
23383(gdb)
23384@end smallexample
23385
23386@c @subheading -gdb-source
23387
23388
23389@subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
23390@findex -gdb-version
23391
23392@subsubheading Synopsis
23393
23394@smallexample
23395 -gdb-version
23396@end smallexample
23397
23398Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
23399
23400@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23401
23402The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
23403default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
23404
23405@subsubheading Example
23406
23407@c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
23408@c box in TeX.
23409@smallexample
23410(gdb)
23411-gdb-version
23412~GNU gdb 5.2.1
23413~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
23414~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
23415~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
23416~ certain conditions.
23417~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
23418~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
23419~ details.
23420~This GDB was configured as
23421 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
23422^done
23423(gdb)
23424@end smallexample
23425
23426@subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
23427@findex -list-features
23428
23429Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
23430this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
23431or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
23432important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
23433of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
23434startup.
23435
23436The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
23437available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
23438have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
23439is given below.
23440
23441Example output:
23442
23443@smallexample
23444(gdb) -list-features
23445^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
23446@end smallexample
23447
23448The current list of features is:
23449
23450@table @samp
23451@item frozen-varobjs
23452Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
23453as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
23454of @code{-varobj-create}.
23455@item pending-breakpoints
23456Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
23457@item thread-info
23458Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
23459
23460@end table
23461
23462@subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
23463@findex -list-target-features
23464
23465Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
23466target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
23467unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
23468features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
23469a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
23470@code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
23471may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
23472Example output:
23473
23474@smallexample
23475(gdb) -list-features
23476^done,result=["async"]
23477@end smallexample
23478
23479The current list of features is:
23480
23481@table @samp
23482@item async
23483Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
23484execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
23485while the target is running.
23486
23487@end table
23488
23489@subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
23490@findex -list-thread-groups
23491
23492@subheading Synopsis
23493
23494@smallexample
23495-list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ @var{group} ]
23496@end smallexample
23497
23498When used without the @var{group} parameter, lists top-level thread
23499groups that are being debugged. When used with the @var{group}
23500parameter, the children of the specified group are listed. The
23501children can be either threads, or other groups. At present,
23502@value{GDBN} will not report both threads and groups as children at
23503the same time, but it may change in future.
23504
23505With the @samp{--available} option, instead of reporting groups that
23506are been debugged, GDB will report all thread groups available on the
23507target. Using the @samp{--available} option together with @var{group}
23508is not allowed.
23509
23510@subheading Example
23511
23512@smallexample
23513@value{GDBP}
23514-list-thread-groups
23515^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
23516-list-thread-groups 17
23517^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
23518 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
23519@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
23520 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
23521 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
23522@end smallexample
23523
23524@subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
23525@findex -interpreter-exec
23526
23527@subheading Synopsis
23528
23529@smallexample
23530-interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
23531@end smallexample
23532@anchor{-interpreter-exec}
23533
23534Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
23535
23536@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23537
23538The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
23539
23540@subheading Example
23541
23542@smallexample
23543(gdb)
23544-interpreter-exec console "break main"
23545&"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
23546&"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
23547~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
23548^done
23549(gdb)
23550@end smallexample
23551
23552@subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
23553@findex -inferior-tty-set
23554
23555@subheading Synopsis
23556
23557@smallexample
23558-inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
23559@end smallexample
23560
23561Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
23562
23563@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23564
23565The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
23566
23567@subheading Example
23568
23569@smallexample
23570(gdb)
23571-inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
23572^done
23573(gdb)
23574@end smallexample
23575
23576@subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
23577@findex -inferior-tty-show
23578
23579@subheading Synopsis
23580
23581@smallexample
23582-inferior-tty-show
23583@end smallexample
23584
23585Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
23586
23587@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23588
23589The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
23590
23591@subheading Example
23592
23593@smallexample
23594(gdb)
23595-inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
23596^done
23597(gdb)
23598-inferior-tty-show
23599^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
23600(gdb)
23601@end smallexample
23602
23603@subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
23604@findex -enable-timings
23605
23606@subheading Synopsis
23607
23608@smallexample
23609-enable-timings [yes | no]
23610@end smallexample
23611
23612Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
23613command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
23614developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
23615equivalent to @samp{yes}.
23616
23617@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23618
23619No equivalent.
23620
23621@subheading Example
23622
23623@smallexample
23624(gdb)
23625-enable-timings
23626^done
23627(gdb)
23628-break-insert main
23629^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23630addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
23631fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
23632time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
23633(gdb)
23634-enable-timings no
23635^done
23636(gdb)
23637-exec-run
23638^running
23639(gdb)
23640*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
23641frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
23642@{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
23643fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
23644(gdb)
23645@end smallexample
23646
23647@node Annotations
23648@chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
23649
23650This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
23651designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
23652similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
23653relatively high level.
23654
23655The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
23656(@pxref{GDB/MI}).
23657
23658@ignore
23659This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
23660@end ignore
23661
23662@menu
23663* Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
23664* Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
23665* Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
23666* Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
23667* Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
23668* Annotations for Running::
23669 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
23670* Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
23671@end menu
23672
23673@node Annotations Overview
23674@section What is an Annotation?
23675@cindex annotations
23676
23677Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
23678characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
23679information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
23680is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
23681information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
23682additional information, and a newline. The additional information
23683cannot contain newline characters.
23684
23685Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
23686characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
23687no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
23688@samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
23689annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
23690means those three characters as output.
23691
23692The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
23693@option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
23694how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
23695values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
23696is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
23697subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
23698for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
23699been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
23700Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
23701
23702@table @code
23703@kindex set annotate
23704@item set annotate @var{level}
23705The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
23706annotations to the specified @var{level}.
23707
23708@item show annotate
23709@kindex show annotate
23710Show the current annotation level.
23711@end table
23712
23713This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
23714
23715A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
23716
23717@smallexample
23718$ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
23719GNU gdb 6.0
23720Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
23721GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
23722and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
23723under certain conditions.
23724Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
23725There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
23726for details.
23727This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
23728
23729^Z^Zpre-prompt
23730(@value{GDBP})
23731^Z^Zprompt
23732@kbd{quit}
23733
23734^Z^Zpost-prompt
23735$
23736@end smallexample
23737
23738Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
23739@value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
23740denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
23741output from @value{GDBN}.
23742
23743@node Server Prefix
23744@section The Server Prefix
23745@cindex server prefix
23746
23747If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
23748the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
23749command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
23750means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
23751a transparent manner.
23752
23753The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
23754history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
23755use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
23756
23757@node Prompting
23758@section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
23759
23760@cindex annotations for prompts
23761When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
23762to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
23763over, etc.
23764
23765Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
23766input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
23767denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
23768annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
23769annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
23770associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
23771features the following annotations:
23772
23773@smallexample
23774^Z^Zpre-prompt
23775^Z^Zprompt
23776^Z^Zpost-prompt
23777@end smallexample
23778
23779The input types are
23780
23781@table @code
23782@findex pre-prompt annotation
23783@findex prompt annotation
23784@findex post-prompt annotation
23785@item prompt
23786When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
23787
23788@findex pre-commands annotation
23789@findex commands annotation
23790@findex post-commands annotation
23791@item commands
23792When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
23793command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
23794
23795@findex pre-overload-choice annotation
23796@findex overload-choice annotation
23797@findex post-overload-choice annotation
23798@item overload-choice
23799When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
23800
23801@findex pre-query annotation
23802@findex query annotation
23803@findex post-query annotation
23804@item query
23805When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
23806
23807@findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
23808@findex prompt-for-continue annotation
23809@findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
23810@item prompt-for-continue
23811When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
23812expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
23813prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
23814presence of annotations.
23815@end table
23816
23817@node Errors
23818@section Errors
23819@cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
23820
23821@findex quit annotation
23822@smallexample
23823^Z^Zquit
23824@end smallexample
23825
23826This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
23827
23828@findex error annotation
23829@smallexample
23830^Z^Zerror
23831@end smallexample
23832
23833This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
23834
23835Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
23836in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
23837@code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
23838cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
23839cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
23840does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
23841to the top level.
23842
23843@findex error-begin annotation
23844A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
23845
23846@smallexample
23847^Z^Zerror-begin
23848@end smallexample
23849
23850Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
23851message.
23852
23853Warning messages are not yet annotated.
23854@c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
23855@c range_error(), and possibly other places.
23856
23857@node Invalidation
23858@section Invalidation Notices
23859
23860@cindex annotations for invalidation messages
23861The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
23862changed.
23863
23864@table @code
23865@findex frames-invalid annotation
23866@item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
23867
23868The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
23869have changed.
23870
23871@findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
23872@item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
23873
23874The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
23875deleted a breakpoint.
23876@end table
23877
23878@node Annotations for Running
23879@section Running the Program
23880@cindex annotations for running programs
23881
23882@findex starting annotation
23883@findex stopping annotation
23884When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
23885@code{step} or @code{continue},
23886
23887@smallexample
23888^Z^Zstarting
23889@end smallexample
23890
23891is output. When the program stops,
23892
23893@smallexample
23894^Z^Zstopped
23895@end smallexample
23896
23897is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
23898annotations describe how the program stopped.
23899
23900@table @code
23901@findex exited annotation
23902@item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
23903The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
23904successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
23905
23906@findex signalled annotation
23907@findex signal-name annotation
23908@findex signal-name-end annotation
23909@findex signal-string annotation
23910@findex signal-string-end annotation
23911@item ^Z^Zsignalled
23912The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
23913annotation continues:
23914
23915@smallexample
23916@var{intro-text}
23917^Z^Zsignal-name
23918@var{name}
23919^Z^Zsignal-name-end
23920@var{middle-text}
23921^Z^Zsignal-string
23922@var{string}
23923^Z^Zsignal-string-end
23924@var{end-text}
23925@end smallexample
23926
23927@noindent
23928where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
23929@code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
23930as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
23931@var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
23932user's benefit and have no particular format.
23933
23934@findex signal annotation
23935@item ^Z^Zsignal
23936The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
23937just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
23938terminated with it.
23939
23940@findex breakpoint annotation
23941@item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
23942The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
23943
23944@findex watchpoint annotation
23945@item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
23946The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
23947@end table
23948
23949@node Source Annotations
23950@section Displaying Source
23951@cindex annotations for source display
23952
23953@findex source annotation
23954The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
23955
23956@smallexample
23957^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
23958@end smallexample
23959
23960where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
23961file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
23962first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
23963within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
23964debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
23965@var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
23966line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
23967@var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
23968source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
23969followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
23970depend on the language).
23971
23972@node GDB Bugs
23973@chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
23974@cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
23975@cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
23976
23977Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
23978
23979Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
23980may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
23981the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
23982reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
23983
23984In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
23985information that enables us to fix the bug.
23986
23987@menu
23988* Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
23989* Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
23990@end menu
23991
23992@node Bug Criteria
23993@section Have You Found a Bug?
23994@cindex bug criteria
23995
23996If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
23997
23998@itemize @bullet
23999@cindex fatal signal
24000@cindex debugger crash
24001@cindex crash of debugger
24002@item
24003If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
24004@value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
24005
24006@cindex error on valid input
24007@item
24008If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
24009bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
24010somewhere in the connection to the target.)
24011
24012@cindex invalid input
24013@item
24014If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
24015that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
24016``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
24017for traditional practice''.
24018
24019@item
24020If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
24021for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
24022@end itemize
24023
24024@node Bug Reporting
24025@section How to Report Bugs
24026@cindex bug reports
24027@cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
24028
24029A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
24030If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
24031contact that organization first.
24032
24033You can find contact information for many support companies and
24034individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
24035distribution.
24036@c should add a web page ref...
24037
24038@ifset BUGURL
24039@ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
24040In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
24041@value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
24042@uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
24043page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
24044be used.
24045
24046@strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
24047@samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
24048not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
24049@samp{bug-gdb}.
24050
24051The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
24052serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
24053the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
24054newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
24055problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
24056path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
24057we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
24058bug reports to the mailing list.
24059@end ifset
24060@ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
24061In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
24062@value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
24063@end ifclear
24064@end ifset
24065
24066The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
24067@strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
24068fact or leave it out, state it!
24069
24070Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
24071problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
24072assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
24073Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
24074stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
24075name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
24076of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
24077the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
24078easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
24079
24080Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
24081bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
24082you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
24083self-contained.
24084
24085Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
24086bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
24087@emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
24088bugs properly.
24089
24090To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
24091
24092@itemize @bullet
24093@item
24094The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
24095with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
24096version}.
24097
24098Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
24099the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
24100
24101@item
24102The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
24103version number.
24104
24105@item
24106What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
24107``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
24108
24109@item
24110What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
24111debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
24112C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
24113to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
24114those compilers.
24115
24116@item
24117The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
24118observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
24119you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
24120Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
24121
24122If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
24123and then we might not encounter the bug.
24124
24125@item
24126A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
24127reproduce the bug.
24128
24129@item
24130A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
24131incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
24132
24133Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
24134will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
24135not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
24136a chance to make a mistake.
24137
24138Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
24139say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
24140copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
24141the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
24142crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
24143ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
24144us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
24145to draw any conclusion from our observations.
24146
24147@pindex script
24148@cindex recording a session script
24149To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
24150such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
24151Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
24152include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
24153
24154Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
24155inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
24156
24157@item
24158If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
24159diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
24160it by context, not by line number.
24161
24162The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
24163sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
24164
24165@end itemize
24166
24167Here are some things that are not necessary:
24168
24169@itemize @bullet
24170@item
24171A description of the envelope of the bug.
24172
24173Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
24174which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
24175changes will not affect it.
24176
24177This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
24178will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
24179with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
24180We recommend that you save your time for something else.
24181
24182Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
24183of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
24184output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
24185less time, and so on.
24186
24187However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
24188report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
24189
24190@item
24191A patch for the bug.
24192
24193A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
24194the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
24195a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
24196to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
24197
24198Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
24199construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
24200through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
24201to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
24202
24203And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
24204patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
24205help us to understand.
24206
24207@item
24208A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
24209
24210Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
24211things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
24212@end itemize
24213
24214@c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
24215@c and consists of the two following files:
24216@c rluser.texinfo
24217@c inc-hist.texinfo
24218@c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
24219@c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
24220@include rluser.texi
24221@include inc-hist.texinfo
24222
24223
24224@node Formatting Documentation
24225@appendix Formatting Documentation
24226
24227@cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
24228@cindex reference card
24229The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
24230for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
24231subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
24232@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
24233release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
24234you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
24235
24236The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
24237can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
24238
24239@smallexample
24240make refcard.dvi
24241@end smallexample
24242
24243The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
24244mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
24245that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
24246high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
24247your @sc{dvi} output program.
24248
24249@cindex documentation
24250
24251All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
24252distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
24253a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
24254on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
24255formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
24256and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
24257
24258@value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
24259version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
24260file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
24261subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
24262necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
24263but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
24264Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
24265@sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
24266
24267If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
24268Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
24269@code{makeinfo}.
24270
24271If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
24272@value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
24273version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
24274
24275@smallexample
24276cd gdb
24277make gdb.info
24278@end smallexample
24279
24280If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
24281a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
24282Texinfo definitions file.
24283
24284@TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
24285produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
24286document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
24287has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
24288command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
24289(for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
24290require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
24291
24292@TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
24293@file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
24294written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
24295typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
24296and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
24297directory.
24298
24299If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
24300typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
24301subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
24302@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
24303
24304@smallexample
24305make gdb.dvi
24306@end smallexample
24307
24308Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
24309
24310@node Installing GDB
24311@appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
24312@cindex installation
24313
24314@menu
24315* Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
24316* Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
24317* Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
24318* Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
24319* Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
24320@end menu
24321
24322@node Requirements
24323@section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
24324@cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
24325
24326Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
24327Other packages will be used only if they are found.
24328
24329@heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
24330@table @asis
24331@item ISO C90 compiler
24332@value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
24333working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
24334
24335@end table
24336
24337@heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
24338@table @asis
24339@item Expat
24340@anchor{Expat}
24341@value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
24342included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
24343can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
24344The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
24345standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
24346use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
24347
24348Expat is used for:
24349
24350@itemize @bullet
24351@item
24352Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
24353@item
24354Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
24355@item
24356Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
24357@item
24358MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
24359@end itemize
24360
24361@item zlib
24362@cindex compressed debug sections
24363@value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
24364compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
24365of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
24366is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
24367information in such binaries.
24368
24369The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
24370distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
24371@url{http://zlib.net}.
24372
24373@end table
24374
24375@node Running Configure
24376@section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
24377@cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
24378@value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
24379of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
24380build the @code{gdb} program.
24381@iftex
24382@c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
24383@footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
24384look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
24385installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
24386@end iftex
24387
24388The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
24389@value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
24390appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
24391
24392For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
24393@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
24394
24395@table @code
24396@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
24397script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
24398
24399@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
24400the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
24401
24402@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
24403source for the Binary File Descriptor library
24404
24405@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
24406@sc{gnu} include files
24407
24408@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
24409source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
24410
24411@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
24412source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
24413
24414@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
24415source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
24416
24417@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
24418source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
24419
24420@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
24421source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
24422@end table
24423
24424The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
24425from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
24426this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
24427
24428First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
24429if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
24430identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
24431argument.
24432
24433For example:
24434
24435@smallexample
24436cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
24437./configure @var{host}
24438make
24439@end smallexample
24440
24441@noindent
24442where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
24443@samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
24444(You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
24445correct value by examining your system.)
24446
24447Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
24448@file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
24449libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
24450binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
24451
24452@need 750
24453@file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
24454system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
24455shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
24456
24457@smallexample
24458sh configure @var{host}
24459@end smallexample
24460
24461If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
24462directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
24463@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
24464@file{configure}
24465creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
24466you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
24467
24468You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
24469source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
24470@file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
24471that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
24472if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
24473of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
24474configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
24475directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
24476about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
24477
24478You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
24479However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
24480the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
24481that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
24482let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
24483
24484@node Separate Objdir
24485@section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
24486
24487If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
24488you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
24489host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
24490allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
24491rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
24492handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
24493@code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
24494program specified there.
24495
24496To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
24497with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
24498(You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
24499itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
24500would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
24501the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
24502
24503For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
24504separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
24505
24506@smallexample
24507@group
24508cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
24509mkdir ../gdb-sun4
24510cd ../gdb-sun4
24511../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
24512make
24513@end group
24514@end smallexample
24515
24516When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
24517directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
24518(and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
24519the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
24520directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
24521@file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
24522
24523Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
24524instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
24525like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
24526one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
24527build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
24528
24529One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
24530directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
24531@value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
24532programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
24533You specify a cross-debugging target by
24534giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
24535
24536When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
24537it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
24538called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
24539
24540The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
24541directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
24542directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
24543directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
24544will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
24545
24546When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
24547directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
24548if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
24549with each other.
24550
24551@node Config Names
24552@section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
24553
24554The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
24555script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
24556aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
24557of information in the following pattern:
24558
24559@smallexample
24560@var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
24561@end smallexample
24562
24563For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
24564or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
24565option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
24566
24567The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
24568any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
24569aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
24570@code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
24571script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
24572abbreviations---for example:
24573
24574@smallexample
24575% sh config.sub i386-linux
24576i386-pc-linux-gnu
24577% sh config.sub alpha-linux
24578alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
24579% sh config.sub hp9k700
24580hppa1.1-hp-hpux
24581% sh config.sub sun4
24582sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
24583% sh config.sub sun3
24584m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
24585% sh config.sub i986v
24586Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
24587@end smallexample
24588
24589@noindent
24590@code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
24591directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
24592
24593@node Configure Options
24594@section @file{configure} Options
24595
24596Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
24597are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
24598several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
24599Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
24600
24601@smallexample
24602configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
24603 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
24604 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
24605 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
24606 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
24607 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
24608 @var{host}
24609@end smallexample
24610
24611@noindent
24612You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
24613@samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
24614@samp{--}.
24615
24616@table @code
24617@item --help
24618Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
24619
24620@item --prefix=@var{dir}
24621Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
24622@file{@var{dir}}.
24623
24624@item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
24625Configure the source to install programs under directory
24626@file{@var{dir}}.
24627
24628@c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
24629@need 2000
24630@item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
24631@strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
24632@code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
24633Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
24634@value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
24635build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
24636directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
24637the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
24638directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
24639the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
24640@var{dirname}.
24641
24642@item --norecursion
24643Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
24644propagate configuration to subdirectories.
24645
24646@item --target=@var{target}
24647Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
24648@var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
24649programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
24650
24651There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
24652
24653@item @var{host} @dots{}
24654Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
24655
24656There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
24657@end table
24658
24659There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
24660needed for special purposes only.
24661
24662@node Maintenance Commands
24663@appendix Maintenance Commands
24664@cindex maintenance commands
24665@cindex internal commands
24666
24667In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
24668includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
24669that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
24670provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
24671messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
24672
24673@table @code
24674@kindex maint agent
24675@item maint agent @var{expression}
24676Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
24677This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
24678(@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
24679
24680@kindex maint info breakpoints
24681@item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
24682Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
24683breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
24684internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
24685breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
24686is shown:
24687
24688@table @code
24689@item breakpoint
24690Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
24691
24692@item watchpoint
24693Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
24694
24695@item longjmp
24696Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
24697@code{longjmp} calls.
24698
24699@item longjmp resume
24700Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
24701
24702@item until
24703Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
24704
24705@item finish
24706Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
24707
24708@item shlib events
24709Shared library events.
24710
24711@end table
24712
24713@kindex set displaced-stepping
24714@kindex show displaced-stepping
24715@cindex displaced stepping support
24716@cindex out-of-line single-stepping
24717@item set displaced-stepping
24718@itemx show displaced-stepping
24719Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
24720if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
24721over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
24722an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
24723breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
24724
24725@table @code
24726@item set displaced-stepping on
24727If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
24728displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
24729
24730@item set displaced-stepping off
24731@value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
24732even if such is supported by the target architecture.
24733
24734@cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
24735@item set displaced-stepping auto
24736This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
24737only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
24738architecture supports displaced stepping.
24739@end table
24740
24741@kindex maint check-symtabs
24742@item maint check-symtabs
24743Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
24744
24745@kindex maint cplus first_component
24746@item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
24747Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
24748
24749@kindex maint cplus namespace
24750@item maint cplus namespace
24751Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
24752
24753@kindex maint demangle
24754@item maint demangle @var{name}
24755Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
24756
24757@kindex maint deprecate
24758@kindex maint undeprecate
24759@cindex deprecated commands
24760@item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
24761@itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
24762Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
24763cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
24764argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
24765favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
24766the replacement as part of the warning.
24767
24768@kindex maint dump-me
24769@item maint dump-me
24770@cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
24771Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
24772This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
24773with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
24774
24775@kindex maint internal-error
24776@kindex maint internal-warning
24777@item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
24778@itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
24779Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
24780or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
24781or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
24782internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
24783either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
24784@value{GDBN} session.
24785
24786These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
24787used as the text of the error or warning message.
24788
24789Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
24790
24791@smallexample
24792(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
24793@dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
24794A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
24795debugging may prove unreliable.
24796Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
24797Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
24798(@value{GDBP})
24799@end smallexample
24800
24801@cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
24802@cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
24803
24804@kindex maint set internal-error
24805@kindex maint show internal-error
24806@kindex maint set internal-warning
24807@kindex maint show internal-warning
24808@item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
24809@itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
24810@itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
24811@itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
24812When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
24813gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
24814core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
24815override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
24816described in the table below.
24817
24818@table @samp
24819@item quit
24820You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
24821quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
24822
24823@item corefile
24824You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
24825create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
24826@end table
24827
24828@kindex maint packet
24829@item maint packet @var{text}
24830If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
24831then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
24832displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
24833@samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
24834checksum.
24835
24836@kindex maint print architecture
24837@item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24838Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
24839@var{file} names the file where the output goes.
24840
24841@kindex maint print c-tdesc
24842@item maint print c-tdesc
24843Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
24844a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
24845when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
24846
24847@kindex maint print dummy-frames
24848@item maint print dummy-frames
24849Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
24850
24851@smallexample
24852(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
24853@dots{}
24854(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
24855Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
2485658 return (a + b);
24857The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
24858@dots{}
24859(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
248600x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
24861 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
24862 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
24863(@value{GDBP})
24864@end smallexample
24865
24866Takes an optional file parameter.
24867
24868@kindex maint print registers
24869@kindex maint print raw-registers
24870@kindex maint print cooked-registers
24871@kindex maint print register-groups
24872@item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24873@itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24874@itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24875@itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24876Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
24877
24878The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
24879the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print cooked-registers}
24880includes the (cooked) value of all registers; and the command
24881@code{maint print register-groups} includes the groups that each
24882register is a member of. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
24883@value{GDBN} Internals}.
24884
24885These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
24886write the information.
24887
24888@kindex maint print reggroups
24889@item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24890Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
24891optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
24892information.
24893
24894The register groups info looks like this:
24895
24896@smallexample
24897(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
24898 Group Type
24899 general user
24900 float user
24901 all user
24902 vector user
24903 system user
24904 save internal
24905 restore internal
24906@end smallexample
24907
24908@kindex flushregs
24909@item flushregs
24910This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
24911
24912@kindex maint print objfiles
24913@cindex info for known object files
24914@item maint print objfiles
24915Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
24916command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
24917and symtabs.
24918
24919@kindex maint print statistics
24920@cindex bcache statistics
24921@item maint print statistics
24922This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
24923about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
24924statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
24925of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
24926defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
24927the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
24928used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
24929sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
24930average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
24931savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
24932lengths.
24933
24934@kindex maint print target-stack
24935@cindex target stack description
24936@item maint print target-stack
24937A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
24938kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
24939so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
24940In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
24941until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
24942address.
24943
24944This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
24945the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
24946
24947@kindex maint print type
24948@cindex type chain of a data type
24949@item maint print type @var{expr}
24950Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
24951can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
24952that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
24953a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
24954data structures, including its flags and contained types.
24955
24956@kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
24957@kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
24958@item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
24959@itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
24960Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
24961
24962@cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
24963In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
24964produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
24965reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
24966This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
24967cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
24968compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
24969memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
24970slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
24971
24972@kindex maint set profile
24973@kindex maint show profile
24974@cindex profiling GDB
24975@item maint set profile
24976@itemx maint show profile
24977Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
24978
24979Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
24980command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
24981collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
24982exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
24983if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
24984(often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
24985data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
24986
24987Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
24988compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
24989
24990@kindex maint set linux-async
24991@kindex maint show linux-async
24992@cindex asynchronous support
24993@item maint set linux-async
24994@itemx maint show linux-async
24995Control the GNU/Linux native asynchronous support
24996(@pxref{Background Execution}) of @value{GDBN}.
24997
24998GNU/Linux native asynchronous support will be disabled until you use
24999the @samp{maint set linux-async} command to enable it.
25000
25001@kindex maint set remote-async
25002@kindex maint show remote-async
25003@cindex asynchronous support
25004@item maint set remote-async
25005@itemx maint show remote-async
25006Control the remote asynchronous support
25007(@pxref{Background Execution}) of @value{GDBN}.
25008
25009Remote asynchronous support will be disabled until you use
25010the @samp{maint set remote-async} command to enable it.
25011
25012@kindex maint show-debug-regs
25013@cindex x86 hardware debug registers
25014@item maint show-debug-regs
25015Control whether to show variables that mirror the x86 hardware debug
25016registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
25017enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
25018removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
25019triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
25020
25021@kindex maint space
25022@cindex memory used by commands
25023@item maint space
25024Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
25025nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
25026took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
25027by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
25028switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
25029
25030@kindex maint time
25031@cindex time of command execution
25032@item maint time
25033Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
25034set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
25035took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
25036The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
25037there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
25038by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
25039it's not possibly currently
25040This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
25041@option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
25042
25043@kindex maint translate-address
25044@item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
25045Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
25046@var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
25047@value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
25048the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
25049the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
25050command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
25051
25052If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
25053is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
25054executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
25055
25056@end table
25057
25058The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
25059@value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
25060
25061@table @code
25062@item set watchdog @var{nsec}
25063@kindex set watchdog
25064@cindex watchdog timer
25065@cindex timeout for commands
25066Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
25067target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
25068reports and error and the command is aborted.
25069
25070@item show watchdog
25071Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
25072@end table
25073
25074@node Remote Protocol
25075@appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
25076
25077@menu
25078* Overview::
25079* Packets::
25080* Stop Reply Packets::
25081* General Query Packets::
25082* Register Packet Format::
25083* Tracepoint Packets::
25084* Host I/O Packets::
25085* Interrupts::
25086* Notification Packets::
25087* Remote Non-Stop::
25088* Packet Acknowledgment::
25089* Examples::
25090* File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
25091* Library List Format::
25092* Memory Map Format::
25093@end menu
25094
25095@node Overview
25096@section Overview
25097
25098There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
25099protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
25100machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
25101recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
25102
25103In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
25104transmitted and received data, respectively.
25105
25106@cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
25107@cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
25108@cindex remote serial protocol
25109All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
25110and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
25111@var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
25112@samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
25113@samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
25114
25115@smallexample
25116@code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
25117@end smallexample
25118@noindent
25119
25120@cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
25121@noindent
25122The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
25123characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
25124eight bit unsigned checksum).
25125
25126Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
25127specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
25128
25129@smallexample
25130@code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
25131@end smallexample
25132
25133@cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
25134@noindent
25135That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
25136has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
25137since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
25138
25139When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
25140response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
25141the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
25142retransmission):
25143
25144@smallexample
25145-> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
25146<- @code{+}
25147@end smallexample
25148@noindent
25149
25150The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
25151once a connection is established.
25152@xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
25153
25154The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
25155debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
25156the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
25157when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
25158threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
25159behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
25160execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
25161
25162@var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
25163exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
25164exceptions).
25165
25166@cindex remote protocol, field separator
25167Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
25168@samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
25169@sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
25170
25171Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
25172@samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
25173would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
25174
25175@cindex remote protocol, binary data
25176@anchor{Binary Data}
25177Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
25178digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
25179protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
25180Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
25181connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
25182binary data.
25183
25184The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
25185as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
25186character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
25187For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
25188bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
25189@code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
25190@samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
25191must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
25192is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
25193(described next).
25194
25195Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
25196Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
25197instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
25198repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
25199binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
25200@code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
25201produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
25202code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
25203encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
25204@samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
25205after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
252063}} more times.
25207
25208The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
25209greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
25210seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
25211five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
25212@samp{0*"00}.
25213
25214The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
25215error number. That number is not well defined.
25216
25217@cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
25218For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
25219(@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
25220protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
25221on that response.
25222
25223A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
25224@samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
25225optional.
25226
25227@node Packets
25228@section Packets
25229
25230The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
25231@var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
25232@xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
25233I/O extension of the remote protocol.
25234
25235Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
25236syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
25237include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
25238part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
25239separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
25240@var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
25241bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
25242@var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
25243@samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
25244@var{baz}.
25245
25246@cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
25247@anchor{thread-id syntax}
25248Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
25249a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
25250interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
25251can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
25252pick any thread.
25253
25254In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
25255which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
25256process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
25257The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
25258format described above: a positive number with target-specific
25259interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
25260to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
25261indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
25262@samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
25263error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
25264@samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
25265for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
25266ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
25267
25268The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
25269@value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
25270feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
25271more information.
25272
25273Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
25274letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
25275
25276Here are the packet descriptions.
25277
25278@table @samp
25279
25280@item !
25281@cindex @samp{!} packet
25282@anchor{extended mode}
25283Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
25284persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
25285debugged.
25286
25287Reply:
25288@table @samp
25289@item OK
25290The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
25291@end table
25292
25293@item ?
25294@cindex @samp{?} packet
25295Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
25296step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
25297target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
25298
25299Reply:
25300@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25301
25302@item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
25303@cindex @samp{A} packet
25304Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
25305specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
25306@var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
25307
25308Reply:
25309@table @samp
25310@item OK
25311The arguments were set.
25312@item E @var{NN}
25313An error occurred.
25314@end table
25315
25316@item b @var{baud}
25317@cindex @samp{b} packet
25318(Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
25319Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
25320
25321JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
25322received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
25323problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
25324
25325Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
25326it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
25327some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
25328switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
25329of view, nothing actually happened.}
25330
25331@item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
25332@cindex @samp{B} packet
25333Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
25334breakpoint at @var{addr}.
25335
25336Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
25337(@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
25338
25339@item bc
25340@cindex @samp{bc} packet
25341Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
25342@xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
25343
25344Reply:
25345@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25346
25347@item bs
25348@cindex @samp{bs} packet
25349Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
25350@xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
25351
25352Reply:
25353@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25354
25355@item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
25356@cindex @samp{c} packet
25357Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
25358resume at current address.
25359
25360Reply:
25361@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25362
25363@item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
25364@cindex @samp{C} packet
25365Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
25366@samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
25367
25368Reply:
25369@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25370
25371@item d
25372@cindex @samp{d} packet
25373Toggle debug flag.
25374
25375Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
25376(@pxref{General Query Packets}).
25377
25378@item D
25379@itemx D;@var{pid}
25380@cindex @samp{D} packet
25381The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
25382remote system. It is sent to the remote target
25383before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
25384
25385The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
25386protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
25387detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
25388big-endian hex string.
25389
25390Reply:
25391@table @samp
25392@item OK
25393for success
25394@item E @var{NN}
25395for an error
25396@end table
25397
25398@item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
25399@cindex @samp{F} packet
25400A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
25401This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
25402Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
25403
25404@item g
25405@anchor{read registers packet}
25406@cindex @samp{g} packet
25407Read general registers.
25408
25409Reply:
25410@table @samp
25411@item @var{XX@dots{}}
25412Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
25413with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
25414each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
25415determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
25416@code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
25417specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
25418@item E @var{NN}
25419for an error.
25420@end table
25421
25422@item G @var{XX@dots{}}
25423@cindex @samp{G} packet
25424Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
25425description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
25426
25427Reply:
25428@table @samp
25429@item OK
25430for success
25431@item E @var{NN}
25432for an error
25433@end table
25434
25435@item H @var{c} @var{thread-id}
25436@cindex @samp{H} packet
25437Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
25438@samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} depends on the operation to be performed: it
25439should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations, @samp{g} for other
25440operations. The thread designator @var{thread-id} has the format and
25441interpretation described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
25442
25443Reply:
25444@table @samp
25445@item OK
25446for success
25447@item E @var{NN}
25448for an error
25449@end table
25450
25451@c FIXME: JTC:
25452@c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
25453@c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
25454@c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
25455@c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
25456@c described. For example:
25457@c
25458@c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
25459@c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
25460@c otherwise returns current registers.
25461@c
25462@c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
25463@c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
25464@c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
25465
25466@item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
25467@anchor{cycle step packet}
25468@cindex @samp{i} packet
25469Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
25470present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
25471step starting at that address.
25472
25473@item I
25474@cindex @samp{I} packet
25475Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
25476step packet}.
25477
25478@item k
25479@cindex @samp{k} packet
25480Kill request.
25481
25482FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
25483thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
25484thread?)}.
25485
25486@item m @var{addr},@var{length}
25487@cindex @samp{m} packet
25488Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
25489Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
25490
25491The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
25492data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
25493and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
25494use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
25495suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
25496@cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
25497@cindex size of remote memory accesses
25498@cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
25499
25500Reply:
25501@table @samp
25502@item @var{XX@dots{}}
25503Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
25504number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
25505server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
25506@item E @var{NN}
25507@var{NN} is errno
25508@end table
25509
25510@item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
25511@cindex @samp{M} packet
25512Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
25513@var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
25514hexadecimal number.
25515
25516Reply:
25517@table @samp
25518@item OK
25519for success
25520@item E @var{NN}
25521for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
25522written).
25523@end table
25524
25525@item p @var{n}
25526@cindex @samp{p} packet
25527Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
25528@xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
25529register value is encoded.
25530
25531Reply:
25532@table @samp
25533@item @var{XX@dots{}}
25534the register's value
25535@item E @var{NN}
25536for an error
25537@item
25538Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
25539@end table
25540
25541@item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
25542@anchor{write register packet}
25543@cindex @samp{P} packet
25544Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
25545number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
25546digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
25547
25548Reply:
25549@table @samp
25550@item OK
25551for success
25552@item E @var{NN}
25553for an error
25554@end table
25555
25556@item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
25557@itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
25558@cindex @samp{q} packet
25559@cindex @samp{Q} packet
25560General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
25561described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
25562
25563@item r
25564@cindex @samp{r} packet
25565Reset the entire system.
25566
25567Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
25568
25569@item R @var{XX}
25570@cindex @samp{R} packet
25571Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
25572This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
25573
25574The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
25575
25576@item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
25577@cindex @samp{s} packet
25578Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
25579@var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
25580
25581Reply:
25582@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25583
25584@item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
25585@anchor{step with signal packet}
25586@cindex @samp{S} packet
25587Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
25588requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
25589
25590Reply:
25591@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25592
25593@item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
25594@cindex @samp{t} packet
25595Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
25596@var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
25597@var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
25598
25599@item T @var{thread-id}
25600@cindex @samp{T} packet
25601Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
25602
25603Reply:
25604@table @samp
25605@item OK
25606thread is still alive
25607@item E @var{NN}
25608thread is dead
25609@end table
25610
25611@item v
25612Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
25613up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
25614
25615@item vAttach;@var{pid}
25616@cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
25617Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
25618The process ID is a
25619hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
25620threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
25621attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
25622
25623@c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
25624@c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
25625@c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
25626@c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
25627@c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
25628@c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
25629@c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
25630@c stopping or restarting threads.
25631
25632This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
25633
25634Reply:
25635@table @samp
25636@item E @var{nn}
25637for an error
25638@item @r{Any stop packet}
25639for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
25640@item OK
25641for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
25642@end table
25643
25644@item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
25645@cindex @samp{vCont} packet
25646Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
25647If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
25648threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
25649specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
25650in their current state in non-stop mode.
25651Specifying multiple
25652default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
25653Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
25654
25655Currently supported actions are:
25656
25657@table @samp
25658@item c
25659Continue.
25660@item C @var{sig}
25661Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
25662@item s
25663Step.
25664@item S @var{sig}
25665Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
25666@item t
25667Stop.
25668@item T @var{sig}
25669Stop with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
25670@end table
25671
25672The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
25673@samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
25674not supported in @samp{vCont}.
25675
25676The @samp{t} and @samp{T} actions are only relevant in non-stop mode
25677(@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
25678A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
25679When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
25680the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
25681signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
25682as an implementation detail.
25683
25684Reply:
25685@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25686
25687@item vCont?
25688@cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
25689Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
25690
25691Reply:
25692@table @samp
25693@item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
25694The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
25695command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
25696@item
25697The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
25698@end table
25699
25700@item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
25701@cindex @samp{vFile} packet
25702Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
25703see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
25704
25705@item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
25706@cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
25707Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
25708@var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
25709its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
25710flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
25711Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
25712together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
25713stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
25714packet is received.
25715
25716The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
25717multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
25718this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
25719in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
25720@var{thread-id}.
25721
25722Reply:
25723@table @samp
25724@item OK
25725for success
25726@item E @var{NN}
25727for an error
25728@end table
25729
25730@item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
25731@cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
25732Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
25733is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
25734packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
25735@samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
25736not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
25737(although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
25738have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
25739@samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
25740neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
25741target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
25742
25743
25744Reply:
25745@table @samp
25746@item OK
25747for success
25748@item E.memtype
25749for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
25750@item E @var{NN}
25751for an error
25752@end table
25753
25754@item vFlashDone
25755@cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
25756Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
25757The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
25758@samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
25759@samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
25760regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
25761request is completed.
25762
25763@item vKill;@var{pid}
25764@cindex @samp{vKill} packet
25765Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
25766hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
25767preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
25768supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
25769
25770Reply:
25771@table @samp
25772@item E @var{nn}
25773for an error
25774@item OK
25775for success
25776@end table
25777
25778@item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
25779@cindex @samp{vRun} packet
25780Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
25781command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
25782@var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
25783(e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
25784state.
25785
25786@c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
25787
25788This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
25789
25790Reply:
25791@table @samp
25792@item E @var{nn}
25793for an error
25794@item @r{Any stop packet}
25795for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
25796@end table
25797
25798@item vStopped
25799@anchor{vStopped packet}
25800@cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
25801
25802In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
25803reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
25804
25805Reply:
25806@table @samp
25807@item @r{Any stop packet}
25808if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
25809@item OK
25810if there are no unreported stop events
25811@end table
25812
25813@item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
25814@anchor{X packet}
25815@cindex @samp{X} packet
25816Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
25817@var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
25818@samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
25819
25820Reply:
25821@table @samp
25822@item OK
25823for success
25824@item E @var{NN}
25825for an error
25826@end table
25827
25828@item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
25829@itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
25830@anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
25831@cindex @samp{z} packet
25832@cindex @samp{Z} packets
25833Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
25834watchpoint starting at address @var{address} and covering the next
25835@var{length} bytes.
25836
25837Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
25838separately.
25839
25840@emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
25841for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
25842remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
25843@samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
25844avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
25845be implemented in an idempotent way.}
25846
25847@item z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
25848@itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
25849@cindex @samp{z0} packet
25850@cindex @samp{Z0} packet
25851Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
25852@var{addr} of size @var{length}.
25853
25854A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
25855@var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
25856@var{length} is used by targets that indicates the size of the
25857breakpoint (in bytes) that should be inserted (e.g., the @sc{arm} and
25858@sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint).
25859
25860@emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
25861code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
25862overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
25863target, is not defined.}
25864
25865Reply:
25866@table @samp
25867@item OK
25868success
25869@item
25870not supported
25871@item E @var{NN}
25872for an error
25873@end table
25874
25875@item z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
25876@itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
25877@cindex @samp{z1} packet
25878@cindex @samp{Z1} packet
25879Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
25880address @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
25881
25882A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
25883dependant on being able to modify the target's memory.
25884
25885@emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
25886movement.}
25887
25888Reply:
25889@table @samp
25890@item OK
25891success
25892@item
25893not supported
25894@item E @var{NN}
25895for an error
25896@end table
25897
25898@item z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
25899@itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
25900@cindex @samp{z2} packet
25901@cindex @samp{Z2} packet
25902Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint.
25903
25904Reply:
25905@table @samp
25906@item OK
25907success
25908@item
25909not supported
25910@item E @var{NN}
25911for an error
25912@end table
25913
25914@item z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
25915@itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
25916@cindex @samp{z3} packet
25917@cindex @samp{Z3} packet
25918Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint.
25919
25920Reply:
25921@table @samp
25922@item OK
25923success
25924@item
25925not supported
25926@item E @var{NN}
25927for an error
25928@end table
25929
25930@item z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
25931@itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
25932@cindex @samp{z4} packet
25933@cindex @samp{Z4} packet
25934Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint.
25935
25936Reply:
25937@table @samp
25938@item OK
25939success
25940@item
25941not supported
25942@item E @var{NN}
25943for an error
25944@end table
25945
25946@end table
25947
25948@node Stop Reply Packets
25949@section Stop Reply Packets
25950@cindex stop reply packets
25951
25952The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
25953@samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
25954receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
25955and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
25956when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
25957number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
25958@value{GDBN} source code.
25959
25960As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
25961reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
25962syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
25963components.
25964
25965@table @samp
25966
25967@item S @var{AA}
25968The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
25969number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
25970@var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
25971
25972@item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
25973@cindex @samp{T} packet reply
25974The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
25975number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
25976@samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
25977and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
25978round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
25979this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
25980
25981@itemize @bullet
25982@item
25983If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
25984corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
25985series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
25986two-digit hex number.
25987
25988@item
25989If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
25990the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
25991
25992@item
25993If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
25994specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
25995reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
25996signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
25997
25998@item
25999Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
26000and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
26001future.
26002@end itemize
26003
26004The currently defined stop reasons are:
26005
26006@table @samp
26007@item watch
26008@itemx rwatch
26009@itemx awatch
26010The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
26011hex.
26012
26013@cindex shared library events, remote reply
26014@item library
26015The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
26016@value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
26017list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
26018
26019@cindex replay log events, remote reply
26020@item replaylog
26021The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
26022logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
26023beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
26024will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
26025for more information.
26026
26027
26028@end table
26029
26030@item W @var{AA}
26031@itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
26032The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
26033applicable to certain targets.
26034
26035The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
26036process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
26037multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
26038The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
26039
26040@item X @var{AA}
26041@itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
26042The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
26043
26044The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
26045terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
26046support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
26047extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
26048
26049@item O @var{XX}@dots{}
26050@samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
26051written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
26052while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
26053for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
26054
26055@item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
26056@var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
26057be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
26058correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
26059@xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
26060system calls.
26061
26062@samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
26063this very system call.
26064
26065The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
26066call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
26067with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
26068reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
26069or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
26070Protocol Extension}, for more details.
26071
26072@end table
26073
26074@node General Query Packets
26075@section General Query Packets
26076@cindex remote query requests
26077
26078Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
26079packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
26080query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
26081sending information to and from the stub.
26082
26083The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
26084indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
26085@value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
26086definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
26087conventions:
26088
26089@itemize @bullet
26090@item
26091The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
26092@item
26093Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
26094letter.
26095@item
26096The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
26097lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
26098the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
26099foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
26100@end itemize
26101
26102The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
26103parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
26104separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
26105full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
26106in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
26107with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
26108packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
26109for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
26110are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
26111existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
26112packet.}.
26113
26114Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
26115has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
26116explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
26117templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
26118@value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
26119
26120Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
26121
26122@table @samp
26123
26124@item qC
26125@cindex current thread, remote request
26126@cindex @samp{qC} packet
26127Return the current thread ID.
26128
26129Reply:
26130@table @samp
26131@item QC @var{thread-id}
26132Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
26133@ref{thread-id syntax}.
26134@item @r{(anything else)}
26135Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
26136@end table
26137
26138@item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
26139@cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
26140@cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
26141Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory.
26142Reply:
26143@table @samp
26144@item E @var{NN}
26145An error (such as memory fault)
26146@item C @var{crc32}
26147The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
26148@end table
26149
26150@item qfThreadInfo
26151@itemx qsThreadInfo
26152@cindex list active threads, remote request
26153@cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
26154@cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
26155Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
26156may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
26157works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
26158obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
26159be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
26160sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
26161
26162NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
26163
26164Reply:
26165@table @samp
26166@item m @var{thread-id}
26167A single thread ID
26168@item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
26169a comma-separated list of thread IDs
26170@item l
26171(lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
26172@end table
26173
26174In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
26175more thread IDs, separated by commas.
26176@value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
26177ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
26178with @samp{l} (lower-case el, for @dfn{last}).
26179Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
26180fields.
26181
26182@item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
26183@cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
26184@cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
26185Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
26186by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
26187
26188@var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
26189thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
26190
26191@var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
26192thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
26193information associated with the variable.)
26194
26195@var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
26196the load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
26197a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
26198object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
26199Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
26200differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
26201
26202Reply:
26203@table @samp
26204@item @var{XX}@dots{}
26205Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
26206local storage requested.
26207
26208@item E @var{nn}
26209An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
26210
26211@item
26212An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
26213@end table
26214
26215@item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
26216Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
26217digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
26218subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
26219number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
26220(eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
26221returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
26222
26223Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
26224
26225Reply:
26226@table @samp
26227@item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
26228Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
26229returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
26230and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
26231digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
26232is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
26233digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
26234@end table
26235
26236@item qOffsets
26237@cindex section offsets, remote request
26238@cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
26239Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
26240image.
26241
26242Reply:
26243@table @samp
26244@item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
26245Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
26246Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
26247If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
26248@samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
26249segments by the supplied offsets.
26250
26251@emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
26252@value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
26253to the @code{Bss} section.}
26254
26255@item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
26256Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
26257contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
26258@samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
26259conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
26260@var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
26261does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
26262as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
26263kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
26264@end table
26265
26266@item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
26267@cindex thread information, remote request
26268@cindex @samp{qP} packet
26269Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
26270encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
26271(@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
26272
26273Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
26274(see below).
26275
26276Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
26277
26278@item QNonStop:1
26279@item QNonStop:0
26280@cindex non-stop mode, remote request
26281@cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
26282@anchor{QNonStop}
26283Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
26284@xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
26285
26286Reply:
26287@table @samp
26288@item OK
26289The request succeeded.
26290
26291@item E @var{nn}
26292An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
26293
26294@item
26295An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
26296the stub.
26297@end table
26298
26299This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26300by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26301Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
26302@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
26303
26304@item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
26305@cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
26306@cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
26307@anchor{QPassSignals}
26308Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
26309Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
26310(@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
26311strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
26312the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
26313reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
26314combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
26315new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
26316@var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
26317
26318Reply:
26319@table @samp
26320@item OK
26321The request succeeded.
26322
26323@item E @var{nn}
26324An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
26325
26326@item
26327An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
26328the stub.
26329@end table
26330
26331Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
26332command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
26333This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26334by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26335
26336@item qRcmd,@var{command}
26337@cindex execute remote command, remote request
26338@cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
26339@var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
26340execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
26341string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
26342with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
26343packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
26344stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
26345
26346Reply:
26347@table @samp
26348@item OK
26349A command response with no output.
26350@item @var{OUTPUT}
26351A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
26352@item E @var{NN}
26353Indicate a badly formed request.
26354@item
26355An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
26356@end table
26357
26358(Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
26359command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
26360conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
26361packets.)
26362
26363@item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
26364@cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
26365@cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
26366@anchor{qSearch memory}
26367Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
26368@var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
26369@var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
26370
26371Reply:
26372@table @samp
26373@item 0
26374The pattern was not found.
26375@item 1,address
26376The pattern was found at @var{address}.
26377@item E @var{NN}
26378A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
26379@item
26380An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
26381@end table
26382
26383@item QStartNoAckMode
26384@cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
26385@anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
26386Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
26387protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
26388
26389Reply:
26390@table @samp
26391@item OK
26392The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
26393@value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
26394but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
26395@samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
26396@item
26397An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
26398@end table
26399
26400@item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
26401@cindex supported packets, remote query
26402@cindex features of the remote protocol
26403@cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
26404@anchor{qSupported}
26405Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
26406query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
26407@value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
26408features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
26409at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
26410packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
26411high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
26412be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
26413stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
26414automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
26415reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
26416unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
26417helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
26418versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
26419
26420Reply:
26421@table @samp
26422@item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
26423The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
26424depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
26425possible forms).
26426@item
26427An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
26428or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
26429@end table
26430
26431The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
26432@samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
26433are:
26434
26435@table @samp
26436@item @var{name}=@var{value}
26437The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
26438with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
26439on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
26440@item @var{name}+
26441The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
26442need an associated value.
26443@item @var{name}-
26444The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
26445@item @var{name}?
26446The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
26447@value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
26448needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
26449but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
26450@end table
26451
26452Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
26453supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
26454request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
26455state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
26456a different version of @value{GDBN}.
26457
26458The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
26459are defined:
26460
26461@table @samp
26462@item multiprocess
26463This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
26464extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
26465extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
26466including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
26467@xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
26468@end table
26469
26470Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
26471@var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
26472packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
26473versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
26474for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
26475advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
26476improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
26477an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
26478of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
26479describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
26480all the features it supports.
26481
26482Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
26483responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
26484
26485Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
26486should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
26487require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
26488form response.
26489
26490Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
26491@samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
26492in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
26493stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
26494
26495Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
26496mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
26497architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
26498about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
26499stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
26500
26501These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
26502
26503@multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
26504@c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
26505@c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
26506@item Feature Name
26507@tab Value Required
26508@tab Default
26509@tab Probe Allowed
26510
26511@item @samp{PacketSize}
26512@tab Yes
26513@tab @samp{-}
26514@tab No
26515
26516@item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
26517@tab No
26518@tab @samp{-}
26519@tab Yes
26520
26521@item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
26522@tab No
26523@tab @samp{-}
26524@tab Yes
26525
26526@item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
26527@tab No
26528@tab @samp{-}
26529@tab Yes
26530
26531@item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
26532@tab No
26533@tab @samp{-}
26534@tab Yes
26535
26536@item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
26537@tab No
26538@tab @samp{-}
26539@tab Yes
26540
26541@item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
26542@tab No
26543@tab @samp{-}
26544@tab Yes
26545
26546@item @samp{QNonStop}
26547@tab No
26548@tab @samp{-}
26549@tab Yes
26550
26551@item @samp{QPassSignals}
26552@tab No
26553@tab @samp{-}
26554@tab Yes
26555
26556@item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
26557@tab No
26558@tab @samp{-}
26559@tab Yes
26560
26561@item @samp{multiprocess}
26562@tab No
26563@tab @samp{-}
26564@tab No
26565
26566@end multitable
26567
26568These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
26569
26570@table @samp
26571@cindex packet size, remote protocol
26572@item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
26573The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
26574length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
26575transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
26576data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
26577There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
26578stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
26579byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
26580@value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
26581
26582@item qXfer:auxv:read
26583The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
26584(@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
26585
26586@item qXfer:features:read
26587The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
26588(@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
26589
26590@item qXfer:libraries:read
26591The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
26592(@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
26593
26594@item qXfer:memory-map:read
26595The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
26596(@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
26597
26598@item qXfer:spu:read
26599The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
26600(@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
26601
26602@item qXfer:spu:write
26603The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
26604(@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
26605
26606@item QNonStop
26607The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
26608(@pxref{QNonStop}).
26609
26610@item QPassSignals
26611The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
26612(@pxref{QPassSignals}).
26613
26614@item QStartNoAckMode
26615The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
26616prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
26617
26618@item multiprocess
26619@anchor{multiprocess extensions}
26620@cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
26621The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
26622protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
26623thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
26624add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
26625replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
26626syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
26627debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
26628multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
26629indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
26630
26631@item qXfer:osdata:read
26632The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
26633((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
26634
26635@end table
26636
26637@item qSymbol::
26638@cindex symbol lookup, remote request
26639@cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
26640Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
26641requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
26642
26643Reply:
26644@table @samp
26645@item OK
26646The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
26647@item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
26648The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
26649@value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
26650@samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
26651below.
26652@end table
26653
26654@item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
26655Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
26656
26657@var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
26658target has previously requested.
26659
26660@var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
26661@value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
26662will be empty.
26663
26664Reply:
26665@table @samp
26666@item OK
26667The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
26668@item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
26669The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
26670encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
26671(if available), until the target ceases to request them.
26672@end table
26673
26674@item QTDP
26675@itemx QTFrame
26676@xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
26677
26678@item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
26679@cindex thread attributes info, remote request
26680@cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
26681Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
26682the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
26683see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
26684string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
26685for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
26686displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
26687examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
26688@samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
26689
26690Reply:
26691@table @samp
26692@item @var{XX}@dots{}
26693Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
26694comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
26695the thread's attributes.
26696@end table
26697
26698(Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
26699the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
26700conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
26701packets.)
26702
26703@item QTStart
26704@itemx QTStop
26705@itemx QTinit
26706@itemx QTro
26707@itemx qTStatus
26708@xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
26709
26710@item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
26711@cindex read special object, remote request
26712@cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
26713@anchor{qXfer read}
26714Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
26715identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
26716starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
26717encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
26718additional details about what data to access.
26719
26720Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
26721@samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
26722formats, listed below.
26723
26724@table @samp
26725@item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
26726@anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
26727Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
26728auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
26729
26730This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26731by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26732
26733@item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
26734@anchor{qXfer target description read}
26735Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
26736annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
26737always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
26738
26739This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26740by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26741
26742@item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
26743@anchor{qXfer library list read}
26744Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
26745The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
26746(@pxref{qXfer read}).
26747
26748Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
26749not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
26750the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
26751
26752This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26753by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26754
26755@item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
26756@anchor{qXfer memory map read}
26757Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
26758annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
26759(@pxref{qXfer read}).
26760
26761This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26762by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26763
26764@item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
26765@anchor{qXfer spu read}
26766Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
26767annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
26768@file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
26769in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
26770in that context to be accessed.
26771
26772This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26773by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
26774(@pxref{qSupported}).
26775
26776@item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
26777@anchor{qXfer osdata read}
26778Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
26779@xref{Operating System Information}.
26780
26781@end table
26782
26783Reply:
26784@table @samp
26785@item m @var{data}
26786Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
26787target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
26788it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
26789block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
26790@var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
26791request.
26792
26793@item l @var{data}
26794Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
26795There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
26796than the @var{length} in the request.
26797
26798@item l
26799The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
26800There is no more data to be read.
26801
26802@item E00
26803The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
26804
26805@item E @var{nn}
26806The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
26807@var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
26808
26809@item
26810An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
26811the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
26812@end table
26813
26814@item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
26815@cindex write data into object, remote request
26816Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
26817identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
26818into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
26819(@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
26820is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
26821to access.
26822
26823Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
26824@samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
26825formats, listed below.
26826
26827@table @samp
26828@item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
26829@anchor{qXfer spu write}
26830Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
26831annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
26832@file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
26833in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
26834in that context to be accessed.
26835
26836This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26837by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26838@end table
26839
26840Reply:
26841@table @samp
26842@item @var{nn}
26843@var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
26844This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
26845
26846@item E00
26847The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
26848
26849@item E @var{nn}
26850The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
26851@var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
26852
26853@item
26854An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
26855recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
26856@end table
26857
26858@item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
26859Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
26860not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
26861@var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
26862must respond with an empty packet.
26863
26864@end table
26865
26866@node Register Packet Format
26867@section Register Packet Format
26868
26869The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
26870In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
26871sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
26872to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
26873byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
26874most-significant - least-significant.
26875
26876@table @r
26877
26878@item MIPS32
26879
26880All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
2688132 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
26882registers; fsr; fir; fp.
26883
26884@item MIPS64
26885
26886All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
26887thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
26888as @code{MIPS32}.
26889
26890@end table
26891
26892@node Tracepoint Packets
26893@section Tracepoint Packets
26894@cindex tracepoint packets
26895@cindex packets, tracepoint
26896
26897Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
26898tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
26899
26900@table @samp
26901
26902@item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}@r{[}-@r{]}
26903Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
26904is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
26905the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
26906count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If the trailing @samp{-} is
26907present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this
26908tracepoint's actions.
26909
26910Replies:
26911@table @samp
26912@item OK
26913The packet was understood and carried out.
26914@item
26915The packet was not recognized.
26916@end table
26917
26918@item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
26919Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
26920@var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
26921this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
26922another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
26923trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
26924specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
26925
26926In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
26927can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
26928is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
26929actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
26930taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
26931@samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
26932tracepoint actions.
26933
26934The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
26935actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
26936following forms:
26937
26938@table @samp
26939
26940@item R @var{mask}
26941Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
26942a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
26943@var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
26944zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
26945not fit in a 32-bit word.
26946
26947@item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
26948Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
26949number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
26950@samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
26951address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
26952@var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
26953values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
26954
26955@item X @var{len},@var{expr}
26956Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
26957it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
26958@ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
26959two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
26960in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
26961packet).
26962
26963@end table
26964
26965Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
26966packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
26967length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
26968action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
26969actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
26970must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
26971``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
26972separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
26973
26974Replies:
26975@table @samp
26976@item OK
26977The packet was understood and carried out.
26978@item
26979The packet was not recognized.
26980@end table
26981
26982@item QTFrame:@var{n}
26983Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
26984register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
26985request packets from @value{GDBN}.
26986
26987A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
26988requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
26989without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
26990one of the following forms:
26991
26992@table @samp
26993@item F @var{f}
26994The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
26995@var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
26996was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
26997
26998@item T @var{t}
26999The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
27000@var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
27001
27002@end table
27003
27004@item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
27005Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
27006currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
27007@var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
27008
27009@item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
27010Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
27011currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
27012is a hexadecimal number.
27013
27014@item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
27015Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
27016currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
27017and @var{end} (exclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
27018numbers.
27019
27020@item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
27021Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
27022frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses.
27023
27024@item QTStart
27025Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from tracepoint
27026hits in the trace frame buffer.
27027
27028@item QTStop
27029End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
27030
27031@item QTinit
27032Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
27033
27034@item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
27035Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
27036will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
27037if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
27038
27039@value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
27040containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
27041still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
27042there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
27043
27044@item qTStatus
27045Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
27046
27047Replies:
27048@table @samp
27049@item T0
27050There is no trace experiment running.
27051@item T1
27052There is a trace experiment running.
27053@end table
27054
27055@end table
27056
27057
27058@node Host I/O Packets
27059@section Host I/O Packets
27060@cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
27061@cindex file transfer, remote protocol
27062
27063The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
27064operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
27065used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
27066filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
27067layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
27068Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
27069protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
27070Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
27071target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
27072Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
27073
27074The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
27075its arguments. They have this format:
27076
27077@table @samp
27078
27079@item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
27080@var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
27081should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
27082for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
27083the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
27084numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
27085used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
27086hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
27087buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
27088
27089@end table
27090
27091The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
27092
27093@table @samp
27094
27095@item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
27096@var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
27097non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
27098@var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
27099value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
27100operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
27101binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
27102normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
27103documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
27104@var{attachment}.
27105
27106@item
27107An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
27108
27109@end table
27110
27111These are the supported Host I/O operations:
27112
27113@table @samp
27114@item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
27115Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
27116return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
27117@var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
27118(@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
27119of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
27120@xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
27121
27122@item vFile:close: @var{fd}
27123Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
27124-1 if an error occurs.
27125
27126@item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
27127Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
27128@var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
27129relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
27130common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
27131condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
27132returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
27133@var{count} was zero.
27134
27135The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
27136If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
27137attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
27138number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
27139some characters were escaped.
27140
27141@item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
27142Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
27143to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
27144file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
27145separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
27146packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
27147which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
27148error occurred.
27149
27150@item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
27151Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
27152or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
27153
27154@end table
27155
27156@node Interrupts
27157@section Interrupts
27158@cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
27159
27160When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
27161attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C} or a @code{BREAK},
27162control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{remotebreak}
27163setting (@pxref{set remotebreak}).
27164
27165The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
27166mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
27167currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
27168interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
27169@code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
27170
27171@samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
27172transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
27173@code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
27174the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
27175transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
27176and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
27177(@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
27178@code{0x03} as part of its packet.
27179
27180Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
27181precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
27182implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
27183threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
27184currently-executing threads and processes.
27185If the stub is successful at interrupting the
27186running program, it should send one of the stop
27187reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
27188of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
27189for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
27190Interrupts received while the
27191program is stopped are discarded.
27192
27193@node Notification Packets
27194@section Notification Packets
27195@cindex notification packets
27196@cindex packets, notification
27197
27198The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
27199packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
27200may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
27201present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
27202without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
27203are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
27204is not a problem.
27205
27206A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
27207@var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
27208and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
27209as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
27210never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
27211receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
27212to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
27213
27214Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
27215colon characters, followed by a colon character.
27216
27217Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
27218notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
27219timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
27220not they understand it.
27221
27222Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
27223protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
27224future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
27225new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
27226recipients.
27227
27228(Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
27229the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
27230transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
27231are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
27232assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
27233
27234The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
27235defined:
27236
27237@table @samp
27238@item Stop: @var{reply}
27239Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
27240The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
27241described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
27242for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
27243@value{GDBN}.
27244@end table
27245
27246@node Remote Non-Stop
27247@section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
27248
27249@value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
27250multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
27251supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
27252@samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
27253
27254@value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
27255establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
27256does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
27257must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
27258all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
27259probe the target state after a mode change.
27260
27261In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
27262would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
27263asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
27264inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
27265in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
27266mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
27267when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
27268of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
27269affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
27270to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
27271threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
27272
27273Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
27274additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
27275previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
27276synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
27277@value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
27278the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
27279if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
27280ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
27281finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
27282sending any queued stop events.
27283
27284Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
27285notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
27286@value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
27287@value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
27288@samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
27289Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
27290the stub so there is no ambiguity.
27291
27292After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
27293acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
27294as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
27295is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
27296send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
27297process normally.
27298
27299Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
27300stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
27301normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
27302@samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
27303permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
27304should process normally.
27305
27306If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
27307additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
27308response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
27309send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
27310notification, and the process shall be repeated.
27311
27312In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
27313follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
27314sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
27315sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
27316it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
27317stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
27318subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
27319using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
27320asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
27321If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
27322or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
27323@samp{OK}.
27324
27325@node Packet Acknowledgment
27326@section Packet Acknowledgment
27327
27328@cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
27329@cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
27330By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
27331the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
27332the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
27333This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
27334unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
27335
27336In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
27337TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
27338It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
27339overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
27340@samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
27341
27342When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
27343expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
27344and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
27345@ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
27346
27347If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
27348no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
27349by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
27350@pxref{qSupported}.
27351If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
27352disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
27353(@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
27354@value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
27355Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
27356@value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
27357response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
27358
27359Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
27360between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
27361it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
27362connection.
27363Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
27364new connection is established,
27365there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
27366for the current connection, once disabled.
27367
27368@node Examples
27369@section Examples
27370
27371Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
27372does not get any direct output:
27373
27374@smallexample
27375-> @code{R00}
27376<- @code{+}
27377@emph{target restarts}
27378-> @code{?}
27379<- @code{+}
27380<- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
27381-> @code{+}
27382@end smallexample
27383
27384Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
27385
27386@smallexample
27387-> @code{G1445@dots{}}
27388<- @code{+}
27389-> @code{s}
27390<- @code{+}
27391@emph{time passes}
27392<- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
27393-> @code{+}
27394-> @code{g}
27395<- @code{+}
27396<- @code{1455@dots{}}
27397-> @code{+}
27398@end smallexample
27399
27400@node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
27401@section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
27402@cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
27403
27404@menu
27405* File-I/O Overview::
27406* Protocol Basics::
27407* The F Request Packet::
27408* The F Reply Packet::
27409* The Ctrl-C Message::
27410* Console I/O::
27411* List of Supported Calls::
27412* Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
27413* Constants::
27414* File-I/O Examples::
27415@end menu
27416
27417@node File-I/O Overview
27418@subsection File-I/O Overview
27419@cindex file-i/o overview
27420
27421The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
27422target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
27423system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
27424remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
27425actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
27426This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
27427
27428The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
27429It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
27430@value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
27431translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
27432protocol representations when data is transmitted.
27433
27434The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
27435@value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
27436or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
27437the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
27438memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
27439the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
27440(@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
27441
27442The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
27443the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
27444after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
27445previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
27446request from @value{GDBN} is required.
27447
27448@smallexample
27449(@value{GDBP}) continue
27450 <- target requests 'system call X'
27451 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
27452 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
27453 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
27454 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
27455@end smallexample
27456
27457The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
27458the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
27459named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
27460system are not supported by this protocol.
27461
27462File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
27463
27464@node Protocol Basics
27465@subsection Protocol Basics
27466@cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
27467
27468The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
27469as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
27470@value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
27471the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
27472of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
27473This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
27474to call the appropriate host system call:
27475
27476@itemize @bullet
27477@item
27478A unique identifier for the requested system call.
27479
27480@item
27481All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
27482in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
27483pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
27484Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
27485
27486@end itemize
27487
27488At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
27489
27490@itemize @bullet
27491@item
27492If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
27493system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
27494standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
27495expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
27496packet.
27497
27498@item
27499@value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
27500representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
27501
27502@item
27503@value{GDBN} calls the system call.
27504
27505@item
27506It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
27507
27508@item
27509If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
27510by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
27511target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
27512by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
27513packet.
27514
27515@end itemize
27516
27517Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
27518necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
27519
27520@itemize @bullet
27521@item
27522Return value.
27523
27524@item
27525@code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
27526
27527@item
27528``Ctrl-C'' flag.
27529
27530@end itemize
27531
27532After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
27533the latest continue or step action.
27534
27535@node The F Request Packet
27536@subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
27537@cindex file-i/o request packet
27538@cindex @code{F} request packet
27539
27540The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
27541
27542@table @samp
27543@item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
27544
27545@var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
27546This is just the name of the function.
27547
27548@var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
27549Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
27550of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
27551datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
27552of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
27553comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
27554string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
27555
27556@end table
27557
27558
27559
27560@node The F Reply Packet
27561@subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
27562@cindex file-i/o reply packet
27563@cindex @code{F} reply packet
27564
27565The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
27566
27567@table @samp
27568
27569@item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
27570
27571@var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
27572
27573@var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
27574representation.
27575This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
27576
27577@var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
27578case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
27579The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
27580
27581@smallexample
27582F0,0,C
27583@end smallexample
27584
27585@noindent
27586or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
27587
27588@smallexample
27589F-1,4,C
27590@end smallexample
27591
27592@noindent
27593assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
27594
27595@end table
27596
27597
27598@node The Ctrl-C Message
27599@subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
27600@cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
27601
27602If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
27603reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
27604the target should behave as if it had
27605gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
27606interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
27607(as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
27608packet.
27609
27610It's important for the target to know in which
27611state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
27612
27613@itemize @bullet
27614@item
27615The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
27616
27617@item
27618The system call on the host has been finished.
27619
27620@end itemize
27621
27622These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
27623returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
27624call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
27625on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
27626system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
27627as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
27628
27629@value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
27630yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
27631@code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
27632before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
27633@value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
27634The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
27635or the full action has been completed.
27636
27637@node Console I/O
27638@subsection Console I/O
27639@cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
27640
27641By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
27642descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
27643on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
27644(@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
27645by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
276460 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
27647conditions is met:
27648
27649@itemize @bullet
27650@item
27651The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
27652@code{read}
27653system call is treated as finished.
27654
27655@item
27656The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
27657newline.
27658
27659@item
27660The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
27661character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
27662
27663@end itemize
27664
27665If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
27666the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
27667either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
27668is stopped at the user's request.
27669
27670
27671@node List of Supported Calls
27672@subsection List of Supported Calls
27673@cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
27674
27675@menu
27676* open::
27677* close::
27678* read::
27679* write::
27680* lseek::
27681* rename::
27682* unlink::
27683* stat/fstat::
27684* gettimeofday::
27685* isatty::
27686* system::
27687@end menu
27688
27689@node open
27690@unnumberedsubsubsec open
27691@cindex open, file-i/o system call
27692
27693@table @asis
27694@item Synopsis:
27695@smallexample
27696int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
27697int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
27698@end smallexample
27699
27700@item Request:
27701@samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
27702
27703@noindent
27704@var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
27705
27706@table @code
27707@item O_CREAT
27708If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
27709rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
27710are concerned.
27711
27712@item O_EXCL
27713When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
27714an error and open() fails.
27715
27716@item O_TRUNC
27717If the file already exists and the open mode allows
27718writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
27719truncated to zero length.
27720
27721@item O_APPEND
27722The file is opened in append mode.
27723
27724@item O_RDONLY
27725The file is opened for reading only.
27726
27727@item O_WRONLY
27728The file is opened for writing only.
27729
27730@item O_RDWR
27731The file is opened for reading and writing.
27732@end table
27733
27734@noindent
27735Other bits are silently ignored.
27736
27737
27738@noindent
27739@var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
27740
27741@table @code
27742@item S_IRUSR
27743User has read permission.
27744
27745@item S_IWUSR
27746User has write permission.
27747
27748@item S_IRGRP
27749Group has read permission.
27750
27751@item S_IWGRP
27752Group has write permission.
27753
27754@item S_IROTH
27755Others have read permission.
27756
27757@item S_IWOTH
27758Others have write permission.
27759@end table
27760
27761@noindent
27762Other bits are silently ignored.
27763
27764
27765@item Return value:
27766@code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
27767occurred.
27768
27769@item Errors:
27770
27771@table @code
27772@item EEXIST
27773@var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
27774
27775@item EISDIR
27776@var{pathname} refers to a directory.
27777
27778@item EACCES
27779The requested access is not allowed.
27780
27781@item ENAMETOOLONG
27782@var{pathname} was too long.
27783
27784@item ENOENT
27785A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
27786
27787@item ENODEV
27788@var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
27789
27790@item EROFS
27791@var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
27792write access was requested.
27793
27794@item EFAULT
27795@var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
27796
27797@item ENOSPC
27798No space on device to create the file.
27799
27800@item EMFILE
27801The process already has the maximum number of files open.
27802
27803@item ENFILE
27804The limit on the total number of files open on the system
27805has been reached.
27806
27807@item EINTR
27808The call was interrupted by the user.
27809@end table
27810
27811@end table
27812
27813@node close
27814@unnumberedsubsubsec close
27815@cindex close, file-i/o system call
27816
27817@table @asis
27818@item Synopsis:
27819@smallexample
27820int close(int fd);
27821@end smallexample
27822
27823@item Request:
27824@samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
27825
27826@item Return value:
27827@code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
27828
27829@item Errors:
27830
27831@table @code
27832@item EBADF
27833@var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
27834
27835@item EINTR
27836The call was interrupted by the user.
27837@end table
27838
27839@end table
27840
27841@node read
27842@unnumberedsubsubsec read
27843@cindex read, file-i/o system call
27844
27845@table @asis
27846@item Synopsis:
27847@smallexample
27848int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
27849@end smallexample
27850
27851@item Request:
27852@samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
27853
27854@item Return value:
27855On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
27856Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
27857returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
27858
27859@item Errors:
27860
27861@table @code
27862@item EBADF
27863@var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
27864reading.
27865
27866@item EFAULT
27867@var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
27868
27869@item EINTR
27870The call was interrupted by the user.
27871@end table
27872
27873@end table
27874
27875@node write
27876@unnumberedsubsubsec write
27877@cindex write, file-i/o system call
27878
27879@table @asis
27880@item Synopsis:
27881@smallexample
27882int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
27883@end smallexample
27884
27885@item Request:
27886@samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
27887
27888@item Return value:
27889On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
27890Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
27891is returned.
27892
27893@item Errors:
27894
27895@table @code
27896@item EBADF
27897@var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
27898writing.
27899
27900@item EFAULT
27901@var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
27902
27903@item EFBIG
27904An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
27905host-specific maximum file size allowed.
27906
27907@item ENOSPC
27908No space on device to write the data.
27909
27910@item EINTR
27911The call was interrupted by the user.
27912@end table
27913
27914@end table
27915
27916@node lseek
27917@unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
27918@cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
27919
27920@table @asis
27921@item Synopsis:
27922@smallexample
27923long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
27924@end smallexample
27925
27926@item Request:
27927@samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
27928
27929@var{flag} is one of:
27930
27931@table @code
27932@item SEEK_SET
27933The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
27934
27935@item SEEK_CUR
27936The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
27937bytes.
27938
27939@item SEEK_END
27940The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
27941bytes.
27942@end table
27943
27944@item Return value:
27945On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
27946the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
27947value of -1 is returned.
27948
27949@item Errors:
27950
27951@table @code
27952@item EBADF
27953@var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
27954
27955@item ESPIPE
27956@var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
27957
27958@item EINVAL
27959@var{flag} is not a proper value.
27960
27961@item EINTR
27962The call was interrupted by the user.
27963@end table
27964
27965@end table
27966
27967@node rename
27968@unnumberedsubsubsec rename
27969@cindex rename, file-i/o system call
27970
27971@table @asis
27972@item Synopsis:
27973@smallexample
27974int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
27975@end smallexample
27976
27977@item Request:
27978@samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
27979
27980@item Return value:
27981On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
27982
27983@item Errors:
27984
27985@table @code
27986@item EISDIR
27987@var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
27988directory.
27989
27990@item EEXIST
27991@var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
27992
27993@item EBUSY
27994@var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
27995process.
27996
27997@item EINVAL
27998An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
27999of itself.
28000
28001@item ENOTDIR
28002A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
28003path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
28004and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
28005
28006@item EFAULT
28007@var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
28008
28009@item EACCES
28010No access to the file or the path of the file.
28011
28012@item ENAMETOOLONG
28013
28014@var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
28015
28016@item ENOENT
28017A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
28018
28019@item EROFS
28020The file is on a read-only filesystem.
28021
28022@item ENOSPC
28023The device containing the file has no room for the new
28024directory entry.
28025
28026@item EINTR
28027The call was interrupted by the user.
28028@end table
28029
28030@end table
28031
28032@node unlink
28033@unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
28034@cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
28035
28036@table @asis
28037@item Synopsis:
28038@smallexample
28039int unlink(const char *pathname);
28040@end smallexample
28041
28042@item Request:
28043@samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
28044
28045@item Return value:
28046On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
28047
28048@item Errors:
28049
28050@table @code
28051@item EACCES
28052No access to the file or the path of the file.
28053
28054@item EPERM
28055The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
28056
28057@item EBUSY
28058The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
28059being used by another process.
28060
28061@item EFAULT
28062@var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28063
28064@item ENAMETOOLONG
28065@var{pathname} was too long.
28066
28067@item ENOENT
28068A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
28069
28070@item ENOTDIR
28071A component of the path is not a directory.
28072
28073@item EROFS
28074The file is on a read-only filesystem.
28075
28076@item EINTR
28077The call was interrupted by the user.
28078@end table
28079
28080@end table
28081
28082@node stat/fstat
28083@unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
28084@cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
28085@cindex stat, file-i/o system call
28086
28087@table @asis
28088@item Synopsis:
28089@smallexample
28090int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
28091int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
28092@end smallexample
28093
28094@item Request:
28095@samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
28096@samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
28097
28098@item Return value:
28099On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
28100
28101@item Errors:
28102
28103@table @code
28104@item EBADF
28105@var{fd} is not a valid open file.
28106
28107@item ENOENT
28108A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
28109path is an empty string.
28110
28111@item ENOTDIR
28112A component of the path is not a directory.
28113
28114@item EFAULT
28115@var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28116
28117@item EACCES
28118No access to the file or the path of the file.
28119
28120@item ENAMETOOLONG
28121@var{pathname} was too long.
28122
28123@item EINTR
28124The call was interrupted by the user.
28125@end table
28126
28127@end table
28128
28129@node gettimeofday
28130@unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
28131@cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
28132
28133@table @asis
28134@item Synopsis:
28135@smallexample
28136int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
28137@end smallexample
28138
28139@item Request:
28140@samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
28141
28142@item Return value:
28143On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
28144
28145@item Errors:
28146
28147@table @code
28148@item EINVAL
28149@var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
28150
28151@item EFAULT
28152@var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28153@end table
28154
28155@end table
28156
28157@node isatty
28158@unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
28159@cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
28160
28161@table @asis
28162@item Synopsis:
28163@smallexample
28164int isatty(int fd);
28165@end smallexample
28166
28167@item Request:
28168@samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
28169
28170@item Return value:
28171Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
28172
28173@item Errors:
28174
28175@table @code
28176@item EINTR
28177The call was interrupted by the user.
28178@end table
28179
28180@end table
28181
28182Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
281831 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
28184to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
28185would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
28186needed.
28187
28188
28189@node system
28190@unnumberedsubsubsec system
28191@cindex system, file-i/o system call
28192
28193@table @asis
28194@item Synopsis:
28195@smallexample
28196int system(const char *command);
28197@end smallexample
28198
28199@item Request:
28200@samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
28201
28202@item Return value:
28203If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
28204available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
28205For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
28206return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
28207command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
28208return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
28209@file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
28210
28211@item Errors:
28212
28213@table @code
28214@item EINTR
28215The call was interrupted by the user.
28216@end table
28217
28218@end table
28219
28220@value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
28221to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
28222the host is simplified before it's returned
28223to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
28224is discarded, and the return value consists
28225entirely of the exit status of the called command.
28226
28227Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
28228by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
28229@code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
28230
28231@table @code
28232@item set remote system-call-allowed
28233@kindex set remote system-call-allowed
28234Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
28235protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
28236
28237@item show remote system-call-allowed
28238@kindex show remote system-call-allowed
28239Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
28240protocol.
28241@end table
28242
28243@node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
28244@subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
28245@cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
28246
28247@menu
28248* Integral Datatypes::
28249* Pointer Values::
28250* Memory Transfer::
28251* struct stat::
28252* struct timeval::
28253@end menu
28254
28255@node Integral Datatypes
28256@unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
28257@cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
28258
28259The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
28260@code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
28261@code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
28262
28263@code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
28264implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
28265
28266@code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
28267
28268@xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
28269in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
28270
28271@code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
28272
28273All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
28274structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
28275byte order.
28276
28277@node Pointer Values
28278@unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
28279@cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
28280
28281Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
28282is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
28283transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
28284are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
28285
28286@smallexample
28287@code{1aaf/12}
28288@end smallexample
28289
28290@noindent
28291which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
28292The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
28293the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
28294at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
28295
28296@smallexample
28297@code{123456/d}
28298@end smallexample
28299
28300@node Memory Transfer
28301@unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
28302@cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
28303
28304Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
28305example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
28306with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
28307this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
28308packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
28309it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
28310data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
28311
28312
28313@node struct stat
28314@unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
28315@cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
28316
28317The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
28318is defined as follows:
28319
28320@smallexample
28321struct stat @{
28322 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
28323 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
28324 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
28325 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
28326 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
28327 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
28328 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
28329 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
28330 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
28331 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
28332 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
28333 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
28334 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
28335@};
28336@end smallexample
28337
28338The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
28339appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
28340structure is of size 64 bytes.
28341
28342The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
28343range of values.
28344
28345@table @code
28346
28347@item st_dev
28348A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
28349
28350@item st_ino
28351No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
28352
28353@item st_mode
28354Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
28355bits have currently no meaning for the target.
28356
28357@item st_uid
28358@itemx st_gid
28359@itemx st_rdev
28360No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
28361
28362@item st_atime
28363@itemx st_mtime
28364@itemx st_ctime
28365These values have a host and file system dependent
28366accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
28367support exact timing values.
28368@end table
28369
28370The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
28371responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
28372continuing.
28373
28374Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
28375representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
28376get truncated on the target.
28377
28378@node struct timeval
28379@unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
28380@cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
28381
28382The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
28383is defined as follows:
28384
28385@smallexample
28386struct timeval @{
28387 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
28388 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
28389@};
28390@end smallexample
28391
28392The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
28393appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
28394structure is of size 8 bytes.
28395
28396@node Constants
28397@subsection Constants
28398@cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
28399
28400The following values are used for the constants inside of the
28401protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
28402values before and after the call as needed.
28403
28404@menu
28405* Open Flags::
28406* mode_t Values::
28407* Errno Values::
28408* Lseek Flags::
28409* Limits::
28410@end menu
28411
28412@node Open Flags
28413@unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
28414@cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
28415
28416All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
28417
28418@smallexample
28419 O_RDONLY 0x0
28420 O_WRONLY 0x1
28421 O_RDWR 0x2
28422 O_APPEND 0x8
28423 O_CREAT 0x200
28424 O_TRUNC 0x400
28425 O_EXCL 0x800
28426@end smallexample
28427
28428@node mode_t Values
28429@unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
28430@cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
28431
28432All values are given in octal representation.
28433
28434@smallexample
28435 S_IFREG 0100000
28436 S_IFDIR 040000
28437 S_IRUSR 0400
28438 S_IWUSR 0200
28439 S_IXUSR 0100
28440 S_IRGRP 040
28441 S_IWGRP 020
28442 S_IXGRP 010
28443 S_IROTH 04
28444 S_IWOTH 02
28445 S_IXOTH 01
28446@end smallexample
28447
28448@node Errno Values
28449@unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
28450@cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
28451
28452All values are given in decimal representation.
28453
28454@smallexample
28455 EPERM 1
28456 ENOENT 2
28457 EINTR 4
28458 EBADF 9
28459 EACCES 13
28460 EFAULT 14
28461 EBUSY 16
28462 EEXIST 17
28463 ENODEV 19
28464 ENOTDIR 20
28465 EISDIR 21
28466 EINVAL 22
28467 ENFILE 23
28468 EMFILE 24
28469 EFBIG 27
28470 ENOSPC 28
28471 ESPIPE 29
28472 EROFS 30
28473 ENAMETOOLONG 91
28474 EUNKNOWN 9999
28475@end smallexample
28476
28477 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
28478 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
28479
28480@node Lseek Flags
28481@unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
28482@cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
28483
28484@smallexample
28485 SEEK_SET 0
28486 SEEK_CUR 1
28487 SEEK_END 2
28488@end smallexample
28489
28490@node Limits
28491@unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
28492@cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
28493
28494All values are given in decimal representation.
28495
28496@smallexample
28497 INT_MIN -2147483648
28498 INT_MAX 2147483647
28499 UINT_MAX 4294967295
28500 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
28501 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
28502 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
28503@end smallexample
28504
28505@node File-I/O Examples
28506@subsection File-I/O Examples
28507@cindex file-i/o examples
28508
28509Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
28510address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
28511
28512@smallexample
28513<- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
28514@emph{request memory read from target}
28515-> @code{m1234,6}
28516<- XXXXXX
28517@emph{return "6 bytes written"}
28518-> @code{F6}
28519@end smallexample
28520
28521Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
28522address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
28523
28524@smallexample
28525<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28526@emph{request memory write to target}
28527-> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
28528@emph{return "6 bytes read"}
28529-> @code{F6}
28530@end smallexample
28531
28532Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
28533file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
28534
28535@smallexample
28536<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28537-> @code{F-1,9}
28538@end smallexample
28539
28540Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
28541host is called:
28542
28543@smallexample
28544<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28545-> @code{F-1,4,C}
28546<- @code{T02}
28547@end smallexample
28548
28549Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
28550host is called:
28551
28552@smallexample
28553<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28554-> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
28555<- @code{T02}
28556@end smallexample
28557
28558@node Library List Format
28559@section Library List Format
28560@cindex library list format, remote protocol
28561
28562On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
28563same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
28564@value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
28565operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
28566platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
28567@value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
28568through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
28569packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
28570queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
28571are loaded.
28572
28573The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
28574lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
28575associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
28576which report where the library was loaded in memory.
28577
28578For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
28579library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
28580dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
28581should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
28582section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
28583depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
28584
28585@value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
28586library lists. @xref{Expat}.
28587
28588A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
28589offset, looks like this:
28590
28591@smallexample
28592<library-list>
28593 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
28594 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
28595 </library>
28596</library-list>
28597@end smallexample
28598
28599Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
28600allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
28601
28602@smallexample
28603<library-list>
28604 <library name="sharedlib.o">
28605 <section address="0x10000000"/>
28606 <section address="0x20000000"/>
28607 <section address="0x30000000"/>
28608 </library>
28609</library-list>
28610@end smallexample
28611
28612The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
28613
28614@smallexample
28615<!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
28616<!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
28617<!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
28618<!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
28619<!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
28620<!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
28621<!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
28622<!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
28623<!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
28624@end smallexample
28625
28626In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
28627single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
28628section for each library.
28629
28630@node Memory Map Format
28631@section Memory Map Format
28632@cindex memory map format
28633
28634To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
28635memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
28636memory map.
28637
28638The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
28639(@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
28640lists memory regions.
28641
28642@value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
28643memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
28644
28645The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
28646
28647@smallexample
28648<?xml version="1.0"?>
28649<!DOCTYPE memory-map
28650 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
28651 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
28652<memory-map>
28653 region...
28654</memory-map>
28655@end smallexample
28656
28657Each region can be either:
28658
28659@itemize
28660
28661@item
28662A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
28663bytes from there:
28664
28665@smallexample
28666<memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
28667@end smallexample
28668
28669
28670@item
28671A region of read-only memory:
28672
28673@smallexample
28674<memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
28675@end smallexample
28676
28677
28678@item
28679A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
28680bytes in length:
28681
28682@smallexample
28683<memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
28684 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
28685</memory>
28686@end smallexample
28687
28688@end itemize
28689
28690Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
28691by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
28692packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
28693
28694The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
28695
28696@smallexample
28697<!-- ................................................... -->
28698<!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
28699<!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
28700<!-- .................................... .............. -->
28701<!-- memory-map.dtd -->
28702<!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
28703<!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
28704<!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
28705<!ELEMENT memory (property)>
28706<!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
28707 and its type, or device. -->
28708<!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
28709 start CDATA #REQUIRED
28710 length CDATA #REQUIRED
28711 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
28712<!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
28713<!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
28714<!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
28715@end smallexample
28716
28717@include agentexpr.texi
28718
28719@node Target Descriptions
28720@appendix Target Descriptions
28721@cindex target descriptions
28722
28723@strong{Warning:} target descriptions are still under active development,
28724and the contents and format may change between @value{GDBN} releases.
28725The format is expected to stabilize in the future.
28726
28727One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
28728is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
28729architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
28730a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
28731and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
28732architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
28733vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
28734
28735@itemize @bullet
28736@item
28737With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
28738the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
28739@item
28740Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
28741audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
28742variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
28743@item
28744When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
28745at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
28746@command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
28747@end itemize
28748
28749To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
28750target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
28751actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
28752processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
28753descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
28754
28755@value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
28756target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
28757
28758@menu
28759* Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
28760* Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
28761* Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
28762 descriptions.
28763* Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
28764@end menu
28765
28766@node Retrieving Descriptions
28767@section Retrieving Descriptions
28768
28769Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
28770specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
28771description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
28772protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
28773qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
28774@samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
28775XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
28776Format}.
28777
28778Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
28779If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
28780specify a file are:
28781
28782@table @code
28783@cindex set tdesc filename
28784@item set tdesc filename @var{path}
28785Read the target description from @var{path}.
28786
28787@cindex unset tdesc filename
28788@item unset tdesc filename
28789Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
28790will use the description supplied by the current target.
28791
28792@cindex show tdesc filename
28793@item show tdesc filename
28794Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
28795@end table
28796
28797
28798@node Target Description Format
28799@section Target Description Format
28800@cindex target descriptions, XML format
28801
28802A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
28803document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
28804the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
28805means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
28806check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
28807However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
28808their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
28809
28810Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
28811and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
28812sets. @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
28813target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
28814
28815Here is a simple target description:
28816
28817@smallexample
28818<target version="1.0">
28819 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
28820</target>
28821@end smallexample
28822
28823@noindent
28824This minimal description only says that the target uses
28825the x86-64 architecture.
28826
28827A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
28828optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
28829are explained further below.
28830
28831@smallexample
28832<?xml version="1.0"?>
28833<!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
28834<target version="1.0">
28835 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
28836 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
28837</target>
28838@end smallexample
28839
28840@noindent
28841The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
28842breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
28843declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
28844(@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
28845useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
28846@samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
28847including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
28848revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
28849the version mismatch.
28850
28851@subsection Inclusion
28852@cindex target descriptions, inclusion
28853@cindex XInclude
28854@ifnotinfo
28855@cindex <xi:include>
28856@end ifnotinfo
28857
28858It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
28859several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
28860share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
28861divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
28862the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
28863
28864@smallexample
28865<xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
28866@end smallexample
28867
28868@noindent
28869When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
28870the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
28871the contents of that document. If the current description was read
28872using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
28873@var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
28874current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
28875@var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
28876original description.
28877
28878@subsection Architecture
28879@cindex <architecture>
28880
28881An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
28882
28883@smallexample
28884 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
28885@end smallexample
28886
28887@var{arch} is an architecture name from the same selection
28888accepted by @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a
28889Debugging Target}).
28890
28891@subsection Features
28892@cindex <feature>
28893
28894Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
28895system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
28896registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
28897has this form:
28898
28899@smallexample
28900<feature name="@var{name}">
28901 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
28902 @var{reg}@dots{}
28903</feature>
28904@end smallexample
28905
28906@noindent
28907Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
28908of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
28909knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
28910should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
28911
28912@subsection Types
28913
28914Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
28915interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
28916but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
28917Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
28918Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
28919
28920Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
28921a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
28922Types must be defined before they are used.
28923
28924@cindex <vector>
28925Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
28926of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
28927specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
28928@var{count}:
28929
28930@smallexample
28931<vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
28932@end smallexample
28933
28934@cindex <union>
28935If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
28936with a union type containing the useful representations. The
28937@samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
28938each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
28939
28940@smallexample
28941<union id="@var{id}">
28942 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
28943 @dots{}
28944</union>
28945@end smallexample
28946
28947@subsection Registers
28948@cindex <reg>
28949
28950Each register is represented as an element with this form:
28951
28952@smallexample
28953<reg name="@var{name}"
28954 bitsize="@var{size}"
28955 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
28956 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
28957 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
28958 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
28959@end smallexample
28960
28961@noindent
28962The components are as follows:
28963
28964@table @var
28965
28966@item name
28967The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
28968
28969@item bitsize
28970The register's size, in bits.
28971
28972@item regnum
28973The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
28974than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
28975a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
28976defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
28977the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
28978packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
28979in order of increasing register number.
28980
28981@item save-restore
28982Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
28983calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
28984@code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
28985some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
28986ABI.
28987
28988@item type
28989The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
28990defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
28991and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
28992for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
28993architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
28994@var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
28995
28996@item group
28997The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
28998be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
28999@var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
29000in @code{info registers}.
29001
29002@end table
29003
29004@node Predefined Target Types
29005@section Predefined Target Types
29006@cindex target descriptions, predefined types
29007
29008Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
29009from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
29010standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
29011types. The currently supported types are:
29012
29013@table @code
29014
29015@item int8
29016@itemx int16
29017@itemx int32
29018@itemx int64
29019@itemx int128
29020Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
29021
29022@item uint8
29023@itemx uint16
29024@itemx uint32
29025@itemx uint64
29026@itemx uint128
29027Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
29028
29029@item code_ptr
29030@itemx data_ptr
29031Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
29032any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
29033pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
29034address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
29035may be marked as data pointers.
29036
29037@item ieee_single
29038Single precision IEEE floating point.
29039
29040@item ieee_double
29041Double precision IEEE floating point.
29042
29043@item arm_fpa_ext
29044The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
29045
29046@end table
29047
29048@node Standard Target Features
29049@section Standard Target Features
29050@cindex target descriptions, standard features
29051
29052A target description must contain either no registers or all the
29053target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
29054@value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
29055the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
29056default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
29057described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
29058can recognize them.
29059
29060This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
29061which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
29062with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
29063if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
29064feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
29065description. You can add additional registers to any of the
29066standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
29067they were added to an unrecognized feature.
29068
29069This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
29070Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
29071@value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
29072
29073Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
29074company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
29075architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
29076containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
29077
29078The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
29079of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
29080registers using the capitalization used in the description.
29081
29082@menu
29083* ARM Features::
29084* MIPS Features::
29085* M68K Features::
29086* PowerPC Features::
29087@end menu
29088
29089
29090@node ARM Features
29091@subsection ARM Features
29092@cindex target descriptions, ARM features
29093
29094The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for ARM targets.
29095It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
29096@samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
29097
29098The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
29099should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
29100
29101The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
29102it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
29103@samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
29104@samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
29105
29106@node MIPS Features
29107@subsection MIPS Features
29108@cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
29109
29110The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
29111It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
29112@samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
29113on the target.
29114
29115The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
29116contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
29117registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
29118
29119The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
29120it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
29121contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
29122@samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
29123
29124The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
29125contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
29126Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
29127
29128@node M68K Features
29129@subsection M68K Features
29130@cindex target descriptions, M68K features
29131
29132@table @code
29133@item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
29134@itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
29135@itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
29136One of those features must be always present.
29137The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
29138used. The feature that is present should contain registers
29139@samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
29140@samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
29141
29142@item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
29143This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
29144@samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
29145@samp{fpiaddr}.
29146@end table
29147
29148@node PowerPC Features
29149@subsection PowerPC Features
29150@cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
29151
29152The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
29153targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
29154@samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
29155@samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
29156
29157The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
29158contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
29159
29160The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
29161contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
29162and @samp{vrsave}.
29163
29164The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
29165contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
29166will combine these registers with the floating point registers
29167(@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
29168through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
29169through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
29170
29171The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
29172contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
29173@samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
29174@samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
29175@samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
29176these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
29177user.
29178
29179@node Operating System Information
29180@appendix Operating System Information
29181@cindex operating system information
29182
29183@menu
29184* Process list::
29185@end menu
29186
29187Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
29188the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
29189processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
29190mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
29191target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
29192on a different aspect of target.
29193
29194Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
29195remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
29196read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
29197the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
29198
29199@node Process list
29200@appendixsection Process list
29201@cindex operating system information, process list
29202
29203When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
29204@samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
29205an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
29206@file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
29207
29208An example document is:
29209
29210@smallexample
29211<?xml version="1.0"?>
29212<!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
29213<osdata type="processes">
29214 <item>
29215 <column name="pid">1</column>
29216 <column name="user">root</column>
29217 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
29218 </item>
29219</osdata>
29220@end smallexample
29221
29222Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
29223of that column should identify the process on the target. The
29224@samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
29225displayed by @value{GDBN}. Target may provide additional columns,
29226which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
29227
29228@include gpl.texi
29229
29230@raisesections
29231@include fdl.texi
29232@lowersections
29233
29234@node Index
29235@unnumbered Index
29236
29237@printindex cp
29238
29239@tex
29240% I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
29241% meantime:
29242\long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
29243\centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
29244\centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
29245\centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
29246\centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
29247\centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
29248\centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
29249\centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
29250\centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
29251\page\colophon
29252% Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
29253@end tex
29254
29255@bye
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